Month: April 2014

Bridgeport Schools Air Quality Program

City of Bridgeport Expands Indoor Air Quality Program in Schools, Targets Efforts to Reduce Absences Among Students Affected by Asthma

“I am thrilled that we have taken the steps necessary to roll out the Tools for Schools program district-wide as a preventative program in maintaining healthy school environments for our children and teachers.”— Mayor Bill Finch

 

Bridgeport, CT (April 14, 2014) — The City of Bridgeport is moving forward in its effort to reduce asthma and allergy-related absences among children and the adults that serve them each day through the “Tools for Schools” air quality program. And today, the City’s Health and Social Services Department will sponsor free trainings at Dunbar School from 3 to 8 p.m., and in the fall for every Bridgeport Public School.

 

“I am thrilled that we have taken the steps necessary to roll out the Tools for Schools program district-wide as a preventative program in maintaining healthy school environments for our children and teachers,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “Exposure to chemicals, pesticides and mold impede students’ ability to attend school and learn. I support the department of health and the department of public facilities who work collectively to keep our schools safe for all children and staff affected by asthma.”

 

Healthy schools are vital to the development and learning of every student and also benefit teachers and staff when indoor air conditions are healthy. The Tools for Schools program, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will give each trained school the ability to adopt standard policies and procedures for maintaining air quality issues typically found within most schools, such as: HVAC system maintenance, moisture/mold control, pest management, green cleaning supplies, and school bus idling.

 

“Bridgeport has higher asthma rates than the statewide average due to a variety of factors beyond our control, including major highways running through our city,” said Kristin duBay Horton, Director of Health and Social Services for the city. “That’s why it is so important that we work together to address factors that we can control. I am thrilled that the Board of Education has adopted this plan that works to create healthier air for our children to breathe. If we all do our part, we can collectively make a big difference in our children’s health.”

 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, poor indoor air in schools and at home poses serious health risks and contributes to short- and long-term health problems including sore eyes, headaches, fatigue, respiratory tract infections and diseases, nose and throat irritation and allergic reactions.

 

To learn more about how to improve indoor air quality at home and at school, the city health department is sponsoring “Catch Your Breath: Things You Can Do to Improve Indoor Air Whether You Are 8 or 80”—a free event on April 14 at Dunbar School located at 445 Union Avenue from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

The Fairfield Office of Community and Economic Development is pleased to announce that funds are available to help income-eligible, first-time home buyers purchase a home in Fairfield. Assistance may be used toward the purchase of any owner-occupied, single-family, two-family or condominium unit in Fairfield. Under this program, the Town will provide 50% of the required down-payment up to a maximum of $30,000 toward the purchase of a home through a no-interest loan, payable when the owner re-finances, transfers the property or passes away. The Town will also help pay reasonable closing costs up to a maximum of $2,500. These funds may be used toward attorney fees, the cost of appraisals and/or pre-paid interest and other financing charges, and are provided as a grant, which need not be re-paid.

To be eligible for assistance under this program, applicants must meet HUD income guidelines, adjusted for household size, as reported on the most recent federal income tax returns. Additionally, applicants must be a first-time home buyer, which, for purposes of this program, is defined as someone who has not had an ownership interest in a residential property within the past three (3) years. All applicants are required to attend and furnish a certificate of completion from a HUD-certified first-time home buyer counseling program. Certain other restrictions do apply. For additional information, please contact the Office of Community and Economic Development, located at 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield, Connecticut, 06824 or call (203) 256-3120.

Southport News: Sammy’s Southport Pizza & Grill Burns

#Southport CT–FFD has knocked down the fire reported at 5:46am by passing runners at 295 Pequot Ave; all Fairfield fire companies were at the fire along with Westport & Bridgeport units, with Norwalk covering for additional calls. “An aggressive interior attack by Lt Greenhaw and Engine 4 coupled with backup from Lt McHugh and Company 1 who took the roof and Lt Eannotti with Company 2 stretching additional lines to the rear kept this fire to the room of origin,” said Assistant Chief Gomola who was Incident Commander. “Early notification by a couple of Good Samaritans made it possible for us to limit spread and avoid injuries, though as with any fire the adjoining occupancies suffered some damage.” At this time the fire remains under investigation by Fore Marshall Bill Kessler.

 

Stamford News: I-95 North Crash Takes Motorcyclists Life

12:00am–#Stamford Ct–#cttraffic–A motorcyclist hit a construction vehicle at exit 9 northbound.  All construction vehicles ordered not to move for accident investigation.  Expect a slow go or take the Merritt.  UPDATE–State Police reporting the highway northbound is closed now.  UPDATE–Sad to report the motorcylcist passed away on I-95 northbound at exit 9.  The highway is closed for the investigation.  UPDATE: Construction workers were cutting rumble strips in the left lane.  The vehicle the motorcyclist hit was NOT a DOT truck.

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