This time of social distancing is presenting all sorts of challenges to daily routines, civic needs and general management of life. Among these is governance. This is a republic. Government is based on the consent of and input from the governed. That’s us, all of us.

But what to do when legislative bodies cannot gather normally? When citizens can’t sit and listen in person or step up to a microphone to give their opinion? Life goes on. Budgets must be enacted and approved, taxes set, and development proposals parsed by zoning and planning commissions.

Many of our local councils, boards of selectmen and education, and other commissions are doing what many of those now working from home are doing, turning to Zoom conferencing or other technologies that allow officials to conduct “virtual” meetings while seated in front of their electronic conduit of choice.

But when is this alternative appropriate? There is no doubt the approach makes it more difficult for some segments of the public to participate, with older citizens less likely to be comfortable with, or have access to, the necessary technology.

Yet the emphasis should be on keeping government functioning when possible.

We don’t see a one-size-fits-all answer. In matters of significant importance, but that are not time sensitive — such as zoning changes, the approval of a major project by a land-use commission or the future closing of a school — better to delay until public hearings can again be held in the traditional sense.

However, some matters cannot wait, or can only wait so long, such as the approval of municipal budgets and the setting of tax rates. In such cases, accommodations will have to be made.

In other cases, the issue is largely procedural and a delay for a traditional hearing unnecessary.

Such is the situation April 7 when the Groton Town Council plans a non-traditional public hearing on the sale of the former William Seely School property. DonMar Development Corp. has proposed a 280-unit apartment complex for the site. But for the council to consider the sale of the property, to anyone, it is obligated under state law to hold a hearing. Some neighbors, who oppose the project, want this step delayed until a normal hearing can be held. We think, for this preliminary step, the town has done enough to accommodate public input.

Citizens can email comments to Council@Groton-ct.gov; or use that email to get information on how to participate live via Zoom; or send comments via U.S. Mail to the Town Manager, Town of Groton, 45 Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340.

If, or when, the developer seeks approval of its plans for the project from the Planning and Zoning Commission, a public hearing will also be required. That is the critical juncture, when arguments can be made about the appropriateness of the project and whether it adheres to regulations. That hearing, if at all possible, should wait until normal procedures return. 

The Day editorial board meets with political, business and community leaders to formulate editorial viewpoints. It is composed of President and Publisher Timothy Dwyer, Executive Editor Izaskun E. Larraneta, Owen Poole, copy editor, and Lisa McGinley, retired deputy managing editor. The board operates independently from The Day newsroom.