Video: Former Powder Ridge Owner Proposes "Eco Resort"

Former Powder Ridge owner Kenneth Leavitt is not ready to walk away from the defunct ski area.

Leavitt, who lost Powder Ridge to foreclosure in 2006, announced a proposal to develop a summer and fall resort called Powder Ridge Eco Resort, during Tuesday night's board of selectman meeting in Middlefield.

"We would like to find a way to open Powder Ridge Eco Resort as soon as summer 2012," Leavitt said while providing selectman a detailed outline of his plans. "The activities include zip line and zip line adventures, ropes courses, swim tubes, slide, dive, surf, paddle board, kayak, hiking, climbing, crafts, dance, music, tennis, etc., and camp style family activities."

Leavitt said his plan would initially cost between $2-$3 million dollars and would create eight year-round jobs and as many as 150 seasonal jobs.

"We have high unemployment, this will bring more tax revenues, and potentially strengthen considerably the proposal you have in front of you," Leavitt explained, referring to the sales agreement between the town and Alpine Ridge.

Alpine has agreed to buy the property for $1 million, invest at least $2 million into the property and offer downhill skiing by December 31, 2013.

"While we're not suggesting the town increase it's sale price, we believe it should consider whether the current proposal at it stands will bring enough benefits, cash and otherwise, to properly benefit the town," he said 

The resort was conceived by Leavitt Family Partners, under an entity called Center Peaks Town Ridge, according to Leavitt.

Leavitt said he is willing to work with Alpine to offer "a year-round approach to Powder Ridge."

First Selectman Jon Brayshaw initially proposed that the board discuss the proposal in Executive Session at a later date, but selectman Mary Johnson urged Brayshaw to consult with the town's attorney before making any decisions on Leavitt's proposal, to which Brayshaw agreed.

Later in the meeting the board voted to extend the closing date between the town and Alpine from August 1 to October 1 as both sides work through the process of obtaining the necessary permits.