Three hundred people crowded into the Memorial Middle School auditorium on Tuesday, May 24, to hear about the proposed sale of the 246-acre, town-owned property to Alpine Ridge LLC. Two-and-a-half hours later, moderator Matt Willis announced the 259-28 tally in favor of the sale.
In between, there was plenty of discussion.

The Middlefield selectmen met in the Community Center auditorium on Monday, May 3, with an audience of one. Since the audience was this reporter, “public comment” was non-existent.

The weather outside was blowing snow as Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw sat in the Town Times office and explained the proposal for Powder Ridge that would be presented at a public hearing next Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Memorial School gym.

The moment many people have been waiting for is near at hand; on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. at Memorial School there will be a public hearing on the town’s proposal to sell the ski area portion of Powder Ridge to Snow Time, Inc. and CDF Associates LLC, whose principal is Dan Frank.

Over a year ago, Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw applied for a Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) state grant to allow the town to upgrade the electric service and septic capabilities of the then recently acquired Powder Ridge Ski Area property.

Photos

Credit: 

Sue VanDerzee

Caption: 

Standing with Gov. Jodi Rell as she announces a $540,000 grant to the town of Middlefield for infrastructure improvements at Powder Ridge are, from left, Middlesex Chamber of Commerce president Larry McHugh, State Rep. Matt Lesser, First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, Rell and Peter Simmons representing the DECD.

It only seems like forever ... There are lots of folks who actually remember when Powder Ridge was a working ski area, but those memories are receding further into the past. However, with the town purchase of the site last year, bringing the ski area back began to seem possible.

Ten days ago, we wrote: "By the time you read this (on Dec. 19), the town of Middlefield will most likely hold the actual deed to Powder Ridge."

Fourteen months ago, on April 10, 2007, practically no one would have believed it would end this way. That's when the town of Middlefield voted overwhelmingly - 1,097-151 - to allow the town to spend up to $2.85 million for the purchase of the Powder Ridge ski area.

Photos

Credit: 

Sue VanDerzee

Caption: 

Attorney John Boccalatte, of Middletown, looks through papers in his trunk pertaining to the auction of Powder Ridge ski area while, left, Middlefield town attorney Ken Antin and resident Frank St. John wait for the bidding to begin.