Selectmen set Sept. 29 hearing as deadlines imperil November ballot for Bantam Annex

First Selectman Denise Raap said the board’s goal is to place the Bantam Annex question on the Nov. ballot to maximize voter participation and that the town counsel recommended presenting architectural options at a September Town Meeting. "The goal of placing the Bantam Annex question on the November ballot is to maximize voter participation," Raap said.

Town counsel Michael Rybak told the board multiple options could not be presented on a single 'Shall' ballot question that requires a yes/no response and warned the statutory submission deadline of Sept. 4 for the Secretary of the State makes a November placement unlikely unless timing is adjusted. "Ballot questions must begin with 'Shall' and end with 'Yes' or 'No,' so multiple options cannot be presented," Rybak said.

Board members debated procedural paths. Selectman Dan Morosani said an advisory poll risks low turnout and noted that bonding for "tens of millions of dollars" affects all residents. Selectman John Bongiorno said he would prefer a Town Meeting that could adjourn to a referendum so broader participation is possible. The board agreed to hold a public hearing on Sept. 29 to discuss and poll each option.

Why it matters: the decision will shape whether the town moves forward with bonding, demolition or redevelopment at the Bantam Annex and how residents are asked to express their preferences. Next steps: the board will present options at the Sept. 29 hearing and evaluate statutory and cost implications before deciding how to proceed.