Ten Questions

Have you asked these questions about the Zoning Amendment change?

Perfect Site? Not even close! Applicant claims this is a perfect site for a mega-warehouse. It has many challenges - no public water, no public sewer, rugged terrain. Is it a perfect site because the applicant can see Ashford has rural zoning regulations not robust enough to regulate this type of project? Ashford’s existing regulations don’t include the design, site and plan requirements necessary to adequately regulate this scale of development. These new regulations MUST be in place before approving any amendments for added uses.

Is it dangerous to have the use of Industrial Facilities (the third proposal by the applicant) undefined in our zoning regulations?  Absolutely! 

Are there any “industrial facilities” you might find obnoxious or dangerous? Think hazardous and toxic materials. We can’t legally say No at a later date if our regulations don’t restrict them first!

Can we rely on the Special Permit to regulate? 

Applicant says to rely on the special permit process to regulate. Can this work? No! Regulating by special permit is not a system that works in a small town like Ashford against a large corporation with endless funds for legal challenges. It doesn't even work against small entities here in Ashford right now! 

What if they sell the land? 

The zone change goes with the land not the applicant. If the PZC does change the regulations, the land instantly becomes significantly more valuable to the investors and they could quickly sell to ANYONE and realize a profit. We would no longer be working with a “reputable 3-generation company”.

What happens to other parcels in the Interstate Interchange Zone? 

The changes impact ALL the parcels in the zone NOT just the ones on the northwest side of I-84. It also will allow similar structures in the properties on the south side as well. Imagine 7 stories overlooking Morey Pond? Again we do not have the zoning regulations in place to prevent undesirable industries if this change happens.

How effective is the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in monitoring the type of massive septic system the applicant is proposing? 

 It is terribly understaffed and underfunded and relies heavily on corporations self-monitoring. Say what? This directly feeds into the Fenton River watershed and Willimantic Water Works and UConn water supplies.

Why are they so secretive about the potential customer? The Ashford site is less than perfect yet they are actively pursuing it after having been rejected 2 years ago with a much more modest proposal. One can assume that they do have a client in mind - but they know it is so unwanted they are keeping it under wraps saying there is no customer.

How about Tax incentives? 

Mega Corporations insist on tax incentives (reduced taxes) to build and then they insist on more to stay. They regularly move to find new towns willing to give incentives. Towns get left with hulking abandoned mega-structures that become massive eyesores as corporation use the tax incentive bait to move on.

Is it safe for Ashford to put all its eggs in one basket? 

This proposal is aimed at having 1 mega customer fill the property.  The current regulations allowed for a number of smaller ones. Ashford risks a lot with this proposal because there will just one huge facility for one huge company. What if their business plan changes or they get better tax incentives elsewhere?

What types of jobs will this proposal bring to Ashford? 

The applicant has stated they already have a Massachusetts construction company so their hiring plans are “regional”. The request is to add warehousing and distribution centers to our regs. These jobs are minimum wage jobs. The Fed Ex facility in Willington has already exhausted the employee pool for this type of job in this area. Help wanted ads are always posted there.