www.WashingtonCT.org The Town of Washington, Connecticut Town Planning Process

Municipal Projects

Minutes from Meeting on October 20th, 2004

First Selectman Richard Sears extended his appreciation to the townspeople for their interest in the future of Washington. The intention of this first forum was to begin discussion on the current status of town-owned facilities, future capital upgrades and potential fiscal needs. While specific costs are not available at this point, the importance of reviewing and considering all other aspects of the Town's future needs should be recognized. Each project will have sub-committee and public input.

The following Town facilities were discussed:

Bryan Memorial Town Hall:

Landscaping - Thanks to the generosity of the Village Improvement Society, this will be completed this Fall.

Elevator and handicapped access - The Bryan Memorial Trust Fund and a Small Cities Grant will assist in offsetting expenses for this project, which is expected to be completed in 2005.

Plumbing and electrical systems in the town hall will need upgrading.

It was also suggested the stage area and telecommunications capabilities should be upgraded.

Lake Waramaug Beach/Boat Area:

Boat ramp/parking/north side of town property on Route 45 - Will be upgraded. $100,000 DEP grant will be sought to assist with costs of approximately $150,000. It is hoped the towns of Kent and Warren could assist with the $50,000 still needed.

Boathouse: Plans include demolishing the building and replacing it with a new structure situated near West Shore Road. Costs could be up to $200,000? with the promise of some private funds. The Town's police boats and public-owned rowing craft are currently stored in this building. In an effort to offset costs, a barn raising was suggested, as well as a review of rental fees for storing boats.

Beach house: Includes caretaker's apartment/beach office/storage/public restrooms: 1,500 square feet. Renovations are needed. Estimated at $250,000.

Septic - Estimated at $25,000.

Landscaping - $50,000 (est.)

Dick suggested financial assistance sources for the above projects may include the Town, other towns, Lake Waramaug Task Force, the DEP grant and private sources.

Highway Department:

Titus Road Property: 4.4 acres. Remaining old garage currently stores plows and sanders. Road materials are also stored on site. Land Use regulations, including zoning, wetlands, floodplain and a DEP salt abatement order, set many restrictions on this property. Future plans uncertain. Will level and seed until a decision on future use is made. $120-140,000 estimate.

Brinton Property, Titus Road. 2.3 acres + home. Adjacent to old town garage sites. Possible future acquisition by Town for housing, etc. $1,000,000 estimate.

Blackville Road Property: Currently includes two newer garage buildings and a salt/sand shed. Intention is to extend site and build another storage garage (40 x 150) on site, which would leave only road materials at the Titus Road site. Financial assistance of approximately $130,000 from STEAP (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) grant is anticipated.

Wyant House Property: Adjacent to new garage on Blackville Road; 2.3 acres. Possibility of future availability to Town. Would purchase house for possible affordable housing unit and site work behind building could allow for storage. Possible cost $400,000+.

Depot Study: Dimitri Rimsky reported the Planning Commission has prepared requests for proposals for a comprehensive study of the greater commercial district of the Depot. This Study will address parking, traffic and access flow. It will also address the growth of the residential, commercial, social, and recreational aspects of the Depot, while attempting to maintain its integrity. The Study will begin within the year.

Other Needs suggested by the Public:

Recreational fields, housing, sewage treatment plants.

In New Preston, a public restroom is needed, with the possibility of a future sewage system.

Dick noted Pavilion Hall will be painted in the Spring but no major changes are anticipated at this time.

Betty Mullin voiced her concerns over sidewalks and felt a smoother surface would be beneficial to the handicapped.

Betty also felt the Town should move into the 21st century and allow access for cell phones.

Betty suggested the former Wykeham Rise School be purchased by the Town and considered for a retirement center. She also suggested potential housing at the Washington Supply site.

George Verrastro questioned the status of the old firehouse in the Depot. This building is currently rented to two tenants and the rental continues for another two years. The garages to the rear of the building are used by the police and for town hall maintenance equipment. It was felt this building should be included in the Study.

Dave Werkhoven suggested the bathrooms and storage building and site work planned for the WPS be completed. He noted the Parks and Recreation Commission has worked hard to raise funds and approximately $50,000 is still needed.

Jack Boyer felt the metal storage building at the old garage site should not remain there forever.

Mary Weber felt it is too dangerous for boat trailers to travel on West Shore Road. This will be addressed with the State as it is under their jurisdiction.

It was recognized small community centers do not thrive well without residential activity. We must look at ways to create a mixed use of buildings by blending commercial and residential space. It was hoped the Depot Study would research and provide ideas. Housing development would most likely be placed in high density areas.

Dick noted the Depot Study forums will address different issues to be considered and discussed. This will be followed by looking at each project in detail, determining its order of importance and planning for the future.

Future forums are:

Open Space - Thursday, October 28

Diversity in Housing - Thursday, November 4

Public Education - Tuesday, November 9

A forum featuring all four issues: Municipal Projects, Open Space, Diversity in Housing and Public Education - Saturday, October 30

As plans progress, a clearer understanding of what the costs will be and how they will affect taxes will become identified.

Bob de Courcey offered a motto for the Town: "Whatever we do, let's do it well!" Those in attendance agreed.

The forum was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Gollow