Posted March 18, 2025
Assessments levels for motor vehicles changed
KENT, Conn.—The Board of Selectmen amended the tax assessment rates on motor vehicles Monday, March 17.
Assessor Jennifer Dubray explained that the state changed the basis for taxing vehicles from using the National Automobile Dealers Association’s used car values to using the manufacturers’ suggested retail price.
A 20-year depreciation schedule, starting at 85 percent of the assessed value of one-year-old vehicles and decreasing to 15 percent for those 20 years of age and older, was to be applied.
But Dubray said that using that schedule resulted in a 16 percent loss in tax revenues from motor vehicles. She suggested starting the schedule at 90 percent of assessed value for new vehicles, decreasing to 20 percent for those 15 years old and older.
“I did all the math,” she said. “It creates a 10 percent increase in my motor vehicles list by adjusting it. That said, revenues are still down, but not as much. I recommend accepting this.”
The selectmen agreed, passing the amendment unanimously.
The Kent Grand List will be boosted by $49,000 by the change.
The Region 1 towns of Canaan, Sharon and Falls Village had already settled on the 90 percent starting point, with Sharon about to act on it.
Selectmen set date for hearing, town meeting
KENT, Conn.—A public hearing and town meeting have been set for Friday, March 28, at 7 p.m. at Kent Town Hall, 41 Kent Green Blvd.
Two items are on the agenda: action on a revised ordinance governing the Park and Recreation Commission, and presentation of the town’s Five-year Capital Plan for 2025-26.
Immediately following the public hearing, a town meeting will be convened to act on the two items.
ARB okays rehab plans for South Main building
KENT, Conn.—Anthony Palumbo returned to the Architectural Review Board the week of March 10 to complete his application for rehabilitation of a dilapidated
building at 26 South Main St. He plans to use the building as an attorney’s office with residential space upstairs.
Palumbo first approached the board in February and received approval for repairs to the roof, porches, windows, doors, siding, and trim. He asked for permission to remove both chimneys and was given the okay to demolish one but was asked to return with additional information about the second.
At the March meeting Palumbo revealed plans for the business sign that will be outside the building and was given a thumbs up for the design. It consists of two vertical poles framing rectangular panels in the center.
Turning to the issue of the second chimney, board members mulled over the desirability of removing it. Palumbo showed pictures of nearby buildings that had removed their chimneys, and argued that his chimney, which is not connected to a fireplace, prevents the use of an interior wall for furniture placement.
“I will be heating with propane, so I don’t need the chimney,” he said.
Chairman Joanne Wasti said she doesn’t “love removing chimneys because they add a little charm” to buildings but said, as an interior chimney, this one doesn’t have as much visual impact.
She added, however, that chimney swifts, a protected species, nest there and that the chimney cannot be removed while birds are nesting. “It’s nice to keep chimneys for the swifts because they are losing all kinds of habitat,” she observed.
Jill Porter noted that the chimney invades the thermal envelope of the house, and its removal will make the building more energy efficient. Member Nicholas Buccalo lauded the plan for a new use for the old building as “exceptional”, adding, “so I am letting go of the chimney.”
Cannabis survey deadline is March 31
KENT, Conn.—With only a few days left to complete the survey about cannabis regulation in Kent, Survey Monkey is temporarily down. Efforts are being made to restore it, but those who cannot access the survey online and who would still like to comment, can find paper copies in the Town Hall’s front lobby. Copies can also be downloaded here.
The deadline for responses is March 31.
For more information, contact the Land Use office.
