Powder Ridge Ski Area
- Thread starter tiggertj
- Start date
X
xjmark
Guest
Tina, is this going to be held this coming Saturday? I didn't see a definate date posted.
I wonder how much of the surrounding land they own? It could be a viable option for them. Wouldn't cost them much to open up some trails, and they already have insurance for high-risk recreation.
BTW, the pub opens at noon if I remember correctly. :wink:
I wonder how much of the surrounding land they own? It could be a viable option for them. Wouldn't cost them much to open up some trails, and they already have insurance for high-risk recreation.
BTW, the pub opens at noon if I remember correctly. :wink:
Robin
Moderator
This is hearsay - someone else who lives in Middlefield or nearby may be able to confirm or discredit - I heard that Powder Ridge has been trying to open a waterpark on the property during the warmer months but that local residents are holding it up because they don't want the traffic a waterpark would bring.
Is anyone interested in going? 8:30am is terribly early for a Saturday morning but I'm willing to try!!!
Is anyone interested in going? 8:30am is terribly early for a Saturday morning but I'm willing to try!!!
D
/dev/null
Guest
Yes- Powder Ditch has been trying to pass zoning for a waterpark for years. As with most places in CT, residential developers have their eye on the land and they've got all the financial backing. One year (surprised it wasn't this year), they're going to close and the land sold off.
beaker
Active member
I'd be up for a 8:30 run over to powder pimple. How close are the neighboring houses? Will noise from motorized vehicles be an issue? Something to check on. Most of our trucks are quiet but so we can go where atv's and bikes can't. If anyone has a paragon pamphlet might be useful too. Show that it is a business that can make money if the land is there. What's there snow / land moving equipement like can it bull doze ruts into smooth runs for skiing in the winter? Will it be an issue?
Can we get any info on the rock crawl we put on. Maybe some pics. We could set up a long rock crawl up one of the ski runs which should entertain a few heavy duty rock crawlers.
Ski tickets on the right. :biggrin: :biggrin:
Crawling tickets on the left. :twisted: :twisted:
Can we get any info on the rock crawl we put on. Maybe some pics. We could set up a long rock crawl up one of the ski runs which should entertain a few heavy duty rock crawlers.
Ski tickets on the right. :biggrin: :biggrin:
Crawling tickets on the left. :twisted: :twisted:
S
Shrek
Guest
no no nobeaker said:
crawl up ski down
D
/dev/null
Guest
Just a follow-up, the town is trying to buy the land to prevent residential development. They know once the land is sold to a developer, the town will be pushed aside.
http://www.middletownpress.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16995375&BRD=1645&PAG=461&dept_id=10856&rfi=6
Brayshaw wants deal finalized
By: Matthew Engelhardt
08/02/2006
MIDDLEFIELD - First Selectman Jon Brayshaw is pushing that the town moves quickly on its offer to buy the property that is home to Powder Ridge.
The Board of Selectmen reached a deal recently with owner Ken Leavitt to purchase the property outright. According to Middlefield Financial Director Joseph Geruch, Leavitt signed a "memorandum of understanding" for the town to buy the land for $3.6 million.
However, in order for the deal to go through, it first needs to be approved by the Board of Finance, who would then set a special meeting to send the purchase to a town-wide referendum. According to Brayshaw, the window of opportunity for success is small, and fast action may be necessary for what he called a critical point in the future of the town.
"We are at a fork in the road," Brayshaw said. "Ken Leavitt rightfully needs to have an answer. There's no question that this is a big one."
According to Brayshaw, the deal is a "win-win" situation for Middlefield. He said it achieves several goals, including preserving open space, buffering educational taxes by preventing the land from becoming a residential zone and keeping the town's character intact.
"It achieves everything the town wants to achieve at, interestingly enough, the lowest cost to taxpayers," Brayshaw said.
The $3.6 million would buy the land only and not the ski area. According to Brayshaw, Leavitt could very well sell the resort as soon as the land deal is finalized.
The increase in taxes to the residents would only be about one mill, according to Brayshaw. That would cover the 278 acres of land and allow the town to lease to take property to Leavitt or potential new owners of the resort.
If the town stalls, the effects could be bad for all parties involved. Leavitt may decide to sell the property to another bidder, which Brayshaw said was his right as a businessman. If the town hesitates and Leavitt decides to stick with the deal, his personal business could be hurt by an inability to prepare for the winter.
Brayshaw said that the deal would not be easy for the Board of Finance to take all at once, but speed is a factor. According to the First Selectman, the Board of Finance plans to request a new appraisal done on the property to make sure it is a good deal.
Brayshaw is also eager to receive public opinion on the deal. In the beginning of the process, the Board of Selectmen had suggested purchasing the excess land that was not being utilized for skiing. Following two public hearings during the winter, the direction of the acquisition changed.
"It became more and more evident that the people were willing to buy the whole enchilada," Brayshaw said.
The Board of Selectman worked with Leavitt and an attorney for the Board of Finance to settle on a deal, according to Brayshaw. It was a long process that the First Selectman said he took on as a result of the majority of the town's sentiment.
"I didn't intend to get out of bed in the morning and go knocking on Ken Leavitt's door," Brayshaw said.
Leavitt will appear before the Board of Finance on Thursday to discuss the deal. Brayshaw is hoping the meeting will go well, and that the matter can then go to a public hearing to discuss the acquisition with the residents.
While Brayshaw said the town would like to keep the ski area operational, it will look to lease the property and not run the resort itself. He said that would be a bad idea that would open the space to vandalism and theft.
"The name of the game is the land," Brayshaw said. "If you own the land you can control the land and then do what you wish to the property."
Board of Finance Chairman Paul Pizzo was unable to be reached for comment.
To contact Matthew Engelhardt, call (860) 347-3331 ext. 211 or email mengelhardt@middletownpress.com
http://www.middletownpress.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16995375&BRD=1645&PAG=461&dept_id=10856&rfi=6
Brayshaw wants deal finalized
By: Matthew Engelhardt
08/02/2006
MIDDLEFIELD - First Selectman Jon Brayshaw is pushing that the town moves quickly on its offer to buy the property that is home to Powder Ridge.
The Board of Selectmen reached a deal recently with owner Ken Leavitt to purchase the property outright. According to Middlefield Financial Director Joseph Geruch, Leavitt signed a "memorandum of understanding" for the town to buy the land for $3.6 million.
However, in order for the deal to go through, it first needs to be approved by the Board of Finance, who would then set a special meeting to send the purchase to a town-wide referendum. According to Brayshaw, the window of opportunity for success is small, and fast action may be necessary for what he called a critical point in the future of the town.
"We are at a fork in the road," Brayshaw said. "Ken Leavitt rightfully needs to have an answer. There's no question that this is a big one."
According to Brayshaw, the deal is a "win-win" situation for Middlefield. He said it achieves several goals, including preserving open space, buffering educational taxes by preventing the land from becoming a residential zone and keeping the town's character intact.
"It achieves everything the town wants to achieve at, interestingly enough, the lowest cost to taxpayers," Brayshaw said.
The $3.6 million would buy the land only and not the ski area. According to Brayshaw, Leavitt could very well sell the resort as soon as the land deal is finalized.
The increase in taxes to the residents would only be about one mill, according to Brayshaw. That would cover the 278 acres of land and allow the town to lease to take property to Leavitt or potential new owners of the resort.
If the town stalls, the effects could be bad for all parties involved. Leavitt may decide to sell the property to another bidder, which Brayshaw said was his right as a businessman. If the town hesitates and Leavitt decides to stick with the deal, his personal business could be hurt by an inability to prepare for the winter.
Brayshaw said that the deal would not be easy for the Board of Finance to take all at once, but speed is a factor. According to the First Selectman, the Board of Finance plans to request a new appraisal done on the property to make sure it is a good deal.
Brayshaw is also eager to receive public opinion on the deal. In the beginning of the process, the Board of Selectmen had suggested purchasing the excess land that was not being utilized for skiing. Following two public hearings during the winter, the direction of the acquisition changed.
"It became more and more evident that the people were willing to buy the whole enchilada," Brayshaw said.
The Board of Selectman worked with Leavitt and an attorney for the Board of Finance to settle on a deal, according to Brayshaw. It was a long process that the First Selectman said he took on as a result of the majority of the town's sentiment.
"I didn't intend to get out of bed in the morning and go knocking on Ken Leavitt's door," Brayshaw said.
Leavitt will appear before the Board of Finance on Thursday to discuss the deal. Brayshaw is hoping the meeting will go well, and that the matter can then go to a public hearing to discuss the acquisition with the residents.
While Brayshaw said the town would like to keep the ski area operational, it will look to lease the property and not run the resort itself. He said that would be a bad idea that would open the space to vandalism and theft.
"The name of the game is the land," Brayshaw said. "If you own the land you can control the land and then do what you wish to the property."
Board of Finance Chairman Paul Pizzo was unable to be reached for comment.
To contact Matthew Engelhardt, call (860) 347-3331 ext. 211 or email mengelhardt@middletownpress.com
T
toyworx
Guest
If the town buys the land it's GAME OVER.
Rubie Nubie
New member
Unfortunately, if the town doesn't purchase it...Mr Leavitt will probably sell it off to a developer and then
it's really all over....More side by side cookie-cutter housing....Anyone have a cool 3.6 mill hanging around?
it's really all over....More side by side cookie-cutter housing....Anyone have a cool 3.6 mill hanging around?
If I win the $200M+ Powerball this Saturday, Powder Ridge will be the first thing that I buy. :grinyes: :grinyes: :grinyes: :grinyes:
MasterDrazhar
New member
gorilla_skater said:
You and me both! Good Luck... Though yer not gonna need it, Cuz I'M GOING TO WIN!!!
.
D
/dev/null
Guest
More.....
Powder Ridge deal in 'make or break' stage
http://middletownpress.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17063822&BRD=1645&PAG=461&dept_id=10856&rfi=6
By: Matthew Engelhardt
08/17/2006
MIDDLEFIELD - The agreement to purchase Powder Ridge is approaching the "make or break" stage, according to the owner and members of the Board of Selectmen (BOS).
The parties have been waiting for the Board of Finance (BOF) to agree to the terms of the $3.6 million deal for the town of Middlefield to acquire the Powder Ridge land. An agreement was struck last month between owner Ken Leavitt and the BOS, but they cannot proceed without approval from the BOF.
In a statement released last week, the BOF asked for patience as the members consider the wide range of issues associated with the purchase. On Wednesday, Vice Chair Ellen Waff stressed that more time is needed for the good of the town.
However, both Leavitt and the BOS are pushing for a decision to be reached soon, potentially by Thursday night. All will attend the scheduled BOF meeting to be held in the Community Center at 7 p.m.
Leavitt sent a letter to each member of the BOF outlining the long process of this sale and the need for a quick decision. In an interview, he said that he needs a decision soon in order to decide whether or not the ski area will be able to open for the upcoming winter.
"So far we are on schedule to open, but a lot of things need to happen," Leavitt said.
Powder Ridge has hired and trained staff in preparation for the season. Leases are still in place for the equipment, and Leavitt has promised improved snowmaking abilities should the resort open.
However, both the BOS and Leavitt are growing more concerned that the time for a decision has come. If the BOF continues to delay or rejects the deal, Leavitt said the town could expect to see houses built on the slopes where the ski area once stood.
"We will not open, and we will liquidate equipment," Leavitt said. "The 48th season would not happen, and the resort would be well on its way to a different use."
Leavitt added that he did not mean for that statement to sound like an ultimatum. Past season-pass holders have been pressuring him for a decision, and he would like to be able to give them an answer about being able to ski in Middlefield.
First Selectman Jon Brayshaw hopes that the BOF will use next week as a chance to review the deal. He would like a decision to be reached so the town can move to a public hearing. Following a waiting period of at least 30 days, the sale would go to a town-wide referendum.
"Mr. Leavitt deserves an answer of yes or no, and the people of Middlefield deserve a chance to vote," said Selectman David Lowry. "As far as I am concerned, the town of Middlefield sinks or swims together."
According to Brayshaw, the Thursday meeting will be critical in determining the future of Powder Ridge. He compared the acquisition to a decision by the town to purchase the Strickland property almost 30 years ago. At the time, the price of over $450,000 seemed huge, but in retrospect, it was one of the "defining moments in Middlefield's history."
Brayshaw said the Powder Ridge deal was a bargain in comparison and would be another defining moment for the town.
"We're coming up to a point where our actions are going to affect whether the place stays open or not." Brayshaw said.
There is some concern that the BOF will not have the necessary quorum to conduct the meeting. Chairman Paul Pizzo will not be in attendance as the result of his daughter's wedding, and other members may not be there for various reasons.
According to Waff, the position of the BOF has not changed despite the mounting pressure. The board requested another appraisal be conducted on the property, which has yet to be completed. Additionally, a title search needs to be performed to determine whether any liens will need to be addressed before a sale.
"This is not the kind of deal that one rushes into, not at all," Waff said.
Despite the tension, Brayshaw and Leavitt are both confident that the deal will be completed. According to Leavitt, the negotiations have been conducted with the best interests of all parties involved.
"It seems to me that everyone has spent too much time to see this go to waste," Leavitt said.
Brayshaw said he was both optimistic yet anxious to see a decision and hopes the BOF will move forward with the purchase.
"This is what defines us as a town and as a people: what we value," he said.
To contact Matthew Engelhardt, call (860) 347-3331 ext. 211 or email mengelhardt@middletownpress.com.
Powder Ridge deal in 'make or break' stage
http://middletownpress.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17063822&BRD=1645&PAG=461&dept_id=10856&rfi=6
By: Matthew Engelhardt
08/17/2006
MIDDLEFIELD - The agreement to purchase Powder Ridge is approaching the "make or break" stage, according to the owner and members of the Board of Selectmen (BOS).
The parties have been waiting for the Board of Finance (BOF) to agree to the terms of the $3.6 million deal for the town of Middlefield to acquire the Powder Ridge land. An agreement was struck last month between owner Ken Leavitt and the BOS, but they cannot proceed without approval from the BOF.
In a statement released last week, the BOF asked for patience as the members consider the wide range of issues associated with the purchase. On Wednesday, Vice Chair Ellen Waff stressed that more time is needed for the good of the town.
However, both Leavitt and the BOS are pushing for a decision to be reached soon, potentially by Thursday night. All will attend the scheduled BOF meeting to be held in the Community Center at 7 p.m.
Leavitt sent a letter to each member of the BOF outlining the long process of this sale and the need for a quick decision. In an interview, he said that he needs a decision soon in order to decide whether or not the ski area will be able to open for the upcoming winter.
"So far we are on schedule to open, but a lot of things need to happen," Leavitt said.
Powder Ridge has hired and trained staff in preparation for the season. Leases are still in place for the equipment, and Leavitt has promised improved snowmaking abilities should the resort open.
However, both the BOS and Leavitt are growing more concerned that the time for a decision has come. If the BOF continues to delay or rejects the deal, Leavitt said the town could expect to see houses built on the slopes where the ski area once stood.
"We will not open, and we will liquidate equipment," Leavitt said. "The 48th season would not happen, and the resort would be well on its way to a different use."
Leavitt added that he did not mean for that statement to sound like an ultimatum. Past season-pass holders have been pressuring him for a decision, and he would like to be able to give them an answer about being able to ski in Middlefield.
First Selectman Jon Brayshaw hopes that the BOF will use next week as a chance to review the deal. He would like a decision to be reached so the town can move to a public hearing. Following a waiting period of at least 30 days, the sale would go to a town-wide referendum.
"Mr. Leavitt deserves an answer of yes or no, and the people of Middlefield deserve a chance to vote," said Selectman David Lowry. "As far as I am concerned, the town of Middlefield sinks or swims together."
According to Brayshaw, the Thursday meeting will be critical in determining the future of Powder Ridge. He compared the acquisition to a decision by the town to purchase the Strickland property almost 30 years ago. At the time, the price of over $450,000 seemed huge, but in retrospect, it was one of the "defining moments in Middlefield's history."
Brayshaw said the Powder Ridge deal was a bargain in comparison and would be another defining moment for the town.
"We're coming up to a point where our actions are going to affect whether the place stays open or not." Brayshaw said.
There is some concern that the BOF will not have the necessary quorum to conduct the meeting. Chairman Paul Pizzo will not be in attendance as the result of his daughter's wedding, and other members may not be there for various reasons.
According to Waff, the position of the BOF has not changed despite the mounting pressure. The board requested another appraisal be conducted on the property, which has yet to be completed. Additionally, a title search needs to be performed to determine whether any liens will need to be addressed before a sale.
"This is not the kind of deal that one rushes into, not at all," Waff said.
Despite the tension, Brayshaw and Leavitt are both confident that the deal will be completed. According to Leavitt, the negotiations have been conducted with the best interests of all parties involved.
"It seems to me that everyone has spent too much time to see this go to waste," Leavitt said.
Brayshaw said he was both optimistic yet anxious to see a decision and hopes the BOF will move forward with the purchase.
"This is what defines us as a town and as a people: what we value," he said.
To contact Matthew Engelhardt, call (860) 347-3331 ext. 211 or email mengelhardt@middletownpress.com.
Not sure what the latest is on the buy, but Powder Ridge updated their website saying that they will have 2006/2007 Season Tix on sale... Hmmm...
http://www.powderridgect.com/
http://www.powderridgect.com/
C
cjjulie
Guest
Powder Puff has been trying to sell/change use for years and each year they come back for just 1 more 
Looks like it will be sold. We first saw the website, then received a letter from them advertising Season Passes. Now the website says that they will not open...  :swear_mad:
"We are sorry to announce that Powder Ridge will not be opening this year as originally expected, pending sale of the area.
Those that have recently ordered season passes should be advised that their orders have not been processed to their credit cards.
You have not been charged.
Thank you for your support of the area and we apologize for the inconvenience."
"We are sorry to announce that Powder Ridge will not be opening this year as originally expected, pending sale of the area.
Those that have recently ordered season passes should be advised that their orders have not been processed to their credit cards.
You have not been charged.
Thank you for your support of the area and we apologize for the inconvenience."
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