Selectmen redirect $45,000 in CDBG funds to Senior Center renovations
The Board of Selectmen on June 24 unanimously approved repurposing $45,000 in Community Development Block Grant program income to fund barrier-removal renovations at the Preston Senior Center. The resolution, along with three other measures, passed without dissent.
Board of Selectmen
In addition to the CDBG reallocation, the board unanimously accepted a Community Investment Fund 2030 Round 8 grant, activated a new calculation for a veterans’ property tax exemption under state law, and approved two tax refunds totaling $341.21 ($233.89 and $107.32). All votes were unanimous.
Planning and Zoning
Meeting on June 23, the Planning & Zoning Commission took several unanimous actions. Members adopted zoning text amendment #2026-05 to comply with Public Act 25-1, allowing mixed-use development, multifamily units above commercial spaces in village districts, revised parking standards, and the removal of minimum residential square footage requirements.
The commission also approved a site plan for improvements at the Preston Transfer Station; a zoning permit for an accessory apartment at 21 Northwest Corner Road; and a site plan and coastal site plan for modifications to the SCRRRA composting facility. On the composting facility vote, the tally was 7–0–1, with member Fred Eddy abstaining. The zoning enforcement officer’s report was tabled until the July meeting.
Parks and Recreation
On June 23, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to allocate $500 for Recreation Scholarships. The commission also approved the March 24 meeting minutes and accepted the treasurer’s report, both on unanimous votes. Other discussion items included updates on park projects, grants, and community events.
School Budget and Upcoming Referendum
Voters will decide a $15,422,640 Board of Education budget for fiscal year 2026–2027 at a referendum on July 9, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Preston Plains Middle School. Absentee ballots are available in the Town Clerk’s office. A special town meeting to discuss the budget was held June 25.
Separately, on June 30, the Board of Education’s Transportation Sub-Committee reviewed a Green Bank report on transitioning to electric school buses to meet a state mandate of 50% electric buses by 2035. The committee identified a July 15 deadline to apply for a Public Utilities Regulatory Authority grant and noted the capital plan must be reworked to include charging infrastructure.
Other Recent Meetings
The Conservation & Agricultural Commission on June 22 discussed the Mary Dora Woodland Preserve, including Phase 2 trail signage and plant inventory, Phase 3 planning, Russian olive removal, Sustainable CT, and Amos Lake Association activities. Minutes were not yet published.
The Democratic Town Committee’s regular June 22 meeting was cancelled. The June 24 Redevelopment Agency meeting was also cancelled. The July 1 meeting of the Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group was cancelled; its next regular meeting is set for August 5.
Coming up
- **July 7:** Republican Town Committee regular meeting, including discussion of a letter to the Selectwoman on speed camera usage, event planning, and reports.
- **July 9:** Board of Finance will set the 2026–2027 mill rate, contingent on the same day’s school budget referendum outcome. The meeting includes reports from the First Selectperson and Finance Director, plus public comment sessions with a three-minute limit per speaker.
- **July 9:** Town referendum on the $15,422,640 school budget, 12–8 p.m. at Preston Plains Middle School.
- **July 13:** Zoning Board of Appeals meeting cancelled due to lack of business.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.