Jones PDR - CtPost on press conference

CtPost version appeared SatOct28 on page A10. The deadwood (sorry Hank) version was surprisingly an abridged version of what was online, likely due to space constraints. Here is the link, but I'll cut/paste for historic purposes as the ctpost.com site removes articles after a period of time.
http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_4566620

Jones Farm land rights up for vote; residents to decide Nov. 7

SHELTON - Guy Beardsley, a 71-year old organic farmer, stood at the top of Pumpkin Seed Hill and looked across the wooded valley to the Jones Tree Farm. Near the farm, houses dotted the slopes here and there, but the dominant view was the fuzzy ocher-and-orange blanket of peak fall foliage. "You can't find in Fairfield County another place like this spot," Beardsley said. "The wide open space, the vista ... kids can learn from this. They can walk around and observe."

Beardsley was one of several farmers and officials standing among the pumpkins Friday, hoping the view would be preserved for generations to come. On Nov. 7, city voters will decide whether to buy the development rights for the last major unprotected parcel of the Jones Family Farms.

The ballot asks for approval of $4.3 million to buy an easement protecting 132 acres surrounding the Jones homestead from development. If approved, the city allocation would be combined with a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's farm protection program. In addition, the Jones family reduced the sales price by $1.7 million, or 25 percent, the maximum allowed by the government.

The Jones family grows Christmas trees on what was once pasture for a herd of dairy cows. Moss-covered stone walls surround the property, a holiday destination for thousands of tree shoppers.

An appraiser valued the land at $6.8 million based on its potential to support a 60-home subdivision.

Conservation Commission Chairman Tom Harbinson, said the farm fits the city's plans for open space and eco-tourism. Citing recent demographic data and tax assessments, Harbinson also said the purchase would save the city money. He estimated that educating children living in a potential subdivision would annually cost about $112,000 more than the property tax revenue generated by the homes. "It is important that that possibility be removed," Harbinson said.

The property is surrounded by about 2,000 acres of protected land in the northwestern side of Shelton, giving the city an agricultural district unique in southern Connecticut.

Terry Jones said several variables could suddenly cause the family to lose the land, such a death and the resulting estate taxes, or a divorce settlement. He also said the sale of development rights would allow the family to invest in preserving the land.

Much of the remaining Jones farm, more than 400 acres total, is protected under different programs. In 1998, the city contributed $300,000 toward the purchase of Pumpkinseed Hill. City funds were not used to preserve other parcels on the farm.