WOODSTOCK — After receiving statistics on the number of new houses built in Woodstock over the last 20 years, selectmen last week decided it is perhaps time for them and the Planning Board to meet to discuss how the town might look with continued construction in coming years.
Selectmen Ron Deegan and Bob McQueeney also made decisions with an eye to keeping the town neutral on a couple of topics. Selectmen Jeff Campbell was unable to attend the meeting.
A request from the Planning Board for statistics showing housing permits issued since 2004 revealed that 189 houses were built over that period.
The greatest concentration was from 2004 through 2010, with an average of 12.5 houses a year. From 2011 through 2017 the average was a bit over 5. From 2018 through 2023, the average was about 10.5. The highest one-year number was 17 in 2004, the lowest 3 in 2011 and 2014. There was a bump up to 16 and 15, respectively, in 2021 and 2022, following the 2020 start of the Covid pandemic.
Town Manager Vern Maxfield noted that in 1990s there had been around 17 house permits a year, largely in subdivisions.
The selectmen said the development seemed to be impacting the aesthetic value of Woodstock, and suggested they meet with planners to discuss whether different ordinance approaches might be considered for the future.
Staying neutral
In an effort to keep the town officially neutral politically, Deegan and McQueeney voted to deny any requests from political parties to use the town office as a monthly meeting location. Maxfield said Republicans had been using the office after requesting and receiving permission. He said the Democrats had not made any requests.
McQueeney at first seemed open to allowing parties asking to use the office to do so.
“I don’t see any issue with it,” he said.
But Deegan expressed concern. “I want to make sure we are apolitical,” he said. “They both can find a neutral place.”
After a bit more discussion McQueeney agreed.
That sentiment carried over on a discussion about wording for seasonal banners to be ordered to go on utility poles in town during the December holiday season. Maxfield asked if the wording should say “Season’s Greetings” or “Merry Christmas.” After it was noted there are people in town of non-Christian faith, the selectmen and Maxfield agreed that “Season’s Greetings” would be the best choice.
“Neutral,” said Deegan.
That topic also prompted an observation by McQueeney that American flags displayed in the village on utility poles that are not lighted are technically in violation of flag etiquette. He said some military veterans might disapprove.
Maxfield said not putting flags on unlit poles would eliminate a fair number of them. But he said he would check around for input on the issue.
In other business McQueeney and Campbell, who called in for discussion on the issue, voted to accept a $15,000 bid from Cross Excavation for the town’s 2011 International plow truck. Deegan abstained because he is employed by the company.
Maxfield also reported that so far $650,000 in property taxes have been received for this year, compared to $573,000 at the same time last year.
The board will meet next Oct. 29 at 5 p.m., rather than on Nov. 5, Election Day.
Cemetery lots
Maxfield said after the meeting that the fall cemetery clean-up is underway. According to a statement from the Woodstock Cemetery Committee, “In our efforts to keep our cemeteries as neat and well maintained as possible, we are requesting that all faded artificial, wilted or dying flowers, wreaths or overgrown shrubbery be removed from any Woodstock/Bryant Pond Cemetery on or before Nov. 1. Any remaining items of this nature will be removed by the caretakers after that date.”