Proposed Powder Ridge deal falls apart

Middlefield, Conn. (WTNH) - A deal to purchase and redevelop a town-owned ski resort in Middlefield has fallen through.

Officials said Tuesday that the proposed deal between Powder Ridge Ski Resort by Alpine Ridge LLC and the town of Middlefield has collapsed.

State Representative Matt Lesser expressed his dismay with the collapse of the proposed deal in a statement.

"I am deeply disappointed that town leaders in Middlefield and Alpine were unable to come to terms on Powder Ridge," Lesser said. "The State of Connecticut supports redevelopment and the jobs it will bring 100 percent. We cannot afford to drag our feet on a project so important to the town and the region."

Allison Dodge, Middlefield Democratic Town Chair, shared a similar sentiment Tuesday.

"Jon Brayshaw has failed the citizens of Middlefield again," Dodge said. "This is the third deal with Powder Ridge under his administration that has fallen through. From the first referendum which approved the Town's purchase of the property to the Town Meeting approving the sale to Alpine, residents have been crystal clear that they wanted Powder Ridge returned to a functional ski resort. For years, Jon has failed to make this a priority. This is the end result of a serious lack of leadership."

"The residents of Middlefield deserve an explanation for why this deal fell through and I join them in anger and frustration at delay after delay after delay," said Lesser.