Bethel Community Calendar Launch
The town launched the Bethel Community Calendar this week. This is a separate calendar from our Meeting Calendar. In addition to local events, there is an option to highlight local places and businesses. Eventually, we will have the ability to create stories. Accounts to submit events are free. Check out Bethel Community Calendar.
Employment Opportunities
We are interviewing for two positions with the town. We are looking for a Network Administrator and an Associate Director of Environmental Health Services. Learn more at Bethel Employment.
Legislative Updates
As this update is sent out, the State House is debating HB 5390: An Act Concerning Transit Oriented Communities. The bill would allow Bethel, which has a transit-oriented district (TOD), to apply to become a transient-oriented community (TOC). We would be eligible for discretionary funding on a priority basis that we must spend on improvements in the TOD. However, if the town becomes a TOC, we would also have to follow state zoning guidelines for our TOD and we must allow residential developments with multiple units to be built according to those guidelines without public hearings, variances, or special permits. If we choose not to become a TOC, then we would not have the priority for state funding, including Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants. If passed, the bill will go to the Senate.
The House may also be voting on SB 416: An Act Concerning the Conversion of Commercial Real Property for Residential Use, which has already passed the Senate. This bill would require that Bethel allow developers to convert commercial buildings into residential developments without requiring public hearings, variances, special permits or special exception be granted or some other discretionary zoning action be taken, as long as site plans conform with applicable zoning regulations.
Upcoming Events
- Workspace CT Offers for May - Workspace CT has new adult offers for May (cooking, woodworking & improv and sip) and a full slate of summer camps. Workspace CT Events.
- Office Hours - The next Office Hours are on Thursday, May 9th from 7:30 am to 9 am at Town Hall in the First Selectman office.
- Master Gardeners Office Hours - A full complement of Master Gardeners are staffing their office at the UConn Fairfield County Extension Center at 67-69 Stony Hill Rd. Monday through Thursday from 10-4 where clients can speak with them in person. Email FairfieldMasterGardeners@uconn.edu with questions.
- Bethel High School Jazz Ensemble - The Bethel High School Jazz Ensemble will be playing at La Zingara on May 9 at 7 pm. Reservations are recommended (mention you’re there for the music). 10% of the proceeds from jazz patrons will be donated to our program.
- Kids Fishing Derby and Pig Roast - The Bethel Fish & Game Association is hosting its annual Kids Fishing Derby and Pig Roast on Saturday, May 11th at Bennett Memorial Park. The fishing derby registration starts at 7 am and kids 15 and under fish free from 8 am to 11 am. The pond will be stocked with over 100 trout and there will be prizes for the first trout caught and the top 3 longest! The Pig Roast & Clam Bake kicks off at 3 pm (doors open around 2-2:30) at Bennet Memorial Park. Arrive hungry! Smoked pig and chicken, raw & steamed little neck clams, burgers, dogs, BBQ & More! Beer, hard seltzers & soda included. $50 for adults and $20 for kids 10-18, kids under 10 are free. Get details and tickets at: Bethel Fish & Game.
- Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day - Our next Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day for Bethel residents is Saturday, May 11th at the Newtown Public Works Facility at 4 Turkey Hill Road, Newtown. It is super easy and they remove the items from your car for you. Check out what you can and can’t dispose of at HRRA Household Hazardous Waste.
- A big Thank You to Bethel Garden Club for the beautiful and fragrant May Day baskets at Town Hall. We all appreciate everything you do!
- Thanks to the crew of the “Why We Are Friends” podcast! Talking about flying, Taco Bell, and Bethel was great. You guys pack so much fun in every episode! Why We Are Friends Podcast.
- Congrats to all Bethel athletes, coaches, and staff for being the top-ranked school in the SWC for sportsmanship!
- A big shoutout to South-West Conference Leadership Award winners Brooke McEvoy and Pedro Coelho!
- Congratulations to Wendy Salto and Madison Tamburri for receiving the SWC Unified Sports One Athlete & One Partner Leadership Award!
- Vincent Greto was named a scholar-athlete by the National Football Foundation! Great Job!