Weston Town Hall Happenings For May 31

Press release from the Town of Weston:

05/31/2024 3:30 PM

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
Come join us for food and fun at the 2nd annual official Pride Flag raising in Weston, CT on Monday 6/3 at 4pm at Weston Town Green at Weston Town Hall. There will be food trucks, activities for the whole family and much to celebrate with the kick-off of June, Pride Month, with our wonderful community. Please follow Weston CT Pride on FB for more updates from the newly-formed Weston CT Pride committee and org - much more to come!

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 next session on 6/11: executiveassistant@westonct.gov

Road Paving Plan Underway
Since January, DPW Director, Larry Roberts has been determining the deterioration and rehabilitation planning for our roads, in collaboration with the engineering firm, Beta Group. In February, the BOS & BOF team approved a plan to collect more data with Beta. Data collection was completed this May. The new plan was presented to the BOS at their 5/30 meeting. There will also be a joint BOS/BOF meeting regarding the plan. Next steps are approval from the BOS/BOF for the financing program and eventual approval via Special Town Meeting in July for financing will follow so we can pave in late summer/fall.

Wear Orange Weekend June 7-9th
National Gun Violence Awareness Day, also known as Wear Orange Day, will be observed on June 7, 2024. This day marks the 10th anniversary of raising awareness about gun violence and advocating for safer communities. It falls on the first Friday of June and kicks off Wear Orange Weekend, which features both virtual and in-person events across the nation. Thousands of people wear the color orange during this time to honor victims of gun violence and to support efforts to end this preventable tragedy. During Wear Orange Weekend we come together to unite in our call to end gun violence in our country. We honor the communities shattered by gun violence alongside the 120 people who are shot and killed, and hundreds more who are wounded, every day in the US. Together, we call for meaningful action to save lives. Please join me at 4 PM on Monday June 10th to close out Wear Orange Weekend at Weston Town Hall for our town's coming together on this important day and to find community at the Weston Wear Orange Event. You can learn more about #WearOrange here (and find an event local to you!): www.wearorange.org

Upcoming Road Closures for Repairs
Much needed bridge and road construction has begun. 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:
DOT 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.

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 at 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.

Broadway Swings! Featuring Weston’s Kristen Hahn & Chris Coogan for an intimate evening of classic Broadway show songs and jazz classics.
Saturday June 29, Doors Open at 6:30 p.m. Performance starts at 7p.m.
Inside the Offutt Center.
Tickets are complimentary and require advance registration. Limited seating.
The Weston Commission for the Arts and Lachat Town Farm are pleased to sponsor this free event, highlighting our own Kristen Hahn fresh off her successful debut as a soloist at Lincoln Center. Joining Kristen is a long time favorite of Weston audiences, Chris Coogan of the Chris Coogan Quartet. Kirsten and Chris will perform solos and duets with Chris on piano. A Weston native, Kristen Hahn got her professional start in the Westport Country Playhouse's production of Our Town which starred Paul Newman and then transferred to Broadway. Kristen's other Broadway and National Tour credits include the Tony-winning productions of "A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder" and "Hello, Dolly!". In addition to her musical theater work, Kristen also enjoys a career in classical music and made her Lincoln Center soloist debut earlier this year with the American Classical Orchestra in Bach's B Minor Mass. Chris Coogan has played pop with Phoebe Snow, Donna Summers, Bette Middler and Darlene Love, and on Broadway with Paul Newman, Jim Naughton and Kelli O’Hara and has performed jazz with Randy Brecker, Sal Salvador, and with his own Chris Coogan Quartet. He serves as musical director at churches, synagogues and with local theaters as well as leading the GoodNews Gospel Choir. He teaches the art of jazz improvisation to many students locally and at the University of Bridgeport. The New York Times has called him a “masterful performer.” He is quoted as saying, “I like to bring people together with music.” Light complimentary beverages will be served, including prosecco and wine. This event is limited to 100 attendees. Register at lachattownfarm.org

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

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