By Jaycek Simko
(October 17, 2023) — The regular meeting of the Haddam Board of Selectmen on October 10, 2023, was called to order by First Selectman Robert McGarry at 6:34 p.m. at the Old Town Hall, 21 Field Park Drive, Haddam. Selectman Kate Anderson was present.
First Selectman McGarry provided the following updates:
A potential developer for the Rossi property shared their latest plan, which includes housing.
The developer for the Scovil Hoe property signed a lease with Connecticut Wedding Group, which intends to sublet building space to a mix of businesses. The expected move-in date is no later than April 1, 2025.
Developer responses for Haddam Elementary School are due October 17, 2023. A preliminary playscape design has been reviewed.
A “Bridge Bucks” coupon program to aid affected Tylerville businesses is being explored.
The remaining 63-hour bridge closures for 2023 are October 22-25, November 5-8, and November 12-15. The 6:00 p.m. vessel opening time is now 9:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Paramount Wellness Center was held on October 11, 2023.
Work was completed on road drainage for Upper Wiese Albert, Sima, and Jackson Roads, along with Crab Apple Lane. Two washouts were repaired in Haddam Neck. St. Peter’s Lane and Scovil Road were scheduled to be paved on October 13, 2023.
Sarah Chambers was hired as the part-time Social Services Assistant.
Interviews for the Fire Department Assistant position are scheduled for October 19, 2023.
Connecticut State Police are investigating an allegation that dogs from other towns are being housed for training.
Selectman Anderson highlighted the following community events. Grim’s Haunted House will be open from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on October 27-29, 2023. The Fall Festival will be on October 28, 2023 from 5:00-8:00 pm, at Haddam Elementary School. Tylerville merchants are hosting a tree lighting ceremony on December 1, 2023. Finally, the Holiday Pop-Up Market will return.
Selectman Anderson made a motion to appoint Aristea Kinney to the Economic Development Commission. The motion carried unanimously. She also made a motion to approve Business Interruption Grant Applications. It carried unanimously.
Public Comment focused on the challenges residents will face if the name of Injun Hollow Road in Haddam Neck is changed. Neal Perron made a presentation. First Selectman McGarry stated that there will be a meeting on November 14, 2023 at the Haddam Neck Firehouse to discuss this further.
The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 13, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., at the Old Town Hall, 21 Field Park Drive, Haddam. The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
