News

Public Works and Transfer Station

Our Public Works Department continues to do an exceptional job keeping Southbury looking and working its best despite the summer heat and poor air quality from Canadian wildfire smoke. Main Street South, the Town Green, our parks and public spaces look great because of their work. Shout out to Nick Brennan and the Outside Properties crew for their dedication, going above and beyond the call of duty when they bagged all the grass clippings where residents set up blankets and lawn chairs for Monday’s concert at Settlers Park. The weather was fantastic, the grounds professionally groomed and the music by the very talented local band One Track Mind was crystal clear wherever you were seated. There is one more Monday night concert remaining: My Brother’s Band on July 27. Bring a chair or blanket and join your neighbors.

I’d also like to recognize our Transfer Station staff for continuing to provide reliable service particularly with the recent breakdown of the hopper. The repair has been identified and parts will arrive this week. Thank you for your patience.

Senior Center Reaches 1,000 Members

Our Senior Services Director, Andrea Corcoran, shared exciting news that the Senior Center has reached 1,000 members - four months earlier than last year. I’d also like to thank all the Senior Center staff whose friendly presence makes the Senior Center enjoyable. Thank you to the Board of Selectmen for supporting and approving the counter clerk position. We continue to improve services for our senior community.

Summer Events

The Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting the Middle School Pool Party will be held on July 31 at 6 pm with a $5 admission, and the free Family Day Pool Party will be held on August 1 at 2 pm. Also, watch for updated pool hours beginning August 17. P&R staff had to make some difficult decisions this week with the heat and poor air quality due to the Canadian wildfires. Our campers were relocated inside for health reasons and I know that may not have been a popular decision but our P&R staff has the campers’ health as the number one priority.

Helping Students Prepare for School

Operation Backpack is underway. Our Social Services Department is helping the Southbury Women’s Club and Southbury Helping Hands to provide school supplies and new shoes for local children for the upcoming school year. To help, please visit the Southbury Women’s Club website to donate or purchase items from its Amazon wish list and Southbury Helping Hands website to donate.

America 250

[L-R] Southbury First Selectman Tim O'Neil, Chair of the Southbury America 205th Commission Mary Korsu, Vince Sinopoli of Sinopoli Contractors, Inc, and Jayson Dahlgard of Carpino Funeral Home.

[L-R] Southbury Fire Department Assistant Chief Robert Barnes, Southbury Police Officer Keri Rich, Southbury Ambulance President Geralyn Hoyt, U.S. Army Veteran Ken Korsu, Chair of the Southbury America 205th Commission Mary Korsu, and Southbury First Selectman Tim O'Neil.

I was honored to participate in events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, including the July 4th dedication of the new Revolutionary War memorial recognizing Southbury residents who helped secure our nation’s independence, and the July 8th community reading of the Declaration of Independence. Thank you to the Southbury America 250 Commission, our volunteers, veterans, and everyone who helped make these events meaningful. I see the hard work the Commission is doing behind the scenes - they are busy well before an event to make it run smoothly for everyone. The Southbury Historical Society continues to host new exhibits at the Old Town Hall Museum. If you would like to learn more about Southbury’s past and part it played in the Revolutionary War see these exhibits. Please check dates and times on our website.

New Fire Engine Delivered

[L-R] Southbury First Selectman Tim O'Neil, Southbury Volunteer Fire Departments members, John Bickel, the Treasure and Chief Robert Hamila.

Officers of the Southbury Volunteer Fire Department at the Annual Dinner

The Southbury Volunteer Fire Department recently took delivery of its new fire engine. The department carefully planned the design to improve firefighter safety, increase efficiency, withstand demanding service, and provide many years of dependable use. Installation of the communications and electronic equipment is scheduled for this fall. The Department's Annual Dinner took place last Saturday during which the officers were sworn in and department awards and recognitions were presented. It was an honor to attend the dinner and to express my heartfelt appreciation for our firefighters.

Building Security Improvements Completed

A years-long issue at the Senior Center and Parks & Recreation Building has been resolved. An obsolete door control which would sometimes leave the building unlocked overnight has been fixed by installing the modern system used at Town Hall, improving security while making the building access easier to manage for staff and community programs.

Zoning Regulations Update Presentation

Residents are encouraged to attend the public presentation on the proposed Zoning Regulations Update on Wednesday, August 5. This is an opportunity to learn about the proposed changes, ask questions, and provide feedback. Additional information is available on the Town website.

Bucks Hill Road Culvert

Temporary repairs to the Bucks Hill Road culvert have been completed. Thank you to the residents for their patience and understanding. The temporary work restores the roadway while planning continues for a permanent repair anticipated next year.

Southbury Maintains Highest Bond Rating

S&P Global Ratings affirms Southbury’s AAA rating. Southbury’s current bonds are financing repairs resulting from the August 2024 flooding. Strong bond ratings help the Town borrow at lower interest rates, saving taxpayers money and reflecting confidence in Southbury’s long-term financial situation. 

Traffic Update

CTDOT will also begin work replacing the box culvert under Southford Road (Route 67) near exit 15 late Friday morning, so please be aware of the road closures and follow posted detours.

Note about Kettletown State Park

Like many in our community, we were all shocked and saddened by the recent assault at Kettletown State Park. Our thoughts are with the brave young women. We are grateful to the DEEP/ENCON Police and each agency that helped, including the Southbury Police Department.