Researcher: JKL Page 1 4/9/25
OLR Bill Analysis
SB 1498
AN ACT CONCERNING THE PARK REPLACEMENT STATUTE.
SUMMARY
This bill requires a municipality that converts or repurposes land,
including land it owns, for highway, non-park, or non-open space
purposes, when it was purchased, acquired, or dedicated for park,
recreational, or open space purposes, to provide comparable
replacement land that is at least equal in value and size. Before the
municipality can convert or repurpose the land, it must hold a public
hearing to discuss reasons for the proposed action and disclose the
proposed replacement land. The municipality must give public notice
of the hearing at least twice in a local newspaper.
Existing law already requires these actions when a municipality takes
park, recreational, or open space land for highway or other purposes.
The bill specifies that this also applies to land the municipality owns.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
BACKGROUND
Recent Court Case
A recent court case found that the state’s park replacement statute
(CGS § 7-131n) does not apply when a municipality seeks to repurpose
or transfer land that it already owns (Friends of Kensington Playground, et
al. v. City of New Haven, Superior Court, judicial district of New Haven,
Docket No. CV-20-6109292, 2022 WL 2132779 (June 9, 2022)
(unpublished decision)).
COMMITTEE ACTION
Environment Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 24 Nay 9 (03/24/2025)