WILTON – At their meeting Thursday, the Planning Board and members of the public defended the board against accusations that there is an “anti-business climate” in town.

Dennis Taylor sent a letter to town officials after Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Medcoff explained that a project he planned could be no closer than 75 feet from an intermittent stream on the property.

That project was eventually approved after the property owners received a Permit-By-Rule from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Selectmen decided to hold a “business night” that will take place during their Aug. 5 selectmen’s meeting in response to Taylor’s letter. Medcoff informed planners of the meeting.

Taylor said in his letter that he feels there is an “anti-development” climate in Wilton.

“I literally get calls from potential owners of residences, and occasionally businesses, that refuse to locate in Wilton, not only because of our high tax rate, but because of the negative stance on development and what is perceived as extreme restrictions on building and building improvements.”

Resident Conrad Heeschen, a former member of the state legislature, said he feels the anti-business charge is “based on fundamental misunderstandings of what a planning board is and the expectation that they will get their permit the night they come in without meeting the requirements.”

He added that some proposals come to the board with poor planning. Heeschen said if one looks back over the town’s records, most permits have been granted.

One member of the audience, who is not a Wilton resident, suggested that the board try to become more proactive about getting information about restrictions to the public so they will be aware of them prior to coming before the board. Medcoff said she gives submission requirements to anyone asking for a permit application.

Medcoff said she also goes over pertinent information in the town’s ordinances with the applicant.

Residents are free to ask Medcoff any questions they may have. “I don’t favor anybody over the other one,” Medcoff said.

Planning Board member Bryce Weeks said while the planning board takes the majority of the blame when there are problems with a permit, “we are just implementing and using the tools the town has voted in.” Planner Keith Swett said state regulations also play a part.

Chairman Russell Black agreed, saying, “We lean over backward as a planning board to be permit friendly, but our hands are tied sometimes and they need to go through the proper channels.”

Black said he was recently told by two real estate agents and a business owner that what sometimes keeps businesses and home owners from locating in Wilton is the high tax rate. The current mill rate in Wilton is 22.6.

Planner Mike Sherrod said contractors who should know better come before the board with nonconforming projects.

“It is not our business to know their business,” Sherrod said.

Medcoff said there were a total of 150 building, use,and sign permits issued over the last year. Swett said that of those, only 30 went before planners. “We get the tough ones,” Weeks said.

Planners will continue to share their views during the August meeting in which contractors, including Taylor, will be invited to attend. The meeting will be open to the public.

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