Bethel First Selectman Updates on Hot Button Issues

Bethel Patch contacted first selectman Matthew Knickerbocker on several hot button issues people around town are talking about. How do you feel about these issues? Tell us in the comments below.

Downtown Parking Project:

The first selectman stated the town was planning on building new parking spaces across from the library, pending a state grant, however “there is no further info on the $500,000 grant for parking. We’re waiting to hear back from our state reps about that,” Knickerbocker said.

Dolan Plaza Development:

Developers Bob Gleason and Gary Michael, owners of Dolan Plaza, have started clearing the wooded area behind the Dolan Plaza to build a 26-unit, 3-story apartment building on Grand St. (see photo)

Knickerbocker explained that “work has begun to clear and prepare the property [behind Dolan Plaza] for construction [for an apartment complex]. This is actually a land use question, not under the authority of my office, so I do not have many details.”

Police Station:

“Plans [to build a new police station] are still under review by the building committee. They will present a formal recommendation to the Board of Selectmen when they are ready,” Knickerbocker stated.Proposals are being accepted according to the town’s website.

Hickock Water Tank:

“The utility department is preparing for its removal; bids from construction companies are being reviewed. The Public Utilities Commission will select a firm soon,” Knickerbocker said. Proposals are being accepted through June 25, 2015, according to the town’s website. The website stated that the work “involves the demolition of the Hickok Water Storage Tank and the Former Pump Station building across from Martino Lane.”

Codfish Cell Tower:

North Atlantic Towers is seeking to build a 150+ foot cell phone tower on a 49-acre private property at 62-64 Codfish Hill Road. The Connecticut Citing Council is hosting a public hearing on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 7 p.m. at the Bethel Municipal Center, 1 School Street, to listen to comments from residents. Click here for details.

”Knickerbocker stated that “this issue is outside of the town’s authority, although I have written to the Connecticut State Siting Council in support of the resident’s request to deny the application. The Siting Council will hold its first public hearing on the proposal [Tuesday] night at town hall, 7pm.

Photo credit: Rob Stowell