VETERANS CEREMONIES
On July 12th I had the honor of welcoming over 90 local veterans and their families, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and her staff, Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald Welch, and State Representative Cindy Harrison to Southbury for a ceremony to recognize our Korean and Vietnam Veterans. The First Selectman’s Office and the State Lieutenant Governor’s Office worked in partnership to host this special event.
After veterans were presented their certificates, they were given the opportunity to speak. Some just gave a quick thank you, while others shared their personal experiences and feelings about the war in which they served. I was moved by their stories, some of which hadn’t been shared with anyone before. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to recognize these brave men and women for their service and sacrifice to our County. To all our veterans and those currently serving in our military, thank you for your service.
To view photos from the ceremonies please click here, and photos of our local heroes receiving their citations, please click here.
SOUTHBURY MULTIPURPOSE TRAIL CONCEPT
At the July 6th Board of Selectman meeting, I introduced my vision of creating a multi-purpose path that would make connections from residential areas to our open space, town parks and two main commercial zones in the Heritage business district and Main Street South. The path would provide safe, alternative transportation and healthy enjoyment, such as walking and biking, for our residents. The overall concept aligns with our Plan of Conservation and Development and would be constructed in multiple phases over an extended period of time.
My staff and I have been meeting with engineers to put the concept on paper and also with key stakeholders for their ideas and feedback. The feedback I received thus far has been overwhelmingly positive.
The Town has applied for a grant for the first phase, which would consist of a connection between Heritage Village and the Poverty Road commercial and professional district. I’m looking forward to future discussions with the Board of Selectman and our community, as well as the ongoing research into the concept and additional grant funding opportunities.
ATTENTION PICKLEBALL PLAYERS!
Ballantine Pickleball Courts Now Open!
For those who haven’t heard, four new pickleball courts are open and ready for play in Ballantine Park. On July 11th, the Town celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The pickleball courts have been getting a lot of use since they’ve opened. For more details and to make a court reservation, please click here.
COMMITMENT FOR GRANT FUNDING FOR PURCHASE BROOK ROAD BRIDGE
The Connecticut Department of Transportation made an offer of Conditional Commitment to Fund 50% of the eligible project costs to rehabilitate the Purchase Brook Bridge through a state grant under their Local Bridge Program.
Our Director of Public Works, Blake Leonard, and his team worked diligently to prepare the plans and grant application. The next step consists of working on the Supplemental Application and submitting it to the DOT with the required documents and certifications.
TOWN BOAT LAUNCH & LITTLE YORK PARK PARKING
I have been working with our Public Works, Parks & Rec Departments and Board of Selectman to improve parking at the Town Boat Launch and Little York Park resulting in an update of our parking policies.
Town Boat Launch parking is available to Southbury residents with a paid parking permit. Parking permit fees are $10 per vehicle, and are available at the Parks and Recreation office with proof of residency, during normal business hours or by calling (203) 262-0633 to make an appointment. To expedite your visit, please create a household account here before arrival. Parking permits must be renewed annually. Parking is limited, even for pass holders, and is first-come-first-serve.
Parking at Little York Park is also only available to residents. A transfer station sticker affixed to your windshield serves as your parking permit. Transfer station stickers are available at no charge at the Transfer Station or the First Selectman’s Office with proof of residency.
I am confident that implementation of the new parking permit policy will help alleviate parking by non-resident vehicles and open up spaces for our residents. Southbury Police Department will continue to monitor these areas and issue violations for those not following the procedures.
PROTECTING OUR CITIZENS
Southbury Police Department: Last month, the Town swore in our newest officers to the Southbury Police Department, Officers Zachary Simpson and Tyler Sullivan. Please join me in giving them both a warm welcome. For police news and safety information, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Emergency Alert Notification Alerts: We’ve been experiencing some very hot weather this summer. If you haven’t signed up for the Town’s emergency alerts, I urge you to do so. A Town Emergency Alert Notification System was set up earlier this year with Everbridge. To stay informed of time-sensitive emergency and critical community alerts, such as heat advisories, please sign up for this valuable service here.
Fraud Alerts: The Town also has implemented a new Fraud Alert Service at the suggestion of our Town Clerk, Alice Maisano. Property owners may sign up and receive email alerts whenever a document, such as a deed or mortgage, is recorded under their name in the Southbury Town Clerk’s office. To sign up, please click here.
Southbury is very proud to offer these safety services in our ongoing mission to protect our citizens and keep everyone safe.
Stay cool!
Jeff Manville
Southbury First Selectman