Aug. 23 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Dan Carter**

Aug. 23, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Last Sunday’s storm caused significant damage to parts of Connecticut. In Bethel we experienced much more personal property damage than town property damage and many of our residents and businesses will be dealing with the fallout for months to come. An Emergency Declaration has been approved for the state to help with repairs to roads, bridges, and dams. However, the state must meet cost thresholds to receive a major disaster declaration, which could result in funding to help rebuild and repair eligible public and uninsured private property. If you had storm damage, please fill out the form.

If you need help cleaning up from flooding, call the Western CT Floods Cleanup Hotline at 203-392-1752. You will be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups, and faith organizations. Services are free, but not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. The hotline will remain open through Friday, September 6th. If you are an organization and would like to help, visit www.crisiscleanup.org.

We are fortunate that many of our roads have been reclaimed over the years, resulting in stronger roads. Damage to our roads were mostly wash outs on road edges and no roads fully washed away. The final road was repaired today, but there is still plenty of damage to deal with across town. If you are thinking about what you can do to help, if you have a catch basin in front of your property covered with storm debris, please lend us a hand and remove it. If you have a neighbor who has had damage and you think they have limited online access, please let them know about the link to report damage and help them fill out the form.

Many of our drainage systems were overwhelmed by the storm because, even using current standards, systems are not built to handle the volume of rain we saw last weekend. Town agencies are collecting information from the storm and we will be meeting to map out which parts of town were affected. FEMA only pays to repair damaged infrastructure to its pre-storm conditions, so we will identify and prioritize the areas where the town needs to make upgrades. Please report any damage here.

Attention Aquarion Customers in Bethel: Due to continued flooding at the Newtown wellfield location, they have been unable to begin repairs. Please continue to limit your water use to essential needs. Avoid using irrigation systems, filling pools, and washing vehicles or buildings. Also, don’t forget the public hearings to consider the acquisition of the Aquarion Water Company by the RWA on Tuesday, August 27th at 10 am and 6:30 pm. Questions may be submitted at jslubowski@rwater.com or by calling 203-401-2515. Visit the town meeting calendar for instructions at https://bethel-ct.gov/meeting-calendar.

The Bethel Chamber of Commerce Lamppost Banners are back! Showcase your business prominently in the heart of Downtown Bethel with an eye-catching lamppost banner on Greenwood Avenue. These high-quality banners are designed to attract attention and promote local businesses and chamber members effectively. Visit this website.

Bethel Cub Scout Pack 156 is hosting their "Fall Kickoff" TONIGHT from 6-7pm at Bennett Park. Cub Scouts is open to boys and girls in K-5th grade. They meet two times a month throughout the school year in addition to campouts, hikes, community service and field trips throughout the year. Anyone interested is invited to attend tonight to learn more. If you cannot attend, visit www.bethelpack156.org.

Sunday, August 25th is the final concert of the Town of Bethel Summer Concert Series. Join the Tom Duffy Band on the Town Hall lawn. There are no food trucks on hand, so plan accordingly. In the event of inclement weather call 203-794-8502 for cancellations.

Due to a Switch Replacement Project on the Danbury Branch Line, trains have been replaced with accessible bus service between Danbury station and the South Norwalk station from today to Sunday, August 25th. Normal train service will resume on Monday, August 26th. Learn more here.

The CT Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public information meeting concerning the MNRR Danbury Line Track & Slope Stabilization on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the project is to stabilize the embankment slopes along the Metro North Railroad in Bethel between Trowbridge Dr. and Sympaug Pond behind WorkSpaceCT and between Henry St. and Taylor Ave. near Bertozzi Electric. For instructions on accessing the meeting and ways to provide comments and ask questions, visit this website.

Interested in learning about the benefits of solar energy? Sustainable Bethel is hosting seminars just for you on Friday, September 13th and Friday, September 27th at 5:30 pm in the General Purpose room at Town Hall. Whether you're considering solar panels or want to share your experience, your input is valuable. Fill out our questionnaire to express your interest and help tailor the event to your needs. Contact Suneetha Malkani at suneetha@radar108.com with questions.

A heartfelt shoutout to Bethel First Responders, Bethel Emergency Management Director, and the Highway Department for your actions during the storm last Sunday. The response during the storm was well executed and we are so grateful for all you do!

Bethel is built on water, so the fact the water receded so quickly after the storm is a testament to how much work our Public Works and previous town leaders have done to improve our drainage systems. We have a long way to go with a few trouble spots, but we are starting in a better position than many of our neighboring towns. Thank you!

Have a great weekend!

Dan