Month: October 2020

2020-10-27@6:31pm–#Weston CT– Easton firefighters are forming a search party for two missing hikers at Trout Brook Valley Preserve at Bradley Rd, Weston.

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2020-10-27@5:09pm–#Bridgeport CT– Police along with detectives were on scene for this crash at Park Avenue and Olive Street. The white car was at the corner while the red car was about a half block down Olive Street. Multiple ambulances were dispatched for injuries.

2020-10-27@1:52pm–#Wilton CT– Report of an assault of a man with a knife at “Belden Nursing Home” which Google says is Lourdes Health Care Center at 345 Beldin Hill Road. Updates say the man has barricaded himself in a room.

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2020-10-27@1:37pm–#Fairfield CT– Report of a naked man on Concord Street near the marina.

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#Norwalk CT–On September 24, 2020 officers were called to Norwalk Hospital for a victim suffering
from a single gunshot wound. Detectives began investigating the incident and spoke to the
victim who admitted he was playing with a gun in his back yard and accidentally
discharged the gun, striking himself near his right shoulder. During the investigation,
detectives recovered a flare gun that had been altered to hold and fire a single bullet.
Detectives discovered that Josue Saravina-Pineda is a convicted felon and prohibited from
possessing a firearm. Yesterday, Saravina-Pineda turned himself in at Norwalk Police
Headquarters on an outstanding arrest warrant issued from this incident.

Arrested Josue Saravina-Pineda (age 26) of Norwalk
Charges Criminal Possession of a Firearm & Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
Bond $50,000

Norwalk Police Tip Line: 203-854-3111

Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com
Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing “NPD” into the text field, followed by the message, and sending it to CRIMES (274637)

FAIRFIELD – Chief Christopher Lyddy and the Fairfield Police Department would like to advise residents to always use caution when using ride-sharing apps as a means of transportation.

“While ride-sharing apps provide a safe alternative for when you are unable to drive, they do pose risks as well,” Chief Lyddy said. “We encourage all of our residents to follow the safety tips below to ensure that they remain safe while using ride-sharing as a mode of transportation.”

October is National Crime Prevention Month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
lists ride-sharing services as a viable means of travel or to get home, especially if under the influence of alcohol, but urges all users to review the following measures to ensure the trip is as safe as possible:

• Confirm your ride by checking the license plate: Before getting into a ride-sharing vehicle, make sure the car and license plate match what you booked through the app. Many of these cars can look alike.
• Confirm your driver: You should also look at the driver and ask them their name to confirm it matches the name and photo in the app.
• Find a safe spot to be picked up: Pickup locations for ride-sharing services aren’t usually centralized. You should pick a location where you can wait inside until the driver arrives. If that’s not possible, choose an area to wait that’s away from the roadway, well lit, and where your driver can safely stop. Request that your driver drop you off in a safe spot as well.
• Always sit in the back: Sitting in the back seat will allow you to more easily exit the vehicle from either side in the event of an emergency or if you feel the need to suddenly leave the vehicle for whatever reason. It also puts more space between you and the driver.
• Share your trip details: Most ride-sharing apps will allow you to share your trip details with others, including the information of your driver/vehicle and the specifics of the route. You can also set the app to alert others of your arrival at your destination.
• Never give out personal information: In addition to using privacy settings in the app itself, it is recommended that you never give out personal information to your driver.
• Use your best judgement: You always have the ability to end a ride at any time. Use your judgement if you feel in danger or unsafe for any reason. Always call 911 if you feel you are in an emergency situation.
• In addition to the safety measures listed above, the Fairfield Police Department reminds all residents to still follow proper health and safety guidelines when using ride-sharing services to limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes wearing a proper face covering, remaining socially distant as much as possible, asking to ride with the windows down, limiting contact with high-touch surfaces such as door handles, and washing your hands as soon as you can after completing your ride.

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Westport, CT – The Westport Boards of Finance and Selectman have approved the request to assign the operating lease for the Inn at Longshore to Longshore Hospitality, LLC. 

The town’s long-time tenant, Longshore Associates of Westport LP, commonly known by its principal, Rory Tagert, sought permission to assign its lease to a new and experienced group of hotel and restaurant operators known as Longshore Hospitality LLC, a partnership led by the Greenwich Hospitality Group.  The transfer to the new management team was negotiated and structured by Jim Randel of the Randel Law Offices, LLC of Westport, CT. One of the other principals, Michael Ryan, is a Westport resident. 

“We’ve greatly enjoyed our 35 years here in Westport running the inn,” said Rory Tagert. “As we’re now ready to retire, we’re passing on the guardianship of this beloved property to Longshore Associates LLC. We have full confidence that the inn is in good hands with a company that has the expertise and resources to further our legacy.”

The principals of the Town’s new tenant, Longshore Hospitality LLC, are highly experienced.  Founded by CEO Charles Mallory of Greenwich, they operate boutique hotels in many states, most notably the acclaimed Delamar hotels in Greenwich, Southport and West Hartford. 

Mr. Mallory stated, “We recognize the importance of the Inn to the Westport community and are honored to accept responsibility for overseeing its operations.  We are hopeful that over the coming years, we will have the opportunity to invest in renovations and upgrades, thereby elevating the guest experience to Delamar standards.”

According to Mallory, the transition will be seamless. Hotel and events staff, many of whom have been at the property for several years, as well as the catering team led by Westport resident Marc Weber, will remain. Scheduled weddings and banquets will be unaffected, and all can rest assured that guests will enjoy the exemplary experience for which the inn has become known. The Pearl at Longshore restaurant will continue to stay open.

First Selectman Marpe commented, “The Inn at Longshore is one of the unique, iconic symbols of Westport.  Its extraordinary location has hosted countless weddings, celebrations and civic gatherings – all of which make our town such a special place. I want to thank the Tagerts for over 30 years of stewardship of the Inn.  Because of their proprietorship, Westporters and visitors alike have been able to experience the facilities’ breathtaking views and create special memories at Longshore.  I wish them well as they begin the next chapter in their lives.”  

He continued, “Town Officials are all very excited to share our vision for Longshore with Mr. Mallory and his partners, who bring a wealth of expertise in running similar facilities.  Their promise to invest in our beloved facility will help ensure that the Inn at Longshore operates as a first class hospitality venue that all Westporters will be proud of.”

About Greenwich Hospitality Group

Founded in Greenwich, CT in 1999, Greenwich Hospitality Group owns and operates boutique style hotels both in and outside of Connecticut.  Comprised of seasoned hospitality professionals, Greenwich Hospitality Group draws on a keen understanding of sophisticated standards of guest service and amenities combined with a distinctly customized approach to the hotel experience. Founder Charles Mallory’s passion for historic preservation, art, and design set the course for the young hotel company, leading him to invest in hotels that in some cases he “brought back to life” through creatively reinventing and repositioning.  For more information visit GreenwichHospitality.com.

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HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Chris Murphy, Representative Jim Himes, and Representative Joe Courtney announced that Connecticut has been awarded more than $144 million from the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Grant Program to help fund the replacement of the Walk Bridge in Norwalk and the Connecticut River Bridge between Old Lyme and Old Saybrook.

“One of Connecticut’s many strengths is the state’s access to rail and the major cities to our East and South,” Governor Lamont said. “Fixing our aging bridges is about public safety and speeding up our transportation system. Our Department of Transportation will do a great job in making these improvements for our rail passengers. Thank you to the Connecticut Congressional delegation for their support of the state’s applications.”

“This $145 million grant will provide Connecticut with the urgently needed funding to replace both the Walk Bridge and Connecticut River Bridge – vital structures that have long outlived their intended lifespans,” Senator Blumenthal said. “Rail passengers along the Northeast Corridor deserve speedy and reliable service on Amtrak, New Haven Line, and Shoreline East. I will continue to fight for every federal dollar for Connecticut’s rail and transportation infrastructure to help grow our state’s economy.”

“The U.S. Department of Transportation funding we secured today is big deal for Connecticut,” Senator Murphy said. “The Walk Bridge and the Connecticut River Bridge are both over a century old, and they are major chokepoints on the Northeast Corridor – affecting travel within our state and well beyond our borders. Connecticut’s economic competitiveness depends in large part on its connection to Boston and New York. This funding represents a big step towards modernizing the Northeast Corridor, and I will continue to work to protect and enhance Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure.”

“The Walk Bridge is a critical juncture for commerce traveling along the East Coast,” Representative Himes said. “But, for too long, we’ve been trying to accommodate a 21^st Century economy with 19^th Century technology. Securing these funds has been a top priority of ours because we need critical infrastructure investment to keep Connecticut thriving and competitive for years to come.”

“Today’s announcement of a long overdue modernization of the Old Saybrook bridge is critical to ensure passenger safety and faster transit of rail service.” Representative Courtney said. “As the region knows, the existing structure has long outlived its life span. The upgrade will also provide a shot in the arm to the building trades and I look forward to working with Federal Rail to target local contractors and skilled workers when the time comes to award this sizable contract.”

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with Amtrak, was awarded $79.7 million in federal funds to assist with replacing the existing movable Norwalk (Walk) River Bridge, built in 1896, with two independent two-track vertical lift rail bridges in Norwalk, including supporting rehabilitation work on the bridge approach embankments and retaining walls, installation of new catenary structures, and signal system upgrades.

Amtrak, in partnership with CTDOT, was awarded $65.2 million in federal funds to assist with replacing the existing, 113-year-old Connecticut River Bridge with a modern and resilient new moveable bridge immediately to the south of the existing structure. The replacement bridge will maintain the two-track configuration and existing channel location, and provide a bascule moveable span with additional vertical clearance for maritime traffic.

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WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Senator Chris Murphy released the following statement on the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court:

Blumenthal said:
“There is a clear and present danger of a humanitarian, moral, and constitutional crisis, as the Supreme Court shifts radically to the right and prepares to strike down laws vital to health and American values.”

“Americans across the country are scared and saddened tonight. Families with sick children are scared they won’t be able to pay for their health care if the Affordable Care Act is struck down. Women are scared the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade and punish them for their decisions about when and whether to have children. Gay couples are scared that their loving relationships will no longer be protected by law. And all Americans should be scared of a Supreme Court that would supplant the electoral will of the people with the votes of Republican-appointed justices.”

“To every person who is worried about what your future looks like under this Supreme Court: I will never stop fighting for you. Breaking the rules and norms to appoint activist judges who legislate from the bench – and overturn laws supported by elected legislators – is undemocratic and unacceptable. Keep on standing up and speaking out.”

Murphy said:
“Republicans just accomplished what they’ve been trying to do for years: weaponize the courts to accomplish their hugely unpopular agenda that they couldn’t get done in Congress,” said Murphy. “The first stop is to take health care away from millions of Americans in a case that will be seen by the Supreme Court in just over two weeks. Judge Barrett will now be seated on the Court in time to hear Trump and congressional Republicans’ lawsuit to eradicate the Affordable Care Act and end protections for 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, creating a humanitarian catastrophe in the middle of a global health pandemic. And next on the chopping block, it is clear, is a woman’s right to choose, gun violence prevention measures, and campaign finance reform. I am both infuriated and devastated on behalf of our country.”

Murphy has been an outspoken critic of the decision to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat on the Supreme Court before the next president is inaugurated, and has continuously emphasized the disastrous implications of confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Last week, Murphy addressed Republicans’ decision to ram through Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the United States Supreme Court, and push their unpopular agenda on health care, guns, and campaign finance through the courts after they’ve failed legislatively. Murphy launched a campaign to invite people across Connecticut to share their health care stories and describe how they would be impacted if the Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act succeeded. Murphy took to the U.S. Senate floor last month to discuss the health care implications of her nomination. Murphy has also held numerous roundtables across Connecticut discussing how Judge Barrett’s confirmation would impact people’s lives, and has also been outspoken on Judge Barrett’s radical views around gun violence prevention.

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2020-10-26@8:50pm–#Bridgeport CT- – Bridgeport Police pursued a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee from Boston Avenue to Seaview Avenue where it entered I-95 southbound. The driver got off exit 25 driving to PT Barnum Housing. The driver then fled on foot but was later apprehended.

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