June 2020 update
Haddam First Selectman Bob McGarry has this to report:
I’m happy to see Haddam Killingworth Now is back in print. It’s good to see diners enjoying outside seating at restaurants and I’m really looking forward to getting back to my barber. Things are slowly becoming closer to normal. That’s true at the Town Office Building. This past Monday we opened for walk in business at the Town Clerk’s Office. This is their busy time issuing dog licenses and selling transfer station stickers. While I encourage doing both by mail, you can do it in person without making an appointment Monday – Thursday 8:30 – 2:00, Friday 8:30 – 12:00. Next week we’ll add senior (60 and older) hours on Monday and Wednesday from 8:00 – 10:00. All other offices will be open by appointment only. Assuming all goes well, the Land Use/Building Department will open Monday, June 15th for walk-ins and the Tax Assessor’s office and Tax Collector’s office on July 1st. Now let me answer some questions from the paper.
MP: What has the Town of Haddam been up to during the coronavirus shutdown? What kinds of projects has it been able to work on in the meantime?
The pandemic has certainly put a crimp in some of our plans as I’m sure it has on yours. Unfortunately, the private school that was very interested in renting HES put their expansion plans on hold. However, we’re still moving forward with the recommendations from the Higganum Center Report. We selected an engineering firm to conduct the environmental and structural assessment of the Scovil Hoe buildings (the DOT garage). Bill Warner, our town planner, recently posted some thoughts on work we could get started to open up Higganum Cove. We’re continuing to work with the state DEEP, Department of Public Health and the town engineering firm to develop a plan for community septic system in Higganum Center. COVID-19 hasn’t slowed down construction work. The Dublin Hill Bridge is finally completed. If you haven’t seen it, go check it out. It looks good. The Tylerville Water project never stopped. They’re working on paving Bridge Road and Saybrook Road. That should be done by the end of July and possibly sooner. Water connections will continue through the summer. They’re about 80% complete now. Road work has started as planned. The town crew is working on drainage and other preparation work. Contractors have been working on roads in Haddam Neck.
MP: How do you see the coronavirus impacting life in town for the foreseeable future? What are some ways the Town of Haddam is preparing to address such changes?
We’re going to be living with precautions, e.g. social distancing, mask, etc., for a long time. We need to learn how to live with the coronavirus while going on with our lives. My biggest concern is the financial impact of the virus. I know of one business that won’t be re-opening. I’m afraid there will be more. Businesses have to re-open and we have to support them. The Building Department worked with the restaurants making it easier for them to expand their outside seating. A long-term recovery committee is being formed to identify any special needs our business or residents have. The town is doing what we can to help and I’m open to any suggestions.
MP: Do you see the Haddam Neck Fair running at the end of August?
Unfortunately, the Haddam Neck Fair Board of Directors announced on May 22 the fair won’t be held this year. The fair was entering the period when contracts have to be signed and financial commitments made. Without knowing what the COVID-19 restrictions would be on Labor Day weekend or if people would come to the fair during the pandemic, they faced potential significant financial loss. They decided it would be better to not take the risk so they had the funds to continue the fair in the years to come. As it turns out, it looks like the COVID-19 restrictions will limit outside groups to no more than 250 people. I look forward to the 2021 fair.
MP: What are some positive things you have witnessed in Haddam (people coming together, people helping others, etc.) during these challenging times?
We’ve all seen the best of us come out in these difficult times. I can’t count the number of hearts I’ve seen showing support of our essential frontline workers. I think we all have a greater appreciation for the many people we’ve taken for granted. Support in our community is strong. The food bank has been serving more people but at the same time, its shelves are stocked. Haddam residents have been very generous with donations of food and money. A number of organizations have held food drives for the food bank and I thank them all. Church groups and individuals are shopping for their elderly neighbors and checking on them to ensure they’re okay. I’m seeing what I knew I’d see – Haddam residents pulling together to help each other.
