Board of Selectmen Sub Committee Meeting on Eno Farms

Board of Selectmen Subcommittee Meeting July 2, 2012

I would like to inform this committee that the Eno Trust is “to be used for the occupation, maintenance and support of the Town poor of said Town and for no other purpose whatsoever.” It is incumbent on the town to continue to use the facility for that purpose and no other. There is nothing in the Trust document that allows the Town to have a for profit company making a profit at the expense of the poor. The rents should reflect the ability of the poor to pay a reduced rent depending upon their circumstances. Using a $ 70,000 income as the model for the facility is not in keeping with the Trust. The only way this facility can be maintained for the poor is to have the Town pay the $2 million dollars to own the facility and transferring the maintenance and operations to the Housing Authority. Many residents cannot afford to live in the complex with rents over $1,000 a month and pay for utilities. By having these high rents the Town has relinquished its compliance with the trust as it specifically states, “ the Town shall care for and support its poor on the said farm without contracting them out to any person or persons for their care and maintenance.” The Trust specifically declares that the Town is the only agent to maintain and facilitate the complex for the poor. From the beginning the Town has given over the ownership, oversight and responsibility to others and the poor were not served. Eno Farms is not and should not be sold to the highest bidder. The rents should be for low and very low income renters with rents compatible with their ability to pay. Eno Farms should be a place for people whose circumstances and incomes have placed them in a precarious situation financially. Eno Farms should be maintained as a place for the less fortunate until their circumstances improve and they can move on.  The Eno Trust and the Ground Lease for people with low and very low incomes was set up as a place for the less fortunate to live until they can move on. If the Town does not assume its responsibility to “ care for the poor,” the Town will have more homeless people living on the streets. With all the wealth in Town and support for giving money to the elite Ethel Walker School, reducing the taxes for the Senior Citizens whose income is under $50,000, improving the sand traps at the golf course, I cannot understand why the Town cannot find 2 million dollars to help the poor maintain a quality of life that they were given through the Eno Trust.  Considering a $50,000 income in need of financial assistance for the Senior Citizens, while considering a $70,000 income for Low and very low income residents without any assistance is not only poor public policy but is inconsistent with the Eno Trust. .All of the opinions before you have stretched the intent of the Trust to make it non compliant with the Trust. I urge you to read the Eno Trust carefully and not allow several well intentioned people once again to contract out the maintenance and care of the poor. It is the Town who must step up to plate and take responsibility for serving the poor. This board was elected to take care of all the people in Simsbury and respect the stipulations in the Trust that Amos Eno gave to the Town.  It is your responsibility to care  for the poor.