Preston — A proposed blight ordinance dominated discussion at a town meeting Thursday, as 35 residents debated whether the ordinance would protect property values from persistent blight or would incite neighborhood disputes and possible political favoritism.

Residents voted 24-11 to approve the proposed four-page blight ordinance after 45 minutes of discussion and debate.

Some residents agreed Preston needs a blight ordinance, but argued that the proposed four-page ordinance is too vague, too broad or attempted to cover too many situations. Board of Finance Chairman Norman Gauthier objected that the ordinance would call for hiring a blight enforcement officer, when five other town officials — including the building inspector, fire marshal and zoning enforcement officer — have the authority to address specific violations.

Resident Chris Grillo of Julian Drive held up photographs of a neighboring property, one showing a washer and dryer he said have been sitting in the yard for a few years. Another showed an unregistered boat and automobile and a children's bed with weeds growing over it.

“This is what I look at every day,” Grill said. “This is why I would like to see the ordinance passed.”

But residents Andy Depta, Gauthier and Andy Bilodeau all complained that the ordinance raises too many questions, including the proposed range of $10 to $100 in potential fines. They questioned what types of conditions would generate what level of fines.

“This ordinance is overkill, an absolute overkill,” Depta said. “Everybody would have to be a Mr. Clean.”

Asked why the ordinance is needed, First Selectman Robert Congdon raised the issue of bank-owned foreclosed buildings that have overgrown grass, debris in yards and other blighted conditions. Congdon said when town officials contact the bank, they are told: “Not my problem.”

The blight ordinance was written by Selectman Lynwood Crary using blight ordinances in Groton and Columbia as guidelines. Resident Jan Clancy thanked Crary for his efforts, which elicited a round of applause during the town meeting.

Residents on Thursday also voted, unanimously by voice vote without comment, to approve an agreement with the law firm Shipman & Goodwin to delay payment on a $912,000 legal bill owed by the town until the Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment begins construction on development at the former Norwich Hospital property. That bill, dating back a decade, is from legal reviews of failed proposed developments at the former hospital property.

Residents also approved reappointing Preston Redevelopment Agency members William Legler and Merrill Gerber to the agency and agreed to spend up to $65,000 to purchase a handicapped-accessible school van.

c.bessette@theday.com