State Senator Donald E. Williams, Jr.
July 8, 2009
Senate President Says Governor Rell’s Veto of Conveyance Bill a Setback for Putnam
Senator Williams says he will continue working to help Putnam reclaim valuable land
One day after Governor M. Jodi Rell vetoed House Bill 6695, An Act Concerning the Conveyance of Certain Parcels of State Land, which would have helped economic development efforts in downtown Putnam, Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) says he is disappointed with the governor’s decision and will keep working to help Putman claim the unused land.
The bill would have granted Putnam ownership of the National Guard Armory Building, located at 15 Keech Street. The 3.56 acre property is contiguous with school and park lands already held by the Town of Putnam, and would have been conveyed to the town from the Military Department.
“I am very disappointed in the governor’s veto,” said Senator Williams. “Putnam is undergoing its own renaissance, engaging in strong development potential while working to preserve its own character. This property is in a prime location on the Little River and will help accommodate Putnam’s growth without requiring a costly brand-new construction. This facility has gone unused, and by transferring ownership, the state would have helped the town avoid the cost of constructing a brand-new building.”
According to Putnam Mayor Bob Viens, the land originally belonged to the town, and was given to the state so that the armory could be constructed. The armory now sits unused and in disrepair. “It’s unfortunate that Governor Rell feels Putnam’s continued growth isn’t a priority,” said Mayor Viens. “This property has been neglected, and we would have put it to good use.”
A veto session has been scheduled for July 20, 2009. House Bill 6695, An Act Concerning the Conveyance of Certain Parcels of State Land, is one of several bills being considered for a potential veto override.
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