Board of Selectmen approves 50% permit fee reduction for Lancaster Drive and Haviland Drive sites

The Beacon Falls Board of Selectmen voted June 8 to approve a 50% reduction in an excavation and grading permit application fee for properties at 48, 54 and 60 Lancaster Drive and 9 Haviland Drive, lowering the fee from $11,350 to $5,675.

At the regular meeting, Selectman Peter Betkoski moved to approve the requested reduction; Selectman Michael Krenesky seconded. The motion passed with unanimous support from the three selectmen present: Gerard Smith, Peter Betkoski and Michael Krenesky.

Engineer Chris Pawlowski, appearing for the applicant Earthworks, told the board the reduction would make the town’s application costs more comparable with neighboring municipalities and argued high fees can deter builders and developers. Pawlowski’s written correspondence to the land use coordinator noted the project is under review by the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission for stormwater management and that the Planning and Zoning Commission had scheduled a public hearing on the excavation and grading permit application for June 18, 2026.

Town staff told the board they had already received 50% of the application fee as a partial payment. The reduction approved by the selectmen applies to the town’s application fee only; the project remains subject to technical review and any conditions imposed by the Inland Wetlands commission and Planning & Zoning following their reviews and hearings.

Next steps identified at the meeting: the Planning & Zoning public hearing scheduled June 18 and continued review by the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission. The board did not adopt additional changes to permit review procedures at this meeting.