By Tiana Gregg
Reporter
Public Forum
The first Stratford resident to approach the microphone had questions concerning the Sewer Use Bill. The regulations on the bill do not charge residents by usage, as the difference between households is described as negligible in a study. The resident posed the question of whether or not this study can be made public to residents, as it was requested by them once before and they were denied.
The second Stratford resident brought up design ideas for the Shakespeare Park property. A classical architect with expertise in Shakespeare has worked on this design for years, and they would like it to be reviewed.
The third and last Stratford resident had concerns regarding the Fifth Avenue Gateway Project and was awaiting updates on that, as he claimed his past inquiries were not answered.
Town Council Meeting
The approval of the minutes was confirmed unanimously by the council members.
There was a heartfelt commemoration of Officer Ken Cabell, Jr., who passed away recently. His family was in attendance to honor their late loved one. Thoughtful memories and stories were shared.
The mayor then went over her report, sharing the newest events happening in town, mentioning the great fireworks of last week, and bringing to attention the next event, Blues on the Beach on July 20th, 2024.
Our health department is distributing a voluntary survey to the residents of Stratford, and responses will help improve programs and services in the area. The health department also held its annual training for staff this week, which featured topics of blood-borne pathogens, HIPAA, and PPE Training.
Staff also worked with the market master for Paradise Green’s farmer’s market to solidify logistics and licenses for market vendors. They helped to facilitate a partnership with Bridgeport’s farmer’s market in order to bring SNAP acceptance to the market as well.
The health department ran a booth at the Main Street Festival this year and informed Stratford residents on topics such as immunization, emergency preparedness, and healthy living.
The Baldwin Center membership renewal for the year has begun, and it is $5 for residents and $25 for non-residents. The Baldwin Gallery is also pleased to showcase art from the Shelton Art League to members of the greater Shelton area, including Stratford. It runs through September, and its opening reception will be on July 19th from 12 to 3 P.M.
The second cohort of high school students graduated from Teen Mental Health First Aid this week and the third cohort starts their classes later this month. It empowers teens and equips them with the skills to discuss mental health effectively.
The Southend Community Center’s annual bike rodeo is on July 16th from 10 to noon.
Four members of the Stratford Youth Alliance took time out of their summer to attend the Governor’s Prevention Partnership Leaders Conference. This transformative annual event is designed to empower High School age leaders in Connecticut, and to equip them with the knowledge skills and connections to become champions of substance use prevention and wellness. It was held this year at Southern Connecticut State University and attended by over 200 student leaders from across the state.
The South End Community Center leaders in training from this summer met with State Representatives last week to experience Civics in action. Stratford Partnership for Youth and Families, the mayor’s office, and community services are working together alongside Community Partners on an Overdose Awareness Week initiative campaign, with events and information leading up to International Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, August 31st. Please stay tuned for more.
On the economic development front, Point Stratford Renewal held a public meeting at the Baldwin Center on June 14th to introduce themselves and summarize the first phase of the project. A brief summary of the first phase of the project and PSR’s contact information is on the Economic Development and Community web page of the town of Stratford’s website.
The Performing Arts Property will be presenting a project update to the redevelopment agency in the upcoming month for the renovations of the Nicoll-Benjamin White House.
On contract, the town has organized the removal of the stockpiles and test pit samplings in the area where the fuel cells will be installed.
There is a new business, Soul Factory on 1258 Barnum Avenue. A ribbon-cutting occurred at the Real Convenience Store, 2408 Main Street in Stratford Center, and on Thursday, July 11th at noon, the Unleashed Veterinary Dermatology on 47 Nichols Avenue will have their ribbon-cutting.
A meeting with the Love is Love group commenced, and they are very interested in collaborating with Stratford to create efforts for promotional LGTBTQ+ imagery on buildings and/or grounds in order to stimulate a welcoming environment.
Councilman Chris Green then had a question for the mayor concerning the numbers in the letter that accompanied the tax bills that went out to the town. She then promised him the information he sought concerning our town budget.
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 Ordinances, which were all unanimously voted upon in favor.
The meeting adjourned.
