Monday, September 9th, 2024
Reported by Tiana Gregg
Public Forum
The first Stratford resident to approach the microphone was State Representative Laura Dancho, who began her speech by commending the council for enacting the new trash container procedure. She secondly addressed a street takeover that took place on East Main Street and Barnum Avenue cut off. She describes it as “dangerous lawlessness” and urges Stratford to follow in the footsteps of places like Milford and Bridgeport, where ordinances have been made to address this issue.
Town Council Meeting
The approval of the minutes was confirmed unanimously by the council members.
The mayor then kicked off her report by jumping into discussing the new bike lanes, which is part of the Complete Street phase one implementation. This project was fully funded by the Connecticut DOT through the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program.
There are also new sharrows (road markings used to indicate a shared lane environment for bicycles and automobiles) and bike lanes that have been implemented as part of the Greenway phase two project (also funded by the Connecticut DOT), which extends from Beacon Point Road to Elm Street and connects to West Broad and Main Street intersection.
Currently, the police department is in the process of determining the placement of red light cameras (traffic enforcement for cars running red lights) in specified areas and determining an entire plan, which will then be submitted to Connecticut DOT for review. More information to be found at the public safety meeting.
Stratford recognizes September as Dystonia Awareness Month. Two Stratford residents, Len and Nanis, tragically, lost their daughter, Joanna, to the neurological disorder a couple of years back. They’ve since dedicated their time to spreading awareness, and funding research to find a cure.
September 15th to October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Latin music festival will occur on Sunday, September 15th. On Monday, September 16th there will be a proclamation and flag raising.
The Health Department launched a get VaccinateCT.org campaign in order to raise awareness for up-to-date back-to-school vaccinations for children. They’ve promoted through billboards on Lordship Boulevard, as well as Facebook, Instagram, website, and TV advertisements. The next phase of the campaign will focus on flu and COVID vaccinations. Get vaccinatedct.org will have more information. The first clinic for these vaccinations will be held on October 10th at the Baldwin Center.
Over 442 residents responded to the call of answering a brief online survey on the health concerns and needs of the community. Data collected will be used to inform strategies to improve community health.
The Baldwin Center joins senior centers across the nation to celebrate Senior Citizen Month. The 2024 theme is empowering connections and there will be plenty of exciting upcoming activities that shine the light on the efforts to provide information, opportunities, and support. On September 27th Baldwin members are invited to join the Big B Fall Festival, made possible by the sponsoring of the four core financial institutions and Baldwin’s other friends and supporters.
Weekly pop-up farmers markets at senior housing will occur throughout September and October, all in thanks to the CDBGCV funds and the support of the Stratford Housing Authority and the health department.
The 12-week English as a Second Language (ESL) course will begin this month and is open to residents 55 and older. Please call the Baldwin Center if you’re interested in registering!
The South End Community Center supported career and leadership development through the team leaders in training and student interns from the workplace. The Annual Bike Rodeo was a highlight as well.
In preparation for the South End Community Center renovation, the K6 after-school program will temporarily be housed in the Birdseye Municipal complex.
Thanks to a generous Grant from Rotary, Community Services provided a Teen Mental Health First Aid course to 30 high school students this summer. The next Teen Mental Health First Aid course will be offered at the end of the month and will be held at the Stratford Library. Please visit the community services website to register!
Stratford hosted a Youth and Young Adult Roundtable last month as part of the 119k commission on at-risk and disconnected youth.
Community Services is offering QPR Suicide Prevention workshop at the Stratford library on September 24th from 2-4 pm. Please visit the library website to register!
The Stratford Partner for Youth and Families are offering LBGTQIA+ workshops at the Baldwin Center Center on September 17th and September 21st at 6 p.m. Please call Community Services to register!
Thanks were given to those who were involved and attended initiatives during overdose awareness week (August 26th-31st) and Amy Nelson and her family, who shared their story to help develop an understanding of the issue.
Updates in economic development included the Stratford Army engine plant development. Point Stratford’s renewal of the first phase of the project has been approved by zoning and is subject to several stipulations regarding standards for the demolishing of buildings.
The architectural firms and partners referred and selected by the Town Council to develop the master plan for the Stratford Performing Arts Center will be presenting a project update to the Redevelopment agency in the upcoming months of the renovation to the Benjamin Nichols House.
A fuel cell company is planning to install eleven fuel cells on the property at Contract Plating. The fuel cells will be gas-powered and will generate electricity, helping to support a decentralized power grid. They will be arranged in a fenced area on the southwest corner of the property.
The Bagel Boutique property at 740 Ferry Boulevard was sold.
On 1876-1889 Barnum Avenue a small retail building directly across from Franklin School was also sold.
There have been a few new openings and ribbon cuttings such as:
- Unleash Veterinary and Dermatology. They had a new opening on July 11th. They are located at 47 Nichols Ave.
- Skincare studio at 586 Main Street recently opened as well on July 23rd. This is their second location.
- The new Paradigm Theater production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opened at Stratford High School recently as well.
With the goal of promoting tourism, the Hidden Gems marketing brochures are available in the state at the highway welcome centers along with the Connecticut house at the Big E.
Councilwoman Shake then had a question for the mayor concerning the size of the new garbage receptacles and how they affect the senior community. The Mayor addressed this by saying there is another size option available, though not necessarily recommended due to its flimsiness, but they will be tested out.
Councilman O’Neal then had concerns for the Mayor about the 5-year strategic plan for the South End Community Center, poorly done road pavings, and ordinances regarding Success Village. The Mayor confirmed that pavings were not in fact done, and confirmed that Bridgeport and Stratford did not pass the same resolutions regarding boilers due to a filed bankruptcy.
The Town Attorney Report was then read, and there was no old or unfinished business from the last meeting. The meeting swiftly turned to the resolutions which were all passed, and the meeting was adjourned.
