Middlefield residents overwhelmingly approved the sale of Powder Ridge ski area to Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park in a town-wide referendum on Thursday.
Earlier this year, Brownstone owner Sean Hayes offered to pay the town $700,000 for the 226 acre property and invest an additional $2 million in the abandoned ski area to restore downhill skiing.
"To me it was never about winning or losing. It was about a resounding, I wanted and felt we needed and this town needed a resounding yes," said Hayes. "To me, 1100 to 400 is a resounding yes."
Opponents of the deal felt Middlefield deserved more money for the property which the town purchased in 2008 for $2.55 million. The ski area hasn't been operational since 2006 and the property has fallen into disrepair.
"I'm thrilled. A lot of people worked very hard. I think people want Middlefield to have what it used to have and Powder Ridge was always a piece of our history, part of our fabric," said First Selectman Jon Brayshaw.
"I voted yes because I've lived here for six years and we've been voting on this for six years," said Middlefield resident Melissa Maniscalco. "I think the jobs and introducing some people back into Middlefield so we have some sort of a better tax base would be nice."
By law, a closing on the property must be held within three weeks of the referendum. Hayes said he looked forward to breaking ground on the project in September.
"Now it's our turn, so now we have to perform," Hayes said.
