WILTON – Town officials decided Tuesday that they will hold a Business Night during their selectmen’s meeting July 15. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the town office.
Dennis Taylor of Taylor Made Homes and others in the construction business will be invited to the meeting. In addition, the town’s Planning Board Chairman, Russell Black, and Code Enforcement Officer, Brenda Medcoff, will be asked to attend.
Taylor wrote a letter to the town regarding an application for a building permit to place a cape-style home and attached garage on the property of Urban and Beverly West on Route 2, replacing an existing mobile home and old garage.
The garage would be placed in a different area on the property than one that was removed, but would be no closer than 75 feet from an intermittent stream. The old garage was about 45 to 50 feet from the stream. Taylor said the location of the construction was chosen because it is the best location on the property and would not disturb long established fruit and garden spots and would cause no environmental damage.
Taylor said he feels there is an “anti development” climate in Wilton.
“I literally get calls from potential owners of residences, and occasionally businesses, that refuse to locate in Wilton, not only because of our high tax rate, but because of the negative stance on development and what is perceived as extreme restrictions on building and building improvements.”
Town Manager Peter Nielsen said the regulations have to do with the town’s Comprehensive Plan, something that could be worked on by the Planning Board to change if they feel it necessary.
Chairman Rodney Hall said he feels the meeting is important to assure the public that Wilton is not “anti business.”
Nielsen said complaints about a junkyard on Route 2 next to Curves for Women are being addressed. The town’s code enforcement officer has given the property owner until June 12 to clean up the mess and Nielsen said the debris is in the process of being removed.
Selectmen approved a permit for Lisa Libby to operate a mobile hot dog stand on town property at Kineowatha Park. Libby will not be allowed to run the stand during the upcoming Bicentennial Blueberry Festival, unless she makes arrangements with Coordinator Shannon Smith.
Smith gave officials an update on the plans for the festival. Police Chief Jim Parker will lead the parade and a town truck will be in it as well. Nielsen will ride on a float with several dignitaries.
Smith invited selectmen to make an appearance at an open house for mayors and other dignitaries from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 1.
Smith said while the town received a letter last month stating President Bush would be unable to attend the celebration, she has spoken with his scheduler in Washington and she has not given up hope that he may still be able to attend. Smith said over 400 letters have been sent to the president asking for his presence.
Information on the upcoming tax reform referendum will be available at the annual town meeting this month. Voting will take place on this issue in November.
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