Submitted by Town of Haddam
(June 7, 2024) — Haddam is among the Connecticut municipalities to be recognized this year for achieving Sustainable CT certification.
Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, announced this year’s list of certified communities.
Haddam met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious BRONZE level certification.
“I am pleased that Haddam has been recognized for all the contributions that the different town departments and committees have made in achieving this milestone,” said Haddam First Selectman Robert McGarry. “We’ll be receiving the benefits of their efforts for years to come.”
In its application for Sustainable CT certification, Haddam demonstrated significant achievements in twelve sustainable impact areas ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture, to clean transportation and diverse housing. Haddam successfully completed actions including:
- Tylerville Business Interruption Loan Grant
- Haddam Center Sidewalk project
- Recycling of additional materials at the Transfer Station including mattresses, textiles, film plastics, batteries, electronics, swap shack items
- Haddam Food Scrap Program (photo above)
- Tax Relief program for low income seniors and disabled residents
- Points were earned for securing a grant that will help fund 36 units of affordable housing for seniors
- The town was awarded additional points for the Higganum Cove Project, which took a once-contaminated site and is turning it into a recreation spot that residents can enjoy.
“We would like to thank First Selectman Robert McGarry, Town Planner William Warner, Higganum Cove Committee members Sue DeCarli and Ed Schwing, Haddam Historical Society Executive Director Elizabeth Malloy, Haddam Garden Club members Debbie Karpf and Donna Brinckerhoff, Social Services Director Becky Rice and JoAnn Ricciardelli, all of whom took the time to meet with me over the several months it took to complete the Sustainable CT application,” said Linda Talbott, Secretary of the Haddam Sustainability Committee.
A special thanks to Dorothy Piszczek, Program Assistant Sustainable CT for making several trips to Haddam to assist Linda Talbott and Helen Hastings in compiling all of the town information and assisting with the application process.
Photo provided by Town of Haddam: December 8, 2021 – Initial day of Haddam Food Scrap Program.
Left to right: Kristin Battistoni and Linda Talbott, Sustainability Committee members; Chris Corsa, Assistant Director of Public Works; Samuel King, CFO of Blue Earth Compost; and Robert McGarry, First Selectman.
