P&Z Scrutinizes Details and Big-Picture Plans

by | Nov 4, 2018 8:55 pm | Comments (0)

Branford GIS

The Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission began its review of site plans for the long-proposed Sterling Ridge housing complex in the town’s historic district. The commission also set a date for a public hearing for the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).

In other business at Thursday’s meeting, the commissioners discussed concerns about a tree that was removed from a construction site at 250 N. Main St.; and they denied a request for an interior residential lot on Damascus Road.

They also appointed a new zoning enforcement officer.

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Veterans’ Day Parade Honors All Who Served

by | Nov 4, 2018 8:53 pm | Comments (1)

Photos by Bill O’Brien

Once again the town of Branford will hold a Veterans’ Day Parade. This year’s parade will be held on Sunday, Nov. 11, with a ceremony beginning at 1 p.m. on the front Green with the parade stepping off at 1:30 pm. We will have six musical marching units participating and there will be several floats,” said Veterans’ Day Parade Committee chairman Bill O’Brien.

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Cool Events This Week, Here and Beyond

by | Nov 2, 2018 9:51 am | Comments (0)

iWeatherNet

Time to turn back the clocks Saturday night. Early birds will welcome to earlier morning light and everyone will appreciate the extra hour of sleep. Tis the season for holiday fairs and we’ve started compiling a list, so fair goers can plan accordingly. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, VOTE on Tuesday. Every vote counts, including yours. Got a cool event? Email [email protected] by Wednesday noon. 

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Countdown to Election Day

by | Oct 31, 2018 6:47 pm | Comments (0)

Branford residents are taking seriously the message to Get Out and Vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6. At least that’s evident in the traffic at the Registrar of Voters office.

Deputy Registrar of Voters Nora Vetrano reports that as of Oct. 2, there were 20,161 registered voters in Branford. She said she’s definitely seen an uptick in the number of registrations. It’s really been busier than during the presidential elections.” She added that a lot of young people have been registering.

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Murphy Drops in to Support Comey, Cohen

by | Oct 31, 2018 10:47 am | Comments (0)

Photos by Sally Bahner

Cohen, Murphy, and Comey

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D‑Conn.) on Tuesday joined Christine Cohen, State Senate candidate for the 12th District, and Robin Comey, State Representative candidate for the 102nd District, for a well-attended roundtable discussion at Democratic Headquarters.

Murphy was the second Connecticut senator to visit Democratic Headquarters. Richard Blumenthal met with the group two weeks ago.

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Parkside Misses Funding Deadline But Will Persist

by | Oct 29, 2018 9:07 pm | Comments (1)

Photo by Diana Stricker

Although a judge has ruled in favor of the proposed Parkside Village affordable housing project, it’s too late for the Branford Housing Authority to apply for federal funding this year.

However, the developer is still optimistic about the project, which would replace dilapidated public housing that does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Cool Events This Week, Here and Beyond

by | Oct 25, 2018 8:58 pm | Comments (0)

Photo by Diana Stricker

Halloween is in the air and there are a lot of activities for those who love this spooky time of year. Lay in the Snickers and Reese’s! Enjoy the abundant local talent, as well. Musicians and artists have so much to offer in the upcoming weeks, especially the annual Shoreline Arts Trail. Most of all, be sure to vote on Nov. 6. Got a cool event? Email [email protected] by Wednesday noon.

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Judge: Protest Petitions Don’t Apply to Affordable Housing Projects

by | Oct 25, 2018 7:49 am | Comments (6)

File photo

A state Superior Court judge has ruled that neighborhood protest petitions requiring a “supermajority” vote by Branford’s Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission are not relevant to affordable housing projects like Parkside Village.

During the P&Z public hearings last year, neighbors who opposed the project signed protest petitions that supposedly triggered a state law requiring a zoning change be approved by a two-thirds supermajority vote.

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Building Commissioners Critical of Community Center Delays

by | Oct 23, 2018 8:59 pm | Comments (1)

Photos by Sally Bahner

Once again, Quisenberry Arcari Architects, the architect for the Community House/Senior Center, came under fire by the Public Building Commission for delays in the project.

Commissioners grilled Project Manager Brian Park at last week’s meeting held at Fire Headquarters. Leonard Tamsin, Jr. said that the project is lagging on critical paths.” He expressed concern that the building would not be fully enclosed, with roof and exterior walls, before winter.

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McGuirk Named to National Hall of Fame

by | Oct 22, 2018 8:44 pm | Comments (0)

All photos by Bill O’Brien

Congratulations to Branford’s own Cathy McGuirk for being named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame. She will be inducted on Jan. 17, 2019, at the NFHCA annual dinner in Lake Mary, Florida.

I’m thrilled to receive this high honor,” said McGuirk. In my wildest dreams I never thought about being chosen for the National Field Hockey Hall of Fame, It’s overwhelming.”

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Blumenthal Meets With Local Democratic Women

by | Oct 21, 2018 7:49 pm | Comments (0)

Photos courtesy of Chris Simpson

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal dropped by Democratic headquarters Saturday morning and discussed questions and concerns with local women… and a few men.

12-year-old Evelyn Mollow, daughter of Democratic Town Committee chair Lynda Mollow, asked Blumenthal what boys and girls can do to prevent sexual harassment; she noted that her 14-year-old brother was one of the good guys.

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First Of Its Kind Solar Pump-Out Boat Docks In Town

by | Oct 20, 2018 7:45 pm | Comments (0)

The town of Branford was joined by state, local, and regional leaders on Monday at the Dockside Restaurant to launch a new solar powered pump-out boat. It is the world’s first full-sized solar-powered pump-out boat that will begin operation next spring. It will be housed at Bruce and Johnson’s Marina and when activated will not only serve Branford, but Guilford, East Haven, New Haven, and West Haven as well.

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Cool Events This Week, Here and Beyond

by | Oct 18, 2018 5:45 pm | Comments (0)

Looks like we’ve gone from August to November, bundle up for Broadway in Branford tonight! Bring a cup of coffee and a blanket and settle in for some great music to benefit Legacy Theatre. And, with the colder weather comes the importance of caring for the community cats in our midst. Take some time to stop by Branford Compassion Club and help them stock up on their supplies for winter. Got a cool event? Email [email protected] by Wednesday noon.

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