Public Site & Building: Update on the Bethel Police Station Project

The Police Commission held a brief Informational Session at the end of July to outline nearly 900,000 dollars worth of cuts, efforts to move this project toward a second referendum remain ongoing. The Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance have yet to settle on a budgetary number after having been presented three specific and distinct options by the Public Site & Building Commission, per the directive of the Board of Selectmen.

Once it is discussed, and the two boards agree to a specific maximum number, the next steps include another informational meeting or public hearing, a town meeting to request a referendum date, and then, finally, the referendum itself. It remains to be seen if there is enough time to put the vote up this November, but all of the associated boards – elected and appointed – are working hard to make sure what is put forth to the taxpayers is a responsible proposal that satisfies the Police Department’s needs while keeping costs in line.

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Matt Knickerbocker Unanimously Nominated For Fourth Term

On July 23, 2015, Bethel Democrats unanimously nominated First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker and Selectman Richard Straiton for a fourth term. A well-qualified and enthusiastic slate of candidates for the rest of the ticket was also nominated. We are excited and energized about the November elections. We are especially looking forward to making real changes through additional participation on Planning and Zoning, Inlands Wetlands, and Zoning Board of Appeals, to help preserve the rural character of Bethel, while continuing growth in historic downtown.

The Democratic Candidates are as follows:

  • Treasurer: Whitney Vitti
  • Board of Education: Robin Renner, Jen Larsen, Penny Kessler, Carrie Sirois and Michelle Conderino
  • Board of Assessment Appeals: Diana Carlino, Esq. and Robert F. Pitt Jr., Esq.
  • Board of Finance: Claudia Stephan, Eileen Freebairn and Patricia Smithwick
  • Inland Wetlands Comm’n: Don Goodrich and Pat Perrefort
  • Inland Wetlands Comm’n(Alt): Louis David
  • Planning & Zoning: Sandi Richards Forman, Donald Brown, Kim Lemone and Rich Tibbits
  • Planning & Zoning (Alt): Louis Valenti and James Naddeo
  • Police Commission: Christopher McCollam, Richard Thode and Amy Mannion
  • Zoning Board of Appeals: Justin Hurgin and Victor Holomakoff
  • Zoning Board of Appeals (Alt): Gary Passineau and Greg Menti

 

If you are interested in volunteering on the campaign, please contact Chairman Nicholas Vitti at nvitti@lawcts.com

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Bethel Awarded $800,000 In Grants For Reynolds Ridge Senior Housing

Bethel has been awarded $800,000 in funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities Program to renovate and update the Reynolds Ridge Senior Housing Complex.  Renovations are to include the creation of two handicapped accessible units, replacement of interior and exterior doors, replacement of windows, and improving energy efficiencies in 80 units of housing.

Reynolds Ridge was completed in 1979 to provide elderly and disabled housing for the low income elderly (62+) and self-sufficient persons of disability, it is subsidized through HUD’s Section 8 program. Located on a hilltop in the country, with bus service to downtown Bethel and surrounding towns, there are 26 efficiency apartments and 14 one bedroom apartments for qualified low income senior citizens, age 62 and older and self-sufficient persons of disability.

The Reynolds Ridge Complex serves an integral part in this community by ensuring that seniors and disabled persons have a safe place to live.  Thank you to our First Selectman and members of the Bethel Housing authority who helped to secure these much needed funds!

Read more on the Bethel Bulletin: http://www.bethelbulletin.com/bethel-receives-800000-in-cities-grants-for-reynolds-ridge-senior-housing

 

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