Month: June 2018
Senate President Looney, Rep. Paolillo and Concerned Neighbors Join Mayor Harp, Chief Campbell and Alder Santana to Announce One-Year Duck Hunting Ban Along a Portion of the Quinnipiac River
Senate President Looney, Rep. Paolillo and Concerned Neighbors Join Mayor Harp, Chief Campbell and Alder Santana to Announce One-Year Duck Hunting Ban Along a Portion of the Quinnipiac River
NEW HAVEN, CT—Responding to the public safety concerns of area residents over the sound of gunshots, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Rep. Al Paolillo, Jr.(D-New Haven) and working with Chief Anthony Campbell of the New Haven Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), state and local elected officials announced today that the DEEP has temporarily closed the area along the Quinnipiac River in New Haven to the hunting of waterfowl.
The one-year hunting ban extends from the tip of Fargeorge Preserve (Granis Island) at the mouth of Hemingway Creek, across the river to Lombard Street, north to the I-91 Bridge. This location is contiguous to an area already closed to hunting.
“Hearing gunshots is an unsettling experience—especially hearing them in a densely populated city neighborhood,” Senator Looney said. “For neighborhood residents, this is a significant public safety concern and a potentially unnecessary drain on police resources. I am pleased to have worked with Rep. Paolillo, residents and Chief Campbell to bring these concerns to the attention of the DEEP commissioner.”
“The moratorium recognizes that residents have valid public safety concerns about hunting taking place in an urban setting. It is an appropriate measure that will immediately restore a sense of safety to those living nearby while giving DEEP time to study the issue further and hopefully reach a resolution,” Representative Paolillo said.
The year-long closure follows an official request by New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell for the DEEP to review public safety concerns related to waterfowl hunting in the area, including police responses to reports of gunshots in the vicinity that divert public safety resources and can cause confusion. The DEEP has requested hunting-related incidents received by the New Haven Police Department over the past three years. After the DEEP receives those reports it will conduct a thorough review of the matter and make a recommendation to the Office of the Commissioner for further action.
“As a law enforcement professional with over twenty years of experience, I can tell you that having part of a community that is fearful that they may be struck by gunfire and another part of a community say that it will not call law enforcement when it hears gunfire is not a healthy and a precursor for something bad to happen,” Chief Campbell said. “I believe that this moratorium will allow residents along the Quinnipiac River to reestablish a sense of security and it will allow the New Haven Police Department to effectively make contact with residents and talk with them about shots being fired in their neighborhoods and what the proper response protocols should be.”
“The term, ‘shots fired’ has an entirely different meaning in an urban setting, so we’re thankful in New Haven for this DEEP hunting moratorium, and grateful to Senator Looney, Rep. Paolillo, and the rest of the city’s legislative delegation for its advocacy in this regard,” Mayor Toni N. Harp said. “Other parts of Connecticut are blessed with miles and miles of marshland to coincide with wide open spaces—we’d prefer duck hunters to pursue this activity where public safety won’t factor in to the extent it does here.”
“Following a request by New Haven Police Chief Campbell, I have issued a temporary closure of a limited area along the Quinnipiac River to hunting,” said DEEP Commissioner Klee in an earlier release. “I have made this decision in the interest of public safety, while also recognizing the importance of hunting in our state. Once DEEP staff complete their review, they will make a recommendation to the Office of the Commissioner for further action regarding this area of the river.”
Sen. Moore Announces Upcoming Community Conversation Re: Juvenile Delinquency and Intervention
Sen. Moore Announces Upcoming Community Conversation Re: Juvenile Delinquency and Intervention
Event to be held on Monday, June 11
BRIDGEPORT— Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) will host “A Discussion on Juvenile Delinquency & Intervention” on Monday, June 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burroughs Community Center, 2470 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. The event is free and open to the public.
Sen. Moore has invited Attorney Susan Hamilton, Director of Delinquency Defense & Child Protection in the Public Defender’s Office, and Attorney Christine Rapillo, Chief Public Defender, to participate in the discussion.
“I decided to host this community conversation after hearing from various constituents, including a group of mothers from Bridgeport who have been affected by gun violence, about their concerns regarding youth in our city,” Sen. Moore, chair of the General Assembly’s Children’s Committee, said. “This forum will allow all of us to express our opinions and learn more about what’s currently happening in the juvenile judicial system from attorneys who are working with youth every day. From there, I can move forward with determining policies we should fight for at the state level to address the issues surrounding juvenile delinquency in our community.”
For more information, call Sen. Moore’s office at 860-240-0425 (Toll-free 1-800-842-1420) or visit http://senatedems.ct.gov/Moore.
Senator Larson E-News: Saturday: Low-cost Rabies Vaccine Clinic Coming to East Hartford
Senator Duff E-News: Bump Stock Ban Signed into Law; State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits Deliver Almost $3M to Norwalk
Senators Larson, Osten Urge HUD Secretary to Provide Federal Aid for Crumbling Foundations
Senators Larson, Osten Urge HUD Secretary to Provide Federal Aid for Crumbling Foundations
At a private meeting today at the Tolland Fire Training Center in Tolland, state Senators Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) and Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) told federal Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson that Connecticut residents need an immediate and massive infusion of federal aid of approximately $1 billion to repair their crumbling foundations or risk losing their homes.
Sens. Larson and Osten—who represent towns affected by the crumbling concrete foundations problem—were part of a roundtable group of two dozen federal, state and local officials and affected homeowners who met with Secretary Carson in the Tolland firehouse following his tour of a Willington home suffering from cracked walls and a foundation due to the use of faulty concrete.
The 75-minute firehouse meeting was attended by Secretary Carson, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Congressman Joe Courtney, Sens. Larson and Osten, five state representatives, four town leaders, and three affected homeowners.
“In Connecticut we have an immediate problem that means we have to figure out how to fix these structures if people are to remain in their homes. We need real money from the federal government to begin fixing these structures. I don’t care if it’s FEMA, the EPA, or the Army Corps of Engineers—we are facing a tsunami of cases,” Sen. Osten told Secretary Carson. “I’m going to put a number on it: we need a billion dollars coming into Connecticut.”
As of May 31, 2018, 668 homeowners from 12 Connecticut towns have filed complaints with the state Department of Consumer Protection stating that they believe their home’s foundation is deteriorating due to the use of potentially faulty concrete. It is estimated that tens of thousands more homes could be affected.
Secretary Carson said he would bring Connecticut’s concerns to President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“It makes a big difference when you witness something yourself rather than just being briefed on something,” Secretary Carson told the group. “I can’t even imagine how horrible this is to the people going through it. It’s like a slow-motion disaster playing out. I will certainly be talking and cooperating with FEMA and the president to help them understand the magnitude of what is going on.”
“The secretary clearly listened, saw, and understands how devastating this problem is,” Senator Larson said. “Now it’s incumbent on him to bring this message back to the president so we can get the help we need from the top-down.”
Senators Larson, Osten Urge HUD Secretary to Provide Federal Aid for Crumbling Foundations
Senators Larson, Osten Urge HUD Secretary to Provide Federal Aid for Crumbling Foundations
At a private meeting today at the Tolland Fire Training Center in Tolland, state Senators Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) and Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) told federal Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson that Connecticut residents need an immediate and massive infusion of federal aid of approximately $1 billion to repair their crumbling foundations or risk losing their homes.
Sens. Larson and Osten—who represent towns affected by the crumbling concrete foundations problem—were part of a roundtable group of two dozen federal, state and local officials and affected homeowners who met with Secretary Carson in the Tolland firehouse following his tour of a Willington home suffering from cracked walls and a foundation due to the use of faulty concrete.
The 75-minute firehouse meeting was attended by Secretary Carson, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Congressman Joe Courtney, Sens. Larson and Osten, five state representatives, four town leaders, and three affected homeowners.
“In Connecticut we have an immediate problem that means we have to figure out how to fix these structures if people are to remain in their homes. We need real money from the federal government to begin fixing these structures. I don’t care if it’s FEMA, the EPA, or the Army Corps of Engineers—we are facing a tsunami of cases,” Sen. Osten told Secretary Carson. “I’m going to put a number on it: we need a billion dollars coming into Connecticut.”
As of May 31, 2018, 668 homeowners from 12 Connecticut towns have filed complaints with the state Department of Consumer Protection stating that they believe their home’s foundation is deteriorating due to the use of potentially faulty concrete. It is estimated that tens of thousands more homes could be affected.
Secretary Carson said he would bring Connecticut’s concerns to President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“It makes a big difference when you witness something yourself rather than just being briefed on something,” Secretary Carson told the group. “I can’t even imagine how horrible this is to the people going through it. It’s like a slow-motion disaster playing out. I will certainly be talking and cooperating with FEMA and the president to help them understand the magnitude of what is going on.”
“The secretary clearly listened, saw, and understands how devastating this problem is,” Senator Larson said. “Now it’s incumbent on him to bring this message back to the president so we can get the help we need from the top-down.”
Senator Winfield in the News: Cross Senior Takes Science To New Level
Cross Senior Takes Science To New Level
The event drew State Sen. Gary Winfield and State Rep. Robyn Porter as well as several Wilbur Cross High School administrators and many of Geradi’s high school science teachers.
Winfield said that he wants to “make sure students get recognized” for their accomplishments in the community and heralded Geradi’s decision to stay in New Haven for the next four years.
Read the full article at the The New Haven Independent.
Flexer, Haddad, Orange Announce $3 Million Grant for Mansfield Four Corners Sewer Project
Flexer, Haddad, Orange Announce $3 Million Grant for Mansfield Four Corners Sewer Project
Mansfield state legislators Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson), Representative Gregg Haddad (D-Mansfield) and Representative Linda Orange (D-Colchester) applauded the state Bond Commission’s approval Friday of a $3 million grant-in-aid to the Town of Mansfield for the wastewater component of the Four Corners Sanitary Sewer Project.
The project will extend sanitary sewers to land surrounding the Route 44/195 intersection and will include 22,000 feet of sewer piping, two pump stations and additional required equipment and materials.
“It gives me great pleasure to bring this funding back to the Town of Mansfield for the Four Corners Sanitary Sewer Project. Voters in Mansfield decided that extending these sanitary sewers is necessary. Now, with the approval of these state bond funds, Mansfield residents won’t have to bear the entire cost,” Sen. Flexer said. “There are many environmental, safety, and economic benefits to installing this public water system. It would eliminate potential water contamination and septic system failures, which have historically been an issue in this area. The water quality will be tested regularly, thus avoiding costly and recurring repairs. In addition, it will allow for enhanced fire protection options and lower fire insurance protection costs.”
“This grant was requested by the Town of Mansfield and is the culmination of years of efforts by our local elected officials including Mayors Paul Shapiro and Betsy Paterson, town government leadership and Mansfield’s legislative delegation including state Senator Flexer, Representative Orange and myself,” Rep. Haddad said. “Approval of the $3 million in bonding is welcome news to the residents of Mansfield. This funding means that the state will help pay for the project instead of having residents shoulder the entire burden through property taxes or sewer assessments. In addition, the water quality in that area has been impaired for years, likely due to overuse of septic systems, and the project will help resolve that issue and encourage economic development at Four Corners.”
“I welcome and applaud the State Bond Commission’s approval of a $3 million grant-in-aid for the Town of Mansfield for this important component of the Four Corners Sanitary Sewer Project,” Rep. Orange said. “The funding goes a long ways toward providing financial relief for local property taxpayers as well as resolving a water quality issue that has burdened the community for too many years. I thank everyone who has worked to secure the funding, especially the effort and cooperation of local and state officials.”
The Four Corners Water and Sewer Project encompasses an approximately 500-acre area surrounding and extending north and west of the intersection of Routes 195 and 44 in northern Mansfield, which serves as the northern gateway to Mansfield and the University of Connecticut.
The area has ground water contamination that has been monitored by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for many years caused by a number of different leaks from gasoline stations as well as from failing septic systems.
While these leaks have been addressed, there is a continuing need to provide adequate, clean drinking water and safe sewage disposal to this area that is limited by environmental constraints including a high groundwater table, inland wetlands, and soils unsuitable for long-term use of on-site septic disposal systems. Additionally, the contamination and resulting limitations on land use have resulted in progressive deterioration of many properties in the area, leading to a blighted appearance.
For more online information about the Four Corners Sanitary Sewer Project, go to www.mansfieldct.gov/FourCorners
Lawmakers Herald Funds for Hill-Stead Museum
Lawmakers Herald Funds for Hill-Stead Museum
State Senators Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain/Berlin/Farmington) and Beth Bye (West Hartford/Farmington) and State Representatives Mike Demicco (D-Farmington), and Derek Slap (D-West Hartford/Farmington/Avon) are applauding the approval today of funds for renovations and improvements at the Hill-Stead Museum. At a special meeting of the State Bond Commission, members voted in favor of a $1,750,000 grant requested by the Department of Economic and Community Development.
“I want to thank the Governor and members of the Commission for making these funds available,” said Rep. Demicco. “Hill-Stead is a major attraction for Farmington and the region and the museum’s contribution to our history and culture will continue to grow as these renovations go forward.”
“The Hill-Stead museum is a center for community life and this construction bond will help fund an addition to provide much-needed spaces,” said Sen. Gerratana. “The new wing will host ongoing education programs. I am grateful to the governor and the Bond Commission for their support.”
Rep. Slap said “Hill-Stead not only offers a glimpse into our past, but is an exceptional learning tool for students and children throughout the region. I applaud the Commission for approving the allocation of these funds for Hill-Stead to expand its facilities and provide even more beneficial programs for the community.”
“I toured the Hill-Stead Museum in late January, and they explained their plan and their need for state assistance to make it happen,” said Sen. Bye, whose 5th State Senate District includes the Hill-Stead and most of Farmington. “I’m very impressed with the Hill-Stead’s vision for their property; I believe these changes are going to be wonderful for students, for the region, and for Connecticut tourism.”
Susan Ballek, executive director & CEO, said “This funding through the DECD will support the adaptive re-use of our historic Carriage Barn, converting it into a new visitor center, museum shop, rotating exhibition gallery, another interactive exhibition gallery and an adaptive education space for student and adult programming.”
William Watson, president of the Board of Governors, said “We’re really excited about this project. A lot of people think of Hill-Stead as a hidden gem, and that’s nice, but to us we want it to be a real gem and a forefront attraction in the Farmington community and greater Hartford area. I think this on-site exhibition hall will make a big difference and entice people to be repeat visitors to Hill-Stead.”
The $1,750,000 grant-in-aid from the Department of Economic and Community Development will assist with renovations to the Hill-Stead’s Carriage Barn building. The improvements will include a new and expanded entrance, gallery space, meeting and event space and an expanded gift shop.