Wells considers temporary ban on large housing developments [Video]

Wells voters are poised to decide whether to temporarily ban large-scale residential developments to give the town time to adjust policies to manage growth in the community.

The 180-day moratorium, which would extend from April to October, would not impact projects currently under review. But town leaders say they need more time to consider updates to zoning and land-use ordinances to make sure large developments don’t negatively impact the community.

“We felt we really need to get our hands around this and put a pause on large-scale development in town,” said Scott DeFelice, vice chair of the Wells Select Board. “Things are already pretty jammed up here, especially in the Route 1 area.”

Residents will vote on the moratorium at a special town meeting Aug. 6.

Talk of the moratorium began earlier this year when word began to spread about a proposed 158-unit housing development on a 121-acre parcel off …