By appointment only, you can call the Stratford Department of Public Works (203) 385-4080 from 7 AM to 3 PM Monday through Friday for removal of bulk collection items such as furniture, mattresses and box springs, appliances, etc. Please note that household trash, branches, hazardous materials, anything in boxes barrels or bags, or demolition materials will not be accepted.
Westport, CT – In January 2018, the State of Connecticut became one of the first states in the nation to restrict the use of insecticides called Neonicotinoids or “Neonics” for short. This class of chemicals has been proven to be especially harmful to the world’s pollinators.
The Westport Public Works Department encourages residents to take advantage of Household Hazardous Waste Day on April 13, and safely dispose of any Neonicotinoids containing insecticides.
If you have products that contain one of the following chemicals on the label, you are encouraged to help save our pollinators and bring the following products to Household Hazardous Waste Day:
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024
Where: Greens Farms RR Station Parking Lot #1 on New Creek Road
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Water Main Replacement Project Scheduled to Start April 15
STRATFORD, CONN. –April 4, 2024– Aquarion Water Company continues to perform essential work on the infrastructure necessary to ensure continued system reliability. Water main replacement projects are scheduled to begin April 15 on South Avenue and Hamilton Avenue. The projects are expected to be completed by July 2024. Final paving will then be coordinated with the Town of Stratford and the State of Connecticut.
The project, which will replace approximately 2,860 feet of water main, is part of an ongoing program to improve Aquarion’s water distribution system and to ensure the highest quality water. Infrastructure upgrades will also help reduce leaks and water main breaks that can cause service interruptions.
“We greatly appreciate residents’ patience during this project,” said Justin Xenelis, Aquarion’s Manager of Utility Programs. “We will work closely with our customers, contractors, and town officials to coordinate the work and minimize any disruptions.”
Due to construction, customers should expect minor traffic delays and possible detours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Westport-based AJ Penna & Son will be the contractor for the water main replacement project.
2024-04-04@9:10pm–#Bridgeport CT– A number of viewers reported a gun battle at Trumbull Gardens last night right after 9pm. A car appears to be caught between the shooters. About 14 shots were fired. There were no reports of anyone shot. This is why viewer pictures are so important, to let your neighbor know what is happening !!
2024-04-05@12:22pm–#Bridgeport CT– Firefighters on scene confirming an odor of gas indoors in an apartment building in the 500 block of Noble Avenue.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and the members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation are applauding an announcement made today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that $5 billion from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which was created under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, is being awarded to the Coalition for Green Capital, a consortium of organizations from throughout the country that includes the Connecticut Green Bank.
The Connecticut Green Bank will use the funding to catalyze public-private investments in the creation of environmental infrastructure in vulnerable communities to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs for consumers, and increase resilience against climate change. Priority projects will include infrastructure in areas such as green schools, green school buses, green homes, green municipal and commercial buildings, green resilience hubs, land conservation and climate-smart agriculture, and other types of environmental infrastructure.
With this funding, the Coalition for Green Capital will partner with and expand an economically self-sufficient ecosystem of green banks, including the first-in-the-nation Connecticut Green Bank and community partners. By providing co-investment opportunities and other services as a national green bank, the coalition will accelerate the recycling of capital to maximize benefits.
This investment will stand up a first-of-its-kind national network that will finance tens of thousands of climate and clean energy projects across the country, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Specifically, the EPA is awarding the grants as part of the act’s National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator.
Governor Lamont said, “This grant from the EPA will go a long way in supporting Connecticut’s efforts to build infrastructure that helps us reach our goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making our state more resilient against climate change. On behalf of Connecticut, I thank President Biden, Vice President Harris, and EPA Administrator Regan for leading the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund process in a diligent, comprehensive, and inclusive manner. This award will help the Connecticut Green Bank increase and accelerate private investment in our state’s environmental infrastructure, especially in our vulnerable communities.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This $5 billion in federal funding is critical to building clean energy infrastructure and a more energy resilient Connecticut. The Connecticut Green Bank is doing transformative work in our state to fight climate change and protect our most disadvantaged communities from environmental injustice. I am proud to fight alongside the Connecticut delegation for strong investments like these that will tackle the climate crisis, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and grow well-paying jobs.”
Senator Chris Murphy said, “Our state has set the national standard for green banks, and I’m thrilled to see this massive investment in the Connecticut Green Bank. This federal funding will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create good-paying jobs, and increase resilience in communities that have been the most impacted by climate change but have the fewest resources. It’s a win-win for the climate and our state’s economy.”
Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) said, “Today’s announcement is an investment in good-paying jobs and unleashing America’s clean energy future. I am proud of the work the Connecticut delegation has done and will continue to do to secure funding to support the Connecticut Green Bank, which has been a model for the nation in the fight against climate change. This funding will build on their important mission to invest in innovative green energy solutions, protect residents from dangerous pollution, and uplift communities that have been disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices.”
Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) said, “When we talk about becoming more energy efficient, more energy independent, and better stewards of our environment, this is the kind of serious investment we need to achieve those goals. With the federal funding announced today from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Connecticut Green Bank will enable communities across the region to stand up more climate resilient infrastructure and projects that reduce greenhouse emissions.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said, “This award to the Connecticut Green Bank, the nation’s first green bank, will accelerate investments in the clean economy, reduce emissions and improve the quality of life for all Americans. The intent of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund was to ensure that entities like the Connecticut Green Bank can spread the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act to underserved communities. Investments like the one today empower clean technology projects to create good-paying jobs and lower energy costs for American families, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities, while cutting harmful pollution to protect people’s health and tackle the climate crisis.”
Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) said, “The Connecticut Green Bank is an invaluable asset in the national effort to curb the effects of climate change and a key driver of our state’s transition to a clean energy economy. I’m thrilled to see $5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund go to organizations like the Connecticut Green Bank to facilitate public-private investments in green infrastructure across the country. This award will help make our communities more resilient against extreme weather events, slash energy costs for residents, and limit our greenhouse gas emissions so that future generations may inherit a livable, vibrant planet.”
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said, “Once again, Inflation Reduction Act funding will be coming back to our state through the Connecticut Green Bank. This legislation has a tremendous impact on Connecticut as we look to combat climate change, reduce carbon emissions and deploy clean energy infrastructure. I look forward to continuing the work to deliver wins for our state.”
Lonnie Reed, chair of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Green Bank, said, “Over a decade ago, with support from the Coalition for Green Capital, we passed nearly unanimous bipartisan legislation establishing the nation’s first state-level green bank. Through the steadfast determination of our board and staff, with the support of Governor Lamont, Connecticut General Assembly, and Connecticut Congressional delegation, we have demonstrated in Connecticut how to deploy resources to attract and mobilize private investment that is creating jobs in our communities, reducing energy burden on our families and businesses, and confronting climate change, especially in our vulnerable communities.”
Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank, said, “We know the economywide benefits of mobilizing investment in clean energy and environmental infrastructure projects can have a profound impact on families and businesses, especially those in vulnerable communities. Working with the Coalition for Green Capital, the Green Bank is ready to go to further mobilize private investment to achieve the EPA’s objectives of the National Clean Investment Fund.”
I’m receiving numerous calls about a possible earthquake. My family felt it in Fairfield along with other viewers. The United States Geological Survey website says there was an earthquake in Lebanon New Jersey.
STRATFORD – On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, Stratford Mayor Laura R. Hoydick, Economic Development Director Mary Dean, Michael Reheuser, Director of Installation Services Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9 for the US Army along with several other Army officials, Greg Hencir from USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers), Ray Frigon from CT DEEP, and Jim Cabrera and Ted Lane from Point Stratford Renewal (PSR), held a ceremony to commemorate the recent conveyance of the Stratford Army Engine Plant from the Army and USACE to Point Stratford Renewal, the developers.
The Army Engine site was closed in 1998 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). Point Stratford Renewal (PSR) was chosen as the Preferred Developer by the Army in November, 2013.
PSR will be entering into an Environmental Service Cooperative Agreement (ESCA) which will allow them to manage the remediation of the mudflats simultaneously with the upland property, in order to speed up the timeframe of the project. To help expedite the undertaking, Town departments are working together to guarantee timely and efficient processes while coordinating with PSR.
Mayor Hoydick expressed her gratitude for all those involved, including the Army, USACE, CT DEEP, the EPA, and PSR, and for the patience of the public throughout the years. “Thank you to all stakeholders involved who helped move the conveyance forward. After over 25 years in the making, we are excited to see what the future holds for this 77-acre property, one that is rich in and of great significance to Stratford’s history.”
(New London, CT) – Joshua Peikert was apprehended and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Risk of Injury to Minors while attending a hearing at New London Superior Court for unrelated charges. This arrest comes after a thorough investigation, which included inquiries in Texas where the accused’s accomplice provided a full confession.
The accomplice, taken into custody by law enforcement officials in Azle, TX, on 04/02/2024, awaits extradition back to Connecticut to face identical charges. Despite being unable to post the court-set $500,000 bond, Joshua Peikert has been remanded to the custody of the CT Department of Correction.
Planning & Zoning Commission Approves Supportive Zoning Amendment
Bridgeport, CT – On March 25th, the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved a zoning map amendment that supports the mixed-use development of Mount Growmore; a community-led redevelopment in Bridgeport’s East End neighborhood. Conceived by the nonprofit development organization, The East End Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (“NRZ”) Market & Café Inc., the Mount Growmore project will create a new hydroponic farm and community wellness campus, along with an educational center and training facility on the 2-acre former brownfield site.
In addition, on March 22nd, Mayor Ganim executed a Professional Services Agreement with AECOM Environmental by which the company will work with the East End NRZ Market and Café, Inc. and the City’s Office of Planning and Economic Development to develop the specific bid documents needed for the installation of the underground utility infrastructure and the final environmental capping.
Mayor Ganim stated, “This is a genuine public-private partnership dedicated to reclaiming the infamous Mt. Trashmore site to reimagine it and redevelop it as a clean community farm and civic center for training, jobs, education, and wellness. We’re doing our part to get the site ready. Once we get the utilities installed and the site raised up, the community will really be able to drive the development of the site to realize its vision. We’re excited about that prospect.”
Mr. Keith Williams, President of the East End NRZ Market & Café Inc., added, “With both the zoning approval and this pre-development commitment from the City, we are laying the groundwork for success. He credited the leadership of Debbie Sims, the Community Champion, for attracting significant resources to the effort, including support from the State government, the federal government, and the local government have all contributed. In fact, the project is being touted in several national forums as a model of community-led development. With ongoing support from partners at Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, the University of Connecticut, US Environmental Protection Agency, and from DEEP we expect not only to build out the Mt. Growmore campus, but to bring about real change along neighboring Johnson’s Creek, to clean it up and create good and healthy public access to water.”
The first phase of the development will focus on the hydroponic gardening facility. While that work is being bid out and constructed, the East End NRZ development team intends to engage the broader community in a planning charette to design the balance of the site as well as the Johnson’s Creek reclamation area.
“Honest and true community engagement is essential,” noted Ms. Sims. “We’re going to keep reaching out.”
The City’s Office of Planning & Economic Development anticipates finalizing the sitework specifications for bidding in May, with sitework to begin in the summer.
