Politics & Government

Expect a Public Hearing for the Old Town Hall in January (POLL)

At last night's Board of Selectmen meeting, the Old Town Hall debate continued. The board is planning to set a date for public hearing in two weeks.

Bethel residents can expect a public hearing in January to discuss what to do with the Old Town Hall.

With the on rest of its addition as early as the beginning of 2012, about 12 additional parking spaces are needed to comply with zoning laws. 

In previous discussion, some town officials said they felt tearing down the nearby Old Town Hall building was the best option for the parking spaces, as it has be unused for several years due to abestos. While others, , have said selling the building can add revenue to the town and the additional parking spaces can be created elsewhere.

Find out what's happening in Bethelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At last night's Board of Selectmen meeting, the board decided it would pick a date for a public hearing on the matter at its next meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Most likely, a date will be chosen in January, as all three selectmen said they felt it should wait until after the holidays. 

Town Attorney Martin Lawlor said, though he'd double check the rules, the Town of Bethel may not actually require a town meeting to tear down a building, according to a town ordinance. Either way, he did recommend the public hearing.

Find out what's happening in Bethelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"There appears to be many different opinions on the issue," Lawlor said. "Though it may be up to the Board of Selectmen in the end, a public hearing would be a good idea."

Patch will keep you posted on when the public hearing will occur. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here