Town Meeting On Mooring Property Purchase Postponed Again

GUILFORD, CT — The town meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12, on the potential Guilford Mooring Restaurant property purchase has been postponed again.

Citing an improper notice in a local publication ahead of the 7 p.m. meeting at Guilford High School, First Selectman Matt Hoey said he met with town counsel last Friday and a decision was made to find a new date.

"There is a concern that conducting a meeting that is improperly noticed would potentially open up the opportunity for people to appeal the appropriateness of any actions or decisions that were made at that particular meeting," Hoey said during a special Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday evening.

A date has yet to be determined. Hoey said the town is looking at holding the town meeting at the GHS auditorium, as was scheduled for Wednesday, or perhaps the gymnasium or even at Adams Middle School.

A meeting was originally scheduled for Jan. 28 at the Community Center, but it was postponed to Feb. 12. due to capacity issues.

"We're looking at the opportunities we have to reschedule the meeting at a venue that will accommodate the number of people that might necessarily come," Hoey said.

In a news release after the selectmen voted to postpone the meeting, the town apologized for the cancelation and said the matter will be addressed as soon as possible.

"We understand the importance of community involvement and transparency in local government decisions," the town said. "As such, we are committed to ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to properly inform residents and provide them with an opportunity to voice their opinions on this important matter."

Guilford is looking to purchase the property at 505 Whitfield St. for $3 million. Hoey has called the potential purchase "a generational opportunity for us to preserve a feel and sense of community along the shoreline, and give folks an opportunity to be able to enjoy access to our coastal resources."

The town meeting will allow residents to speak on the potential purchase.