Overview:
Pam Colombie has stepped down as Winchester, Connecticut’s zoning agent after allegations surfaced that she filed questionable zoning violation lawsuits against businesses competing with her partner’s employers firm, Supreme Industries. The accusations, which include claims of excessive fines and selective enforcement, have sparked concerns about conflicts of interest and municipal practices in one of the state’s lowest-income towns.
WINCHESTER, CT — Pam Colombie, the former zoning agent for the Town of Winchester (also known locally as Winsted), has resigned from her role following allegations. It is claimed she misused her position to file lawsuits against local business owners. Many of these owners were competitors of her significant other’s employer’s company, Supreme Industries, Inc., an excavation and materials processing firm based in Harwinton, Connecticut.
According to multiple sources, Colombie developed a reputation for pursuing unverifiable “zoning violations” against small business and property owners. This was often in the blue-collar sector. She would levy steep daily fines — in some cases up to $1,400 per day. These lawsuits were reportedly filed through attorney Kevin Nelligan, who represents both the Town of Winchester and neighboring Torrington.
Alleged Conflict of Interest
Colombie’s partner, Dennis Colombie, serves as an estimator at Supreme Industries. This is a company competing with other well-established contractors such as O&G Industries. Critics allege that Colombie’s enforcement tactics effectively discouraged residents from hiring certain contractors. This strategy would steer work toward her partner’s firm and their work associates.
One recent lawsuit targeted an elderly property owner for having an excavator on his farmland. He also displayed a small lawn sign — measuring only **11” by 8.5” — to promote his services.
The Graves Family Case
A particularly controversial case involved the Graves family, whose debt-free home was seized after the town initiated a “blight” violation (Case No. LLI-CV20-6024972-S). The cited issues included peeling paint, a request for new gutters, and removal of project cars from the driveway. The fines, set at $99 per day, reportedly accumulated slowly under legal guidance. These ultimately reached $25,000.
In a town where the average income is just $38,000, critics say such enforcement actions have become a revenue strategy for the municipality. These actions disproportionately impact vulnerable residents.
New Role in Town Government
Following her resignation as zoning agent, Pam Colombie has transitioned into a new position within the Town of Winchester as assistant collector of revenue. The newly appointed zoning agent is Geoff Green.
Town of Winchester Planning & Community Development: Official Website
Town Manager Mr Harrington requested additional information to be added on 8/15/2025 approx. around noon:
- Pam Colombie resigned as Zoning Enforcement Officer more than two years ago to take a new role in town hall as the Assistant Tax Collector and to ultimately become a certified tax collector
- She has been serving as Assistant Tax Collector for the Town of Winchester for the past two years.
Editorial Disclaimer:
Presence News reports are based on a combination of verified public records, independent audits, and sourced community accounts. According to Presence News’ internal audit, police reports from the Town of Winchester maintain a reliability rating of 85%. (Which is a very good rating- policing is a tough tough business) However, zoning records, meeting minutes, and related press releases from town staff are assessed at 20% accuracy. (Very low) This is due to inconsistencies, omissions, and lack of independent verification. Allegations contained in this article are based on community claims and publicly filed cases. Readers are encouraged to review court records for independent evaluation. As always, email editor@presencenews.org with any relatable content.
