Greenwich Selectmen Approve Road Closure For Annual St. Roch's Feast

GREENWICH, CT — On Thursday, the Greenwich Board of Selectmen unanimously approved, with no debate, a road closure request for the annual St. Roch's Feast that's scheduled to take place next month.

St. Roch Avenue will be closed at the corner of Alexander Street to the corner of Hamilton Avenue during feast operating hours from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Aug. 10-13.

The feast is one of the most popular events of the year, and has become a beloved tradition in town. It features carnival rides, music, food, a raffle and of course, the famous pizza fritta.

On Wednesday evening, First Selectman Fred Camillo submitted a Letter to the Editor, clarifying what he called "misinformation" surrounding an email that was circulated that implied the town would not allow the feast to even take place.

"The issue involves whether the church be allowed the use of the Hamilton Avenue School baseball field for rides, something that hasn't happened since at least 2009," Camillo said in his letter.

The decision to use the fields lies with the Greenwich Board of Education, Camillo explained. The use of the fields has been restricted since a 2009 agreement was made to not allow rides on the field due to the location of underground geothermal wells.

"The BOE did agree to look at the possibility again if an accredited engineering firm weighed in with a positive response. When one did, I asked to have the 2009 letter removed and the newer report considered," Camillo added in his letter.

"Then, more feedback and information came to light that suggested the BOE might not be ready to allow rides on the field despite the report," Camillo said. "The BOE has yet to take up the issue. Whether one agrees with that or not, we must respect their decision and the good relationship between the BOE and the church."

Camillo concluded his letter by saying he encourages the BOE to work with those who are looking to expand the feast's ride capacity "in a safe and agreed upon manner for next year."