Voters approve the sale of 21 & 23 Trowbridge Dr. in Francis J Clarke Park
Residents who attended the Special Town Meeting this week voted to approve the sale of 21 & 23 Trowbridge Dr. in Francis J Clarke Park, which were 2 of the 4 properties developed by the town for sale. The purchasers will now work with the town regarding site planning. The sale of the two properties covered the town’s cost of developing all 4 of the properties with approximately $400,000 additional revenue from the sales. The projects will also add to the commercial side of our tax rolls. A big win for Bethel and our 2 future businesses!
New Town of Bethel website
Town employees have begun training on the new town website. The new website should go prime time by the end of September. Features of the new site were designed to address residents’ requests for a site that was easier to navigate and to provide town departments an easier platform to communicate. Stay tuned.
Center Cemetery
If you have traveled South Street in Bethel, you may notice some of the fallen gravestones in Center Cemetery. The Bethel Cemetery Association maintains and operates Center and Elmwood cemeteries. While the town supports the association with an annual contribution, they need our help. They are looking for board members interested in preserving the cemeteries and they will be looking for volunteers for a fall cleanup. If interested in serving on the board, please email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov. More to follow on the cleanup date.
Tax Collector
From the Tax Collector: The sewer assessment invoices are going out. Unfortunately, changes to the invoice format by our vendor have caused confusion. The “Total Due” is the total assessment payoff as of August 2023, not what is due immediately. The “Previous Balance” is the unbilled principal owed. The amount under “Charge Amount” is the amount due for the year, which is principal and interest. Contact the Tax Collector at 203-794-8509. The good news: we are changing vendors next year.
Hoyt’s Hill
Hoyt’s Hill: The storm drainage repairs are complete and paving will take place September 5th to the 7th, although weather can affect these dates. The road will be closed daily to thru traffic, except for emergency vehicles and school buses. Please use caution to protect our workers and yourselves and do not park on the road. Expect the work to resume around the end of September to install driveway aprons to match the new road and curbing around storm water drainage structures.
Lead pipes
GET THE LEAD OUT! Our water department needs your help locating lead pipes. If you are served by the Bethel Water Department, you will receive a card in the mail with instructions on how to verify the type of pipe that enters your home or business. Please email your address and the type of pipe to publicworks@bethel-ct.gov or ask for someone to come out and take a look. Feel free to include a photo. You can also call the Bethel Water Department at 203-794-8549.
Don’t forget the craft fair this Sunday, September 3rd from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in front of Town Hall
Town Hall is closed on Monday, September 4th in observance of Labor Day.
Parks & Rec
Registration for Bethel Parks & Recreation Fall programs began this week! There are tons of fun opportunities, so click on the “Fall Flyer” or “Programs” links at https://bethelct.myrec.com/ Or, stop in and pick up a copy of the Fall Flyer at Parks and Rec in Town Hall.
Public Meeting Sept. 7
There will be a public meeting on the Mobility and Parking Plans for Downtown Bethel on Thursday, September 7th from 6 pm to 8pm at Town Hall in the General Purpose Room. The results of a recent study will be presented and there will be an opportunity for public comment.
Soccer
Bethel Youth Soccer Association’s Intown Soccer Program for Pre-K thru 8th grade kicks off the Fall 2023 season on Saturday, September 9th. Registration ends this weekend! Visit https://www.bethelsoccer.org/
HRRA Hazardous Waste drop-off event
There is an HRRA Hazardous Waste drop-off event for our area on Saturday, September 9th at the Miller-Driscoll School at 217 Wolfpit Rd. in Wilton from 9am-1pm. Please check out the HRRA website for details and a full schedule of drop-off events: https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste/
Quest for the Best
Don’t forget the Bethel High School Marching Band is hosting “Quest for the Best” on Saturday, September 9th at 6pm on, with 7 bands scheduled to perform. An awards ceremony will follow around 8:30-9:00pm, including senior recognition for BHS 2024 graduates.
Bethel Boys Golf Team
A huge shout out to the Bethel Boys Golf Team for their victory over Bunnell this week!
Have a great weekend!