Weston Town Hall Happenings For May 24

Press release from the Town of Weston:

05/24/2024 3:47 PM

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
Memorial Day festivities are upon us in Weston, where we celebrate as a community. I often marvel that our parade has way more participants than observers! Memorial Day is more than parades, carnivals and barbeques, it is an expression of deep gratitude to those Veterans that gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. My thoughts are with them and their families, who also have sacrificed greatly.

Holiday Closures

Introducing Town Hall Talks
As an enhancement of the weekly Town Hall Happenings newsletter, please join First Selectwoman Sam Nestor for "Town Hall Talks," on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Come with your questions and we will be there with updates on Town activities.

Town Hall talks schedule:
2nd Tuesday of the Month - 1pm at the Town Hall
4th Tuesday of the Month - 6pm at the Town Hall

RSVP to the inaugural session on 5/28: executiveassistant@westonct.gov

Upcoming Road Closures for Repairs
Much needed bridge and road construction will soon begin. This outlines the projected timeline for road closures during the construction period. Unforeseen delays may occur and, if they do, I will update everyone as needed. Please note this does not include summer paving which begins in the summer. The following road closures may affect routes normally taken:

Weston Bridge Replacement/Rehabilitation Projects

1) Davis Hill Road Bridge Preservation and River Road Bridge Replacement (State Project 157-086)
This project consists of the superstructure replacement with substructure modifications and repairs for Bridge No. 04960, River Road over Saugatuck River; and Preservation of Bridge No. 04351, Davis Hill Road over Saugatuck River. The project has an estimated construction cost of $5,193,400 and funding for the construction is provided under the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program - Off-System Bridge (BRZ) with a funding ratio of 80% Federal and 20% percent State funding. Construction of the project was awarded to New England Infrastructure, Inc. and work commenced in August 2023. **Residents are kindly requested to seek alternate routes to avoid construction at both locations.**

Davis Hill Road Bridge – May 24, 2024 Update
The rehabilitation of this bridge is being done in two phases such that the bridge will be open during the majority of the construction phase. The Contractor is currently wrapping up Phase 1 work with necessary demolition and concrete repairs completed. De-leading and repainting of the steel girders is in progress and expected to be completed within the next two weeks. New bridge rail will also be installed within the next two weeks prior to shifting to Phase 2 work activities anticipated for mid-June. Phase 2 work is anticipated for completion by August which will be followed by full paving of the bridge. Residents are kindly requested to seek alternate routes to avoid construction.

River Road Bridge – May 24, 2024 Update
**This bridge is currently closed.**
Work at this location includes full replacement of the bridge superstructure. To date, all utility relocation and tree removal has been completed as well as the demolition of the existing bridge superstructure. Existing abutment caps have been repoured and work to extend the west abutment is ongoing. New beams for the bridge are expected to be placed by July with placement of the superstructure concrete to follow. Paving of the road along with placement of new bridge rail and guiderail is currently anticipated for late September. Upon completion of paving and installation of bridge and guiderail, the bridge will reopen to traffic. Fencing removed on adjacent properties will also be replaced in late September.

2) Michael’s Way Bridge Replacement
**This bridge is currently closed.**
This project consists of the Replacement of Bridge No. 07001, Michael’s Way over West Branch Saugatuck River. The project has an estimated construction cost of $2,980,300 and funding for the construction is provided under the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program - Off-System Bridge (BRZ) with a funding ratio of 80% Federal and 20% percent State funding. The construction phase was advertised for bids in October 2023 and bid were received November 15, 2023. The Town has evaluated the low bidder, Brunalli Construction Company, and intends to award the Contract upon receipt of the Construction Project Authorization Letter from CT DOT. Work is estimated to commence in Spring 2024 with a construction duration of 231 calendar days. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of November 2024.

Michael’s Way Bridge – May 24, 2024 Update
Proposed work at this location includes full replacement of the bridge superstructure. Utility relocation work has been started with installation of temporary utility supports ongoing. Bridge deck demolition has commenced with bridge deck removal anticipated by the end of May.

Lyons Plain Road Rehabilitation: Final Design has been submitted to the CT DOT. Pavement and drainage repairs are scheduled to start late Spring 2024 and continue through the summer months. Construction will require intermittent road closures. This project has not yet been awarded and future updates will be provided.

Georgetown Road Milling and Paving by The Connecticut Department of Transportation: CDOT will be repaving a portion of Route 57 (Georgetown Road) beginning on May 28, 2024. The milling and paving project will extend from the intersection of Route 107 (Redding Road) in Georgetown into Weston and finish at the intersection with Trails End Road. Road crews will operate from 7:00am until 5:00pm each day, there will be no work on Sundays. Georgetown Road will be down to one lane during construction hours. Traffic control will be handled by the Weston Police Department and CDOT personnel. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by June 13, 2024.

Memorial Day Weekend
Each year the Weston community celebrates Memorial Day with a fair, 5K, parade honoring our Veterans (and breakfast). It is an annual tradition that attracts thousands of families from surrounding communities as well as its own Westonites. The fair is run by volunteers from the Hurlbutt and Weston Intermediate School PTOs and the 5K is run by the Weston High School PTO. Both of these events are their largest fundraisers of the year. We are so grateful to the PTO and to the Weston Volunteer Fire Department who coordinates and sponsors the Memorial Day Parade and Festivities.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, May 24

• Memorial Day Fair: 6:00-10:00 PM

Saturday, May 25

Sunday, May 26

Learn more about these events and how to support them here: weston5k.com and westonmdf.com

Route 57 West Fest on Memorial Day Weekend
The WIS and Hurlbutt PTO’s proudly present the inaugural Route 57 West Fest, a vibrant celebration of arts and education taking place over Memorial Day Weekend at the Memorial Day Fair. This first-of-its-kind, two-day arts festival will feature an exciting lineup of local bands, including performances by talented student musicians and "rock star" parents, alongside a diverse array of daytime acts such as dance troupes and cheer squads. Under the mentorship of experienced PTO parents and guided by the expertise of an Emmy Award-winning executive producer, the festival not only promises a showcase of Weston's rich cultural talent but also offers a unique, hands-on learning experience for students involved in its production. Join us for a weekend filled with music, art, and community spirit, celebrating the extraordinary talent within our community.

Weston LWV Welcomes Ms. Anne-Marie Grey as Speaker at its Annual Betty Hill Forum & Luncheon
The League of Women Voters of Weston invites all interested to join us at the Aspetuck Valley Country Club for our Annual Meeting and Luncheon on Friday, May 31st at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon and speaker presentation begin promptly at noon.

Guest speaker, Ms. Ann-Marie Grey, will discuss “Dispelling Myths, Embracing Humanity: A Positive Perspective on the Refugee Crisis.” In this presentation, she will delve into the complexities of the refugee crisis, offering a fresh perspective that focuses on eliminating misconceptions and celebrating our shared humanity. For additional information or to register, visit www.lwvwestonct.org.

The League of Women Voters of Weston will hold its annual “Politics & Pie: A Conversation with Our State Legislators” on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. at the Weston Public Library – on the Library lawn weather permitting, indoors if needed.
The event, moderated by League Steering Committee member Carol Baldwin, will feature a presentation and discussion with State Senator Ceci Maher (D, Senate District 26) and State Representative Anne Hughes (D, House District 135). They will provide a summary of the accomplishments of the recently completed legislative session, share their views about challenges ahead, and answer your questions. Sweet and savory hand and full-sized pies and beverages from Georgetown’s Old Mill Market & Café will be available for purchase at the event.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages active and informed participation of citizens in government and seeks to increase understanding of major public policy issues. For more information, visit: lwvwestonct.org.

Paper Shredding and Computer Recycling Sponsored by the Friends of the Library
When: Saturday June 1 10am to 1pm
Where: Hurlbutt Elementary School Bus Loop
What: Standard Boxes (10x12x15) - $10, Computers - $20 each

The Food Scrap Recycling program at the Transfer Station update
Averaging 650lbs per week, we have over 200 households signed up. 4,500lbs since program inception 2 months ago diverted from Municipal Solid Waste! At this rate, we will easily reduce our Municipal Solid Waste by 13,000lbs per year. The participation in the program has exceeded our expectations and shows the dedication our residents have towards sustainability. For those wishing to sign up for the program, please click here: Food Scrap Recycling Signup **Please note the Transfer Station now accepts credit cards.

Solar Array to be Built at the Transfer Station
Exciting Announcement! The lease of town-owned land at the transfer station was unanimously approved during the Special Town Meeting, marking a significant milestone. What's even better is that we will enjoy the benefits of a solar array without incurring any costs. That's right, not a single penny! Instead, Greenskies Clean Energy, a reputable company headquartered in North Haven, will provide the town with annual lease payments. The construction of the solar array is scheduled to commence this summer, as soon as all the necessary approvals and permits are obtained. While it will take approximately two months to complete the process, the wait will undoubtedly be worthwhile.

School Road Turning Lane Update: Voters Approve Land Sale to Connecticut DOT
At the Special Town Meeting on March 19 voters unanimously approved the sale of 6,600 square feet of town-owned land to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for nearly $85,000. The transfer is needed for the state-funded improvement of the intersection of Route 57 and School Road, where northbound traffic will have a dedicated right turn lane onto School Road and, southbound, the road will be slightly widened to facilitate left turns. The traffic light system will also be upgraded. We are confident that these upgrades will eliminate congestion at the intersection that builds up at the beginning and end of school days.

Road Paving Plan Underway
DPW Director, Larry Roberts is determining the deterioration and rehabilitation planning for our roads, in collaboration with the engineering firm, Beta Group. The BOS & BOF team approved a plan to collect more data with Beta. Data collection is nearly complete. The new plan should be in place by the end of the month and eventual approval via Special Town Meeting for financing will follow.

Pickleball Moves Forward!
The Parks & Rec Commission and Parks & Recreation Department has completed a comprehensive plan for Pickleball Courts at Bisceglie Park. This designated area, spanning approximately 0.20 acres, is situated conveniently near the walking path leading to the pond and adjacent to the parking lot, enclosed by a charming split rail fence. Parks and Recreation commission has met with neighbors regarding implementing sound mitigation measures. The trees have been cleared and we will soon be starting the bidding process for the construction of the courts! The expectation is that we will have three fully operational courts by the upcoming summer season. This project is being funded through the ARPA grant, as well as the Parks & Recreation Enterprise Fund at no cost to Weston taxpayers.

Human Services
Applications are now being taken for the CT Elderly and Disabled Renters' Rebate Program. Please get in touch with Weston Human Services at 203-222-2556 to schedule an appointment. More information and eligibility requirements can be found here: CT Renters' Rebate Program.

Would you like to be added to the Reassurance Program?
The Reassurance Program is a list of Weston residents who would like to be called by an employee of the Weston Social Services Dept in times of Town emergencies or inclement weather. We encourage those who live alone, don't drive, or have medical needs to register as this list is also shared with Emergency Responders in times of Town emergencies. Please email Rashida Miller, MSW at rmiller@westonct.gov for more information.

Youth and Family Services
Please register for the Social Services monthly newsletter! Our goal is to provide our families and youth with resources that help promote physical and mental well-being through programming, events, referrals, and advocacy. Be sure to sign up at the bottom of the page to receive our newsletter each month! Click here for our latest newsletter

Caregivers Support Group With Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSW, Director of Human Services
Monthly meetings are held every third Tuesday, 1-2pm at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the Caregiver Support Group email list, contact Allison Lisbon at alisbon@westonct.gov

Bereavement Support Group With Rashida Miller, MSW
Monthly meetings are held every fourth Tuesday, 1-2 pm, at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the Bereavement Support Group email list, contact Rashida Miller at rmiller@westonct.gov

Board of Selectmen Meetings
Please feel free to attend BOS meetings where you can watch in person at the Town Hall Meeting Room or you can stream into the meetings, which are always posted on the Town website. Documents, recordings, and minutes are available at: https://www.westonct.gov/government/boards-commissions/elected/board-of-selectmen

Volunteers Needed for Town Boards
The following appointed boards have positions available: Commission for the Arts, Board of Assessment Appeals Alternate, Beautification Committee, Building Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Board of Ethics, Historic District Commission Alternate, Veterans Affairs Committee. The following elected board has a position available: Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate. The Town of Weston Board of Selectmen will conduct interviews of candidates for appointed boards, commissions and committees in private, unless the candidate requests that the interview occur in public. Through the CT Freedom of Information Act, the state legislature expressly allows the Town Board of Selectmen to hold non-public executive sessions to discuss “the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a public officer or employee." C.G.S. § 1-200 (6)(a). Like Weston, several nearby municipalities have also implemented similar policies to protect residents interested in volunteering their service from the abuse of modern technology such as artificial intelligence, social media, and personal identity theft. Please click here for more information and/or to submit your information for consideration for a position.

Weston Senior Center
Click this link to view the Senior Center Newsletter: https://westonseniorcenter.info/newsletters.php
Call or email the Senior Center to register: 203-222-2608/lgilmore@westonct.gov

With gratitude,
Sam

PS: Check out my previous THH by visiting the following link! https://www.westonct.gov/about-us/advanced-components/list-detail-pages/news-list

Weston Town Green

This press release was produced by the Town of Weston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.