Candlewood Lake On The Verge Of Public Ownership
NEW FAIRFIELD, CT (WCBS 880) - Connecticut's biggest lake is on the verge of a major change.
WCBS 880's Paul Murnane On The Story
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On Candlewood Lake, they've long fought the invasive Eurasian Milfoil plant, which is best battled by dropping water levels to expose the plants to freezing air.
But that runs against the motives of the lake's hydro electric-concerned owners, who can also pump water contaminated with zebra mussels into the lake to run their generators. After all, it was created for hydro-electric reasons.
New Fairfield first selectman John Hodge is part of efforts by towns around the lake to buy it.
"We need to be masters of our own destiny as far as the lake, and control it. Everything in this region revolves around that lake," Hodge told WCBS 880 reporter Paul Murnane. "You don't have to live on the lake to have your real estate property values negatively impacted if the lake turns into something that people don't want to come to and visit."
The Danbury News-Times reports that the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials has authorized its executive director, Jon Chew, to set up meetings to discuss purchasing the lake from its current owner, FirstLight Power Resources.
Hodge believes open space money and property owners on the lake looking to buy a beachfront will offset costs.
Discussions in closing a deal could, however, take a few years.
Candlewood Lake covers 8.4 square miles and touches Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, and Sherman.
Do you think the towns should buy the lake? Sound off below!
