Council abolishes zoning commission

NEW LONDON — A zoning and planning commission meeting preceded the regular council meeting Monday, the same day village council voted to disband the group. At that commission meeting, the owner of 118 E. Main, Chad Blake, told members what his plans are now for the property. It has been recently resurveyed, and he said it will end up with five one-bedroom rental units. Council took no action on this property during the meeting although zoning was changed from single residential to multi-family on a vacant lot on Walnut Street. Commission disbanded Other action taken by council included several emergency readings. One of these was the abolishment of the zoning and planning commission. Discontent swirled around the commission since Mayor Toby Thomas appointed a Greenwich resident, Tracy Chesnick, to fill a vacancy. Many residents disapproved of this, and council addressed the issue by getting rid of the commission and taking over its powers and duties. More from the meeting Other emergency measures included selling a used police vehicle, adopting the county hazard mitigation program, and participating in the opioid litigation settlements. An additional ordinance setting fees and rates for the parks for 2026 was passed on third reading. In village administrator Shawn Pickworth's report, he discussed improvements at the Water Treatment Plant, and said the New London Avenue Project is progressing but still has a long way to go. The N. Main to E. Washburn storm replacement is "basically complete," and landscaping will be done next year once the ground has had time to settle. Pickworth reminded residents that a street levy will be on the November ballot, and added, "If they want nice, paved streets, they will vote for the levy." Police Chief Joe Hicks said no parking on James Street is allowed. Also, three people applied for the position of school resource officer, and whoever is chosen will attend the next council meeting. The horse arena in the Recreation Park was used by KC Rodeo over the weekend, and several more events are planned for this season.