North Stonington Weekly Update 1.8.2021 – Boombridge is open, Tax Deferral Available for Those in Need, Welcome to Our New Principal and More!
Happy Friday North Stonington
We hope everyone was able to have some enjoyment over the holidays. We know it was a different year for sure.
COVID-19 cases continue to rise. At this point people must treat anyone they see as a possible case. Unfortunately we are now getting to the point where someone you know likely has become infected and it is becoming more likely you know someone who has been seriously impacted by this virus. The best protection possible is to wear a mask around everyone that you do not live with. We urge everyone to take this seriously. While one person may be only lightly impacted by the virus, it could be deadly for another. We also are seeing nationally our hospitals becoming filled and this is not what we want to see. Take precautions and when it is your turn to get vaccinated please do-so. Last week right before the holidays we had a great opportunity to speak with Steve Mansfield Director of Health for our area and the recording is here for anyone interested in viewing the discussion. Click Here for the video (Opens in YouTube)
We are so excited and happy to report that Boombridge is now OPEN! Closed since 2008 this important link between Westerly and North Stonington has remained impassable. Through the bidding process the project came in well under budget at 1.9 million, about 1 million less than initially anticipated. The town had been required as part of the agreement with federal, state, and town to come up with 10% of this which had been allocated last fiscal year. We are thrilled with the quality of the work and happy that those in the area will now easily be able to pass back and forth. We held a “cow crossing” this week to have a small and fun commemoration of the opening.
Click Here to watch a video of the first residents crossing the bridge. (Opens in YouTube)
For those affected by COVID-19 you may apply for the deferral program for your 2nd installment and Motor Vehicle Supplemental bills that are not escrowed or paid for by a leasing company. This is for current bills only and does not apply to delinquent bills. Forms must be returned to the Tax Collector’s office by email, mail or secure drop box. The deferment program will offer a grace period for tax payments that are due January 1, 2021 to a deferred period due date of April 1, 2021. If you apply and do not pay by April 1, 2021 the interest will revert back to the original due date of January 1, 2021 – 6%. There are no exceptions to this order.
Forms are available to fill out and return before January 25, 2021 to the Tax Collector’s office. All questions may be addressed to the Tax Collector by phone 860-535-2877 X120 or via email at taxcollector@northstoningtonct.gov. Click Here to access the form online
North Stonington has a new Elementary School Principal to welcome to town! Rob Cillino joins us from Waterford. If you see him please welcome him to our community!
Our highway crew remained busy throughout the holidays needing to treat the roads and work on tree trimming and catch basin cleanouts. We thank them for their continued hard work and commitment during the holidays.
The winter edition of the North Stonington Quarterly has arrived in everyone’s mailboxes. We are so thankful for the continued work of our quarterly editors Nita Kincaid and Lisa Mazzella who remain committed to the creation of this great newsletter. If you haven’t read it, please consider doing so as it gives a great summary of the goings on in your town. Here is a link should you wish to read it online.
While it is a New Year, the start of 2021 has been a dark week in so many ways. We had 4,000 COVID-19 deaths for the first time in a day in our nation yesterday. The horrifying events in our capitol had many in fear and feeling ashamed for our country. While we know that we are likely in for a tough road ahead there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Vaccines are being administered. This sad event in DC sparked some unity from our legislators collectively denouncing it. The future will be bright in 2021 though it may take a little while for the sun to peak out. Thankfully we live in a community of love and support for one another and I urge everyone to keep their optimism up. Let’s try and be that shining light that the world needs during these difficult times.
Stay safe and stay well,
Mike Urgo
First Selectman