Ending long battle, Greenwich to post aerial photos on Web
GREENWICH, Conn. --Town officials will post aerial photographs of Greenwich on the municipal Web site, ending a long battle over access to the information.
Town officials announced Friday they will release material in the town's geographic information system for the public to download for free. Release of the data, approved unanimously by the Board of Selectmen, will include supporting information on the location and dimension of landmarks such as wetlands, flood zones, open space and property lines.
Officials also will cut to $1 the price for electronic copies of the photographs and the data. Information Technology Director Boris Hutorin told the board that the town should be consistent with pricing guidelines adopted recently for state agencies.
The town, which spent $3 million to create the database in 1997, now charges $26 for electronic copies of the aerial photos and $53 for other data.
"As much as I don't like reducing the price of something we paid $3 million for, if someone takes us to court, they're going to look at the state's pricing guidelines," Selectman Peter Crumbine said.
The state Supreme Court in 2005 ordered Greenwich to release its computer database of aerial photographs and maps known as a geographic information system.In 2002, the state Freedom of Information Commission also ordered Greenwich officials to release data from the town's computer mapping system.
Town officials had argued that unfettered public access to the state-of-the-art database would compromise residents' security and privacy. They also cited the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and warnings by federal authorities that terrorists could use such information if it is made public.
Stephen Whitaker, a computer support technician and computer consultant, battled the town beginning in 2001, demanding access to the aerial photos and maps.
First Selectman Jim Lash said the new guidelines were the primary reason to change the town's policy, but he acknowledged that Whitaker's challenge also was a factor.
"In that sense, he's had some impact," Lash said.
Whitaker also fought the town over fees for the information, its format and officials' decision to omit certain details about public infrastructure, such as the location of fire hydrants, manholes, sewers, storm drains and utility poles, due to security concerns by officials.
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Information from: Greenwich Time, http://www.greenwichtimeonline.com
