Petition for Planning Authority Reform in Willington, CT

Petition for Planning Authority Reform in Willington, CT

Fellow Willington residents,

As property owners and stakeholders in our town's future, we deserve transparency, accountability, and lawful process in all land use decisions. That's why we're launching a petition to formally request the reevaluation—and potential removal—of the current outside consultants from their embedded role in Willington's Planning & Zoning operations.

This effort is rooted in:

• Concerns about consultant overreach beyond advisory duties
• Lack of public review or competitive appointment
• Procedural conflicts affecting property owners and developers
• The potential abuse of administrative power

We're calling for:

• Full disclosure of the outside consultants' contract and scope
• A review of recent alleged misconduct
• A public hearing on their continued involvement
• Restoration of resident-led planning authority

Let's ensure Willington's planning process reflects the will of its people—not the unchecked influence of third-party consultants.

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Cause for Concern: Legal Overreach by Planning Staff

As a Willington property owner, I assert that the Land Use Agent has acted outside of lawful jurisdiction by attempting to reinterpret, undermine, or invalidate an active Certificate of Occupancy (CO)—a document issued in accordance with Connecticut State Building Code and enforceable under state statute.

This overreach:

• Undermines lawful development
• Violates property rights
• Introduces arbitrary reinterpretation of regulatory frameworks contrary to Connecticut State Law

We Demand:

• A full legal and procedural review of the Planning and Zoning Office's treatment of valid Certificates of Occupancy
• Immediate suspension or reassignment of any staff attempting to reinterpret state-regulated occupancy certifications
• Restoration of resident-led authority in planning matters, guided by lawful standards, transparency, and ethical conduct

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Precedent & Process Matter

This isn't about personalities—it's about lawful process, precedent, and property protections.

When Connecticut law affirms the validity of a Certificate of Occupancy, it is not subject to local reinterpretation without due process, formal hearing, or revocation proceedings.

Currently, the Land Use Agent has overstepped regulatory bounds by attempting to reinterpret a valid CO—issued under the Connecticut State Building Code and referenced in CGS Title 29, Chapter 541.

This attempt is not just improper—it's structurally dangerous. It threatens the legitimacy of approvals town-wide.

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Broader Impact:

• If one staffer can cast doubt on state-approved occupancy, every homeowner and developer is vulnerable to arbitrary denial, delay, or revocation
• This campaign is about protecting the integrity of Willington's zoning process and every resident's legal protections

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Call to Action:

• We demand transparency
• We demand adherence to Connecticut law
• We demand public oversight over land use decisions

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For Clarity:

• Connecticut General Statutes § 29-265: Certificates of Occupancy are regulated by state law, and once issued, confer lawful use and occupancy rights

• Any reinterpretation of a CO outside of formal revocation procedure constitutes administrative overreach and violates procedural due process under Connecticut law and municipal standards

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Respectfully,

Willington Residents for Zoning Accountability