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Residents press council on appointments, Old Wethersfield safety, pickleball, ambulance and referendum transparency
Summary
A broad set of public commenters urged the council to depoliticize board appointments, reconsider a proposed parking lot behind the Old Wethersfield firehouse for safety reasons, require more studies on planned pickleball courts at Millwood Woods, explore restoring the volunteer ambulance service, and provide clearer referendum cost information.
During two public-comment periods Oct. 6, Wethersfield residents raised a range of civic concerns the council said it will consider.
Appointments and boards: Christine Lella criticized the process for filling boards and commissions as overly political and urged more transparency and follow-up with applicants. Several councilors later acknowledged the concern and agreed to examine application and screening practices.
Old Wethersfield parking-lot safety: Lella urged the council to reconsider plans for a parking lot behind the firehouse, citing the fire chief’s opposition and pedestrian-safety incidents on Main Street; she recommended alternative locations and additional safety measures.
Pickleball and parks planning: Nancy Korea criticized the proposed four pickleball courts at Milwood Woods for lacking demand studies, noise and environmental assessments, and urged grant money be spent on sidewalks, benches and tree maintenance instead. The council noted a planning-and-zoning public hearing was scheduled.
Cycling and Vision Zero: Multiple commenters praised the town’s Vision Zero recognition and urged expanded bike-safety education to middle-school ages to address e-bike and pedal-assist behavior on local streets.
Volunteer ambulance service: Bob Woodward and Robert Young urged the town to explore reviving or restructuring the volunteer ambulance service; speakers said the loss of the local ambulance is a significant community change and asked the town to research alternative models other towns use.
Referendum transparency: Several commenters criticized perceived partisanship in referendum communications and asked for clearer disclosure of bond-interest costs and repayment schedules; the town manager said the town will manage borrowing incrementally and provide additional schedule and financing information as design advances.
Council response and next steps: Councilors thanked speakers, acknowledged safety and transparency concerns and said staff will follow up, including reviewing appointments procedures and coordinating with public-safety leadership on Old Wethersfield traffic and parking proposals.
