This Week In Bethany & Woodbridge: $118.5M School Vote, Solar Zoning, Bethmour Road And More

WOODBRIDGE, CT — Woodbridge holds a special town meeting Tuesday on a $118.5 million plan for a new Beecher Road School, ahead of an Oct. 13 referendum. Meanwhile, Bethany's Planning and Zoning Commission takes up solar energy and fire-protection rules, and Bethmour Road remains closed at the town line.

Here are five things to know about life around Bethany and Woodbridge this week:

1. Woodbridge Town Meeting On $118.5M Beecher Road School Plan
When: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.; referendum Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: The Center Gymnasium, 4 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge
What to know: A special town meeting will take up a resolution to spend $118.5 million on a new Beecher Road School and central office. The resolution would also authorize bonds and notes to pay for whatever share grants don't cover, according to the legal notice signed by the Board of Selectmen. Residents will hear from the boards of finance and selectmen. The meeting will then adjourn, and the question goes to a referendum on Oct. 13 at the same location. A "yes" vote approves the spending and borrowing, and a "no" vote opposes it. The full resolution is on file in the town clerk's office, and absentee ballots are available there.
More information here.

2. Bethany P&Z Weighs Solar Zoning, Fire Water Rules
When: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m.
Where: Commission Room, Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, and on Zoom
What to know: The Planning and Zoning Commission may act on TRITEC Americas' application to amend the zoning regulations to permit "primary solar energy equipment" in Bethany's business and industrial zone. The application is tied to 795 Carrington Road. Public hearings are scheduled on a three-lot subdivision at 244 Amity Road and on a text amendment from the town's water source officer to update requirements for fire department water sources. The commission will also continue discussing zoning regulation changes tied to the state's Special Session Public Act 25-1. The meeting is hybrid, with Zoom meeting ID 842 2708 6637 and passcode 549372, and it streams live on the town clerk's YouTube channel.
More information here.

3. Woodbridge TPZ Hears Auto Repair, Blue Trail Drive Applications
When: Monday, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Central Meeting Room, Woodbridge Town Hall, 11 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge
What to know: The Town Plan and Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on a special exception permit for Top Rank Automotive to run a vehicle service and repair business at 75 Bradley Road, and on a resubdivision of 20 Blue Trail Drive into three lots. In a work session, the commission will update its two-year plan for meeting the housing requirements of Special Act 25-1, including a housing growth plan and possible changes to its opportunity housing regulations. Two other proposed zoning amendments have been referred for regional review and are set for public hearings Nov. 2. One would allow shared community residential housing, including sober, transitional, veteran and supportive housing. The other covers family and group child-care homes.
More information here.

4. Open House At Woodbridge's New Community & Cultural Center
When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Community & Cultural Center, 4 Newton Road, Woodbridge
What to know: The town is inviting residents to see the newly renovated Old Firehouse in action. Visitors can stop in for coffee or food from the future Mantra's Café, play foosball, cards or board games in the Game Room, and explore The Commons, The Studio, the Great Room and The Grove outdoors. The open house will also preview fall programs and explain how to reserve space or get involved. Earlier in the week, the center hosts a "Find Your Place" meetup for parents, caregivers and little ones on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More information here.

5. Bethmour Road Stays Closed As Culvert Replacement Moves Ahead
When: Ongoing
Where: Bethmour Road, between Route 67 in Woodbridge and Pine Brook Crossing in Bethany
What to know: Bethmour Road remains closed at the town line, where engineers found the 40-year-old steel culvert under the road too deteriorated to repair. Bethany First Selectman Carol Goldberg said in a Sept. 23 update that Bethany and Woodbridge have agreed to share the costs of the project and have chosen an engineering firm. The towns are now finalizing that firm's contract. Next, the towns will apply for a state LOTCIP grant, which, if awarded, would cover construction. Those awards aren't announced until next year. Area engineers estimate the cost at about $2 million, according to Goldberg. The towns are also working with DEEP, the Army Corps of Engineers and fisheries biologists on permits.
More information here.