This Week In Wethersfield: New Highcrest School Hearing, Old Academy Repairs, Early Voting And More

WETHERSFIELD, CT — The Planning and Zoning Commission holds a public hearing Tuesday on the town's plan for a new Highcrest School on Highland Street. It also reviews a grant-funded repair of the Old Academy and a state land lease for a trail.

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

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1. Public Hearing On New Highcrest School
When: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Town Council Chambers, Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway
What to know: The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the town's application for a special permit and site plan for a new school at 275 Highland Street. The plan includes 75 parking spaces, 25 overflow spaces, bus and parent drop-off lanes, outdoor play areas and an amphitheater. According to a traffic study in the meeting packet, the new building will replace the current Highcrest School at 95 Highcrest Road. In the 2028-29 school year, all 412 Highcrest students in grades K-6 would move to the new building, while about 300 Webb School students use the old Highcrest building during Webb's construction. Beginning in 2029-30, the new school would serve 315 students in grades K-4 plus morning and afternoon pre-K programs of 90 students each, and the old Highcrest building would be razed. The site's main access would be from Highland Street, with a bus-only exit onto Collier Road.
More information here.

2. Old Academy Repairs, Great Meadow Trail Lease Before P&Z
When: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Town Council Chambers, Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway
What to know: At the same meeting, the commission will review two municipal improvement referrals. The town plans to apply for a State Historic Preservation Office grant to replace the second-floor plaster ceiling and repair rodent-damaged trusses at the Old Academy, 150 Main St. According to a staff memo, the project is estimated at about $350,000, and the town would seek about $175,000. Accepting the grant would require a preservation restriction on the property, possibly for 20 years, and the Town Council is expected to take up the application Oct. 19. The commission will also review a lease of state land at Marsh Road and Great Meadow Road. The state Department of Transportation has approved the lease for a multi-modal pedestrian trail, with conditions. In addition, the commission will consider site improvements for Dutch Point Credit Union at 195 Silas Deane Highway.
More information here.

3. Early Voting Schedule Set For Nov. 3 Election
When: Monday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 1
Where: Town Council Chambers, Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway
What to know: Early voting runs daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and Thursday, Oct. 29, according to the town's schedule. There is no early voting on Monday, Nov. 2. On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters cast ballots at their designated polling places. Questions go to the Elections Office at 860-721-2820.
More information here.

4. Brainard Airport Noise Committee Reviews Complaints
When: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 5 p.m.
Where: Virtual meeting via Google Meet (PIN 387 332 673#)
What to know: The Hartford Brainard Airport Noise Advisory Committee will review noise complaints and airport operations from the past six months and discuss projects, according to its agenda. Written comments, including your name and address, can be emailed to fred.presley@wethersfieldct.gov by 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting to be read into the record.
More information here.

5. Economic Development Commission Gets Projects Update
When: Thursday, Oct. 8, noon
Where: Town Council Chambers, Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway
What to know: The Economic Development & Improvement Commission will get an update on development projects in town. It will also hear reports from the Town Council and P&Z liaisons, the town manager, and liaisons to the Chamber of Commerce, the Old Wethersfield Shopkeepers and the Tourism and Cultural Commission. The meeting includes public comment.
More information here.