Senator Haskell Applauds $1.5 Million State Investment In 100 Acres Of Local Open Space
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) applauded the announcement this week by Governor Lamont that Connecticut will invest over $1.5 million of the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program to support the purchase of two properties in the 26th District. These investments in Redding and Wilton will preserve roughly 109 acres of land to protect natural wildlife, public drinking water quality and new recreational opportunities for our community.
“When I met families who are new to Fairfield County, they often tell me that they were drawn here by Connecticut’s beautiful outdoors,” said Sen. Haskell. “As a member of the Environment Committee, I constantly fight for additional funding to preserve our natural resources, and I’m thrilled to see those dollars going to good use Redding and Wilton. Thank you to Governor Lamont for making open space a priority — I know our community will benefit from this investment for decades to come.”
“As the climate changes, we must work to protect the landscapes that provide refuge for plants and animals adapting to a warmer world,” said Frogard Ryan, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut. “We are excited to work with the State of Connecticut to expand Devil’s Den Preserve, the largest expanse of protected land in Fairfield County and our most frequently visited preserve, to help keep our promise to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends.”
Of a larger announcement of $7.5 million in grants to preserve open space properties, the state announced local acquisition projects including:
- A $1,105,000 grant aiding The Nature Conservancy, Inc. in its acquisition of 99.1 acres of land on the Granskog Property in Redding. This is the last large undeveloped parcel adjacent to Devil’s Den Preserve and has more than 20 miles of trails. It’s connected to several other open space and forest areas and its acquisition will preserve forest and freshwater resources and protect more than 500 types of trees and 140 species of birds. Half of the acreage is within the Saugatuck Reservoir’s public drinking water supply boundaries.
- A $398,125 grant aiding the Aspetuck Land Trust in its acquisition of 9.84 acres of the Montanaro Property in Wilton. This property consists of two lots, part of a long-term project by the Land Trust to create a 700+ acre contiguous forest known as the Weston/Wilton Forest Block. This will provide recreational opportunities through trail openings and will protect local ecosystems, wildlife and clean water.
Sen. Hartley Welcomes $65,000 Grant to Brass City Harvest to Support Community Garden, Educational Programs
Sen. Hartley Welcomes $65,000 Grant to Brass City Harvest to Support Community Garden, Educational Programs
State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) welcomed the awarding of $65,000 from the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program to Brass City Harvest and the City of Waterbury to create a community garden that will support the native ecosystem. The garden will also facilitate educational and nutrition-focused programs available to local residents. The community garden will be established on an undeveloped portion of property that the Brass City Regional Food Hub, operated by Brass City Harvest, is located on. This grant follows on $125,000 in funding that Sen. Hartley secured for the food hub in the 2022-23 state budget.
The about half-acre parcel of land is planned to be transformed by Brass City Harvest and the City of Waterbury into a community garden that supports 50 raised beds, picnic tables, and benches that residents can use to connect with nature and participate in community events. Additionally, the garden will support the local ecosystem through the planting of native species, including Winterberry and Butterfly Bushes. A small urban bee project is planned to be conducted on the land to give bees a water source and access to native plantings. Further, an outdoor cooking area will be available for food prep and educational programs including but not limited to cooking classes and nutrition education.
“This is a wonderful announcement for the greater Waterbury region and is a testament to Connecticut’s long-term aim of preserving open space to protect our state’s natural resources, while enhancing quality of life among community residents,” said Sen. Hartley. “Brass City Harvest is a transformative organization that is closing gaps in community access to healthy food and helping residents become better informed on how the food that we eat affects our long-term health. I’m pleased they have been awarded this grant to further expand their beneficial work.”
“Connecticut’s preservation of open space has helped define its landscape and preserve its important natural resources and natural beauty and is one of the main things that makes this state such a great place to call home,” Governor Lamont said in announcing the awarding of funds to the Brass City Harvest project and other project recipients across Connecticut. “These grants continue our open space preservation legacy and will increase the availability and quality of open space for all residents across our state, whether they live in an urban, suburban, or rural area.”
Established in 2007, Brass City Harvest strives to increase access to fresh food and support regional economic development of the agricultural sector. The operator of the Brass City Regional Food Hub, in partnership with the City of Waterbury, Brass City Harvest coordinates connecting family farms and orchards to consumers and wholesale entities. Under their “Brass City Sustainable” initiative, the non-profit organization provides nutrition education to low-income, elderly, and underserved households. According to the non-profit, they have provided over 240 free healthy cooking and nutrition classes. Additional information about Brass City Harvest’s work can be found at brasscityharvestwaterbury.com.
The Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program assists in funding the development or enhancement of open spaces in urban settings for public enjoyment or environment-related education. More information about the grant program can be found on the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website.
Senator Needleman Excited by State Grant Investment of $562,250 to Preserve 216 Acres of Open Space in East Haddam, East Hampton and Portland
Senator Needleman Excited by State Grant Investment of $562,250 to Preserve 216 Acres of Open Space in East Haddam, East Hampton and Portland
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) was excited by the news that the Lamont Administration is investing $562,250 in Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program funds to preserve 216.28 acres of open space in the 33rd District. These grants, which will aid the East Haddam Land Trust’s purchase of the 68.88-acre Saunders Property in that town and the Middlesex Land Trust’s acquisition of the 147.4-acre Meshomasic’s Rattlesnake Brook Preserve in East Hampton and Portland, will play a significant role in preserving open space regionally not only for land protection but adding recreational value for local residents and travelers alike.
“I am proud of our state’s reputation for protecting and respecting the natural beauty we enjoy around us every day,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful to the Governor’s administration and DEEP for recognizing the importance of these local pieces of land and working to ensure their preservation for decades to come. Not only will these properties play important roles in supporting the local community through new trails and recreational opportunities, but they will play an important role in local and state ecosystems; the Saunders Property in East Haddam’s preservation will aid maintenance of the Connecticut River. I’m excited for their preservation.”
Of a larger announcement of $7.5 million in grants to preserve these properties, the state announced local acquisition projects including:
- A $198,250 grant to the East Haddam Land Trust to aid its purchase of the 68.88-acre Saunders Property, which contains multiple habitats including forest, understory, forested inland wetlands and vernal pools. The property features ponds, brooks and streams, including ones that feed into local watersheds and eventually the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. The property has state and federally listed species and contains a sliver of an Audubon Connecticut Important Bird area. The East Haddam Land trust will add trails to the property for passive recreational use.
- A $364,000 grant to the Middlesex Land Trust to aid its purchase of the 147.4-acre Meshomasic’s Rattlesnake Brook Preserve in East Hampton and Portland, which will buffer and expand the 15,000+ acre Meshomasic State Forest greenway. This purchase aids area water quality, adds new hiking trails, has potential for bird watching, fishing and hunting opportunities locally and will better protect local habitats as well as threatened and local rare species.
Senator Needleman Tours S&S Worldwide, Connecticut’s Premier School Supply Company
Senator Needleman Tours S&S Worldwide, Connecticut’s Premier School Supply Company
COLCHESTER — Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) toured the Colchester headquarters of S&S Worldwide, which has been “Helping People Play and Learn,” according to its motto, for more than 110 years. The supplier of arts and crafts, sports and exercise equipment, educational supplies and more has been a family-run business in the Colchester community for generations, with 220 employees. Sen. Needleman toured to gain more understanding and appreciation for local businesses, finding added value in its mission to provide recreational education options for children and families across the country and world.
“S&S Worldwide is a prime example of a family success story,” said Sen. Needleman. “For more than a hundred years, the company has been run by the Schwartz family, and for many decades, it’s stood as a major point of pride for the Colchester community. With 220 employees and a strong focus on education, they play an important role not only in our region but in classrooms and playrooms around the world. It was a pleasure to tour the facility and see how they help people play and learn.”
“S&S has been part of the fabric of this town for over 100 years,” said Adam L. Schwartz, Co-CEO of S&S Worldwide. “Generations of local folks have worked here. We honor their hard work and we are grateful for the support of the community. It was personally and professionally meaningful to see how helpful people were as we managed through the challenges of the pandemic. Local and State officials came through for S&S, and we won’t forget it.”
S&S Worldwide is a worldwide producer of arts and school supplies, among other products, and contributes significantly to the Colchester community. The company partners with teachers, coaches and professionals working with children to help foster education and development, appealing to young ones’ boundless creativity in their products and supporting growth through play for all ages. The company’s long-term survival also shows the value of creativity in business; while it began as a leather company, it pivoted to children’s items, utilizing the new market to find success, which it still enjoys.
In February 2022, Sen. Needleman endorsed S&S Worldwide to CT Innovations, the state’s venture capital arm, and the Department of Economic and Community Development, aiding the business in receiving important financial support from the state.
Statement of Senator Julie Kushner, D-Danbury, on The Passage of the Danbury School Bonding Referendum
Statement of Senator Julie Kushner, D-Danbury, on The Passage of the Danbury School Bonding Referendum
“Tonight, Danbury voted definitively – six to one – in favor of building a new public school. This is a strong vote of confidence in our students, in our educators, in Danbury Public Schools and in the future of our City. The Career Academy will put Danbury on the map as the first high school in the state to adopt a district-wide career pathways curriculum. I’m honored to have played a part in securing an 80% state reimbursement rate for the new school. This investment in our students will reap benefits for our community for many years to come.”
The Danbury school bond referendum vote was passed today with 2,461 in favor and 433 opposed.
State Senator Matt Lesser Releases Statement on Announcement that Victoria Veltri is Leaving State Service
State Senator Matt Lesser Releases Statement on Announcement that Victoria Veltri is Leaving State Service
This evening, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), released the following statement after the announcement that Office of Health Strategy Executive Director Victoria Veltri is stepping down from her role in state government as at the end of the month:
“I want to thank Vicki for her years of service to the State. She’s been a friend and vital partner, respected by all sides on health reform. Connecticut leads the country on state-based health reform and a lot of credit goes to Vicki. I wish her well in her new role, she leaves big shoes to fill.”
Sen. Lesser worked alongside Veltri on many vital programs for Connecticut. Sen. Lesser and Veltri worked together to pass the Covered Connecticut Program, established Connecticut’s first cost growth benchmarks, and many more proposals.
Duff, Haskell, and Miller Question Darien’s Proposed $100 Million Purchase of Great Island
Duff, Haskell, and Miller Question Darien’s Proposed $100 Million Purchase of Great Island
Today, State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford), and Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), submitted a letter to Darien First Selectwoman Monica McNally requesting a meeting to discuss the Open Choice program and affordable housing in the town. The request follows the town’s recent proposed purchase of the 60-acre Great Island property for $100 million.
“Given the news, we are again requesting the opportunity to meet with you to discuss two issues that now take on greater importance and urgency,” said Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “It is our hope that you will respond to this request as our others have gone unanswered.”
Last fall, the Darien Board of Education declined to participate in the state’s Open Choice program. The program was originally agreed to by the former First Selectman and the Superintendent. The reversal prevented 13 Norwalk kindergartners from joining Darien public schools and turned away state funding to cover the cost of their education. The Board of Education justified their rejection because of unknown costs associated with the kindergarten students. However, the purchase of Great Island is not only far more expensive than the Open Choice program but also has more unknown costs.
“In refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergarten students, the Board of Education cited unknown costs associated with assuming responsibility for these students, even though the state fully covers the cost of every student’s education under the Open Choice program,” continued Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “The decision by the Town to purchase the Great Island property with so many unknowns—how the property will be used, how to replace the loss to the grand list, what the costs of insuring, maintaining, securing and ultimately developing the property will be, leads us to question the legitimacy of the reason given for rejecting Open Choice. We believe this topic requires further discussion.”
Additionally, Darien has only 3.97% of its housing stock as deed-restricted affordable housing. In defending its shortcomings, the town consistently points to the fact that Darien is 98% developed.
“The purchase of 60 acres by the town certainly ameliorates this situation, creating an opportunity for Darien to invest in affordable housing stock to meet its legal obligation,” said Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “We would like to discuss this opportunity with you and ways in which we can assist in this effort. We are confident that the state would welcome the opportunity to partner with Darien on this initiative.”
A copy of the letter and the full text of the letter are below.
Dear First Selectwoman McNally,
Congratulations to the Town of Darien on reaching an agreement to purchase the 60-acre Great Island property for $100 million. We look forward to learning more about the town’s plans for this incredible piece of property.
Given the news, we are again requesting the opportunity to meet with you to discuss two issues that now take on greater importance and urgency. It is our hope that you will respond to this request as our others have gone unanswered.
Specifically, we’d like to discuss:
Open Choice. Last fall, the Darien Board of Education declined to participate in the Open Choice program, refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergartners and rejecting state provided funds to cover the cost of their education. This action contradicted the commitment given by the former First Selectman and the Schools Superintendent to participate in Open Choice.
In refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergarten students, the Board of Education cited unknown costs associated with assuming responsibility for these students, even though the state fully covers the cost of every student’s education under the Open Choice program.
The decision by the Town to purchase the Great Island property with so many unknowns—how the property will be used, how to replace the loss to the grand list, what the costs of insuring, maintaining, securing and ultimately developing the property will be, leads us to question the legitimacy of the reason given for rejecting Open Choice. We believe this topic requires further discussion.
Affordable Housing. As you know, the Town of Darien has only 3.97% of its housing stock as deed-restricted affordable housing. In defending its shortcomings, the town consistently points to the fact that Darien is 98% developed. The purchase of 60 acres by the town certainly ameliorates this situation, creating an opportunity for Darien to invest in affordable housing stock to meet its legal obligation. We would like to discuss this opportunity with you and ways in which we can assist in this effort. We are confident that the state would welcome the opportunity to partner with Darien on this initiative.
We look forward to hearing from you with a date and time that works for us to meet.
Sincerely,
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff
Senator Will Haskell
Senator Pat “Billie” Miller
Looney, Duff Statement on Republican Plan to Cut Debt Payments
Looney, Duff Statement on Republican Plan to Cut Debt Payments
Today Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement in response to the House and Senate Republican press release calling on the state to cut debt payments by $750 million:
“The Republican political press release is a return to the fiscal irresponsibility of the past and a betrayal of future generations of our state. The Republicans slash $750 million in debt payments which will not only cost taxpayers this year but will saddle them with millions in payments each year for the next 25 years. The failure to keep pace with actuarially required pension payments was the hallmark of the 16 Rowland and Rell years. We must not fall back into that irresponsible pattern. Furthermore, Republicans have failed to propose an alternative budget to show the impact of their proposals. We cannot budget in a vacuum.
“The Republicans’ short-sighted and foolish fiscal ideas undo the work of the bipartisan 2017 budget and would steer our state right back into the cycle of cuts and tax increases. Republicans would rather pit hard-working Americans against each other than blame a Russian warmongering tyrant or the oil corporations lining their own pockets. Now is not the time for political games. Connecticut will not give you a dollar today to take $100 from your grandchild tomorrow.”
Looney, Duff Statement on Republican Plan to Cut Debt Payments
Looney, Duff Statement on Republican Plan to Cut Debt Payments
Today Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement in response to the House and Senate Republican press release calling on the state to cut debt payments by $750 million:
“The Republican political press release is a return to the fiscal irresponsibility of the past and a betrayal of future generations of our state. The Republicans slash $750 million in debt payments which will not only cost taxpayers this year but will saddle them with millions in payments each year for the next 25 years. The failure to keep pace with actuarially required pension payments was the hallmark of the 16 Rowland and Rell years. We must not fall back into that irresponsible pattern. Furthermore, Republicans have failed to propose an alternative budget to show the impact of their proposals. We cannot budget in a vacuum.
“The Republicans’ short-sighted and foolish fiscal ideas undo the work of the bipartisan 2017 budget and would steer our state right back into the cycle of cuts and tax increases. Republicans would rather pit hard-working Americans against each other than blame a Russian warmongering tyrant or the oil corporations lining their own pockets. Now is not the time for political games. Connecticut will not give you a dollar today to take $100 from your grandchild tomorrow.”
Duff, Haskell, and Miller Question Darien’s Proposed $100 Million Purchase of Great Island
Duff, Haskell, and Miller Question Darien’s Proposed $100 Million Purchase of Great Island
Today, State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford), and Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), submitted a letter to Darien First Selectwoman Monica McNally requesting a meeting to discuss the Open Choice program and affordable housing in the town. The request follows the town’s recent proposed purchase of the 60-acre Great Island property for $100 million.
“Given the news, we are again requesting the opportunity to meet with you to discuss two issues that now take on greater importance and urgency,” said Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “It is our hope that you will respond to this request as our others have gone unanswered.”
Last fall, the Darien Board of Education declined to participate in the state’s Open Choice program. The program was originally agreed to by the former First Selectman and the Superintendent. The reversal prevented 13 Norwalk kindergartners from joining Darien public schools and turned away state funding to cover the cost of their education. The Board of Education justified their rejection because of unknown costs associated with the kindergarten students. However, the purchase of Great Island is not only far more expensive than the Open Choice program but also has more unknown costs.
“In refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergarten students, the Board of Education cited unknown costs associated with assuming responsibility for these students, even though the state fully covers the cost of every student’s education under the Open Choice program,” continued Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “The decision by the Town to purchase the Great Island property with so many unknowns—how the property will be used, how to replace the loss to the grand list, what the costs of insuring, maintaining, securing and ultimately developing the property will be, leads us to question the legitimacy of the reason given for rejecting Open Choice. We believe this topic requires further discussion.”
Additionally, Darien has only 3.97% of its housing stock as deed-restricted affordable housing. In defending its shortcomings, the town consistently points to the fact that Darien is 98% developed.
“The purchase of 60 acres by the town certainly ameliorates this situation, creating an opportunity for Darien to invest in affordable housing stock to meet its legal obligation,” said Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “We would like to discuss this opportunity with you and ways in which we can assist in this effort. We are confident that the state would welcome the opportunity to partner with Darien on this initiative.”
A copy of the letter and the full text of the letter are below.
Dear First Selectwoman McNally,
Congratulations to the Town of Darien on reaching an agreement to purchase the 60-acre Great Island property for $100 million. We look forward to learning more about the town’s plans for this incredible piece of property.
Given the news, we are again requesting the opportunity to meet with you to discuss two issues that now take on greater importance and urgency. It is our hope that you will respond to this request as our others have gone unanswered.
Specifically, we’d like to discuss:
Open Choice. Last fall, the Darien Board of Education declined to participate in the Open Choice program, refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergartners and rejecting state provided funds to cover the cost of their education. This action contradicted the commitment given by the former First Selectman and the Schools Superintendent to participate in Open Choice.
In refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergarten students, the Board of Education cited unknown costs associated with assuming responsibility for these students, even though the state fully covers the cost of every student’s education under the Open Choice program.
The decision by the Town to purchase the Great Island property with so many unknowns—how the property will be used, how to replace the loss to the grand list, what the costs of insuring, maintaining, securing and ultimately developing the property will be, leads us to question the legitimacy of the reason given for rejecting Open Choice. We believe this topic requires further discussion.
Affordable Housing. As you know, the Town of Darien has only 3.97% of its housing stock as deed-restricted affordable housing. In defending its shortcomings, the town consistently points to the fact that Darien is 98% developed. The purchase of 60 acres by the town certainly ameliorates this situation, creating an opportunity for Darien to invest in affordable housing stock to meet its legal obligation. We would like to discuss this opportunity with you and ways in which we can assist in this effort. We are confident that the state would welcome the opportunity to partner with Darien on this initiative.
We look forward to hearing from you with a date and time that works for us to meet.
Sincerely,
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff
Senator Will Haskell
Senator Pat “Billie” Miller