Norwich City Council Approves Sidewalk Reimbursement, Halloween Strut Road Closures

NORWICH, CT — The Norwich City Council unanimously approved a $7,415 sidewalk reimbursement and authorized downtown street closures for the Oct. 24 NorWITCH Halloween Strut during its Oct. 19 meeting.

The council also heard residents raise concerns about a proposed Amazon warehouse, police surveillance cameras, fire department operations and plans for a new police station.

Council Approves $7,415 Sidewalk Reimbursement

The council unanimously approved participation in the city's curb reimbursement program for property owned by Kevin J. Crowley at 33 Pearl St..

Under the resolution, the property owner will construct a concrete sidewalk with granite curbing. The city will reimburse the owner $50 per linear foot of granite curb installed.

The estimated municipal cost is $7,415, including curbing and miscellaneous construction expenses.

Funding will come from existing appropriations in the city's Capital Improvement Fund for sidewalks and its Sidewalk Fund.

Alderman Nystrom moved to approve the resolution, with Alderman Hayes seconding. The council approved it unanimously by roll-call vote.

The council held a public hearing on the curb reimbursement program before taking action. No residents spoke during the hearing.

Halloween Strut Road Closures Authorized

The council also unanimously approved a resolution permitting the fifth annual NorWITCH Halloween Strut to take place Saturday, Oct. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event, organized by the NorWITCH Halloween Strut Planning Committee in collaboration with the Norwich Events Organization, will use Sanquedolce Plaza, the David Ruggles Courtyard outside City Hall and lower Broadway.

The council authorized the closure of lower Broadway between Bath Street and Main Street, along with Bath Street as specified in the resolution, from 4 to 9 p.m., following the police chief's recommendation as traffic authority.

The council first voted unanimously to suspend its rules to add the resolution to the agenda and allow public comment on the proposal. No residents spoke during that comment period.

Nystrom moved to approve the event resolution, and Hayes seconded. The measure passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

Residents Raise Concerns About Amazon Warehouse, Surveillance Cameras

During general public comment, several residents criticized the proposed Amazon warehouse and the use of Flock surveillance cameras.

Marianne McNallen opposed both proposals, questioning whether potential tax benefits from the warehouse would outweigh its effects.

Susan Topping agreed with McNallen's concerns and expressed support for locating a police station downtown at the former Chelsea Groton Bank property.

Nick Caposa, who said he owns a small farm near the proposed Amazon warehouse, questioned whether wetlands had been considered in the project's review.

Another speaker questioned employment projections associated with the warehouse and criticized the camera system.

Other residents raised questions about public safety facilities.

David Horst expressed support for the proposed police station and community center and encouraged residents to vote in favor of the project.

Matthew Simpson asked the council to reconsider its public comment rules and extend the three-minute speaking limit.

Joanne Philbrick described an incident at a previous Public Safety meeting that she said left her frightened. She thanked volunteers who assisted her and criticized Police Chief Wilson's response.

Kathy Delaney questioned recent incidents involving fire trucks and asked about driver training and repair costs.

Another speaker raised questions about fire truck incidents and the police chief's qualifications.

Brandon Sabbag expressed concern about homeless shelter arrangements as temperatures declined.

The council took no recorded action on those public comments.

City Manager Reports Roadwork, Leaf Collection Schedule

In his written report, City Manager John Salomone said paving was scheduled to begin during the week of Oct. 19 on Erin Street, White Street, South Golden Street, Central Court, Warren Street and Berkeley Road.

Citywide leaf collection is scheduled to begin Nov. 16. Residents are instructed to place leaves curbside in brown paper bags.

Salomone also reported that maintenance and repairs to the lower level of the Broadway Parking Garage were expected to be completed during the week.

Business personal property declarations are due to the assessor's office by Nov. 2.

The city's Youth, Family & Recreation Department is scheduled to hold its annual Trunk or Treat event Friday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rose City Senior Center.

The event will precede National Red Ribbon Week activities promoting substance use prevention.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for Oct. 24, when residents may dispose of unused or expired medications at the Norwich Police Department.

Council Adjourns Following Public Comment

Mayor Singh presided over the meeting, which began at 7 p.m.

Alderman Zuccardy left before the general public comment period concluded.

The council adjourned at 7:45 p.m. following a 6-0 vote. Hayes made the motion, which Alderman Nash seconded.