MAP Planning Forum
The Metropolitan Area Planning (MAP) Forum has their 2025 Spring Meeting on Friday, June 6th at 1 pm. The MAP is a group of planning organizations in NY, NJ, PA, and CT, which includes Western Connecticut Council of Governments, of which Bethel is a member. The goal is to communicate and coordinate transportation planning in the Northeast Megaregion. The keynote presentation for the virtual meeting is “Supporting Safe Roads for all Users.” For more information, visit this year’s host’s website at https://ctmetro.org/event/2025-spring-meeting-of-the-metropolitan-area-planning-map-forum/
VOTE June 12th
The Town Meeting has approved the recommendation of the Public Utilities Commission for the Water System Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) upgrade project. There will be a machine referendum on Thursday, June 12th from 6 am to 8 pm at your normal polling location. The $1.2 million project will be paid for through a loan at 2% over 20 years, reduced by available grants. The project is eligible for an EPA grant of up to $640,000 and potentially a subsidy through the state of Connecticut. Payment for the appropriated sums shall be paid by the water account users of the Bethel PUC. Please visit https://bethel-ct.gov/elections for more information.
Public Buildings
Public Site & Building Commission completed a site walk tour of some of the town’s buildings this week. They checked in on the BHS HVAC upgrade project, and three buildings where future projects are being considered, including the Highway Garage roof replacement, replacement of the town’s animal shelter, and the upgrade of the locker room facilities in Town Hall. The PS & BC aids and advises the Board of Selectmen in studying the building needs of the Town and consolidates the design and construction of all public buildings. If interested in serving on this commission, please email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov. Someone with electrical and lighting experience would be very helpful on the current board, but other experience is also considered.
Legislative Session
Senate Bill 6, An Act Concerning Resources and Supports for Infants, Toddlers, and Disconnected Youths, has passed the State Senate. In the bill there is a section that requires municipal youth camps to obtain a state license and follow costly state mandates. This will likely result in significant increases in our summer program costs. If you would like to let your State Representative know what you think, you can look up and contact your State Representative HERE.
One of the most controversial bills, HB 5002 An Act Concerning Housing and the Needs of Homeless Persons, has passed the State House and is waiting for a vote in the Senate. The controversial aspects of the bill all relate to state mandates that limit our Planning and Zoning Commission’s input on affordable housing development and deprioritizes Bethel for state funding unless we comply. Neither of our State Representatives supported the bill in the house.
Last call for Post Prom
Last call for Post Prom donations! Stop by Portofino’s this Sunday, June 1st where a portion of proceeds for dine and dine out will be donated to post prom. You can also donate on Venmo at @BHS-PTSO or learn more HERE. The Post Prom event takes place next Friday and is a is a safe, substance-free event - a gift to our Graduating Seniors from the Bethel community!
Bethel CT Pride
Bethel Pride is hosting their annual Bethel CT Pride Parade & Celebration tomorrow, May 31st, rain or shine. The check-in for sidewalk parade participants begins at 12 pm across from the Bethel Train Station and steps off at 12:30 pm. The parade travels along the sidewalk south along Durant Ave., east along Greenwood Ave, north on PT Barnum Sq., and west on School Street where it ends in front of Town Hall. There are great vendors from 1 pm to 5 pm in front of Town Hall! Learn more at https://bethelctpride.com/event-info/.
Dr. Mikes
Don’t forget about Dr. Mikes 50th anniversary Bethel next Saturday, June 7th at 1 pm. Stop by Dr. Mikes and help them celebrate with 50 cent cones and lots of well-deserved pomp and circumstance for this Bethel icon! There will be plenty of free toppings and a drawing to learn how to make ice cream and a free gallon to take home! Learn the story behind Dr. Mikes at www.drmikesic.com.
Immigrant Support
Interested in supporting immigrants in the community? A group of faith organizations are joining together at the First Congregational Church of Danbury at 146 Deer Hill on Monday, June 16th at 7 pm with the goal of welcoming the stranger and caring for the vulnerable. For information email ari@interfaitharc.org.
Food truck Fridays
Food Truck Fridays are back: June 13th, June 27th, July 11th, July 25th, August 8th, and August 22nd from 5 pm to 8 pm on the Town Hall Lawn! Stay tuned for more info!
Shoutouts
- A shoutout to the Bethel Baseball team who are SWC Champions! Good luck in states starting Monday, June 2nd at 3:30 pm at Hunt Field. Go Wildcats!
- Congrats to Gabby Mazzeo! SWC Champion in the tennis singles competition!
- Good luck to the girls and boys lacrosse teams who are competing in states next week! Girls on 6/3 away and boys on 6/4 at home.
- A shoutout to the All Sports Boosters Club for all you do, especially keeping us fed at the games! Seriously, ASBC snack shed is a great way to help our athletes and teams and they need volunteers, even if you don’t have an athlete or student at home. Email BHSASBC@yahoo.com for info.
- Congrats to Mark Caron and the coaching staff at BHS on earning the SWC Achievement Cup! This award recognizes sportsmanship and league success. Best of all, it is awarded through a ranking by coaches from various sports within the SWC!