Ragged Mountain Parcel Sold
By Celeste Roche | Correspondent at February 20, 2024 | 9:30 am | Print
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the Common Council approved the sale of a parcel of Ragged Mountain to the Ragged Mountain Foundation for $4,053 and the costs of surveying and closing.
Ragged Mountain, a ridge popular with hikers and rock climbers, is located primarily in Southington and Berlin. However, a small section of approximately 1.221 acres was owned by New Britain Water Company. The parcel houses a steep cliff unsuitable for development.
The Ragged Mountain Foundation was formed to manage, maintain and promote the responsible recreational use of the ridge, including existing trails, such as the Metacomet Trail. They are also tasked with preventing improper uses of the lands, which might lead to a loss of wildlife or other natural heritage. The Foundation is a non-profit composed of volunteers who keep the area free from litter and enforce the rules established for the protection of the property, including bans on camping and new development, whether trails or parking for visitors.
Following the introduction of the motion to approve the sale, Alderman Platosz rose in opposition.
“I had a discussion with quite a few people,” he said, “and they suggested, and I agreed with them, that we should not sell this piece of property. It was not sold for many years; it’s only an acre and a half, but it’s ours, and I don’t see them (Ragged Mountain Foundation) using it. We should not sell it.”
Alderman Don Naples countered, reminding the rest of the Council and the public that the City had arranged to retain riparian water rights to the parcel, assuring that no profits could potentially be lost by the Water Company. The sale, he said, had the added benefit of absolving the City from threat of liability inherent in owning a steep cliff.
Alderwoman Suzanne Beilinski said that, while adamantly opposed to selling watershed properly in general, she would make an exception and vote in favor of the sale because water rights would be retained and because of the distinct nature of the parcel.
“It really is like a sheer cliff—there’s not a lot you can do with the land, and it does pose a hazard,” Bielinski said.
Alderman David DeFronzo joined Alderman Platosz in voting against the proposal but gave no reason why at the meeting.
Supporters of the Ragged Mountain Foundation spoke during public participation, stating that the organization had been doing a good job of maintaining the trails. No members of the public voiced opposition to the sale on the night of the vote.
The Ragged Mountain Foundation works in cooperation with the Nature Conservancy and the Berlin Land Trust in managing and protecting Ragged Mountain.
Ragged Mountain is a basalt (volcanic rock) range providing unique ecosystems not found in most of Connecticut.
