5 Things To Know In Berlin: Lower Lane Land Buy, Car Wash Zoning Change, Animal Control Van And More

BERLIN, CT — Berlin's Board of Finance takes up $200,000 to buy land on Lower Lane next to the high school property and $75,000 for a new animal control van, and Planning and Zoning hears a request to allow car washes in another zone.

Here are five things to know about life around Berlin this week:

1. $200,000 Sought To Buy Lower Lane Land
When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. (remote only, via Zoom)
Where: Remote meeting; Berlin Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road
What to know: The Board of Finance will consider $200,000 from the general fund's unassigned balance to cover the purchase and due diligence on a 5.6-acre parcel at 0 Lower Lane, according to the agenda packet. The owner has signed a letter of intent to sell for $154,050, with the town providing 525 feet of black chain-link fence, according to a memo from Town Manager Ryan Curley. Conditions include approvals for a driveway to town property on Patterson Way, Town Council approval, and an environmental assessment. Finance Director Kevin Delaney told the board in September that the land is next to the high school property where a community and senior center is planned, and would give that facility a second exit, according to the minutes. Planning and Zoning voted unanimously Sept. 3 to recommend the purchase.
More information here.

2. New Animal Control Van, Police Vehicle Transfer
When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. (remote only, via Zoom)
Where: Remote meeting; Berlin Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road
What to know: The board will also consider $75,000 for a new animal control van to replace a 2006 Chevy Express van, which would become a traffic control vehicle, according to the packet. The estimate includes $49,910.80 for the van, $6,977.84 for a computer, mount, and printer, and $10,000 for LED warning lights. A third item would move $170,000 from the Police Extra Duty Fund, which collects vehicle charges from officers' extra-duty jobs, to the police vehicles account.
More information here.

3. Hearing On Allowing Car Washes In PS-B Zone
When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. (also on Zoom)
Where: Town Council Chambers, Berlin Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road
What to know: The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Splash Car Wash Inc.'s proposed text amendment to allow car washes by special permit in the PS-B zone on parcels of at least 1.5 acres, according to the legal notice.
More information here.

4. Board Of Education Meets
When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m.
Where: Berlin High School, 139 Patterson Way
What to know: The Board of Education is scheduled to meet, according to the town calendar. No agenda was posted on the town's calendar as of Thursday, Oct. 8.
More information here.

5. Town Offices Closed Monday
When: Monday, Oct. 12
Where: Berlin Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road
What to know: Town offices are closed Monday, Oct. 12, for Columbus Day, according to the town.
More information here.