From left, state Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, and Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, joined by City Engineer Abdul Quadir, announce $5.2 million in state funding for the raising of Beach Street during a news conference at the Sandy Point Beach & Bird Sanctuary on Tuesday. (City Photo/Marcin J. Stankevitch)

Borer, Rossi herald $5.2M in funding for Beach St. raising

WEST HAVEN, May 27, 2020 — State Rep. Dorinda Borer and Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced $5.2 million in state funding Tuesday to complete the raising of a section of Beach Street and First Avenue that was 5 feet underwater during Superstorm Sandy.

“This was two years in the making of trying to educate federal, state and local agencies on the importance of this project to West Haven,” said Borer, D-West Haven. “We had a few doors close on us along the way, but as the old saying goes, ‘When one door closes, find a window,’ and we did.

“I am grateful to the mayor and my area colleagues for their support and everyone who played a key part in securing these funds and prioritizing this project.”

Rossi said: “During my time as mayor, I have strongly advocated to raise Beach Street to mitigate the risks of future extreme weather events and to promote economic development. Thank you to our state delegation for supporting this project.”

Borer and Rossi heralded the money during a news conference attended by more than two dozen residents, including city leaders and members of West Haven’s General Assembly delegation, at the Sandy Point Beach & Bird Sanctuary on Beach Street. West Haven Fire Department Chief James P. O’Brien discussed the public safety aspect of the project.

They were joined by state Sens. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, and James Maroney, D-Milford; state Reps. Charles J. Ferraro, R-West Haven, and Michael A. DiMassa, D-West Haven; City Council Chairman Ronald M. Quagliani, D-at large; council members Gary Donovan, D-at large, Colleen O’Connor, R-at large, William X. Conlon, D-2, Robbin Watt Hamilton, D-5, Robert Bruneau, D-9, and Barry Lee Cohen, R-10; city Treasurer Michael P. Last; and Lou Esposito, Rossi’s executive assistant.

The $5.2 million obtained by Borer and the delegation is for phases two and three of the state and federal project.

The necessary $3.5 million in funding for phase one had previously been secured in the amount of $2.94 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and $560,000 from the city.

Phase one is expected to begin this week, said Rossi, who added that she plans to hold a public hearing for phases two and three of the work.

“Our shoreline is truly one of West Haven’s greatest recreational and economic assets,” Rossi said. “This project is vitally important in protecting our neighborhoods and will help ignite economic development on the Beach Street corridor.”

City Engineer Abdul Quadir, who also spoke at the news event, said the $8.7 million project includes raising a 3,750-foot stretch of First Avenue and Beach Street from Monahan Place, near the wastewater treatment plant, to Morse Avenue, near the former Chick’s Drive-in restaurant.

Elevations will range from 2 to 5 feet, based on existing topography, he said.

Quadir said the project also includes new sidewalks, sewers and utilities, as well as a two-way bike lane for future connection to a regional shoreline bikeway system.

On Oct. 29, 2012, during Sandy, the Water Pollution Control Plant at 2 Beach St. was inaccessible to staff and emergency vehicles for nearly 12 hours due to extensive flooding.

In the wake of the superstorm, the city has taken steps to make the shoreline more resilient to tidal flooding and coastal storms, including dredging the Old Field Creek salt marsh off Beach Street, thanks to federal funding to help Connecticut municipalities make such improvements.

Borer and Rossi. (Connecticut House Democrats Photo/Marta Collazo)

West Haven shoreline reopening with restrictions May 22

West Haven shoreline reopens with restrictions

WEST HAVEN, May 27, 2020 — In accordance with federal, state and local guidelines, the city reopened beaches, the shoreline boardwalk and beach parking lots Friday, but with restrictions, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and city Health Director Maureen B. Lillis announced.

“The good news is that our efforts, including “Stay Safe, Stay Home” and social distancing, are working to a point where we can begin carefully opening the city, effective May 22,” Rossi said. “West Haven residents have really excelled with following the various federal, state and local directives. I sincerely thank you for your cooperation!”

For now, the restrictions will cover May and June, Rossi said.

During those months, parking at all beach lots is for West Haven residents only and is “limited to capacity levels that maintain a safe, reduced volume of visitors to the beaches and allows for the practicing of any applicable social distancing directives,” Rossi said.

A West Haven resident beach sticker, with the vehicle’s license plate number printed on it, is required to park in each lot and is only valid if affixed to the inside lower left corner of the vehicle’s windshield. If no sticker is present, the resident driver must show a valid driver’s license and registration, both of which must have the same city address.

Rossi said the city plans to mail the new resident beach stickers with the July tax bills.

For the boardwalk, people must maintain social distancing and wear face masks at all times, Lillis said. Social distancing includes staying at least 6 feet away from others.

“The boardwalk is not wide enough to ensure safe distancing, so face coverings will be required,” Rossi said. “This is to protect the health and safety of all individuals who use our beautiful resources.”

Also, no bikes are allowed on the boardwalk until further notice.

According to Rossi, Police Chief Joseph S. Perno has the authority to remove and ban from the city’s beaches, boardwalk and parks anyone failing to comply with measures restricting gatherings to no more than five people or maintaining social distancing. To report a social distancing complaint, call the Police Department’s nonemergency line at 203-937-3900.

Rossi added that in the coming months, residents can do their part by helping to keep West Haven’s 3 miles of public beaches clean and litter-free, saying, “Whatever you carry in, carry out.”

For the boat launch on April Street, authorities will monitor the area daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Use of the launch is for West Haven residents only. Residents must comply with COVID-19 boating guidelines from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Lillis said.

Rossi said that other restrictions implemented amid the coronavirus pandemic will remain in effect until further notice, including the cancellation of sports and the closure of playgrounds and piers.

Although piers are closed, fishing is allowed, provided that anglers maintain social distancing and comply with COVID-19 fishing guidelines from DEEP, Lillis said.

The municipal compost site at 1 Kimberly Ave. reopened Thursday.

Rossi said the city plans to update new guidelines for July and beyond.

“As Governor Lamont issues additional guidance, the city will continue to make the necessary changes to our directives,” Rossi said. “Please stay safe and continue looking out for each other.”

Watch the mayor’s video message on West Haven’s official YouTube Channel.

The brick Veterans Walk of Honor in Bradley Point Park. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh, File)

Application deadline for Brick Campaign extended to July 17

WEST HAVEN, May 21, 2020 — The West Haven Veterans Council has extended the application deadline to July 17 for the 13th phase of its popular Brick Campaign.

Download a Brick Application.

Veterans Council members and city officials will dedicate the 13th phase of the brick Veterans Walk of Walk of Honor at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 11 in Bradley Point Park.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing restrictions, the event, originally slated for May 23, has been rescheduled to coincide with the annual Veterans Day tribute.

In November 2006, the council began the first of 13 campaigns selling bricks to memorialize veterans on the 100-yard Walk of Honor between the William A. Soderman and Vietnam Veterans memorials.

The bricks, which cost $75, have charcoal lettering for personalized messages.

More than 2,700 bricks have been installed so far, including 51 for the 12th phase, which was dedicated May 25, 2019.

Park-Rec holds photo challenge

WEST HAVEN, May 21, 2020 — Are you running out of ideas and looking for something to do during this unprecedented time of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Why not test your knowledge and awareness of things and locations found right here in West Haven!

The Department of Parks and Recreation will post a photo weekly at https://www.whparkrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29656 for you and your family to figure out “what or where is it?” Then all you have to do is respond by registering* and give your answer.

The names of individuals with the correct answer for each week’s photo challenge will be placed in a random weekly drawing* for a $50 Park-Rec gift certificate/household account credit.

So, are you up for the challenge? Good luck!

* Please, only one registration/entry per family per week.

Bathhouse gets summer face-lift

WEST HAVEN, May 13, 2020 — (Pictured, from right): City sidewalk inspector Ernie Chiarelli, mayoral Executive Assistant Lou Esposito, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Wizard Painting Co. owner Todd Tompkins look on as a crew from Tompkins’ Savin Avenue company repairs the facade of the bathhouse on the shoreline boardwalk May 13.

The Parcel I building, which borders Old Grove Park and houses two bathrooms, an equipment garage and three offices, is receiving a thorough cleaning and overhaul, including a fresh coat of paint, before the summer season officially begins Memorial Day weekend.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

City promotes outdoor dining as Lamont lifts restrictions

WEST HAVEN, May 13, 2020 — As Gov. Ned Lamont loosens restrictions on restaurants to allow outdoor dining, the city is encouraging West Haven restaurant owners to immediately start using outdoor dining to support their businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Planning and Development Commissioner Fred A. Messore announced.

Rossi said the city is also making it easier for restaurateurs to gain approval of their proposed outdoor dining plans, for up to four tables and 16 seats, by simplifying the application process and waiving the permit fees until Sept. 1.

On May 11, the City Council approved a communication by Rossi to suspend the outdoor dining permit fees in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions. The mayor worked on the proposal with council Finance Committee Chairwoman Bridgette J. Hoskie, D-1.

“I want to do everything I can to help our restaurants and all of our businesses in these challenging times,” said Rossi, who thanked council members for supporting the initiative.

The city has been at the forefront of promoting outdoor dining since August 2019, when the Planning and Zoning Commission adopted a regulation to guide “Outdoor Dining” at West Haven restaurants.

To apply for an outdoor dining permit, restaurant owners can call the Department of Planning and Development at 203-937-3580 or contact Zoning Enforcement Officer Cathy Conniff at conniff@westhaven-ct.gov. Instructions for completing an application are available at http://cityofwesthaven.com/DocumentCenter/View/2423/Temporary-Outdoor-Dining-or-Retail-Display-Permit-Application-PDF.

According to Assistant City Planner David W. Killeen, the application process requires restaurant owners to submit an application form with a simple drawing of the outdoor dining layout drawn to scale. The layout must show the outdoor dining location and the number of movable chairs and tables planned for use. It also must show at least 5 feet of unobstructed and continuous sidewalk for pedestrians to walk around the area and the tables set up at least 6 feet apart for social distancing.

Killeen said that if a restaurant needs to use a public sidewalk, the owner must provide the city with a certificate of insurance for general liability in the amount not less than $2 million to comply with Section 139-12 of the West Haven Code. In addition, restaurants must comply with Section 20.10 of the West Haven Zoning Regulations, he said.

Applications available for Summer Youth Employment Program

WEST HAVEN, May 13, 2020 — Applications for the Summer Youth Employment Program are available.

Download an Application.

The four-week summer program, which is awaiting federal funding, is aimed at funding positions for low-income residents ages 14-21.

Applications with all required documents are due by 5 p.m. June 5 to coordinator Jim Eagan, Summer Youth Employment Program, Department of Human Resources, 355 Main St., West Haven, CT 06516. Applications can also be inserted into the drop box at the Main Street entrance of City Hall.

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Students must also include copies of information, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, as well as documentation of household income. Students who receive free lunch must provide proof as well.

Family income is based on the number of people per household and is required to be within 185 percent of state poverty income levels.

CDA gets $442K grant to aid coronavirus response

WEST HAVEN, April 30, 2020 — The West Haven Community Development Administration has received $442,726 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for preventing, preparing for or responding to COVID-19, CDA Manager Mark J. Bisaccia announced.

Using the federal money, CDA will prioritize the needs of low-to-moderate-income residents and the development of partnerships between all levels of government and the private for-profit and nonprofit sectors, Bisaccia said.

Those who qualify for CDBG-CV grants must coordinate with state and local health authorities before undertaking activities to support local response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The emergency grants are subject to oversight, reporting and requirements, for which each grantee must prevent the duplication of benefits, Bisaccia said.

CDA is in the process of sending out grant applications to its social services and governmental agencies. For an application, contact Bisaccia at markb@westhaven-ct.gov or 203-937-3550.

Applications will be reviewed by the West Haven CDBG Citizen Participation Committee for funding recommendations.

Applications are due May 22 to the City of West Haven, Community Development Administration, 355 Main St., West Haven, CT 06516. Applications can also be inserted into the drop box at the Main Street entrance of City Hall.

West Haven participates in Low Interest Rate Program

WEST HAVEN, April 30, 2020 — The City Council on April 22 approved a motion allowing the city to participate in the Low Interest Rate Program authorized by Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive order in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

The council’s endorsement of the proposal amid a special meeting paved the way for the low-interest program to aid city taxpayers affected by COVID-19.

According to Section 6 of Executive Order 7S, the program mandates that delinquent taxes remaining due and payable from April 1 are subject to a reduced interest rate of 3% per year for 90 days from April 1.

New taxes due July 1 will have a 30-day grace period and in the event they are paid late will also qualify for a reduced interest rate for 90 days.