Bethel First Selectman Dan Carter Community Update: Town Budget, Call for Grant Writers, Beloved Parks & Rec Director Retires

Dear Bethel,

The Town of Bethel hosted community leaders and emergency responders from Newtown and Redding this week to discuss how we can improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of emergency medical services for our residents. When looking at the numbers, it quickly becomes clear how hard our first responders work and how much they matter to our communities!

Work on the causeway on the Chestnut Ridge Lake Reservoir is almost complete. For those who frequent the property, you will find an easier walk to Bald Rock. Thanks to the folks in the Utilities and Highway departments!

Our Parks and Rec director Eileen Earle officially retires tomorrow. She has been a positive force for Bethel for 37 years. We all wish her the best in her retirement as we welcome Rachel McGrath as her replacement. Eileen, thank you for all you have accomplished for our town!

Any local grant writers in town? We are working with the Western Connecticut Council of Governments for access to grant writers to help Bethel fund projects. It would be great if we have local talent and interest in helping the town. If you are an experienced grant writer and Bethel resident, please reach out at firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov. 

I held morning office hours this week. The issue of the day was the Eversource projects in town. Those who live near some of the large powerlines have certainly been inconvenienced with the construction. Others have had a huge impact. If you have questions about Eversource construction projects in town, contact Eversource at 1-800-793-2202 or ProjectInfo@eversource.com. My next office hours will be April 10th from 6pm to 7pm in Meeting Room A at Town Hall.

I was a guest on this week’s “The Municipal Voice”, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities’ radio podcast. You can find the podcast on the CCM CT Facebook page or https://youtu.be/YGtWuqwo6BQ

Today Bethel’s Economic Development Director hosted a meeting reviewing data on our ongoing study to address mobility, walkability and parking improvements in town. Once complete, town leaders will have actionable data to help Bethel businesses, attract workers, and promote tourism. Thanks to the EDC and all the departments who are moving the project forward.

Don’t forget the Annual Town Budget Meeting is Monday night, April 3, in the Bethel High School auditorium at 7:00 pm. Any registered voter from Bethel can vote at the meeting. If you own property in Bethel that is assessed at $1000 or more and you are a US citizen, you can also vote. The “2023-2024 Proposed Town Budget link on the Town’s home page will allow you to view the budget. Next stop for the budget will be the town-wide referendum tentatively scheduled on April 18th.

It’s finally here – the Bethel High School production of The Little Mermaid opens tonight. I am sure all your favorite Little Mermaid characters will be there! Tickets are available for the three shows at bhstheaterboosters.com. General admission $16 and $13 for students.

Showtimes:

Friday, Mar 31 at 7 pm

Saturday, Apr 1 at 2 pm and 7 pm

Sunday, Apr 2 at 2 pm

Have a great weekend! 

Dan 

B
Submitted by Bethel, CT

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