The Tolland Historical Society, French Canadian Genealogical Society and other supporters of historic areas are joining with the Tolland Historic District Commission in opposing a plan to install a cement sidewalk on the historic Town Green.
The historically registered Tolland Green was made ADA-accessible during the Route 195 road project, with eight access points. The society supports the full historic experience for all citizens by utilizing these access points to our registered green. The society supports the Historic District Commission in its duly appointed role as stewards, charged to “preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics and appearance of the Tolland Green and the buildings which surround it white respecting the rights and wishes of those who own property within the district…and be administered with common sense.”
The society further supports the maintenance of the existing sidewalks around the perimeter of the Green by leveling and edging stones and repairing the buckled cement as recommended by Crosskey Architects and SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office) in their report to the Town Council. It also supports the use of a temporary mesh sidewalk during events on the green, which the town has already purchased and uses successfully for several events. The society supports previous town council actions to limit the use of the Green for large participation events as prescribed by a town-wide study with State Police input. Common sense and the safety of our citizen is primary.
The Green was the center for early founders, militia exercises, sending our soldiers to war and bringing them home again however they returned. It was the hub for town services before the great sleep in the mid 1800s where the doctors, lawyers, clergyman, blacksmith, innkeepers and shopkeepers were in charge. It was the great turnpike crossroad from New York City to Boston and Springfield to the coast. Later it was a summer destination, then a residential neighborhood still a hub, but now for war rationing and the plane spotters and the air raid center. There were weddings, funerals, and annual homecomings on the Green. Today this quarter mile of registered historic land is our center and the envy of many CT communities and historical groups because Tolland knew and understood its value then and now. This quarter mile long slice of land has breathed with life for 300+ years of Tolland history (longer than any of the aforementioned sites). It is not a ‘thing’; it is the essence of our town. It mourns in our struggles and rejoices in our triumphs. It is our constant in a constantly changing world. It’s 300 years of our people’s story. As Gov. Lamont requests of all 169 towns in his list of 4 pillars for America 250, “a sense of place”. The Green has been Tolland’s sense of place since its establishment over 300 years ago.
“It is the purpose of the Tolland Green Historic District to preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics and appearance of the Tolland Green and the buildings which surround it while respecting the rights and wishes of those who own property within the district. It is the intent of this chapter that the requirements set forth herein be construed with these purposes in mind and be administered with common sense.”
1. The Green is a registered historic site within a registered historic district; at the town, state and federal level, with a Historic District Commission (HDC) that was voted in place by townspeople and duly appointed by the town council. The HDC has statutory responsibilities to protect this historic landmark.
2. According to state statutes and federal guidelines the town planned sidewalk is considered a “structure” and is clearly in the realm of responsibility of the HDC. Has anyone of authority looked into ADA requirements as they apply to historic sites?
3. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has stated that a sidewalk would constitute a structure on the historic Green.
4. The issue of ADA accessibility and accommodation was addressed with the RT195 road project when 8 access points were added to the Green, exceeding the ADA requirements for access AND allowing all persons to enjoy the essence of the historic Green, to enjoy the historic experience unencumbered, also part of the ADA requirement. A moveable mesh walkway is laid during the season at minimal cost and removed each winter. All people can enjoy this historic treasure.
5. With a municipal sidewalk, the Green will no longer meet the historic definition of an 18-19th Century Green befitting the neighborhood or the historic registration that the town and the neighbors received. Three recent grant applications by the historical society have been negatively impacted financially by the news of this proposal because it shows a lack of respect for the integrity of the historic registration by the local government.
6. Yes, the TC can put a municipal sidewalk anywhere it wants according to one statute, but this is not just any public land, and their reasoning lacks basic common sense. A fixed walk (rather than the current movable mesh) will interfere with current town-wide programs (Farmer’s Market, Holiday Tree Lighting, Harvest Fest, and Memorial Day Parade, Prom Night photos, Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfasts, TFD Torch Light Parade) which are located in various locations on the Green. Is the town trying to squeeze too much on too little land? There is no safe parking. This sliver of remaining grass is bounded on 2 sides by state highway. Why isn’t our community leadership utilizing our school parking lots and adjacent fields for these community events – away from traffic, safe, plentiful parking, taxpayer funded and maintained.
Tolland is fortunate to have a registered historic landmark where everyone can enjoy the same historic experience. Please join with other historic organizations & neighbors to protect this sliver of hallowed ground, the essence of Tolland. Thank you.