October is an exciting month for Colchester! You might remember an earlier column where I discussed outcomes of the Colchester Land Summit held in July. As you know, the summit was attended by representatives from many of Colchester’s boards and commissions, business owners, farmers, community organizations, and residents. The two priority areas identified by attendees were provision of water to business park areas in order to attract desired businesses, as well as passage of a “Right-to-Farm” ordinance. We are moving forward with both
issues!!
There will be a Town meeting on Thursday, October 15th at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall to adopt the “Right-to-Farm” ordinance. As explained in earlier columns, this is an affirmation of Colchester’s recognition of the importance of farms and farming to our community. The ordinance gives no more rights than are already provided in state statute. Many communities around us are in the process of or have already passed similar ordinances.
More exciting news! Colchester applied for and was accepted as a STEAP town almost two years ago. We were recently informed that Colchester is being awarded a $130,000 grant through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP). The grant will be used for planning and design of municipal sewer and water improvements for expansion to areas zoned as business parks. Through this action and the one above, we have taken major steps towards addressing the issues raised in the Land Use Summit.
Also as I shared months ago, we continue to work on the Lebanon Avenue Revitalization project. As a key entry point into Colchester and extension of our downtown area that area must be improved. Per the Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) recommendation, our town planner, Adam Turner, is preparing our application to submit for STEAP funding. One of my great hopes is that the Town’s next administration will follow through with this project. Although it’s not been an easy mission, it is a critical one.
Economic development is happening every day in Colchester! The expansion of 25,000 square feet of retail space in the Stop & Shop Plaza, additional tenants for the Galaxy Shops, our first multi-use development, the new Dunkin Donuts, resolution of the issues facing the previous Parum Road development, substantive meetings with large developers, rewriting regulations, developing partnerships with businesses including farmers, and continuing work to make the downtown area more attractive – all of this lays the basis for strong economic development in the coming months and years.
Be part of your town’s decision making process! Join other residents and voters on Thursday, October 15th at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall to vote on four proposed ordinances – “Right-to-Farm,” purchase of open space on McDonald Road, change in the leash law to allow dogs to roam unleashed in a dog park, and return of open space provided by a developer where the development was never built.
Also, mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 3rd. This is your ultimate chance to have a voice – your vote matters in Colchester’s Municipal Election. Absentee ballots are available in the Town Clerk’s office. I’m looking forward to seeing you.
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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