Newtown First Selectman Capeci On What's Open, What's Not, After Storm

**News Release Submitted by First Selectman Jeff Capeci**

Aug. 20, 2024

Good afternoon, Newtown. This is First Selectman Jeff Capeci with an update on our recovery efforts following Sunday’s severe weather.

Thankfully, the sun is shining, and the waters have begun to recede. Changed conditions have allowed our Public Works team to reopen many roads. Challenging routes such as Great Quarter Road, Saw Mill Road, and Lakeview Terrace Extension are now accessible. I’m relieved to report that most of our parks, fields, and recreational facilities sustained minimal damage. However, Eichler's Beach Cove and Marina faced significant storm damage and the beach must remain closed for the rest of the season as Parks and Recreation staff focus on rebuilding, dredging, and preparing it for next year.

Yesterday, Senator Blumenthal visited Newtown, and | asked State Representative Bolinsky to extend an invitation to DOT Commissioner Eucalitto to join us. We met at the Municipal Center, where I shared photos of the damage to public infrastructure and private properties. A resident facing a potential total loss of property on South Main Street had the opportunity to tell his story directly to the Senator, who discussed possible federal assistance through FEMA disaster recovery. Rob Sibley, our Director of Land Use, is documenting the damage throughout town to help us secure reimbursement for local expenditures.

Our Police Department has been working tirelessly with double shifts to manage traffic on congested roads. They’ve also been involved in three lifesaving incidents and provided crucial drone footage of the damage at Eichler’s Cove Marina and other areas. Our Public Works crews have been out around the clock for the past thirty-six hours, reopening damaged roads. All 42 obstructed roads are now passable, although many were flooded and may have compromised shoulders. For your safety, please adhere to speed limits and traffic signs, and navigate cautiously around any damaged road surfaces.

A special thank you to all our public works employees and first responders who have gone above and beyond their duties during this storm. Highway employees, police, fire, and ambulance volunteers have worked tirelessly over the past 48 hours, often away from their families, to keep us safe. Their dedication during this challenging time is truly commendable, and they deserve our heartfelt gratitude.

lf you need assistance or are unable to leave your home, please contact Natalie Griffith of Human Services at 203-270-4315. Stay safe, and let’s work together to recover and return to normalcy.

Thanks again for your patience and cooperation,

Jeffrey Capeci

First Selectman