1996 Shelton Lakes Article: A Close Call

As the Rec Path construction nears completion, let's take a look back. I just ran across this article from the Huntington Herald dated January 1996 that talks about how the water company was looking to sell 238 acres along Shelton Avenue and Nells Rock Road. A developer had already drafted up plans to build a few hundred condos and houses along with some retail, including a gas station, where the Dog Park now sits. By this time, the Conservation Commission had already drawn up plans for a handicapped-accessible Rec Path to run from downtown Shelton to Huntington Center, and was working to persuade City leaders and residents to buy the property for open space, recreation, and a new school. (Depending on your browser, you may need to click the article TWICE to enlarge).

The City was receptive to Conservation's goal, and the land purchase went to referendum in 1997. It passed by a wide margin and the land became the core of the Shelton Lakes Greenway.

Over the years, other properties have been added to the Greenway, which now encompasses over 450 acres. Instead of condos and a gas station, we have fishing, hiking, the Rec Path, Dog Park, a new school & ballfields, a community garden, and Eklund Native Species Garden. And the purchase LOWERED taxes over the long run, since residential areas require more in government services than they pay in taxes. Win-Win-Win!