North Stonington voters approve one-year lease of Education Center classroom to Max Snacks Inc.

North Stonington — Voters at a special town meeting on July 6 approved a one‑year lease of Classroom 1426 at the North Stonington Education Center to Max Snacks Inc., a local 501(c)(3) that runs a life‑skills program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Under the lease conditions read into the record, Max Snacks will pay $1 per year plus 1.3% toward the building's utilities for a one‑year term that may be extended by agreement. The meeting moderator announced that paper ballots were used and that the measure passed, 56 in favor and 14 against.

The nonprofit’s founder, Amy French, told the meeting that she created Max Snacks because of her daughter, Catherine, and that the program operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. French said the classroom provides a consistent learning environment where participants develop independent‑living and vocational skills and take part in community projects such as food‑pantry donations.

“We want to continue empowering adults with disabilities,” French said, adding that Max Snacks holds current 501(c)(3) status and maintains insurance. Heather Young, a resident who spoke in support, described being welcomed by program staff and recalled staff helping her after a medical episode.

Some residents raised questions about the organization’s past operations. James Deminger said he was concerned that the program did not appear active at a prior Route 2 location and questioned whether reduced visibility could affect the nonprofit’s ability to meet its goals. French responded that the Route 2 site required renovations and had high utility costs, and she said Max Snacks intends to pay for utilities and is not requesting ongoing town subsidies.

Brian Rathbun urged voters to approve a one‑year trial so the program can demonstrate its efficacy in the school classroom, and multiple residents voiced support for keeping the program in town for the benefit of participants.

If the vote is positive tonight, the first selectman said the selectmen will request an 8‑24 review by the Planning & Zoning Commission; the commission’s next meeting is scheduled for July 16, and any required administrative review will follow that meeting. The town clerk read the official call for the meeting, which noted that only those attending in person were eligible to vote; the session was also available for viewing and comment via Zoom but virtual attendees could not cast ballots.

The town meeting concluded after the ballot count and a motion to adjourn. The selectmen will follow up with the planning and zoning process required for leasing town property.