By Sean Donlan, Haddam First Selectman
(January 8, 2026) — First and most important, a thank-you to all the previous First Selectmen and Board of Selectmen members for making Haddam what it is today. Thank you to everyone who ran for a position in Haddam’s government this election. It is a difficult decision just to place your name on a ballot and it takes a lot of time to campaign. Congratulations to all the candidates who were elected. Your service to Haddam is very much appreciated and I truly hope you find it rewarding. For the candidates who were not elected, and to any other resident considering volunteering, please contact the First Selectman’s office, as Haddam has many boards and commissions that need talented people to serve. Haddam was built and currently runs on mostly volunteers who care deeply about where they live and about the future of our Town.
Haddam is an absolutely incredible place to live. Partly because it is located along the Connecticut River, offering some of the most beautiful views in this part of the country as well as offering countless exciting outdoor activity options, Haddam is a wonderful place to live because of our community. It is our residents who make Haddam what it is, the magnitude of skill and talent in our small town is immeasurable. And we need all of us working together to make Haddam even better going forward.
Updates below are described as they stand on the day of this writing: (December 15, 2025)
Scovil Hoe – Haddam and Parker Benjamin, the developer on this project, are working together to find a path to complete the proposed plan of development. Due to circumstances that arose in 2024, the timeframe and scope of Haddam’s and Parker Benjamin’s roles and obligations under the original agreement are currently being renegotiated. Both Haddam and Parker Benjamin are cooperating and working together to find common ground. The potential tenant is also in communication with Haddam and Parker Benjamin and remains ready and eager to move into the property.
HES – Due to a significant increase in prevailing wages for plumbers, electricians and other skilled labor that was announced in July of 2025, Rak Realty is unable to complete the project within their projected budget and is not moving forward with renovations of HES. The above does not mean that this project will not be completed. We have been working with multiple state agencies and Rak Realty and we are optimistic that we will find a solution and get the project back on track.
Town Garage – The choice on the ballot to keep the Town Garage at the Rossi property received the most votes. The task now is to determine the most efficient, cost-effective configuration of the buildings and operations of our Department of Public Works that allows for other uses of the properties. Due to the size and location of both properties, it is vital that we preserve portions of the properties for public use and to connect Higganum Center to the Cove and the Connecticut River while also reserving an area for private development to continue to revitalize Higganum Center and create tax revenues.
Cell Towers – The Haddam Neck tower is up and running and it appears that reception is much better, not only in Haddam Neck, but also along much of Saybrook Road in Haddam. Per my last discussion with the company representatives, the Tylerville tower is scheduled to be erected on December 17, 2025. Please note that even if erected on that date, it may be some time before the tower is active. I was informed that they are hopeful that once active, the Tylerville tower will fill additional service gaps not filled by the Haddam Neck tower.
Social Media – Social media can be an effective tool to distribute valuable information to the public. Unfortunately, Social Media can also be an effective tool to distribute false information and, worst of all, negative and damaging information regarding individuals. I am requesting anyone who has access to a Social Media website that uses Haddam in its title to use that website for helpful, positive distribution of information. If you want to use Social Media to dispense negative, personal attacks on Haddam or any resident of Haddam, please do not.
