This Week In Clinton: Old Post Road Zone Change, Ben Merrill Road Bridge, Vaccine Clinics And More

CLINTON, CT — A public hearing on a zone change for Old Post Road, a plan to replace the Ben Merrill Road bridge and a Town Council meeting with an update on recovery from last month's nor'easter top the Clinton calendar this week.

Here are five things to know about life around Clinton this week:

1. Planning And Zoning Holds Hearing On Old Post Road Zone Change
When: Monday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Green Room, 54 E. Main St., and on Zoom
What to know: The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on an application from Double B Design for a zone map change at 31 Old Post Road. The property is currently in industrial and residential zones, and the same applicant also has a coastal site plan before the commission. A second hearing covers a commission-sponsored text amendment that would remove mailed-notice requirements for zoning map changes the commission itself initiates. The Regulations Committee will also report on possibly establishing parking management districts under Public Act 25-1. To attend on Zoom, call the commission clerk at 860-669-6133 by noon on the day of the meeting.
More information here.

2. Wetlands Commission Receives Ben Merrill Road Bridge Replacement Plan
When: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Rose Room, 54 E. Main St., and on Zoom
What to know: The Inland Wetlands Commission will receive an application to replace the Ben Merrill Road bridge, state bridge No. 07013, near 27 Ben Merrill Road. The work falls within 50 feet of wetlands or a watercourse, according to the agenda. The commission will also receive an application to relocate a septic system at 87 Killingworth Turnpike. Members will take up a notice of violation for unpermitted clearing and grading near wetlands on Cow Hill Road and review the commission's annual report. To attend on Zoom, call the wetlands clerk at 860-669-6133 by noon on the day of the meeting.
More information here.

3. Town Council Takes Up Security Grant; Scout Cabin To Come Down
When: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 8 a.m.
Where: Town Hall Green Room, 54 E. Main St.
What to know: The Town Council's agenda includes a resolution authorizing the town manager to sign documents for a state Homeland Security grant. The council will also consider the Connecticut Surfcasters' request for an exemption from two town ordinances for the group's 2026 holiday party. Town Manager Michelle Benivegna's written report says the Boy Scout cabin at Walnut Hill Road and Route 81 has been deemed unsafe by the building official, and public works will begin taking it down in the coming weeks. The report also recaps the Sept. 25-27 nor'easter, when about 65.5% of the town lost power. It notes that the town has backed a proposed 95-mile U.S. Bicycle Route 201 along the shoreline. Benivegna and Town Planner Abby Piersall will host a meet-and-greet Oct. 15, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Henry Carter Hull Library.
More information here.

4. School Board Hears October Enrollment, Weighs Textbooks And Screen Time
When: Monday, Oct. 5, 5:45 and 7 p.m.
Where: Board Meeting Room, Administrative Offices, 137B Glenwood Road
What to know: The Board of Education's Instruction Subcommittee meets at 5:45 p.m. Its agenda covers adopting a world language textbook, curriculum writing, a new course and technology use for learning, including screen time. At the 7 p.m. regular meeting, the superintendent's report includes Oct. 1 enrollment figures and the budget development calendar. The business manager will give a financial report, and the agenda also lists a field trip for possible approval.
More information here.

5. Free Flu Shots For Kids, Vaccines For Adults At Nearby Clinics
When: Thursday, Oct. 8, noon to 5 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 9, noon to 4 p.m.; Clinton's clinic is Wednesday, Oct. 21, 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: 203 Middlesex Ave., Chester (Thursday); 302 Main St., Old Saybrook (Friday); Clinton Town Hall Rose Room, 54 E. Main St. (Oct. 21)
What to know: The Connecticut River Area Health District's fall clinic schedule, posted by the town, offers adults flu, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, RSV and Tdap shots. Children 3 to 18 can get free flu shots. Clinics open to the public this week are at Chester Town Hall on Thursday and Old Saybrook Town Hall on Friday, and any Connecticut resident may attend. Clinton's own clinic is Oct. 21 at Town Hall. Stop & Shop provides the vaccines at no cost with most insurance plans, and no payments are accepted at the clinics. Questions go to the health district at 860-661-3300.
More information here.