House Republican Press Release

April 20, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. CAFERO ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT ON WHITE BARN THEATER

CONVENED SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE TO BRING ALL PARTIES TOGETHER

NORWALK - A portion of the White Barn Theater, a regional historic and environmental gem, will be forever protected from development under terms of the general agreement brokered by  state Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero that was announced today at the property.

Cafero brought together five different groups to help resolve outstanding issues, including the terms of the conservation easement that will protect more than one-third of the 15-acre parcel. Cafero said the intensive mediation was successful because all sides had the best interests of the property and residents in mind.

“It was critical to bring all the various sides together in one place and work through the different scenarios for the property and come up with solutions that make sense. Everyone was willing to work it out,’’ Cafero said. Cafero said the Dolce conference center in Norwalk served as the mediation site to resolve the outstanding concerns regarding the property’s future.

“We addressed the pertinent issues, particularly the conservation easement,” he added.

The Connecticut Friends School has entered into an agreement with the developer, the Fieber Group to purchase the property. A public hearing before the Norwalk Conservation Commission is scheduled for April 24 where plans for building the new school facility for up to 125 students will be aired.

The easement will be presented to the State Department of Environmental Protection and the Norwalk Common Council for approval. Final enactment of the agreement is contingent upon the school receiving permission to go forward with its plans

Cafero also thanked the Norwalk Land Trust, the Fieber Group, the Save Cranbury group and all local officials that came together.

Local land trust members had been concerned that once the developer acquired the property that it would forever change the bucolic setting. Cafero and state Rep. Toni Boucher were instrumental in securing a $450,000 state grant to preserve it as open space in 2005 and the City of Norwalk is also expected to provide

funding.

Representative Toni Boucher who represents Norwalk and Wilton said, “Having worked on this issue from the beginning and helping a coalition of supporters obtain the state grant, I am so grateful that this is coming to a positive conclusion. I thank all parties for their willingness to reach a solution and thank Larry Cafero and his leadership.’’

Kim Tsocanos of the school said, “This is a tremendous step forward in advancing our plans and meeting our goals. It will also help with our fundraising activities.’’