Dear First Selectman Manville, Selectman Bette, Selectman Buchsbaum, Selectman Diehl, Selectman Kuehn, and Selectwoman Sullivan:

It is our understanding that, because of the unavailability of financing, the Pierce Hollow project earmarked for $1.5 million in ARPA funds will not go forward. In addition, we read with interest Governor Lamont’s announcement earlier this month that the State of Connecticut will keep open the Southbury Training School in an effort to ensure continuity of care for the residents remaining on the campus.

During a conversation last year with HVMA/HVF President Gerry Leventhal and C.O.O. Daniel Drew, the first selectman kindly stated that it would be possible to re-program ARPA funds toward Heritage Village should any of the projects previously earmarked fall through.

Given that the Pierce Hollow project is no longer viable, the officers, Board of Trustees, and residents of Heritage Village request that you and the Board of Selectmen re-appropriate those funds to build a multi-use trail network along public roads that run through Heritage Village.

We believe that this project which, being federally-funded, would not burden local taxpayers, would significantly enhance the quality of life for residents of the Village as well as each of the nearby condominium communities.

This network would give residents the ability to travel by foot or bicycle into the heart of Southbury’s nearby business district

We imagine a day in which we stand with you and the Board of Selectmen to cut the ribbon opening the trail network, which will have an impact on our community and the town writ large for decades to come.

We look forward to discussing this with you and with the Board of Selectmen.

Sincerely,

President Gerry Leventhal

Vice President Mary Beth Walkley

Treasurer Nancy Terpening

Secretary Zoe Millbank

Board of Trustees

Heritage Village Residents