The What: This Week in Southwest Connecticut

The What is your look around southwest Connecticut for the week of August 21.

The What: This Week in Southwest Connecticut
Hope everyone has a lovely summer week! (Photo by Kelly Prinz)

Monday, August 21

Happy Monday! This week we’re exploring the state’s recommended plans for the Route 7/15 interchange in Norwalk.

Connecticut Department of Transportation officials and their consulting team unveiled their plan for the Route 7/15 project, which they say will improve traffic operations in the area, address safety issues, and be in line with the Merritt Parkway’s historical features.

Residents had the chance to see—and comment on—what the state is calling “Alternative 26” at an open house and public hearing on Wednesday, August 16, which drew more than 40 people.

John Eberle, of Stantec Consulting who is the project manager, said that the goals of the project are “improving the roadway system linkage between the Route 7 and 15 interchange … improving the mobility for vehicles at both Route 15 intersections and the Main Avenue intersections … improving mobility for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists … and improving safety at the interchanges.”

(Courtesy of CTDOT)

Check out the full article, which was published in partnership with NancyonNorwalk. You can also watch our video outlining the state’s proposal.

Let’s see what else is happening this week.

Stamford

The Public Safety and Health Committee of the Board of Representatives will meet on Thursday, August 24 at 6:30 p.m. to review plans from the city’s administration on air quality monitoring efforts, as well as review a 31-month air quality monitoring grant from the Environmental Protection Agency that will focus on NO2, particulate matter, and ozone in the air.

Other meetings this week include:

Norwalk

There will be a Board of Estimate & Taxation Special Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 21 to review and vote on spending $2.9 million to acquire six properties along the new South Norwalk school site.

Also, on Monday August 21, the Harbor Management Commission/Application Review Committee will meet at 7 p.m. to review the results of the city’s waterfront study. Learn more about the city’s waterfront-related work.

Other meetings this week include:

Fairfield

There is a special meeting of the Board of Education on Wednesday, August 23:at 7:30 p.m., which will include a discussion on the inventory of all classrooms and spaces at each elementary building in order to test the feasibility of the scenario(s) presented to the Board by SLAM, the board’s redistricting consultant.

Other meetings this week include:

Darien

Ahead of the start of the school year, the Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. to get an update on enrollment for the year and on school facilities.

Other meetings this week include:

  • Monday, August 21: Board of Selectmen at 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 23: Great Island Advisory Committee at 6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 24: Police Commission at 4 p.m.

Greenwich

Meetings this week include:

Westport

There will be a public review and feedback meeting held by the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee on Tuesday, August 22 at 7 p.m. This meeting is a chance for residents and business owners to review and comment on the town’s master plan for downtown parking and pedestrian areas, called “Reconnecting the Riverfront.”

“Continuing to revitalize and energize Downtown Westport is a key focus in these planning efforts, and remains a priority for my administration,” First Selectwoman Jen Tooker said in a statement. “We continue  to invite and consider public opinion, as we have throughout this year-long process. I appreciate the hard-working team that is managing this project. I encourage everyone to take an interest and attend the session on August 22.”

On Wednesday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m., there will be a Board of Finance Special Meeting to review and vote on two requests from the school district: one for $630,000 for a school-based security communication system and another for $432,063 for the addition of three Westport police officers to serve as school security officers.

Other meetings this week include:

  • Tuesday, August 22: RTM Finance Committee at 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 24: Board of Education at 7 p.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