Rossi issues statement on first coronavirus death in West Haven

WEST HAVEN, March 25, 2020 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi has issued a statement on the first coronavirus death in West Haven.

Read the Statement.

City Hall closed for business on Fridays until further notice

WEST HAVEN, March 25, 2020 — Effective March 27, City Hall will be closed on Fridays until further notice in response to the coronavirus crisis and to provide the opportunity for a more thorough and deeper cleaning of the building on a weekly basis, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

City Hall will remain closed to the public, and city employees will work extended hours Monday through Thursday, Rossi said.

For the latest information, resources and guidance from the city on the new coronavirus disease, called COVID-19, visit West Haven’s official Coronavirus Page.

Resident tests positive for COVID-19

WEST HAVEN, March 18, 2020 — A city resident has tested positive for the new coronavirus, Health Director Maureen B. Lillis confirmed on March 18.

“The state Department of Public Health has notified the city that a West Haven resident has tested positive for COVID-19 and is recovering,” Lillis said.

No additional information is available about the infected resident, said Lillis, citing the federal law that restricts the release of medical information.

“At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow resident for a full and speedy recovery,” Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said. “As we anticipate more positive cases, all residents are urged to continue practicing good hygiene and social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus.”

Rossi added a message of hope, saying, “We will overcome this unprecedented public health challenge, not as isolated individuals but as members of a true community, with all of us working together.”

Lillis said the Health Department is closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019. The department is in close communication with the DPH and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure the city’s health and safety.

West Haven has been preparing for the coronavirus by implementing an Emergency Order and other safeguards to protect residents against the disease. For the latest news, announcements and guidelines from the city, residents and business owners are strongly urged to visit West Haven’s official coronavirus page at Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Lillis said the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the coronavirus, adding that the Health Department urges all residents to follow the precautions below to prevent the virus:

— Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.

— Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

— Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

— Stay home when you are sick.

— Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.

— Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

— If you suspect you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, contact your health provider.

DPW suspends some city services

WEST HAVEN, March 18, 2020 — The Department of Public Works has temporarily suspended some city services in response to COVID-19 concerns, Commissioner Tom J. McCarthy announced.

To protect residents and department staff, McCarthy has suspended curbside pickup for leaves and brush, closed the compost site and suspended drop-off for mattresses at the city garage.

Read the Announcement.

Rossi issues apology to city employees for payroll mishap

WEST HAVEN, March 18, 2020 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi has issued a formal apology to all city employees who were affected by the direct deposit mishap on March 13.

Read the mayor’s Statement.

Rossi issues emergency order in response to COVID-19 virus

WEST HAVEN, March 17, 2020 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi has issued an emergency order in response to the new coronavirus disease, called COVID-19.

Read the Emergency Order.

City buildings, departments closed to the public for 2 weeks

West Haven buildings, departments closed to the public for 2 weeks

WEST HAVEN, March 16, 2020 — In response to COVID-19, the city has closed all municipal buildings and departments to the public for a minimum of two weeks, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

The local public health protocol, implemented to discourage the spread of the COVID-19 virus, includes all city and Board of Education offices at City Hall; the Chamber of Commerce and Department of Motor Vehicles Express offices at City Hall; and all city offices outside of City Hall.

For services offered at City Hall, city employees will work their normal weekday schedule from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and be available by phone and email. The phone numbers and email addresses of each department and employee are available at Staff Directory.

New departmental procedures are forthcoming, including how departments will handle payments for licenses, permits and taxes, as well as requests for beach parking stickers. The city will post information as it becomes available at Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Superintendent of Schools Neil C. Cavallaro announced that the school district has closed all public schools through March 27 and is planning to reopen March 30. The Child Development Center has also closed for a minimum of two weeks.

West Haven Library Executive Director Colleen Bailie announced that the library’s three branches have closed indefinitely.

City officials, led by Rossi, Cavallaro and Health Director Maureen B. Lillis, plan to reevaluate the emergency directive at the end of two weeks and determine whether to reopen the buildings, departments and schools at that time.

Allingtown/West Haven Senior Center closing for 2 weeks

Senior center closed for 2 weeks

WEST HAVEN, March 16, 2020 — Based on a recommendation by the city’s health director, the Allingtown/West Haven Senior Center at 201 Noble St. has closed for two weeks, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

“Out of an abundance of care and caution, I am recommending that the Senior Center at 201 Noble Street be closed to the public beginning Thursday, March 12, 2020,” Health Director Maureen B. Lillis wrote in a letter informing Rossi on Wednesday.

The city has also suspended the Department of Elderly Services’ senior shuttle service and the Department of Parks and Recreation’s senior fitness program for two weeks, per Lillis’ recommendation, a local directive in response to the public health emergency declared by Gov. Ned Lamont.

“We know that older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable to the Coronavirus Disease 2019,” Lillis wrote.

Lillis plans to reevaluate the senior center closure at the end of two weeks and determine whether to reopen it “depending on the situation at the time,” she wrote.

Lillis also plans to reevaluate the suspension of the senior shuttle service and fitness program at the end of two weeks.

Marchers sought for Memorial Day parade; applications due April 10

WEST HAVEN, Jan. 10, 2020 — The city is seeking veterans, civic groups, fraternal organizations, service clubs and marching bands to participate in the annual Memorial Day parade, which steps off at 10:30 a.m. May 25.

The parade has no rain date.

Participants must register and list required special accommodations.

Transportation is provided for veterans who are unable to walk the 1 ½-mile parade course, which follows Campbell Avenue from Captain Thomas Boulevard to Center Street. To make arrangements, call the mayor’s office at 203-937-3510.

The parade grand marshals are World War II veteran Frank Corso, who served in the Army Air Forces in 1942-45, and Korean War vet Salvatore Gullo, who served in the Navy in 1948-52.

Download a Participation Form.

Forms are also available in the mayor’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St., where they are due April 10.

Forms can also be emailed to parade organizer Kristen Teshoney at kteshoney@westhaven-ct.gov or faxed to 203-937-3705.

Sidewalk repair program slated for spring

Spring sidewalk repair program set

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 27, 2020 — The Department of Public Works is continuing its sidewalk repair and replacement program this spring.

City sidewalk inspector Ernie Chiarelli recently announced that 372 addresses were reported and inspected last year. Among the addresses, 997 4-by-4-foot concrete sections were replaced and 111 trip hazards were removed by a shaving process to meet guidelines under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act for a total of 1,108 sidewalk hazards corrected, Chiarelli said.

The 2019 sidewalk list has been fully completed, he said, adding, “We are looking forward to spring with the continuation of this program to help make West Haven a better and safer place to live.”

The Public Works Department is able to repair sidewalks damaged by city trees because of funding from a state grant. The grant money is for sidewalk repair and replacement only, Chiarelli said.

City trees are defined as those located between the sidewalk and street curb. Otherwise, it is the owner’s responsibility to repair the sidewalk fronting their property, according to Article 1, Section 1 of the “Streets and Sidewalks” ordinance under Chapter 206 of the West Haven Code.

Anyone who has a sidewalk in need of repair due to a city tree can have their address added to the 2020 inspection list by emailing the Department of Public Works at sidewalks@westhaven-ct.gov or calling 203-937-3585.