Government Administration and Elections Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-1117
AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONVEYANCE OF A PARCEL OF STATE LAND
Title: IN THE TOWN OF CHESHIRE.
Vote Date: 5/19/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 5/14/2021
File No.: 745
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
The Government Administration and Elections Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
To convey a parcel of state land in the town of Cheshire to the town of Cheshire for a school
bus depot.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None expressed.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Sylvia Nichols, Cheshire Town Council at Large:
Ms. Nichols supports the conveyance of a 3+ acre parcel of land from the State of
Connecticut to the Town of Cheshire. Starting in 1984, the Town has leased the parcel for
specific use as the bus depot for a fleet of vehicles operated to transport 4,200 Cheshire
students. Each lease is $1.00 for a five-year term. The Town of Cheshire has continuously
maintained and improved the property to include upgrading the septic system and new
building construction in 2020. They most recently received approval from the State to further
their investment in the property via paving, lighting, and fencing upgrades to improve the
safety and appearance of the property by the end of 2021.
This conveyance is a common-sense solution to Ms. Nichols as nothing material will change
on the property. The Town of Cheshire will continue to function as an acceptable neighbor to
the nearby State Prison property. Most importantly, this conveyance will liberate both the
Town and the State from cyclical and performative negotiations that are unprofitable and
burdensome to both parties.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Margaret Miner, Former Executive Director, Rivers Alliance of Connecticut:
Ms. Miner does not expressly object to this bill. She requests the Committee take a wait and
see approach as the Town of Cheshire recently requested the conveyance of 48 acres of
high-quality source-water land for economic development purposes. As an effort to assure
protect natural and economic resources for the public benefit, Ms. Miner suggests placing
extra attention on how the Town utilizes its new conveyances and current land-use policies
before making additional decisions.
Reported by: Kate Hamilton Date: May 19, 2021
Page 2 of 2 SB-1117