Alex – Page 98 – DoingItLocal

The Connecticut Association for Human Services Announces the Greater Bridgeport Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Kickoff

Bridgeport, CT – Today, a press conference was held to announce the Greater Bridgeport Volunteer Income Tax (VITA) Kickoff, hosted by the Connecticut Association for Human Services. The VITA program is comprised of volunteer tax preparers that would provide free tax preparation and assistance to households that have made $63,000 or less during 2023.

Mayor Ganim stated, “The vitality of this program is made possible by the volunteers and the leadership of those who work tirelessly to help our residents receive much-needed assistance and the tax credits they may be eligible for. It’s programs like these that are going to provide our hardworking families with the extra money they need to make ends meet and I’m grateful that this has expanded to another location for our residents to have access to.”

For residents that are interested in taking advantage of the VITA program, there are multiple options for submission. Residents can visit www.getyourrefund.org to submit their tax forms online for preparation. Residents may also visit any of the sites below to meet with a volunteer tax preparer:

Alliance for Community Empowerment – Drop-off by appointment only

1070 Park Ave

Tues, Wednesday, & Thursday 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Burroughs Community Center – Drop-off or In-Person Appointments

2470 Fairfield Ave

203-334-0293

Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Housatonic Community College – By Appointment Only

875 Broad St

Call 211 for appointment

Tuesday & Friday 5:00 – 9:00 PM

Bridgeport OIC

510 Barnum Ave #104

Call 211 for appointment

Thursday & Friday 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

For those that are unsure of their eligibility, all are encouraged to visit irs.gov/VITA to check their eligibility status and to find locations in neighboring cities and towns. Residents are also encouraged to visit www.cahs.org/vita.html or uwc.211ct.org/taxhelp for more information or call 2-1-1, press option 3, then option 6.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG CONCLUDES WHISTLEBLOWER INVESTIGATION INTO CONNECTICUT PORT AUTHORITY

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today released a letter to the Connecticut Auditors of Public Accounts summarizing and concluding a whistleblower investigation into the Connecticut Port Authority.

In January 2020, the Auditors received several allegations from a whistleblower regarding potentially improper and unethical conduct by Port Authority employees, board members and a contractor, Seabury PFRA LLC (“Seabury”).

The APA reviewed the whistleblower’s allegations and, in April 2020, reported its findings to the Office of the Attorney General. Upon receipt of those findings, The Office of the Attorney General opened an investigation pursuant to Sections 4-61dd(a) and (d) of the Connecticut General Statues.

As part of that investigation, the Office of the Attorney General conducted interviews and reviewed over 223,000 pages of records. The investigation developed evidence of several potential violations of Codes of Ethics, which were referred to the Office of State Ethics and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. Those referrals formed the basis of four enforcement actions by the Office of State Ethics, including two against Seabury, and actions against former Port Authority Board Member and Seabury employee Henry W. Juan III, and former Port Authority employee Andrew Lavigne.

Aside from Codes of Ethics violations, the investigation did not develop evidence of additional illegal conduct. Accordingly, the whistleblower investigation is now closed.

“Our investigation did not substantiate the whistleblower’s allegations of impropriety regarding ‘success fees’, but it did substantiate allegations of unethical behavior, as well as develop evidence of multiple alleged violations of both the Code of Ethics for Public Officials and the Code of Ethics for Lobbyists. The agency tasked with enforcing Codes of Ethics violations—namely, the Office of State Ethics—did just that. We thank the OSE for its hard work and dedication to enforcing Connecticut’s ethics laws,” Attorney General Tong states in the letter. “While the investigation did not develop evidence of illegal conduct for which the OAG has enforcement authority, we stand ready to implement and utilize our enforcement jurisdiction whenever violations of law giving rise to that authority occurs.”

ELDERLY SCAM THWARTED, ARREST MADE

On February 6, 2024, the Fairfield Police Department arrested Bin Sun) of Brooklyn, NY on charges of Criminal Attempt at Larceny 1st Degree following a reported scam targeting an elderly resident.

The investigation began when the victim received an email earlier in the day, purportedly from “Geek Squad,” falsely claiming a $525.00 purchase. To dispute the charge, the victim called the phone number provided in the email and spoke with a male who claimed to be a member of Geek Squad. Believing the interaction to be legitimate, the victim unsuspectingly provided bank account information and granted remote access to her computer, under the false pretense of receiving a refund.

The scammer manipulated the victim into believing a fictitious refund of $25,000.00 had been mistakenly processed. The victim was then coerced into withdrawing $20,000.00 in cash from her bank, with additional plans to collect $5,000.00 the following day. The scammer assured the victim that someone would stop by their home to collect the initial $20,000.

Fairfield Police Detectives, in collaboration with the victim, initiated a surveillance operation to apprehend the scammer. Detectives observed a vehicle park across from the victim’s home, matching the description provided by the scammer. The operator of the vehicle was subsequently identified as Bin Sun and was detained. Upon detaining Sun, a search revealed a substantial amount of cash on his person. Further investigation revealed that Sun had traveled from Brooklyn, NY, with the intent to fraudulently obtain funds.

Bin Sun was charged with Criminal Attempt at Larceny 1st Degree and was initially held on a $10,000.00 bond. He is scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on 02/20/2024. Sun was released from custody after posting the state-required minimum of 7% of his bond.

Pending charges represent allegations only. Arrest information does not indicate convictions. All arrested/accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Information may not be inclusive of recent arrests or events. Information should be used at your discretion as updates may be pending. Names and addresses may not be accurate at the time of posting.

Shelton Police and State of CT agencies conduct inspections of Smoke Shops.

On 02/05/2024 the Shelton Detective Bureau along with the Department of Consumer Protection, Department of Revenue Services and the Department of Mental Heath and Addiction Services conducted inspections of six Shelton smoke shops.

Prior to inspection, underage persons were sent into each shop to purchase tobacco products. In each instance the underage person was sold tobacco or a vape product and none were asked for identification. The shops inspected were Smoke City located at 719 Bridgeport Ave, Nicks Convenience located at 609 Howe Ave, Shelton Smoker located at 500 Howe Ave, 420 Smoke Shop located at 420 Howe Ave, Smoke World located at 350 Bridgeport Ave and Breeze 2 Smoke Shop located at 874 Bridgeport Ave. During the inspections, cannabis products that the store did not have the proper license to sell along with illegal cannabis products were located. These products included gummies, loose marijuana cigarettes, high THC vape and electronic cigarettes, several synthetic cannabinoids, and other THC products. There were approximately 1,900 products seized with an estimated retail value of $76,000. The store employees who sold the products at each shop were charged for sale of a vape product to an underage person on scene. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

The charges in the press release are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Two Assault Man in Burglary Incident

On February 6, 2024 at about 2:45 A.M. the Ansonia Police Department investigated an aggravated assault on Woodlawn Avenue. The victim, a 65 year old Ansonia resident, reported someone knocked on his door and when he opened the door two males forced their way into his residence. One male was armed with a handgun and asked him where his money was. The victim reported the male with the handgun then took a knife and cut him in the upper body. Both males then fled the residence. The victim provided a description of one of the suspects as a black male about 6 feet 2 inches tall around 30 to 40 years old and the other male was just described as shorter than the first male. This appears to be an isolated incident.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

STATE REPRESENTATIVE JENNIFER LEEPER, STATE SENATOR TONY HWANG, FIRST SELECTMAN BILL GERBER BACK CONNECTICUT SITING COUNCIL’S VOTE AGAINST UI RAILROAD TRANSMISSION LINE UPGRADE PROJECT AS PROPOSED

Council voted unanimously against project in its present form

FAIRFIELD, CT – State Representative Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield), State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield), and Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber today supported the Connecticut Siting Council’s unanimous vote against the United Illuminating (UI) Railroad Transmission Line Upgrade Project as proposed.

During Thursday’s Siting Council finding of fact meeting, the Council examined the submitted evidence and made a preliminary non-binding opinion on UI’s proposed project in Docket 516. Not one commissioner voted in support of UI’s project as proposed. Four commissioners, including the Chairman, supported the perspective that the new monopoles should be moved to the north side of the tracks, so as to avoid the creation of a second transmission corridor in such a congested region. One commissioner even voted no on the entire project.

Specific environmental concerns were also raised by the commissioners and will need to be addressed by UI in an updated plan to be resubmitted to the CT Siting Council.

“I wholeheartedly support the decision made by the Connecticut Siting Council today, with not one commissioner voting in favor of the plan as proposed. UI put forward an unreasonable proposal and today the Siting Council recognized that,” Rep. Leeper said. “This decision comes as a result of the passionate work of the people of Fairfield. Residents have been united in their opposition to this intrusive, destructive, and opaque plan, and have raised valid and specific concerns throughout this process. Today’s Siting Council decision shows that they took seriously the facts raised by intervenors, considered them closely, and are holding our electric utility to a reasonable standard. For this, I am tremendously grateful. This decision is non-binding and therefore, does not mark the end of our advocacy. Nonetheless, today, we breathe a small sigh of relief here in Fairfield and Bridgeport.”

“I am eager to review this report in detail,” Sen. Hwang said. “UI’s monopole project will adversely affect our communities in Bridgeport and Fairfield/Southport. It will negatively impact residents and businesses who are united in their objection to this disruptive project. UI’s lack of transparency during this process has been frustrating. That being said, it should be noted that the fight continues on this issue. The town, residents, and commercial intervenors will continue the fight for their rights and access to the facts in any manner they can. I am part of a bipartisan coalition of legislative leaders from Fairfield and Bridgeport which is united in our support of the towns, residents and commercial businesses. This is a fight for fairness. It is a fight to demand respect for ratepayers and their property rights.”

Town of Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber said, “Yesterday’s public deliberation is a significant step in the right direction. The Town appreciates the Siting Council’s consideration of the precious cultural resources to the south of the railroad tracks, including the historic properties, religious institutions, residences and businesses that all would have been devastated by UI’s preferred option. However, the Town still believes that undergrounding is the best solution for this project. We continue to have serious concerns about the potential impacts of a double-circuit design. There should be no easements over sensitive areas to the north of the railroad tracks, and the monopoles should not be taller than those that are currently there.”

Rep. Leeper represents the 132nd District, which includes Fairfield and Southport. Sen. Hwang represents the 28th District, which includes Fairfield, Bethel, Easton, and Newtown. First Selectman Berger was elected to serve Fairfield in 2023.

Robbery Arrest Made

On January 16, 2024, at around 6:40 pm, officers responded to a reported robbery with a firearm at a residence on Wilson Street. The victim identified two familiar males as the perpetrators who had robbed them at gunpoint inside the residence. The suspects fled in a white vehicle, subsequently spotted by a responding officer on Schoolhouse Road, leading to a stop. Narcotics were discovered in the vehicle during the encounter.

Further investigation revealed that the firearm used in the robbery had been dropped off at another residence in Milford. The Milford Police Department Detective Bureau initiated an enhanced investigation, securing a search warrant for the suspected residence. The execution of the warrant resulted in the recovery of a stolen .38 caliber loaded pistol, previously reported stolen during a burglary in Vernon, Connecticut.

As the investigation progressed, two juveniles were apprehended, and Isaiah Kelly emerged as an additional suspect. Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, issued by Milford Superior Court. On February 3, 2024, around 4:45 pm, patrol officers observed Kelly in the Walnut Beach Parking lot and took him into custody. Isaiah Kelly, 18, faces charges including 1st-degree robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit 1st-degree robbery with a deadly weapon, stealing a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a permit. He was held on a $300,000 court-set bond and appeared in Milford Superior Court on February 5, 2024.

Water Infrastructure Work to Begin in Bridgeport

Water main replacement project to begin February 14

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – February 6, 2024 – Aquarion Water Company is performing essential work on water infrastructure in Bridgeport to ensure continued system reliability and the highest quality water.

Water main replacement projects will begin on February 14 on Kossuth Street, Maple Street, and Jane Street. The projects are expected to be completed by May 2024. Final paving will then be scheduled in coordination with the Town of Bridgeport and the State of Connecticut. Stratford-based Burns Construction Company will be the contractor for the water main replacement project.

The project, which will replace approximately 3,000 feet of water main, is part of an ongoing program to improve Aquarion’s water distribution system and to ensure the highest quality water. The infrastructure upgrades will also help to 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 disruptions.”

Due to construction, drivers should expect minor traffic delays and possible detours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To keep customers informed about scheduled and unscheduled work, Aquarion utilizes an Everbridge notification system to call affected customers. Aquarion encourages customers to sign up for this free service at www.aquarionwater.com/alerts. Information regarding Aquarion construction projects can be found at www.aquarionwater.com/projects.

Customers with project-related questions may contact Luke Scatenato, Aquarion’s project manager, at (203) 362-3040. For service or water-related issues, please contact Aquarion Customer Service at 1-800-732-9678.

Stratford Library Events for the First Week of February

Stratford Library has exciting teen events in February. On February 7th at 4:00 pm in the Children’s Program Room, tweens (grades 5-7) can learn to create Valentine’s Day charms using the Library’s 3D Doodle pens. Registration is required.

Retro Movie Night on February 8th at 5:00 pm in the Board Room offers an interactive experience watching “Spaceballs.” Props are provided, and quoting favorite movie lines is encouraged. Snacks will be available, and registration is required for ages 16 and up.

Join the BookBuzz event on February 8th from 4:00 to 4:30 pm on Discord. Led by teen volunteers, the book chat in #book-chat covers current reads, favorites, and more. If you’re not on the Teen Discord, email slateen@stratfordlibrary.org for an invite. No registration is required.

On February 9th at 3:00 pm in the Teen Dept., celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a Grab ‘N’ Go kit. Each kit contains a lucky fortune card, sweet treats, and a dragon surprise. It’s first come, first served, and no registration is required.

Gear up for the Super Bowl at the Super Bowl Party on February 9th from 3:00 to 4:30 pm in the Lovell Room. Open to grades 6-12, enjoy snacks, games, and good energy. No registration is required.

Norwalk News: Fatal Motorcycle Accident

On February 4, 2024 at 8:19 AM, Norwalk Combined Dispatch received a 911 call reporting an operator of a motorcycle drove off the roadway and struck a telephone pole in the area of 238 West Cedar Street. Norwalk Police, Norwalk Fire Department and Norwalk Hospital Emergency Medical Service were immediately dispatched to the scene and began providing medical aid to the operator, Jared Taylor 41 of Norwalk. Taylor was transported to Norwalk Hospital by ambulance where he succumbed to his injuries.

This accident is under active investigation. We ask that any persons with information relating to the accident contact Officer Taylor Equi either by phone at 203- 854-3035, or by email at tequi@norwalkct.gov. Information can also be shared anonymously using one of the three ways below:

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 “NORWALKPD” into the text field, followed by the message, and sending it to TIP411 (847411)