Bill > SB01498

This bill clarifies and strengthens municipal requirements for replacing park or open space land that is converted or repurposed for other uses. Under the revised statute, if a municipality takes, converts, or repurposes land that was originally purchased or dedicated for park, recreational, or open space purposes, they must provide replacement land that is comparable in both value and size. Before making such a change, the municipality must hold a public hearing where they must provide detailed information about the proposed land conversion, including the specific land description, reasons for choosing this particular land, and details about the replacement land. The public hearing notice must be published twice in a local newspaper, with specific timing requirements: the first notice must be 10-15 days before the hearing, and the second notice at least two days before the hearing. The hearing itself must be held 15-30 days after any other required public hearings. The law applies to all municipalities, including towns, cities, boroughs, and other political subdivisions of the state, and is designed to protect public recreational and open spaces from being permanently lost to other uses without careful consideration and appropriate replacement.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

Environment Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01498&which_year=2025