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:
Imidacloprid
Clothianidin
Thiamethoxam
Acetamiprid
Dinotefuran
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024
Where: Greens Farms RR Station Parking Lot #1 on New Creek Road
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.
(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.”
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.
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.
Newly Enacted Rate Change in the Earned Income Tax Credit Comes in Addition to the Recent Cut in Income Tax Rates for Middle-Income Workers (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today is reminding Connecticut residents that thousands of low-to-moderate income individuals and families in the state are eligible to receive a significant boost in tax credits when they file their personal income tax returns this year due to a newly enacted rate change in the Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which has increased from the most recent rate of 30.5% for the 2022 income year to the new rate of 40% for the 2023 income year.
The rate change – which was enacted as a result of the state budget bill that the legislature approved and Governor Lamont signed into law last year and which also includes several other significant tax relief measures – means that lower-income filers will receive several hundred dollars in additional tax credits this year above what they received the prior year, depending on their income and number of dependents. Typically, more than 95% of filers who receive this credit have families with children. “Increasing the rate of the Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most impactful provisions in the recently enacted state budget because it will provide direct relief to low-to-moderate income workers who are providing for their families,” Governor Lamont said. “Numerous studies have shown that this tax credit is one of the best anti-poverty tools we can use because it encourages work, boosts economic stability, and uplifts generations to come. Ultimately, these tax credits improve entire communities because these dollars are being invested right back into our local economy through groceries, transportation, clothing, rent, utilities, and other necessary expenses. I want to make sure Connecticut’s working families know about this tax credit and claim it.” “The Department of Revenue Services is proud to administer the Earned Income Tax Credit, as it provides direct relief to working families across Connecticut,” Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton said. “Our dedicated DRS staff are happy to help all taxpayers who qualify for this credit to claim it on their tax returns. Additionally, individuals who qualify may utilize assistance from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.” The Connecticut EITC is based on the amount of the federal EITC. It is available to those earning less than: $56,838 ($63,698 married filing jointly) with 3 or more qualifying children $52,918 ($59,478 married filing jointly) with 2 qualifying children $46,560 ($53,120 married filing jointly) with 1 qualifying child $17,640 ($24,210 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children It is estimated that approximately 211,000 households in Connecticut are eligible. The Connecticut EITC was created in 2011 and has had varying rates over the last decade, including 30% in 2012, 25% in 2013, 27.5% from 2014 to 2016, 23% from 2017 to 2020, and 30.5% in 2021 and 2022. This new 40% rate makes Connecticut among the top five states in the nation with the largest EITC rates. EITC rate increase comes in addition to the income tax cut for middle-income households that took effect January 1, 2024 In addition to the rate change in the Connecticut EITC, the state budget bill that Governor Lamont signed last year includes cuts to the state’s income tax rates that are targeted toward providing relief to middle-income households earning less than $150,000 for single filers and $300,000 for joint filers. Those cuts, which went into effect on January 1, 2024, reduced the two lowest rates of the state’s progressive tax structure by: Decreasing the rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the first $20,000 by joint filers from 3% to 2%; and Decreasing the rate on the next $40,000 earned by single filers and the next $80,000 by joint filers from 5% to 4.5%. This is the first time that income tax rates have been cut in Connecticut since the mid-1990s. It is also the single largest income tax cut enacted in state history. The income tax cut is estimated to benefit more than one million tax filers.
The Two Roads Brewing Company of Stratford will be celebrating “National Poetry Month” in April by honoring poet Robert Frost and the Stratford Library. The poet is the author of “The Road Not Taken” and the inspiration behind the brewing company’s name. The company is currently donating $1 to the Stratford Library for every pint poured on Tuesdays during April. Since 2012, the Brewery has donated over $8,000 to the Library from the fundraiser (there were no fundraisers held during pandemic years). The money was used for books as well as music, film and lecture programs. The Two Roads Brewing Company is located on 1700 Stratford Avenue in Stratford, Connecticut.
Westport, CT –Director of Human Services Elaine Daignault has announced that the Town is now accepting applications for the 2024 Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program sponsored by the CT Dept. of Revenue Services (DRS). The deadline for submissions to the Town’s Human Services Department is Friday, May 17, 2024. The NAA program is designed to fund municipal and tax-exempt organizations by providing a corporation business tax credit for businesses that contribute cash to these entities.
The NAA program allows businesses to claim a State tax credit for cash contributions to qualifying community programs conducted by tax-exempt or municipal agencies. The community programs that qualify for the NAA tax credit include but are not necessarily limited to energy conservation, employment and training, childcare services, programs serving low-income persons, open space acquisition, crime prevention programs, and affordable housing development. The minimum contribution on which a tax credit may be granted is $25,000, and the maximum contribution that any nonprofit or municipal entity can receive under this program is $150,000. No Town funds are involved in this program.
Each municipal agency or tax-exempt organization wishing to participate in the NAA Program must complete the program proposal application on the CT DRS website. This form must be submitted to the municipality for approval by its governing body. All locally approved programs must be submitted to the DRS before July 1, 2024.
For further information about the Neighborhood Assistance Act Program, please visit the DRS website at http://www.ct.gov/DRS. (Search for 2024 Neighborhood Assistance Act program application). Agencies wishing to participate should submit applications to Elaine Daignault, Director, Westport Department of Human Services, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport, CT 06880 by Friday, May 17, 2024. The list of participating agencies will be submitted to the Representative Town Meeting for approval at its meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
FAIRFIELD, CT – April 1, 2024 – The Fairfield Police Department is partnering with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. From April 1 – April 30, law enforcement will be looking for drivers who choose to ignore Connecticut’s hand-held mobile electronics laws. Put the Phone Away or Pay is a national high-visibility enforcement campaign for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April. Nationally in 2021, there were 3,522 people killed and an estimated 362,415 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. In Connecticut in 2021, there were over 5,600 crashes attributed to distracted driving that resulted in nine fatalities and more than 850 injuries. “As a community, we cannot ignore the dangers of texting and driving. It’s not just illegal; it’s a matter of life and death,” said Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras. “Beginning April 1, our officers will be vigilant in enforcing distracted driving laws. We urge all motorists to prioritize safety and refrain from using handheld mobile devices while driving.” Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory. Violating Connecticut’s distracted driving laws can be costly. Drivers who are ticketed are fined $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second offense, and $625 for the third and subsequent offenses.
The Fairfield Police Department remains dedicated to maintaining a safe community, protecting life and property, reducing crime and the fear of crime and to performing its function in a manner which promotes public trust and confidence. The Department strives to
achieve its mission through the core values of Professionalism, Honor and Excellence.
203-254-4800 www.fpdct.com
While April is designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, our commitment to promoting safe driving practices extends throughout the year. We remain dedicated to keeping our roads safe and urge all drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel. The public is reminded of the following safety tips:
When you get behind the wheel, be an example to your family and friends by putting your phone away. Texting and driving is not safe behavior.
If you struggle to ignore your phone notifications, activate the “Do Not Disturb” feature or put your silenced device in your vehicle’s trunk, glove box, or back seat until you arrive safely at your destination.
If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
Give control of your phone to your passenger. Let them respond to calls or messages.
Never engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
Even when hands-free, do not stream or watch movies or videos.
If you see someone texting while driving, speak up. Tell them to stop what they are doing because it is dangerous. If someone catches you texting while driving and tells you to put your phone away, put it down.
Remember, when you get behind the wheel, Put the Phone Away or Pay
