Dear Residents,

The new year is always a busy time for the Canton Board of Selectmen, and this year is no exception. While town staff prepares the 2021 budget proposal, the Board has been busy in other areas:

Avon Communication Tower
The Town of Avon has decided not to pursue its plan to increase the height of its fire and police communications tower at 170 Kingswood Drive.  Because this property is located in Canton, Avon submitted an application to change the tower's height to the Canton Planning and Zoning Commission. In addition to zoning approval, a town meeting would have to approve changes to an easement over the property before the tower's height could increase. 

At its meeting of January 8, a consensus of the Board was not in favor of amending the easement that restricts the height of the tower. The Selectmen envisioned a long and painful process before Planning and Zoning, followed by a swift denial of the easement changes. Rather than endure the protracted process that would ultimately result in defeat, the Selectmen decided to alert the Town of Avon to our assessment at this time.

Following this decision, the Town of Avon indicated that it will look elsewhere to meet its communication needs. 

Town Goals
Consistent with prior administrations, the Board of Selectmen has established long range goals for the town.  This year's goals focus on seven areas of town government: Communication, Economic Development, Senior and Social Services, Environment, Fiscal Responsibility, Emergency Services and Recreation. 

Also this year, the Board of Selectmen have committed to soliciting your input on these goals.  You are invited to the Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday, January 22 at 7 pm at the Community Center to discuss these goals in detail. Please click here to review the goals prior to the meeting and email me with any comments or suggestions.

The Board of Selectmen hopes that our board goals become Town Goals so that we can work on them together. 

Best Regards,
Bob Bessel
First Selectman