Located in the northeast corner of New London County, Voluntown is a rural community consisting of 39.8 square miles with two-thirds of the town made up of state forest. Pachaug State Forest offers many outdoor activities; such as hunting, camping, hiking and horseback riding. The town hall and library are located in the Village Center, along with the PreK-8 school, Constitution Field, the walking track, and gazebo. Voluntown was Incorporated in 1721 and has a rich history of textile mills, historic buildings, the Civilian Conservation Corps. (CCC Camp), folklore and was originally known as “Volunteer Town”.
Welcome to Voluntown
State Forest Access Road Closure on Hell Hollow Dec 17-24th
The State Forest throughway on Hell Hollow will be closed by the State Monday through Friday December 17-24 due to tree trimming.
NOTICE OF CANCELLED MEETING
Please be advised that the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission scheduled for Wednesday, December 12, 2018 has been cancelled.
Board and Commission Vacancies: Volunteers Needed
There are currently several vacancies on town board and commissions. Below is a brief description of the Board and Commissions with vacancies. If you would like to be considered to fill any of the vacancies below, please submit a letter of interest to the Board of Selectmen’s Office via email to jzelinsky@voluntown.gov or via mail at Voluntown Board of Selectmen’s Office, PO Box 96, Voluntown CT 06384. Appointments will be made at Board of Selectmen meetings, the next meeting being held on December 18.
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals has 1 seated member vacancy and 1 alternate vacancy. These are normally elected positions, but the Board of Selectmen has the authority to appoint to fill vacancies. Zoning Board of Appeals meets as needed on the First Monday of the Month at 7:00PM in Town Hall Meeting Room. The Zoning Board of Appeals was created in accordance with Title 8, Chapter 124, Section 8-5 of the CT general statutes. The responsibility of the board is to hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in any order, requirement or decision made by the official charged with the enforcement of chapter 124 or any bylaw, ordinance or regulation adopted under the provisions of this chapter and to hear and decide all matters including special exceptions and special exemptions under section 8-2g upon which it is required to pass by the specific terms of the zoning bylaws, ordinance or regulations in harmony with their general purpose and intent and with the due consideration for conserving the public health, safety, convenience, welfare and property values solely with respect to a particular parcel of land.The Alternate vacancy member would fill the position of a seated member when needed to fill a meeting quorum. Past minutes and agendas can be viewed on the town website.
Economic Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission has 1 seated member vacancy, and 3 alternate member vacancies. These are always positions appointed/ re-appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Economic Development Commission meets on the Third Thursday of every month (except July and August) at 6:30PM in Town Hall Meeting Room. The mission of the Voluntown Economic Development Commission is to foster economic development in Voluntown and increase the tax base by retaining existing businesses and helping them grow, encouraging indigenous business start-up, and recruiting light industry. The Voluntown EDC currently sponsors the Voluntown Farmers’ Market. The EDC is working on several projects that promote Voluntown as an outdoor recreation tourist destination. Alternate members are needed to fill the seats of seated members when needed for a meeting quorum. For more information the Economic Development Commission, visit the EDC website and/or visit the next meeting on December 20th.
Upcoming Community Events
If you have an event that would be of interest to Voluntown residents, please email event submission to thanson@voluntown.gov.
Weekly Events
The Voluntown Public Library
1st and 3rd Tuesday @ 6:15 p.m.- Knitters, Crocheters, needlecrafters of all types – bring your project and join other crafters at this informal gathering for conversation and sharing. Don’t know how to knit or crochet but want to learn? The library has yarn, needles and patient instructors. Open to everyone, so stop by and join in the fun.
4th Tuesday @ 7:15 p.m. – Writers – Are you an aspiring author, or just enjoy writing? Whether it’s memoir, fantasy, poetry or any other genre, come share your writing in a non-judgmental, supportive and friendly gathering.
2nd Thursday @ 6:30 – Library Board of Trustees. Do you have questions, concerns, or comments regarding about your library? Do you have a program you would like to share with other Voluntown residents? Come to any meeting and let us know!
December Events
Winter Kids’ Crafts at the Voluntown Public Library
Saturday, December 15, 10AM- 1PM at the Voluntown Public Library: Stop by and make a chalkboard ornament and decorate a wooden tree.
Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Cancelled
The December 11 meeting of the Board of Selectmen is cancelled. The next meeting will be on December 18.
Tax Office Hours Thurs. 12/13/2018
The Tax office will be closing at noon on Thursday 12/13/2018.
Resident Eagle Project: New Gaga Ball Pit on Constitution Field
We have a new GaGa Pit on Constitution Field thanks to Josh Zelinsky and his crew of volunteers. Josh is a member of Voluntown Boy Scouts Troop 74 and he organized, and funded the pit as his Eagle Scout Project. Thank you Josh and volunteers!
Gingerbread House Contest Winners
On Saturday, December 1, the Voluntown Recreation Commission sponsored a Gingerbread House Contest and Craft Fair. The event was a great success, thank you to everyone who donated their time to organize it! There were many fabulous entries. Attendees voted for their favorites and the winners are listed below.
Most festive #12 Pixy Elliott , Jada. Veda
Most creative #14 the Curry Family
Most delicious #7 the McGuire Family
Overall crowd favorite #18 Diane Blanchette Magario & Amelia Vitali
Business/group #5 Boy Scout troop 74
Photos can be seen on the Voluntown Recreation Commission Facebook page.
Assessor Availability
The Assessor will be available by appointment only from now until January 31, 2019. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 860-376-3927 M-Th, 9AM-2PM. For more information on the Assessor’s hours, visit the Assessor website page.
