This Week In Rocky Hill: Bulky Waste Fees, Veterans Green Plan, Silas Deane Paving And More

ROCKY HILL, CT — The Town Council holds a hearing Monday on new bulky waste permit fees, residents get a first look Wednesday at plans to expand Veterans Memorial Green, and crews are repaving Silas Deane Highway overnight.

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

Subscribe

1. Hearing On Bulky Waste Permit Fees
When: Monday, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m. hearing; council meeting at 7 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers, Town Hall, 761 Old Main St.
What to know: The Town Council will hold a public hearing on amending the town ordinance on bulky waste permit fees, then may act on it at its regular meeting. According to the hearing notice, the town manager would start the new fee structure this month with an introductory period. During that time, staff will educate residents on the fees, which will include free passes for seniors, and prepare the transfer station. Formal enforcement would begin Jan. 1, 2027. Residents who can't attend can email comments to publicmeetings@rockyhillct.gov before 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting to have them read into the record.
More information here.

2. Council Weighs Open Space Grant, Traffic Ordinance
When: Monday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers, Town Hall, 761 Old Main St.
What to know: Also on the council's agenda is a resolution authorizing the town to apply for the state DEEP Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition grant program, to buy land for open space and passive recreation. The council will also consider a proposed ordinance on vehicles and traffic (Chapter 230) and a state Department of Transportation master municipal agreement for right-of-way projects. The agenda includes an executive session on negotiations to purchase real estate, with the town manager, the environmental specialist and the community development director.
More information here.

3. First Look At Veterans Memorial Green Expansion
When: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 to 7 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers, Town Hall, 761 Old Main St.
What to know: The town will present the conceptual plan for expanding and improving Veterans Memorial Green at a public information meeting. The project is funded by a $500,000 state Community Investment Fund 2030 grant from the Department of Economic and Community Development. The plan calls for traffic calming, parking next to the green, a crosswalk, period site lighting, an area for memorial events and safety improvements at the intersection of Dividend Road and Pratt Street. It also includes utilities for the green and landscaping upgrades. For more information, contact Stephen Sopelak at 860-258-7672.
More information here.

4. Overnight Milling And Paving On Silas Deane Highway
When: Nightly this week, Sunday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Where: Silas Deane Highway, from the north side of the Interstate 91 interchange to Mill Street in Wethersfield
What to know: Burns Construction, the contractor doing water main work for the Metropolitan District Commission, was scheduled to begin milling and paving Silas Deane Highway on Sunday night, Oct. 4, with work expected to continue each evening through the week, according to the town. Two-way traffic will be maintained, but drivers should go slowly and follow traffic signs and flaggers. Questions can go to Julie L. McLaughlin at the MDC, 860-278-7850, ext. 3309.
More information here.

5. Sign Up For AARP Smart Driver Course At Senior Center
When: Registration open now; class Friday, Nov. 20, 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Where: Rocky Hill Senior Center, 55 Church St.
What to know: The AARP Smart Driver classroom course covers crash-prevention strategies, how aging, medication and health issues can affect driving, and the newest vehicle safety features, according to the town's flyer. It costs $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers. Graduates receive a certificate that may qualify them for an auto insurance discount for two years. Register at 860-258-2786 or rockyhillct.myrec.com.
More information here.