NEWS FROM SOUTHBURY FIRST SELECTMAN
TIM O'NEIL
|
September 11th Remembrance
Southbury was pleased to have the Field of Flags on Veterans Green. Thank you to American Legion Post 147 and VFW Post 1607 for honoring the 25th Observance. We are also reminded that Southbury lost our own Sean Schielke on that terrible day. His memorial right here in front of Town Hall helps us to never forget.
Public Information Meeting on Replacement of Bucks Hill Road/Munn Road Bridge
The Town of Southbury is hosting a Public Informational Meeting regarding the replacement of Bridge No. 130-006 and 130-029, which carry Bucks Hill & Munn Road over Walnut Hill Brook in the Town of Southbury. A presentation will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm in Room 205A of Town Hall, 501 Main Street South. The presentation will also be livestreamed.
New Senior Transportation Bus
I am pleased to share that the Town recently received a new bus for our senior transportation program. This vehicle will be used to provide transportation for Southbury seniors. The Senior Center bus programs helps seniors get to medical appointments, shopping and other essential destinations.
Historic Buildings/Parks and Recreation Improvements
Currently under way are much needed improvements to our Historic Town buildings. The Old Town Hall museum in South Britain has been painted. Repairs to the handicapped ramp are scheduled to be completed along with the replacement of the fence at the property line. A total of four dead or diseased trees were removed. The South Britain Library was had repairs done to the stairs and railing and painting is also being completed.
Bids for the installation of inclusive playground attractions and outside exercise equipment were received. The Parks and Recreation Commission are reviewing the bids for recommendations to the Board of Selectmen. Additionally, Requests for prices were received for the rehabilitation of the Community House Barn restrooms and kitchenette. A contractor bid recommendation will be forthcoming for BOS approval.
Please note, every improvement completed has been within our current budget. The only exception is the request for the Settlers Park parking upgrades approved last meeting by the BOS. The Board of Finance had substantial questions and tabled the discussion until their October 19th meeting. Our hopes are to have these questions answered prior to that meeting.
Explore Southbury's “Start a Business in Southbury” Webpage
If you are looking to start a new business in Southbury, relocate your business here, or expand it, the “Start a Business in Southbury” webpage has important information about that process and the contact information for our part-time Economic Development Consultant, Danielle Hawthorne. I’ve enjoyed celebrating the new businesses in Southbury and thank them for their investment in our community.
Volunteer Appreciation Barbeque
On September 24, I attended Southbury’s Volunteer Appreciation BBQ at Ballantine Park. Southbury runs on volunteers, and this was our chance to thank the residents, first responders, and board and commission members who give their time to our town. Thank you to Mary Korsu and Michelle Rosen for organizing the event and to the Knights of Columbus for handling the grill once again.
Conservation Conversation
On September 25, I spoke at the “Conservation Conversation” at the Audubon Connecticut’s Bent of the River Audubon Sanctuary in South Britain. The event focused on partnerships between organizations working together to care for protected land. Our local organizations such as the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, the Southbury Land Trust, and Bent of the River Audubon Center serve as excellent partnership examples. Thank you to the Connecticut Land Conservation Council and Bent of the River for hosting an informative event and hike.
Senior Center
Our Senior Center always has something going on for its members. This month members can take care of their health on October 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. with flu vaccines by the Housatonic Valley Health District and pneumonia, RSV, shingles, T-DAP and Covid vaccines by Stop and Shop Pharmacy. Another special offering is the AARP SMART Driver Course on October 26 at 9 a.m. And we are going to hear Ghost Stories of Connecticut at the October 29 Halloween Costume Party kicking off at noon. Our Senior Center staff, under the direction of Andrea Corcoran, strive to provide engaging programs and activities.
Fall Fest
The Parks and Recreation’s Fall Fest runs from October 10 through October 16. The week includes scarecrow building, pumpkin carving, crafts, wildlife education, a blood drive, and a sensory-friendly movie matinee. On October 15, there will be a Trick-or-Treat Costume Parade and an outdoor showing of Toy Story 5. All programs are free for Southbury residents, but some require advance registration. A $5 fee applies to non-residents for programs where registration is required.
Sidewalk Expansion
Join us Thursday, October 15, at 11 a.m. to celebrate the opening of Southbury’s new sidewalk connecting Main Street South and the library. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes is expected to attend. She was responsible for securing the nearly $500,000 federal Community Project Funding grant for the new sidewalk and the pedestrian safety improvements currently being installed on Main Street South. In addition to this grant, she also secured a $1.5 million federal grant for flood damage repairs and capital improvements at the library and more than $100,000 for infrastructure repairs after the severe storms and flooding in 2024. Come walk along the new sidewalk and stay for light refreshments at the library.
Employment Opportunities
The Town is accepting applications for a Full-Time Assistant Mechanic, Part-Time Human Resources Generalist, and Part-Time Assistant Animal Control Officer. Job descriptions and application information are available on the Town’s Employment Opportunities page.
Service Spotlight
If you see something like a damaged sign, broken streetlight, or an issue at a Town park or building, you can report it online through Southbury's Public Works Service Request system. Your request is sent to the appropriate staff, and you can check the status online. It's an easy way to let us know about an issue and help us keep Southbury in good shape.