DEEP grant to preserve open space on Ansonia-Seymour town line

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, has announced a $112,500 grant to preserve open space on the Ansonia/Seymour town line. 

The funds, from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition program, will add significant acreage to Abe Stone Park.

“In the spirit of the season, I am so thankful that Ansonia will be able to add nearly 14 acres to the park in the city’s north end,” said Gentile. “I remember going to the park with my family as a child to play and swim in the summer and ice skate in the winter. Now I go there to watch my granddaughters play soccer. This beautiful treasure of natural beauty and splendor must be preserved and saved from development. It will provide children and families in Ansonia hours of recreational enjoyment for generations to come.”

The acquired open space will prevent the land from being developed. Several recent proposals were rejected.

"We are very grateful to Rep. Gentile and DEEP for their support in preserving and protecting this property on Castle Lane,” said Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti. “The property adjacent to the park will complement the area with additional space for trails and other recreational use."

"Because Ansonia is very small in size we must be thoughtful about the way we develop and/or preserve the space that remains,” said Economic Development director Sheila O’Malley. 

“This is a significant grant that helps us create additional open space in the city. Thank you to Rep. Gentile and Dave Stygar of DEEP for their assistance."

This is a press release from Gentile's office.