Food Scraps
Thanks to all the town employees and volunteers who participated in the soft launch of the Food Scrap Program at the Bethel Transfer Station. Look for our Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority Interns at the Transfer Station who will give participants a FREE 1.5-gallon black kitchen counter collection bins with compostable bags. A 6-gallon green Eco-Caddy with lock-lid is available for $20 through the HRRA and comes with a punch card for 10 free dumps. (a $10 value) We will have a public information meeting in the next few weeks.
Check out hrra.org/organics-food-scraps-bethel/
Connecticut DOT Road Work
The Connecticut DOT is working on Route 58 in Easton, so we can expect DOT truck traffic between Rt 58 and the asphalt plant in Danbury, specifically on Judd Ave., Maple Ave. Ext., Plumtrees Rd., Walnut Hill Rd., and Shelter Rock Rd. Work will be done during the day and night and should be complete around September 15th, 2023. We have contacted DOT and reminded them that they are traveling through residential areas. Learn more here.
Expect the CT DOT to be paving on Depot Place on Monday, August 21st or Tuesday, August 22nd as part of an Eversource project, as long as the weather is good. Residents can still access the parking lot next to Broken Symmetry from Greenwood Ave. and South St. Paving should take one day.
Diamond Ave Project
At office hours this week, the Diamond Ave project was the main topic of discussion. The developer has not put forward a site plan yet, so stay tuned to the P&Z meetings. The next office hours is on August 30th from 7 am to 8 am at the Town Hall in the First Selectman office.
Town-owned Losts in Francis J. Clark Industrial Park
The contracts are finally complete for the sale of the two town-owned lots in Francis J. Clark Industrial Park! The Board of Selectman held a public hearing and approved the sales in July. Now that the contracts are complete, the Board of Selectmen will meet on Tuesday, August 21st, 2023 to set the date for a special town meeting for final approve of the sale. The meeting will likely be the week of August 28th, 2023.
As you may have noticed the floor tiles in the East wing of Town Hall have been in need of repair. The repairs will take place over the next two weekends, so please excuse any mess you see next week. And thank you to our Board of Finance for making resident safety a priority and unanimously supporting the unplanned repairs!
Bethel Volunteer Fire Department and our Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company
Our fire departments do an amazing job keeping up with national standards. Our Bethel Volunteer Fire Department and our Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company kicked off a comprehensive study to look at how they provide fire service to our community. A nationally recognized company that provides safety consulting worldwide will help them assess their operations in comparison to industry standards and best practices, and also aid them in preparing for the future. With this effort, our volunteers continue to show their professionalism and dedication to our community. Thank you for going the extra mile for Bethel!
New Lead Law
Lead continues to be a safety issue and you may hear more about lead in the news. A new law goes into effect on October 1st that will increase on-site inspections by our Health Department and, in some cases, required remediation of lead sources when kids have positive blood test for lead. The good news is that according to the most recent Childhood Lead Poisoning Surveillance Report from 2020, Bethel had very few kids with tests that would require on-site visits. With that said, we should all stay vigilant for sources of lead exposure in our homes, especially deteriorated paint which is the most common source.
“Grooved Pavement”
Don’t miss “Grooved Pavement” performing at our Summer Concert Series this Sunday, August 20th from 6:00pm -8:00pm on the Town Hall lawn. If weather is a concern, call cancellation line at 203-794-8502.
“Minions: Rise of Gru”
Come see a special showing of “Minions: Rise of Gru” (Bethel residents only) on Friday, August 25th at 8 pm on the Town Hall lawn. Admission is free.
Sixth Graders and BHS Freshmen Orientation
A shout-out to all the new 6th graders and Freshmen attending orientation next Monday and Tuesday. I know a lot of people in our community, especially the Town Employees, send their best wishes your way. You got this!
Have a great weekend!