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Willington EDC schedules Aug. 4 joint workshop on zoning and tax-stabilization to spur commercial growth
Summary
The Willington Economic Development Commission set a joint workshop with the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Selectmen for Aug. 4 to discuss revising the Strategic Development Zone and adopting a tax-stabilization policy meant to attract commercial investment and expand the town's tax base.
Interim Chairman Matthew Clark said the Willington Economic Development Commission agreed to pursue a joint workshop with Planning & Zoning and the Board of Selectmen on Aug. 4 to discuss revisions to the town's Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) rules and a proposed tax-stabilization policy.
Commissioners said the town's budget timetable and a pending referendum pushed the meeting to August. Members stressed the workshop should include the Board of Finance and planners so all reviewing bodies can give input before any ordinance or zoning changes are finalized.
Why it matters: commissioners described Willington's grand list as essentially flat at about $315 million and said the town needs new revenue sources to address rising costs and declining school enrollment. Commissioners argued targeted commercial development, supported by clearer zoning and a tax-stabilization program, could increase the commercial share of the tax base and help relieve pressure on operating budgets.
What they plan to discuss: the commission identified two primary agenda items for the joint workshop: updating zoning regulations related to the SDZ and adopting a tax-stabilization ordinance. Members discussed differing approaches used by other Connecticut towns, from prescriptive model ordinances with project eligibility and thresholds to shorter, negotiation-based approaches. The group noted the state authorizes local tax-agreement authority under Connecticut General Statutes 12-65b and that towns vary widely in how prescriptive they choose to be.
Process and timing: commissioners agreed the workshop should be run as a broad, collaborative conversation to allow input from all three bodies. Staff offered to circulate the relevant zoning regulation drafts and eCode360 links prior to the meeting so members could review proposed amendments in advance.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with Planning & Zoning and the Board of Selectmen to confirm Aug. 4 as the joint meeting date and will circulate the SDZ and tax-stabilization materials for review. The commission emphasized the need to present clear options and factual background at the workshop so property owners and boards can evaluate potential trade-offs.
Ending: The commission approved the minutes of its April 27, 2026 meeting (motion and second recorded) and adjourned for the evening.
