North Stonington Weekly Update 7-17-2020 - Middle School walk thru, SustainableCT quest for Silver, Highway updates, and more!
Another busy week wraps up here in North Stonington.
This week the highway crew repaired the water outfalls on Babcock Road. Potholes were filled on Lantern Hill. Due to a high increase in traffic on Billings Road speed bumps and signs were installed. The crew moved our Registrars of Voters supplies and offices to 298 Norwich Westerly Road. With the Elementary School project nearly completed, the town finished some painting on the exterior of the building which was outside of the scope of the project. A ballot drop off box was installed at the Town Hall so absentee ballots can be securely dropped off in anticipation of the August 11th primary. Mowing took place on Northwest Corner. Next week we are planning to do some drainage work on Wyassup Road.
Boom Bridge reconstruction continues! We remain on target for a reopening November 2020!
The first of our open house/walk thru took place at the old middle school wing at 298 Norwich Westerly Road. We had some interest on Thursday nights walk thru and will hold another one on Saturday from 9-11am. The town is looking at options of either renting out the space at the middle school or possibly demolishing the building and will weigh both options once proposals have been received. We will have more information on the proposals that come forward at the beginning of August. If you know of any educational entity looking for space, please have them join us tomorrow between 9-11am to check it out. Here is a link to the RFP https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/home/bids/rfp-rental-298-norwich-westerly-road
The town received proposals back for our “department review RFP”. We are looking to do a deep dive into the functionality of all town departments to see where increased efficiencies, savings, or shortfalls exist. The Selectmen will evaluate the proposals and should there be a fit we will recommend approval of a contract. We look forward to discussing this more at our next Board of Selectmen meeting.
Additional cameras were installed at the Center For Emergency Services this week to help be sure we have proper security in all areas of the building. This will also help us better monitor the recreation area and the Route 2 and Rocky Hollow Road areas.
Our quest for Silver certification continues on the SustainableCT front. We have been having regular meetings documenting all of the great Sustainability activities North Stonington has been doing. It is quite incredible to see the work happening by so many dedicated volunteers, officials, and staff here in our little town. Last year we achieved Bronze status in October https://sustainablect.org/fileadmin/Random_PDF_Files/Archived_Certified_Towns/2019/North_Stonington_-_Bronze_-_2019.pdf and we are hoping this August to submit for Sliver. Being certified gives us access to grant funding for community projects and initiatives that promote sustainability. If you are interested in working on our sustainability initiatives such as data collection please contact akahn@chelseagroton.com
As mentioned in previous updates, voting has been moved to the North Stonington Educational Center (former middle/high school) in an effort to allow for appropriate distancing, more parking, and a safer experience for voters. Our Registrars are also now relocated to this space. Those who are registered Democrat or Republican should have received in the mail and application for an absentee ballot. If you are interested in voting absentee in the primary, you may fill the ballot out and return it to the Town Clerk. You will then be mailed an absentee ballot. Soon a separate secure “drop box” will be located at Town Hall for folks to drop their ballots. They also can be mailed. This process has been happening in other states for years with great success. For those who prefer to vote in person the Governor’s Executive Orders do allow for this as well and a primary will be held on August 11th at 298 Norwich Westerly Road between the hours of 6am-8pm. Masks will be required when voting unless a medical condition precludes it.
Everyone should have received their tax bills in the mail. As a reminder, we have encouraged everyone to mail your tax payments or pay electronically through our website https://www.northstoningtonct.gov/tax-collector . For those who would still like to come and pay in person, the Tax Collector is available this month Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. Tax payments will be taken at our “tax window” pictured here:
Finally Town Hall remains open 8-4 Monday-Friday by appointment. The secure drop box is still out front for any correspondence you would like to drop off. We look forward to serving any of your needs.
Have a great week!