The Bethel Board of Finance has approved allocating $300,000 toward the purchase of land on Shelly Road as open space.  The Bethel Land Trust says the parcel is a mix of mature hardwood forest and wetlands.  It borders both the Franc Preserve and Newtown’s Brunot Preserve.  The construction of two apartment buildings was proposed for the property, which extends close to the Franc Preserve’s red trail.  The proposal was made to have the Town of Bethel purchase the land to protect it and enhance the Franc Preserve.  $200,000 from Bethel's open space fund will also be used to complete the purchase.