Norwalk Police arrested a 58-year-old man following a search and seizure warrant executed on April 3, 2025, after a lengthy narcotics investigation. Officers detained Jacob Beach outside his North Main Street apartment and located crack cocaine both loose and packaged for sale inside the residence. He was charged with possession of narcotics, possession with intent to sell, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $55,000, and he is due in court on April 17.
Author: Alex
STRATFORD LIBRARY CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT “Mardi Gras Magic” is Set for April 26th
The Stratford Library Board of Trustees will present its annual fundraiser for the library on Saturday, April 26, beginning at 6:30 pm.
The 20th annual gala event, entitled “Mardi Gras Magic”, will be held at the Blackhawk Country Club, 385 Oronoque Lane in Stratford and will raise crucial funds for collections, programs, and services to the community.
“Mardi Gras Magic” is an unforgettable evening dedicated to making a lasting impact, featuring a performance by local singing sensation Cidalia Kettles. Guests will enjoy an open bar for wine and beer, a cash bar for cocktails, a passed appetizer reception, a gourmet dinner buffet, a strolling magician, and a crowd-pleasing DJ for dancing.
Guests are encouraged to dress for Mardi Gras, and original, hand-crafted masks will be available for purchase. For added excitement, there will be a silent online auction, local treasures drawings, and a 50/50 raffle. Those unable to attend the benefit may support the Library by participating in the silent auction online, which closes the night of the Gala.
Tickets & Reservations
Tickets for the event are $80 per person and include dinner and entertainment. Discounts of up to $65 off are available for a table of 8 people.
For further information about the silent auction or ticket reservations for “Mardi Gras Magic”, call the Stratford Library at 203.385.4166 or visit:
https://stratfordlibrary.org/gala-2025/
Three Arrested Following Smoke Shop Inspections in Fairfield
FAIRFIELD, CT – On March 26, 2025, the Fairfield Police Department Detective Division, working in collaboration with several state agencies, conducted inspections at multiple smoke shops in town. The operation involved the Department of Consumer Protection, Department of Mental Health Services, Department of Labor, and Department of Revenue Services.
The inspections uncovered a large quantity of illegal THC products including vape pens, edibles, pre-rolls, and marijuana. The Fairfield Police Department’s Quality of Life Unit seized the contraband, and investigations into the businesses remain ongoing.
Two individuals, Aseel Alsaidi and Jabar Saidi, were arrested at US 1 Vape Shop and charged with possession of marijuana over eight ounces with intent to sell, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia in a drug factory situation. A third individual, Issa Albahari, was arrested at World Smoke & Cigar and charged with possession of marijuana over one kilogram with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia in a drug factory situation.
Both establishments were also cited for illegally selling vape or nicotine products to a person under the age of 21. All three individuals are scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on April 9, 2025.
Today’s Car Fire…
Today’s Car Fire is at the CVS on Main Street in Bridgeport. Firefighters arrived on scene to a partially involved fire under the hood and it was quickly extinguished.
Bridgeport News: Extrication Crash
Report of a crash requiring extrication around the 1400 block of Fairfield Ave in Bridgeport. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to remove the door that the other car was pinning, and successfully removed the trapped person from the vehicle.
Town of Fairfield Issued Certificate of Affordable Housing Project Completion Fairfield Entitled to an Affordable Housing Moratorium for Four Years
Fairfield, CT, —First Selectman Bill Gerber announced today that the State of Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) has determined that the Town of Fairfield has met the requirements under Section 8-30g of the Connecticut General Statutes for a Certificate of Affordable Housing Project Completion and is entitled to a Moratorium of Applicability. The Moratorium of Applicability will begin on the next publication date of the Connecticut Law Journal, expected to be April 1, 2025, and will remain in effect for a four-year period.
The Town has made steady progress on the number of affordable housing units and submitted its application for a Certificate of Affordable Housing Project Completion on December 18, 2024. The application required proof that at least two percent of Fairfield’s 21,982 housing units, as reported in the 2020 Census, be documented as Affordable Housing Unit Equivalents (439.64 HUE). The application documented 462 HUE.
In the last decade, the Town has:
- Adopted an inclusionary zoning regulation that requires all developments resulting in ten or more dwelling units to set aside not less than ten percent of those units as affordable to persons or households with incomes at or below eighty percent of the area median income. The set-aside requirement is higher (12%) in the transit-oriented development overlay district.
- Established a dedicated Housing Trust Fund, which the Affordable Housing Committee has used to purchase property and make it available for new affordable housing developments.
- Enacted an inclusionary zoning fee of .005% on all new construction and building additions that don’t otherwise contribute to the Town’s affordable housing supply.
- Passed new zoning regulations making it easier to create accessory dwelling units in all residential districts except the Beach District and allowing detached ADUs.
- Utilized CDBG funds to help purchase properties conditioned upon their being affordable for a fixed term.
“Today’s announcement has been a long time in coming and is the culmination of many years of work,” commented Director of Community & Economic Development Mark Barnhart, noting that the Town’s application spanned some 600 pages and included documentation for some two dozen projects.
“While the moratorium represents a significant milestone, we know that it is only temporary, and that our work continues,” Barnhart added. “Further, we know that the need for more attainable housing options has never been greater; but, the good news on both counts is that we have a number of projects already approved or under construction that will allow us to continue to make progress on meeting our housing needs and qualifying for a subsequent moratorium.”
“During the upcoming moratorium, Fairfield can leverage greater control over the size and design of developments,” said First Selectman Bill Gerber. “We have been making steady progress in increasing our affordable housing inventory, mostly by increasing the number of units that are deed-restricted. Our goal is to continue to diversify Fairfield’s housing stock as we recognize the need for more housing choices for Fairfield’s residents.”
Fairfield’s most recent Affordable Housing Plan calls for the Town to explore ways to create “middle housing,” or multi-family developments built on a more modest scale, such as duplexes or triplexes, instead of multi-story apartment buildings. The Town’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity will add more middle housing with two new elevated duplexes at 385 and 402 Quincy Street. This will be the second Habitat project in Fairfield. The first is located at 244 Greenfield Street and is expected to be ready for occupancy in June 2025.
Barnhart noted that a number of pending development applications are considered “grandfathered” and must be considered by Town Plan and Zoning, as they were submitted before the moratorium took effect. Currently, the Town has ten pending applications filed under the State’s Affordable Housing Act. Should any of these applications be constructed, thirty percent of all units would be deed-restricted and available to income-eligible households.
Merchants of Greenfield Hill Commons to Hold 2nd Annual Egg Hunt
Fairfield, CT – The merchants of Greenfield Hill Commons invite you to their 2nd Annual Egg Hunt, which will take place on Saturday, April 5th, from 10 AM – 11 AM. Bronson the Bunny will kick off the Egg Hunt and be available to take pictures with the kids as well! Additionally, there will be a kid’s craft set-up in the breezeway between Jennifer Butler Designs and BE Chocolat.
Select merchants will also be offering special promotions during and after the egg hunt, including: grab-and-go flowers from Coreen’s Bridge Floral, buy one, get one free off the rack at Jennifer Butler Designs, 20% off your entire purchase from Lexington Home and Garden, and free chocolate and ice cream samples from BE Chocolat.
After the Egg Hunt, beginning at 11:15 AM, BE Chocolat will be offering a kids’ lollipop-making class. Attendees must register in advance; more information is available here.
Greenfield Hill Commons is located at 75 Hillside Road in Fairfield. The Egg Hunt will take place rain or shine.
Ansonia Man Arrested After Guns and Drugs Found in Abandoned Duffel Bag
During the month of March, the Bridgeport Police Task Force conducted an investigation into G’s Smoke Shop, located at the intersection of Middle Street and John Street. Search warrants were obtained in connection with illegal firearms and unauthorized marijuana sales.
On March twenty-eighth, two thousand twenty-five, Task Force officers executed search warrants on both the smoke shop and an apartment located above the store. As a result of the search, officers seized a loaded nine-millimeter handgun, approximately eighty-six and a half pounds of marijuana products, approximately ten pounds of hallucinogenic mushroom products, and more than one hundred sixty-five thousand dollars in U.S. currency.
The subject of the investigation, forty-two-year-old Gabriel Rodriguez of Bridgeport, is a convicted felon. He was charged with multiple firearm and narcotics violations, including criminal possession of a firearm and possession of hallucinogens, as well as possession of more than one kilogram of marijuana with intent to sell.
Ansonia Man Arrested After Guns and Drugs Found in Abandoned Duffel Bag
On May 22, 2024 the Ansonia Police Department received an abandoned property complaint regarding a duffel bag containing drugs and guns left in a common hallway of an apartment building in the 200 block of Main Street. When officers recovered the bag they located seven firearms, several different drugs to include cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, methamphetamine, tramadol and ecstasy, and drug packaging material. One of the guns in the bag was reported stolen from Trumbull in 2003. Detective Kristen Hunt and Detective Shawn Mendenhall continued the investigation using surveillance and video from the surrounding businesses. They were able to identify a potential suspect through DNA and Detective Hunt was able to obtain an arrest warrant.
On March 18, 2025, Geoffrey Feliciano, age 37, of Ansonia was taken into custody and charged with Possession with Intent to Sell Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Sell Narcotics, Possession with Intent to Sell Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Sell Hallucinogen, Possession with Intent to Sell Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance 4 counts, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Theft of Firearm, Failure to Obtain Serial Number Firearm 4 counts, Improper Storage of Firearm 7 counts, Reckless Endangerment First Degree, and Risk of Injury. Feliciano posted a court set $100,000.00 bond and his next court date is April 9, 2025 at Derby Superior Court.
All arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
STRATFORD LIBRARY KIDS EVENTS IN APRIL
1. April Storytimes
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers weekly storytimes for children.
Schedule:
- Mondays – Toddler Time for ages 0-2
- Tuesdays – Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5
- Thursdays – Baby Lapsit for babies 0-18 months
- Fridays – Friday Fun with stories and songs for ages 1-5
Storytimes meet at 10:30 am. Enjoy early literacy activities and meet other families.
Spring Storytimes end April 11.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
2. LEGO Club
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer LEGO Club on Thursday, April 3 at 4:00pm.
- For ages: 5-12
- Location: Children’s Program Room
- Activity: Build LEGO creations with friends!
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
3. Preschool Art
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for some creative fun!
📅 Date: Saturday, April 5 at 11:00am
👦 For ages: 3-7
📍 Location: Children’s Program Room
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
4. Around The World with The Hungry Caterpillar: Slovakia
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for “Around the World with The Hungry Caterpillar”!
📅 Date: Monday, April 7 at 4:00pm
👦 For ages: 4-12
📖 Activity: Listen to The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle in English and Slovak.
🌍 Learn about: Slovak culture, food, and more!
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
5. Science Club
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for our new Science Club, featuring different activities every month!
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 8 at 6:00pm
👦 For ages: 7-12
🧪 April’s session: uCreate Fun!
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
6. Kids Lego Robotics Club
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for a Lego Robotics workshop!
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 9 at 4:00pm
👦 For ages: 7-12
🤖 Activity: Build and code using LEGO Spike Essential kits (thanks to a grant from the Stratford Rotary Club).
📍 Location: Children’s Program Room
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
7. Sew A Circle Skirt
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for a sewing class to make your own Circle Skirt!
📅 Start Date: Thursday, April 10 at 4:00pm
🧵 Sessions: Continues weekly on Thursdays until finished (2-4 sessions based on progress).
👦 For ages: 8 to adult
📍 Location: Library
🪡 What you’ll learn:
- How to make your own pattern
- How to sew a Circle Skirt
🎨 Supplies: Bring your own fabric; other materials will be provided.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
8. Book Scientists
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Book Scientist kits for children!
📅 Themes:
📖 April 11 – Earth Day
📖 April 25 – Language
👦 For ages: 3-12
📦 Each kit includes: Books and activities (books must be returned, but you keep everything else!).
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
9. Seed Library Grab ‘n’ Go
Pick up free seed kits from the Stratford Library Children’s Dept.!
📅 Flower Seeds:
🌼 April 14 – Zinnias
🌸 April 28 – California Blue Bells
📅 Vegetable Seeds:
🥕 April 4 – Radishes
🥬 April 18 – Lettuce
📦 Each kit includes: Seeds and planting instructions.
📌 Registration is required, but drop-ins are welcome as supplies last.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
10. Pet Care 101 with the CT Humane Society
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. and the CT Humane Society for a Pet Care 101 program!
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 15 at 1:00pm
👦 For ages: 8-12
🐾 Learn about:
- The basics of pet care
- Costs associated with pet ownership
- How to choose the right pet for your family
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
11. Learn to Crochet
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. is offering beginner crochet lessons!
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00pm
👦 For ages: 9 to adult
🧶 What you’ll learn: Basic crochet skills
📦 Supplies: Provided by the library
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
12. Kids Podcasting Club
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for a Podcasting Club and start recording your own stories!
📅 Date: Thursday, April 17 at 2:00pm
👦 For ages: 7-13 (with a parent/guardian)
🎙 What you’ll do: Record stories, book recommendations, and insights with guidance from librarians and uCreate volunteers.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
13. Piano with Friends
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Piano with Friends: Music Basics!
📅 Date: Saturday, April 19 at 2:30pm
👦 For ages: 7-12
🎵 What you’ll learn:
- Basic music notes
- How to find keys on a music keyboard
📍 Location: Children’s Program Room
📌 Note: This class does not replace professional piano lessons.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
14. Nutmeg Book Group
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. Nutmeg Book Group for a discussion on April’s book pick:
📖 Book: Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?
📅 Date: Monday, April 21 at 6:00pm
👦 For Grades: 4-6
📍 Location: Children’s Program Room
📦 Books are provided to registered participants courtesy of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
15. Ready for Kindergarten Grab ‘n’ Go
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. is offering a Grab ‘n’ Go activity kit to help preschoolers get ready for kindergarten!
📅 Pick-Up Begins: Wednesday, April 23
👦 For ages: 3-5
🎒 What’s included: A new activity each month to support kindergarten readiness.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
16. Junior Scientists Grab ‘n’ Go: Grass Heads
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Junior Scientists Grab ‘n’ Go activity for kids to experiment with growing grass in a cup!
📅 Pick-Up Begins: Thursday, April 24
👦 For ages: 4-7
🔬 Activity: A hands-on science experiment with adult assistance.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
17. Math Grab ‘n’ Go
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. is offering a math Grab ‘n’ Go kit focused on multiplication!
📅 Pick-Up Begins: Wednesday, April 30
👦 For ages: 6-10
➗ Activity: A fun and educational way to practice multiplication skills.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events.
📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.