Senator Tony Hwang Vows to Remain Engaged Until Fairness and Transparency Prevail in Utility Siting Decisions

BRIDGEPORT, CT – At a press conference in Bridgeport, State Senator Tony Hwang (R—Fairfield) once again reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the residents of Fairfield, Southport, and Bridgeport in the ongoing fight for fairness, transparency, social and environmental justice in utility infrastructure siting. Alongside local residents, faith leaders, and community advocates, Senator Hwang underscored that this issue remains top-of-mind and one of his priorities in representing Fairfield and Southport.

“Once again, I stand with all of you, and I want to make it absolutely clear: I will be at every meeting, every discussion, and every critical step of the way until this issue is transparently and equitably resolved,” Senator Hwang declared. “This is not a one-time effort, this is a sustained fight to ensure fairness, equity and justice for our communities. Fairfield, Southport, and Bridgeport deserve to have their voices heard, and I will continue to fight tirelessly to make sure that happens.”

Senator Hwang’s remarks come one day after Governor Ned Lamont’s appearance at a press conference at the State Capitol, where he publicly committed to ask the Connecticut Siting Council’s to delay their decision on docket 516R. This pause for greater scrutiny and negotiations is a critical step, providing much-needed time for more thorough discussions and ensuring that the decision-making process remains open and transparent.

“I am deeply appreciative of Governor Lamont’s leadership and his commitment to delay the Council’s decision,” Senator Hwang said. “This is a major recognition of the importance and concern over transparency, accountability and due process of the CT Siting Council. The advocates, state and local leaders concerns were heard loud and clear by the Governor. But we cannot rest yet as this delay would give the intervenors the time and due process needed to ensure that every community is treated fairly and that decisions are made in the light of day, not rushed behind closed doors.”

Senator Hwang expressed his gratitude to Bridgeport’s local leaders, including Mayor Joe Ganim, State Representatives Steve Stafstrom and Antonio Felipe, and State Senator Herron Gaston for their ongoing partnership and support in this critical fight for the people.

“Rep. Stafstrom, Rep. Felipe, Sen. Gaston, and Mayor Ganim have been steadfast allies in this effort,” Senator Hwang added. “Their dedication shows that this is not just a fight for one neighborhood, one city, or one party. It is a fight for every community to have a say in the future of their environment. We will not back down until we see true fairness and respect for all our people.”

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

Westport, CT –Human Services Director Elaine Daignault reminds income-eligible Westport residents to apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) starting October 1, 2025.

Connecticut’s federally funded Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps low-income households with winter heating bills. Connecticut’s Department of Social Services administers the program with local Community Action Agencies and municipal social services departments.

According to Daignault, “Westport residents that previously qualified for assistance through our office will receive application instructions in the mail. Residents wishing to apply for the first time may contact the Department of Human Services at 203-341-1050 or humansrv@westportct.gov to make an appointment.”

To qualify, your household income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). The maximum income for households is as follows:

  • Households of one (1)   $47,764
  • Households of two (2)   $62,460
  • Households of three (3) $77,157
  • Households of four (4)  $91,854
  • Households of Five (5)  $106,550

Daignault encouraged residents heating with oil or propane to complete their applications early in the season to ensure they receive the full benefit. Applicants must have recent copies of heating, electric, water, lease, or mortgage statements and other proof of income documents. Go to Human Services at www.westportct.gov/humanservices to learn more about Town programs and services.

Water Infrastructure Work Taking Place in Bridgeport

Water Main Replacement Project Starting This Week

Bridgeport, CONN. –September 17th, 2025 – Aquarion Water Company continues to perform essential work on infrastructure necessary to ensure continued system reliability. Water main replacement projects are scheduled to begin this week on Clarkson St, Coutland Ave, Gilman St, Jetland Pl, Jetland St, Livingston St, Montgomery St, Mountford St, and Newton St in Bridgeport, CT. The project is expected to be completed in Spring 2026. Final paving will then be scheduled in coordination with the Town of Bridgeport.

The project, which will replace approximately 4,900 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 any disruptions.”

Due to construction, customers should expect minor traffic delays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stratford-based Burns Construction Co. will be serving as the contractor for the water main replacement project.

To keep customers informed about scheduled/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 Leanne D’Acounto, Aquarion’s project manager, at (203) 362-3024 or LDAcounto@aquarionwater.com.  For service or water-related issues, please contact Aquarion Customer Service at 1-800-732-9678.

Norwalk Arrest After Westport Ave Threat; Loaded Handgun With Defaced Serial Number Seized

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at approximately 4:23 p.m., Norwalk Combined Dispatch received a 911 call reporting that a male had displayed a handgun and threatened to shoot the caller on Westport Avenue. Responding officers located an individual matching the suspect description; as they approached, the suspect—later identified as Isaiah Mitchell, 21—was seen removing a handgun from his waistband and passing it into the passenger side of a nearby vehicle. Officers detained Mitchell and two individuals in the vehicle without incident and secured the firearm. The on-scene investigation determined Mitchell had also entered the T-Mobile store during the incident and caused a disturbance prior to threatening the original caller. The recovered handgun had a defaced serial number and was loaded with 11 .40-caliber rounds in the magazine. Mitchell was arrested at the scene without incident. He is charged with carrying a pistol without a permit; first-degree threatening; possession of a large-capacity magazine; alteration of a firearm serial number; carrying a firearm while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs; and second-degree breach of peace. Bond was set at $500,000, with a court date of October 6, 2025.

Westport Police Department Urges Residents and Visitors to Always Lock Cars

(Westport, CT) The Westport Police Department once again would like to remind our residents and visitors to always lock their cars and to secure their keys. Our community continues to be a target for car thieves and vehicle burglaries, with three stolen vehicle reports received between September 9th through the present, and a total of fifty-one stolen vehicle reports investigated by our agency year-to-date. These thefts have occurred from both parking lots as well as the driveways of private residences. It is a fact that the individuals perpetrating these crimes continue to prey on our town based on past successes in acquiring vehicles. Under no circumstances should a vehicle ever be left unattended and running, unlocked with the keys inside it or with valuables left in plain view. Unfortunately, nearly all the stolen vehicle and vehicle burglary reports we receive involve an unsecured car with keys immediately accessible. We strongly urge our residents and visitors to please be mindful of what continues to be a multi-state rash of these types of crimes and to please take the few extra moments necessary to secure personal property and prevent victimization.

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