Preston PZC approves zoning changes for state housing law; school budget referendum set for July 9
Preston's Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a package of zoning amendments this week to bring the town into compliance with a new state housing growth law, while voters are set to decide a $15.4 million school budget at a July 9 referendum.
Planning & Zoning adopts housing-growth zoning changes
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved Zoning Text Amendment #2026-05 unanimously on June 23, updating local zoning to comply with Public Act 25-1. The changes allow mixed-use development and multifamily units above commercial space in village districts, revise parking requirements, and remove minimum residence square footage requirements.
The commission also approved several site plans the same evening:
- Site Plan #2026-02 for Preston Transfer Station improvements — unanimous.
- Zoning Permit #2026-03 for an accessory apartment at 21 Northwest Corner Road — unanimous.
- Site Plan #2026-03 and Coastal Site Plan #2026-01 for SCRRRA composting facility modifications — 7-0-1, with Fred Eddy abstaining.
The commission tabled the Zoning Enforcement Officer report until its July meeting.
Board of Selectmen repurposes $45,000 for Senior Center bathroom renovations
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously June 24 on three resolutions: accepting a Community Investment Fund 2030 Round 8 grant, repurposing $45,000 in CDBG program income for Senior Center bathroom renovations to remove barriers, and activating a new veteran exemption calculation under CGS 12-81(83). The board also approved two tax refunds totaling $341.21 — one for $233.89 and one for $107.32 — both unanimously.
Parks & Recreation awards $500 in recreation scholarships
The Parks & Recreation Commission approved $500 for recreation scholarships by motion on June 23. The commission also unanimously approved its March 24 meeting minutes and accepted the treasurer's report. Updates on park projects, grants, and community events were discussed.
School board reviews electric bus transition plan
The Board of Education's Transportation Sub-Committee discussed a Green Bank report on June 30 outlining the transition to electric school buses to meet a state mandate of 50% electric buses by 2035. The committee identified a PURA grant application deadline of July 15, 2026, and determined the capital plan must be reworked to account for grant funding and vehicle replacements. No votes were taken on these items.
Conservation commission reviews preserve phases, Russian olive removal
The Conservation & Agricultural Commission discussed updates on the Mary Dora Woodland Preserve on June 22, including Phase 2 trail signage, plant inventory, and pollinator/habitat areas, as well as Phase 3 planning. The commission also reviewed a Russian olive removal project and received reports on Sustainable CT, Amos Lake Association activities, and the Tri-Town Trail Partnership. Minutes have not yet been published.
Meetings cancelled
The Democratic Town Committee's June 22 monthly meeting, the Redevelopment Agency's June 24 meeting, and the Municipal Facilities Building Needs and Assessment Advisory Group's July 1 meeting were all cancelled.
Coming up
- **July 7 — Republican Town Committee:** Will discuss a letter to the Selectwoman regarding speed camera usage, review treasurer and State Central reports, and set dates for a July/August event.
- **July 9 — School budget referendum:** Voters will decide the Board of Education's $15,422,640 budget for FY 2026-2027. Polls open 12 PM to 8 PM at Preston Plains Middle School. Absentee ballots are available at the Town Clerk's Office.
- **July 9 — Board of Finance:** Will set the mill rate for the 2026-2027 budget if the referendum passes. Public comment sessions are limited to three minutes per speaker.
- **July 13 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Meeting cancelled due to lack of business.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Selectmen redirect $45,000 in CDBG funds to Senior Center renovations
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.