The What: ICE Effects in Southwest Connecticut, Great Island Master Plan in Darien, and more

Kelly Prinz -

Monday, August 18

Happy Monday! Let’s see what’s happening around the region.

Highlights 

This section gives a brief overview of the key items in the newsletter.

  • As President Trump’s administration increases immigration enforcement across the country, ICE agents made arrests in two of Connecticut’s largest cities this week, sparking protests and angry responses from local officials and activists. We explored the impacts of ICE’s presence in southwest Connecticut. 
  • In Norwalk, the Common Council will meet on Wednesday and decide on putting recommendations to update the city’s charter on the ballot in November. 
  • In Darien, the Board of Selectmen will vote on a master plan for Great Island at its meeting on Monday. 

Spotlight

This section features our main reporting each week.

As President Trump’s administration increases immigration enforcement across the country, ICE agents made arrests in two of Connecticut’s largest cities this week, sparking protests and angry responses from local officials and activists.

“The tactics utilized by ICE officers do not reflect our values in the City of Norwalk and are counterintuitive to our mission of protecting our residents and treating them with the utmost care and respect,” a joint statement from Mayor Harry Rilling, members of the Norwalk Common Council, and Police Chief Jim Walsh read. “Our goal is to ensure all residents are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of anyone’s immigration status or background.”

About 3% of Connecticut's population is made up of undocumented immigrants, according to a policy report from CT DataHaven.

That’s why we wanted to explore what the impacts are of ICE’s activity in southwest Connecticut and how are they impacting both undocumented residents and the community at large? 

You can also read more about the coverage of the ICE arrests and protests at NancyonNorwalk and CTPublic.

This Week at a Glance

This section aims to highlight the most important meetings and news taking place each week.

  • In Stamford, the Land Use/Urban Redevelopment Committee of the Board of Representatives will meet on Wednesday, August 20 at 6 p.m. and hold a public hearing on the 2035 master plan. The committee will also consider a resolution urging the mayor and Planning Board to “change the draft master plan before passage.” See how the master plan relates to a proposal to transform the Stamford Transportation Center.
  • Also in Stamford, the Transportation Committee of the Board of Representatives will meet on Tuesday, August 19 at 7 p.m. and review the city’s Vision Zero efforts so far, including crash reports, speed safety cameras, and more. 
  • In Norwalk, the Common Council will meet on Wednesday, August 20 at 7 p.m. and decide on putting recommendations to update the city’s charter on the ballot in November. 
  • Also in Norwalk, the Ordinance Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 19 at 7 p.m. and discuss a new ordinance that would establish a residential parking program. 
  • In Fairfield, the Town Plan and Zoning Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 19 at 6:30 p.m. and consider multiple applications including a proposal to convert an existing office building to day care facility at 60 Katona Drive. 
  • In Darien, the Board of Selectmen will vote on a master plan for Great Island at its meeting on Monday, August 18.

Plan Your Week

This section includes a list of meetings, events, and programming happening around southwest Connecticut each week.

Bridgeport

Stamford

Norwalk

Fairfield

  • Monday, August 18: Condemnation Board at 2 p.m. | RTM Standing Committees at 7:30 p.m. | Board of Health at 7:30 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, August 19: Harbor Management Commission Plan Update Committee at 3 p.m. | Town Plan and Zoning Commission at 6:30 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, August 20: Special Board of Education Facilities Committee at 1:30 p.m. | Board of Selectmen at 4 p.m. | Conservation Commission at 7 p.m. | Parks and Recreation Commission at 7 p.m. | Water Pollution Control Authority at 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 21: Fairfield Traffic Authority at 4 p.m. | Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee at 6:30 p.m.

Greenwich

  • Wednesday, August 20: Fair Rent Commission at 7 p.m. 

Darien

Westport

Stay in touch!

As we continue to grow and evolve, please join us! You can do that by:

Please note: All of these agendas and information here are current as of Sunday night. Meeting times and agendas may get adjusted throughout the week.

Have a great week,

Kelly Prinz

Founder, Reporter at Coastal Connecticut Times