RIDGEFIELD, CT / ACCESS Newswire / March 3, 2025 / As Ridgefield prepares for its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, March 4th, a crucial decision looms over the town's future. The proposed blanket moratorium on development threatens to suffocate the town's growth, burden its financial future, and risk significant economic damage. As concerned residents and business owners gather, it is important for everyone to fully understand the devastating consequences of this proposal. A blanket moratorium is not just a setback-it is a destructive and costly measure that could irreparably harm Ridgefield's prosperity.
The impact of a blanket moratorium would be felt immediately. The town would not only face significant financial burdens due to the halting of growth but would also see its real estate values plummet. "This moratorium is the equivalent of financial suicide for Ridgefield," said one local business owner. "You cannot take a town that has always prided itself on growth and productivity and smother it with restrictions. It will cost us financially, and it will cost us our future."
The consequences of such a measure are far-reaching, from additional tax burdens to the costly legal expenses of defending multiple litigations that will inevitably arise. A blanket moratorium would affect every resident, business, and property owner in Ridgefield, and its financial toll would be catastrophic. "You cannot fight the State of Connecticut. The financial penalties for attempting to do so would be devastating for Ridgefield," said another concerned local resident. "The moratorium will freeze the town's growth, damage its financial standing, and push many of us out. It's a destructive path that can only lead to a loss of value for everyone."
At the same time, Ridgefield cannot survive without "constructive, responsible growth." No town can. While certain areas with limited space, such as those with one or two-acre parcels, may not be suitable for development, there are other, larger areas like Branchville near the train station that provide ample opportunity for growth without interfering with the local community's lifestyle, homes, or traffic flow. "The last thing Ridgefield needs is to throw a blanket moratorium over the entire town. There are areas, like Branchville, where thoughtful, well-planned development can meet the needs of the town's future without disrupting the existing community," said a local advocate for growth.
The need for structured, productive growth has never been more urgent. This is not about cramming multiple homes onto small parcels of land or creating congested, negative developments. Instead, it's about strategically developing larger, uncongested areas in a way that benefits the entire town. "Organized and structured growth is not only healthy, it is essential for the future of Ridgefield. What we don't need is a blanket moratorium that smothers logic, reason, and all future potential," said another resident.
The analogy drawn by local advocate Kirk Carr in his recent comments, comparing the current situation to violent rhetoric such as hanging, only serves to stoke unnecessary conflict and division. "It's time like this to stop using dangerous inflammatory language that only adds fuel to the fire. The focus should be on building a better future together-productively and constructively," said First Selectman Rudy Marconi. "We need to honor what Benjamin Franklin stood for-building a foundation of common sense and growth, not division and destruction."
As Ridgefield faces the possibility of a blanket moratorium, it's important to remember that growth-when managed well-is beneficial for all. "Organized growth brings additional jobs, more capital, and helps diffuse our current tax burdens," said a local business owner. "With the high taxes we already pay, this moratorium could make those burdens even heavier."
The town has already seen the positive effects of planned growth, with significant investment in areas like Branchville Road, where large, undeveloped properties could be developed to meet future growth needs. Recently, the installation of safe pedestrian sidewalks along Branchville Road and Route 7 has improved access to the train station, shopping, and dining. These types of developments can bring much-needed vitality to Ridgefield, without compromising the integrity of the community. "We must remember what we're here for-healthy, sustainable, and responsible growth," said Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi. "There are opportunities for us to grow in a way that benefits everyone, but we cannot let this blanket moratorium stop us in our tracks."
The message to the town's leaders is clear: do not smother Ridgefield's potential with unnecessary restrictions. Instead, embrace responsible growth that respects the community, supports local businesses, and ensures a vibrant future for all. "A blanket moratorium is not the answer. It is a destructive, costly, and nonproductive measure that will harm Ridgefield beyond repair," said a local advocate for growth. "It's time for Ridgefield to choose a path of growth and prosperity. This town deserves better than to be smothered by restrictions."
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SOURCE: DuJour Select
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