Middlefield plans to keep a small piece of the 246 acre Powder Ridge property and sell the rest to a developer who plans to restore the abandoned ski area, according to First Selectman Jon Brayshaw.
Brayshaw confirmed Monday that the town will hold onto a 20-40 acre parcel that had previously been included in a $1 million Letter of Intent (LOI) from Sean Hayes, who operates Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park in Portland.
Hayes wants to turn the ski area into a winter sports park.
In to selectmen earlier this month, Hayes said he hoped to convince the town's Planning and Zoning Commission to allow him to divide the small piece of property so he could sell the parcel to an interested buyer.
Instead, the town will keep the property for possible future sale or development, according to Brayshaw.
"Sean does not need it," he said.
As a result, Brayshaw said the town would reduce its asking price to $700,000. The plan will be discussed in greater detail at the next Board of Selectmen meeting on March 5, he said.
Hayes will present his proposal during a public hearing on March 6 at 7 p.m., at Memorial School.
Ultimately, residents will have the opportunity to vote on Hayes' proposal to turn the ski area around if the two sides come to a final agreement.
