It has been a short week, but we have been busy here at Town Hall. 

Office Manager Michele Hayes returned from her vacation to an office with fresh paint, new floors and countertops. She has been busy settling back in as Facilities Manager Erik Olsen and IT Manager Tom Meyer work to put the front office back together. Erik has done an outstanding job coordinating this project and communicating to Town Hall staff when we needed to modify our routines for the work crews. 

Land Use Coordinator Eric Knapp has written an excellent op-ed entitled “Facing the Realities of Rising Waters in Shoreline Connecticut.” I urge our residents to read this article as the effects of rising sea water are already being noticed along our shoreline. Since being elected in 2021, I can see the changes along Miami and Hawk’s Nest Beaches. 

On Thursday, Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Selectwoman Judith Read and I joined federal and state officials at Ferry Park Landing for the Connecticut River Bridge Groundbreaking Ceremony We have some handouts in Town Hall if you are interested in reading more about the project. This newsletter will keep you informed as the work progresses. 

I met with Howard Pfrommer of Nathan L. Jacobson & Associates Inc. to begin putting together the “to do” list to get the Grassy Hill bridge replacement project moving forward. We have state funding that expires in 2027, so the project needs to be out to bid within the next year. 

LEDGELIGHT: This summer there have been West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes in the surrounding areas and Eastern Equine Encephalitis positive mosquitoes as close as Lyme. Protect yourselves and your community by reducing standing water on your property and using mosquito repellent when outdoors.  

This past weekend we were informed that many residents and visitors have been using Pilgrim’s Landing to launch kayaks to view the swallow murmuration. We are pleased that so many people enjoy this annual activity but have concerns about safety in the area. Please find some notes below that will promote a safer environment for everyone.

• Do not park on Route 156. The road is narrow and does not provide enough room for parking, travel ways and pedestrian movement.
• Note: there are only 8 parking spaces at Pilgrim’s Landing. 
• Parking is not permitted on the grass side of Pilgrim’s Landing area as this causes issues for those backing up.
• If you are meeting friends, consider utilizing the commuter parking lot at Exit 70 and only bring one car to Pilgrim’s Landing. 
• Our Harbor Master Matthew Lynch, would like to remind all boaters that they need to have a white light on while underway after sunset. 
• Make sure you have reflective clothing when moving about the parking lot after dark. 

In closing, I know that our community members continue to keep those families impacted by the Labor Day boating accident in their thoughts and prayers. Our hearts are with you all. We also want to thank the multiple agencies and volunteers who continue with search and recovery efforts.