Statement to the congregation at St Paul’s Church in Riverside from The Rev. Stephanie M. Johnson
A rare opportunity to permanently protect undeveloped land in the heart of Riverside is now within reach.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Riverside Association, and Greenwich Land Trust have signed a non-binding letter of intent that could lead to the conservation of a portion of St. Paul’s 8.65-acre campus at 200 Riverside Avenue as permanently protected open space.
The proposed conservation area, accessed from Indian Head Road, and located within an R-20 single-family residential zone, represents some of the last remaining undeveloped land in this part of Greenwich. If the effort succeeds, the property would be protected from future development and preserved for the benefit of the entire community.
St. Paul’s has sought town approval to subdivide its property as part of a plan to ensure the long-term financial stability of the Day School and Church, an institution that has served Riverside families and neighbors for more than 150 years. The Church’s original plan contemplated the sale of residential lots to support its mission and operations.
The newly signed non-binding letter of intent charts a different and collaborative path forward: one that balances financial stewardship with conservation and community values. Under the proposed framework, the Riverside Association will lead a community-wide fundraising effort along with Greenwich Land Trust to purchase the property and conserve it in perpetuity.
“This partnership represents how conservation succeeds in Greenwich: through collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to community,” said Will Kies, Executive Director of Greenwich Land Trust. “St. Paul’s campus is a rare and irreplaceable green space in the heart of Riverside. By working alongside St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Riverside Association, we have an opportunity to permanently protect this land, preserve the neighborhood’s character, and ensure future generations continue to benefit from its open, park-like setting.”
The initial fundraising goal is $5.2 million, with the final purchase price to be based on an independent appraisal of the property’s value once the property is subdivided.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the Riverside Association and Greenwich Land Trust – two organizations that share our commitment to serving the Riverside community,” said Rev. Stephanie M. Johnson, Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. “Our decision to sell part of our property has been bittersweet. It’s necessary to ensure that St. Paul’s remains a financially strong part of Riverside. We also recognize that our park-like campus has been beloved by our parishioners and neighbors for generations. With the letter of intent, I can see a future where we are able to maintain both the open space and St. Paul’s for future generations.”
Discussions among the three partners began in April 2025, culminating in the signing of the letter of intent earlier this month. The sale to Greenwich Land Trust remains contingent upon final approval of the Church’s proposed subdivision plan by the Town of Greenwich, as well as the successful completion of the fundraising efforts.
Greenwich Land Trust conserves open space, connects our community with the natural world, and inspires the next generation of conservationists. The Land Trust permanently protects and cares for more than 1,014 acres of woodlands, marshlands, orchards, and meadows throughout Greenwich, preserving the ecological integrity, historic character, and scenic beauty of our community.
The Riverside Association’s purpose is to promote the interests and welfare of the residents and property owners of the community known as Riverside, Connecticut.
St. Paul’s is a member of The Episcopal Church in Connecticut, which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. St. Paul’s mission is to share God’s love, serve our community, and care for the world around us. St. Paul’s this year marks its 150th anniversary of worship and service in Riverside. The Church’s Day School, with 100 enrolled students, has served the community for over 60 years. The Church also serves as a community hub for many local groups including two after school children’s programs, the Greenwich Choral Society, the Off Sounders Acapella Group, Girl Scout troops, and numerous AA meetings. The church is located at 200 Riverside Ave., Riverside, Connecticut.
See also:
Riverside Association Announces 2026 Annual Meeting, Jan 22, 2026
St Paul’s Church Proposed Subdivision Rankles Neighbors in Riverside
July 29, 2025