The What: This Week in Southwest Connecticut

Monday, July 3

Happy Fourth of July weekend everyone! Hope you’re all having a good time. We wanted to put together a short version of The What this week since there’s a few important meetings happening around the region this week and our goal is to help you stay informed. We’ll be back fully next week with some additional reporting.

Meanwhile, here’s a review of some of our previous coverage, including:

• Our look at poor air quality in the region due to the Canadian wildfires, which we recently experienced again.
• Our coverage of water quality in the Sound as many are frequenting beaches this weekend
• Our look at the newest section of the Norwalk River Valley Trail as many residents were out over the last few days

Let’s see what’s happening this week.

Stamford

CT Mirror reported on June 23 that Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons helped advocate for some language to be added to the state bond bill that “bars a narrow portion of a proposed charter revision in Stamford.” The language, in particular, targeted the proposed changes to the city’s petition process that would have made it easier to file a petition to get a zoning approval overturned.

Simmons told CT Mirror that the administration “advocated for legislation to preserve existing municipal practices and tools to help us grow our city in an inclusive way and to make critical infrastructure improvements, support schools, and expand smart growth in our city to help reduce taxes and grow our grand list.”

However, members of the Board of Representatives and some members of the public called out the Mayor, saying this was anti-democratic and took the power away from the people who would have had the chance to vote on the proposal on the ballot in November. Other members of the public, and some representatives have criticized the commission for its process and its makeup, stating that it only is showcasing the views of anti-development residents.

In response, there will be a Special Meeting of the Board of Representatives on Wednesday, July 5 at 7 p.m. where representatives will discuss and potentially vote on a resolution to send to the governor about the bond bill that he signed.

Other meetings this week include:

• Wednesday, July 5: Board of Representatives at 8 p.m. | Vision Zero Task Force at 9:30 a.m.
• Thursday, July 6: Charter Revision Committee at 6 p.m.

Norwalk

Speaking of charter revision, there will be a Special Meeting of the Common Council on Wednesday, July 5 at 7 p.m. to finish reviewing the recommendations by the charter revision commission and approve the next steps, which include:

• A public hearing on July 10
• A meeting of the Common Council to take final action on the recommendation on July 17
• A final report from the commission on July 26

Some of the proposed charter revisions include: making the mayor’s term four years (instead of the current two-year term) after the 2025 elections; removing some offices that are no longer in existence, such as “Board of Selectmen,” and updating the budget process.

Also in Norwalk, the Economic and Community Development Committee of the Common Council will meet on Thursday, July 6 at 7 p.m. to vote on the Waterfront Industrial Study. Learn more about some of Norwalk’s efforts along the waterfront.

Other meetings this week include:

• Wednesday, July 5: Planning and Zoning Commission at 6 p.m. | Land Use & Building Management Committee of the Common Council at 6:45 p.m.
• Thursday, July 6: Mayor’s Water Quality Committee at 6 p.m. | Shellfish Commission at 7:15 p.m.

Fairfield

Meetings this week include:

• Friday, July 7: Sustainable Fairfield Food and Waste Committee at 8 a.m.

Greenwich

The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet on Thursday, July 6 at 4 p.m. and review plans from the Greenwich Board of Education to add new synthetic turf fields to Western Middle School and open the public hearing for a plan for 40 apartments, including 8 affordable ones, at 240 Greenwich Avenue.

Other meetings this week include:

• Monday, July 3: Energy Management Advisory Committee at 4 p.m.
• Thursday, July 6: Conservation Commission at 5:30 p.m. | FS Sustainability Committee at 11 a.m.

Darien

The Board of Selectmen will meet on Monday, July 3 at 7 p.m. to discuss residents’ requests for a noise ordinance and to appoint members to the Great Island Advisory Committee.

Other meetings this week include:

• Wednesday, July 5: Environmental Protection Commission at 7 p.m.

Westport

The Board of Finance will meet on Wednesday, July 5 at 8 p.m. to vote on allocating $562,500 to create a town-wide Safe Street for All (SS4A) Action Plan and on plans to spend $630,000 for a security communication system in the school district.

• Wednesday, July 5: Flood and Erosion Control Board at 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 6: TEAM Westport at 10 a.m.

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.

Thank you for reading!

If you are interested in being a part of our reporting or just want to share your thoughts, please reach out at coastalconnecticuttimes@gmail.com.

Have a great week,

Kelly Prinz

Founder, Reporter at Coastal Connecticut Times