North Stonington Weekly Update 10-16-2020 - Solar project update, activity on Route 2 business establishments, absentee voting, & more!
Happy Friday North Stonington,
Last night we hosted an online forum with Stonington and Ledge Light Health District to discuss COVID-19 and where we currently are with the pandemic. The video of this discussion can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/zxamzSIXFfE
Thanks to everyone who attended. The message is clear, please continue to wear masks when distance can’t be kept. Many cases are happening due to gatherings, even family gatherings where people feel they are safe from infection. We can all feel free to go about our lives, and even take part in these gatherings but just consider wearing a mask when distance can’t be kept, even with family or friends that are outside of your family living unit.
The highway crew was busy once again this week. We hauled 526 yards of sand for winter preparation. Tree trimming and branches were removed throughout town. Crack sealing continued on Mill Village Pentway. Mowing took place on Wyassup Lake, Wintechog Hill, and Stony Brook roads. Next week winter preparations will continue. Crack sealing and tree cutting will continue throughout town.
It has been about a year since the town approved the development of solar on the town owned Wintechog Hill property. Recently a few questions have been asked about the project so we thought it would be a good feature for this weeks…What’s the story?
What’s the story with the Wintechog Solar project?
At the town meeting which took place on October 8th, 2019 the town voted...Shall the Town of North Stonington have permission to lease up to 20 acres of land on Town-owned parcels on Wintechog Hill Road to build photovoltaic systems for a solar project? This passed at the meeting 74 to 54. It should be noted that the question was worded in this way so that we could in fact utilize some of the landfill area that is not being used nor is planning on being used for this project since these properties abut each other. Ideally the town would like to preserve as much of the land and forest while also being cognizant of the Eastern Pequot Tribal lands which are on the south end of the property. As a reminder, this project was slated to bring in substantial revenue to the town if it were developed fully. At the town meeting one company presented an option to us and was envisioned to build the project. Through the discovery process after approval, this company did not feel they were able to do the work at the terms that had been agreed upon. The Board of Selectmen in a meeting a couple of months ago heard from another company who was willing to come with a good proposal for the town and it would still fall within the authority of the question which passed at town meeting. That company is now doing their own investigation as to whether or not they will be able to do this work. Your elected Boards are the ones who are tasked with executing contracts and working towards negotiations that are in the best interests of the town as a whole. Should we not be able to work with a company at the terms we had expected we are likely to revisit and rebid the project. Over the past year with the help of our dedicated Conservation Commission members, we also designated some trails in the area as well for the enjoyment of the community. While we knew that some of these trails may need to be moved when the project began, we felt this would be acceptable and a great use of this property. Once we know more on how this project may move forward we will share it at an upcoming Board of Selectmen meeting with more opportunity for public comment and interaction.
For those who are still considering voting absentee you may request your ballot in person at Town Hall by visiting the Town Clerk, or you can print out a form and mail/hand deliver/drop in drop box… https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4806/f/uploads/absentee_ballot_application_for_11-3-2020_election.pdf . Please don’t delay if you plan to vote absentee so we make sure we are able to mail your ballot to you with ample time for you to fill it out and get it back to the town clerk.
We are very excited to announce our first SustainableCT grant application fundraising effort. Since we are now a SustainableCT recognized community, we are eligible to receive matching grants for projects in our town. Some may remember the Puttker Road parcel of land Avalonia had been looking to purchase to help add to our open space and recreational use in the area. We are working with Avalonia to raise $22,500.00 to complete this transaction. If the community is able to raise this, SustainableCT will give $7,500.00 and they will be able to close on this property late this year. To make a contribution, please visit www.patronicity.com/sheetsfamilyforest. We are so thankful to Avalonia for their investment in North Stonington! Click Here for the Sheets Family Forest Flyer.
The Board of Education has been busy along with school administration and staff working to fine tune our educational offerings during these pandemic times. At their meeting Wednesday evening they agreed to proceed with a full opening of schools should circumstances allow for our Middle High Students on November 6th and our Elementary students on November 13th. We appreciate all of the work the team has put in to help best serve the students in our community.
NEXT weekend there are a few happenings around North Stonington. You may have seen signs for a Food Truck festival taking place next Saturday October 24th at the Grange/Fairgrounds from 12-5. This event has been working with the Town and Ledge Light Health District to be sure they are following necessary safety protocols as it relates to COVID-19. There is also a grand opening ribbon cutting happening at our own “Better Together” on Sunday October 25th from 11-2pm with the Ribbon cutting happening at 12. Click Here for more info on Better Together.
You may have noticed activity is picking up on Route 2. The old subway is getting a facelift and will soon be a small local grocery establishment featuring local fare including farms, artisans, and sandwiches among other things. The old Tim Hortons will soon be a busy bakery. Once these two properties are reoccupied we will have a vibrant stretch of Route 2 once again! Thanks to everyone who supports our local businesses keeping them going especially during this difficult time. The Town’s investment in our own community is helping others to see their way to investing in us too! Thanks so much to these business owners for picking North Stonington as a place to plant your roots!
That’s it for today, we hope everyone has a great week!
Mike Urgo First Selectman