We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Norwich, Connecticut, call on the Norwich City Council to adopt a resolution that:

1. The City recoup a minimum of $20 million in any sale of Dodd Stadium, reflecting the full inflation-adjusted public investment including construction and operational costs;
2. Suspend all speculative public spending—including high-risk development ventures, real estate purchases, and large capital projects without guaranteed return—until the sale is finalized and proceeds are publicly disclosed;
3. Direct proceeds from the stadium’s sale toward debt relief, infrastructure repair, and essential public services;
4. Publicly sign and affirm this resolution to demonstrate their commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible fiscal leadership.

We respectfully ask that this resolution be adopted before the next budget - and proposed tax increase - occurs.

BACKGROUND

Dodd Stadium was built in 1995 at a cost of $9.8 million—over $20 million in today’s dollars—and has operated at a loss to the City for nearly 30 years. The stadium’s upkeep has cost the City an average of $146,000 annually, draining funds that could have supported infrastructure, services, or debt relief.

The City is now considering a sale of the stadium. This is a critical opportunity to recover past investments and demonstrate fiscal accountability to Norwich’s taxpayers.

WHY THIS MATTERS

The taxpayers are suffering. The tax rates in Norwich are so high that many residents are having to choose between paying for their mortgages or paying for food. Many residents are leaving Norwich for this reason. We do not want our community torn apart for unnecessary, ill-advised or speculative spending as represented by our currently-proposed budget. A budget that will pass unless we all take action, regardless of political affiliation. 

Re: Dodd Stadium. While Dodd stadium has hosted sports and community events, the long-term financial picture is one of deficit—not return. The time has come to take a more accountable and transparent approach to managing this asset, and all taxpayer monies. 

What Do We Mean by “Speculative Projects”?

Speculative projects refer to city-initiated efforts that involve financial risk without a guarantee of public benefit or return on investment. These might include:
 • New building projects with uncertain occupancy or usage plans;
 • Costly downtown beautification initiatives not tied to economic development outcomes;
 • Multi-year consultant contracts, feasibility studies, or real estate purchases without a defined community mandate or fiscal analysis;
 • Public-private partnerships that rely on optimistic projections or unvetted developers;
 • Any use of taxpayer funds where long-term maintenance, staffing, or cost implications have not been clearly outlined.

Speculative spending is not inherently wrong—but in a city facing fiscal constraints, declining infrastructure, declining population and increasing taxes, such projects should not be prioritized over critical needs, especially when the City holds an asset like Dodd Stadium whose fate remains undecided.

This is about timing, prudence, and trust. It is not a blanket opposition to investment—it is a call for responsible sequencing: before taking on new risks, let us resolve one of the costliest burdens Norwich has carried for 30 years.

Please sign and share if you believe Norwich must prioritize responsible governance and protect its taxpayers before pursuing risky or unnecessary ventures.