‘Snow Emergency’ declared; parking bans taking effect

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 16, 2020 — To help crews expedite snow removal, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi has declared a “Snow Emergency” parking ban during the storm.

The executive order bans parking from 11 p.m. today until 7 a.m. Thursday on both sides of Campbell and Savin avenues, Morgan Lane, Elm Street, Meloy Road, Second Avenue from Elm to Beach streets, and Main Street from Savin to Washington avenues. The order will be revaluated Thursday morning.

Once snow begins to fall, a parking ban is also in effect on the even-numbered side of most other roads, unless one is posted with a “No Parking” sign on the odd side. The even-numbered ban is in effect for 36 hours after the storm, which is forecast to dump more than a foot of snow on the area, according to Emergency Management Director Joseph Soto.

Police will enforce the emergency order and tag and tow all vehicles violating the mandatory parking bans at the owner’s expense, Soto said. Violators will receive a $100 fine, per the “Severe Weather” parking ordinance under Chapter 188 of the West Haven Code.

Soto said residents are urged to move all vehicles to the appropriate side of the street or move them off the street if they are in a snow emergency zone. Vehicles can be parked in driveways, on lawns or in public lots, including schools, he said.

The following public lots are available for off-street parking:

• All schools.
• Bradley Point, Captain Thomas Boulevard.
• Campbell Avenue, across from Duffy’s Tavern, 241 Campbell Ave.
• Campbell Avenue, behind Leslie Jewelers, 523 Campbell Ave.
• Campbell Avenue and Captain Thomas Boulevard, next to Biagetti’s Restaurant, 77 Campbell Ave., and Scoreboards Cafe, 100 Campbell Ave.
• City Hall, 355 Main St.
• Curtiss Place, behind 473 Campbell Ave.
• Dawson Avenue, across from West Shore fire headquarters, 852 Ocean Ave.
• Former Stiles School, 575 Main St.
• Former Thompson School, 165 Richards St.
• Johnson Community Center, 201 Noble St.
• Oak Street, Oak Street Beach.
• Quigley Stadium, 362 Front Ave.
• Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St.
• Sawmill Road, across from Econo Lodge, 370 Highland St.
• Sea Bluff, Ocean Avenue and Platt Court.

Police Chief Joseph S. Perno said all vehicles parked in school lots must be removed 24 hours after the storm so Board of Education crews can plow the lots.

Public Works Commissioner Tom J. McCarthy said residents are urged to be patient throughout the snow removal process. Every neighborhood will be plowed, he said.

West Haven’s public schools are operating remotely for distance learning Thursday and Friday.

City Hall and other municipal buildings, including the compost site, are closed Thursday and Friday. Nonessential employees should not report to work.

Nonessential workers include employees of City Hall and other municipal buildings, such as the Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as civilian employees of the Police Department.

Trash, recycling and leaf bag pickups are suspended Thursday and delayed for at least one day for the rest of the week. Do not put out trash, recyclables or leaf bags today. Go to Public Works for information on the rest of the curbside pickup week.

Anyone who loses power during the height of the storm is urged to shelter in place, Soto said.

To prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure all generators are operated outside, not in garages, and all household ventilation pipes are kept clear. Also, make sure all vehicle exhaust pipes are kept clear.

For medical and other emergencies, call 911.

McCarthy said residents and businesses are reminded to shovel their sidewalks within 24 hours after the storm or face a $25 fine “for each day that the violation persists.”

According to the “Removal of Snow and Ice” ordinance under Chapter 195 of the West Haven Code, people are given 24 hours to remove snow from sidewalks on and bordering their properties. Violators are subject to the $25-per-day fine, which is enforced by police, the ordinance states.

McCarthy also pointed out that plowing or blowing snow into city streets is prohibited and violators are subject to a $60 fine for each offense, per the ordinance.

Snow removal around mailboxes is the property owner’s responsibility.

Residents are also urged to help firefighters keep hydrants clear of snow.

For information on the tow and recovery of a vehicle, call the Police Department’s nonemergency line at 203-937-3900.

For all other information, call the Emergency Operations Center at 203-937-3630 or 203-931-4940, starting at 7 p.m. today, or the Highway Department at 203-937-3644.

For the latest storm-related updates, visit the city on its website at City of West Haven or on Facebook at West Haven City Hall.

Christmas tree in Brent Watt Park lit up thanks to UNH

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 16, 2020 — (Pictured, from left): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, 5th District Councilwoman Robbin Watt Hamilton, George S. Synodi, the University of New Haven’s vice president for finance and administration, and Ronald M. Quagliani, UNH’s associate vice president of public safety and administrative services, adjoin the newly lit Christmas tree in Brent Watt Park on Tile Street on Tuesday.

The decorated tree’s electrical hookup was made possible and paid for by the university, said a grateful Watt Hamilton, who represents the district that includes the UNH campus.

The 97-by-110-foot park, just a block west of Ruden Street near the UNH and Notre Dame High School campuses, is near and dear to Watt Hamilton’s heart.

The pocket park was dedicated on July 1, 2017, in honor of her brother, the late Democratic Councilman Brent Watt, who served Allingtown’s 5th District from Dec. 4, 2011, until his death on June 25, 2016, at age 54.

Watt Hamilton, a Democrat, was unanimously tapped by the City Council on the one-month anniversary of her brother’s death to fill his council seat and carry on his legacy.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Santa’s workshop brings joy to kids with special needs

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 16, 2020 — (Pictured): A member of the West Haven Interagency Network for Children’s Adolescent Support Group receives a stocking and a toy from Santa Claus on Saturday during a walk-through Santa’s workshop event in Painter Park for families of young people with special needs.

Each young person enrolled in the WHINC support groups and their sibling received a stocking with goodies and a toy or a Target gift card. Families took socially distanced photos with Santa and participated in an ugly sweater contest and a sugar plum candy guess.

The event’s organizer, city Youth and Family Services Director Diane Dietman, thanked the following: the WHINC parent steering committee members; the West Haven High School Peer Advocacy Program for donating the toys; Target of Orange for donating the gift cards, city Parks and Recreation Director Mark E. Paine Jr. for hosting the event; city Health Director Maureen B. Lillis for providing the holiday face masks, hand sanitizer and candy canes; and city Human Resources Commissioner Beth A. Sabo for her generous donation and support.

(City Photo/Diane Dietman)

City Council approves Rossi’s Enterprise Zone proposal

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 15, 2020 — The City Council on Monday night approved Mayor Nancy R. Rossi’s proposal for establishing a state-designated Enterprise Zone in West Haven that would run the length of Front Avenue and Spring Street and include the city’s compost site and North End Field.

Connecticut’s statewide Enterprise Zone Program was the first in the country, authorized by the General Assembly in 1981, and qualifies businesses to receive state and local tax incentives when developing properties in distressed areas, or zones, of municipalities.

In West Haven, the proposed area is the only one that meets the qualifications for an Enterprise Zone designation. The zone needs to be a contiguous tract of land with high poverty and unemployment rates, along with a significant percentage of the population on public assistance within the boundary.

New or expanding businesses wishing to participate in the Enterprise Zone Program must submit proposals for approval by the state and be located within the zone. Those businesses would then receive tax abatements on state-levied corporate taxes and local real estate and personal property taxes.

The council’s approval of the Enterprise Zone clears the way for the city to submit its proposal to the state Department of Economic and Community Development for final approval.

“I want to thank state Rep. Michael DiMassa (D-West Haven), who has been instrumental in the research and the development of the city’s Enterprise Zone application,” Rossi said. “This designation will help us develop and revitalize the city’s neediest area, generating new commercial tax revenue and well-paying local jobs.

“With city and state approval, West Haven will become a targeted investment community for research, manufacturing, service, and warehousing operations looking to build or expand within the zone with a substantial initial tax benefit.”

DiMassa said: “I am excited about the newly proposed Enterprise Zone, much of which is in my district. This is a great opportunity for the development of underutilized land and the construction, renovation, and expansion of new and existing businesses.

“I want to thank Mayor Rossi and her administration for working with me and my staff on this yearlong process. This zone will result in a vital increase in the grand list by commercial investment and jobs for our residents. This will give our local economy the boost it needs.”

Rossi added: “The city has already received some interest from the business community on the proposed Enterprise Zone, and I look forward to moving this program forward quickly once approved. I also want to thank state Sens. Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) and James Maroney (D-Milford) and state Reps. Dorinda Borer (D-West Haven) and Charles Ferraro (R-West Haven) for their support of this important West Haven economic initiative.

“I believe this will really improve this area and generate much-needed revenue and jobs.”

City issues snow rules for parking

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 15, 2020 — To help crews expedite snow removal, Public Works Commissioner Tom J. McCarthy is reminding residents and businesses to observe parking regulations during and after storms.

Per the “Severe Weather” parking ordinance under Chapter 188 of the West Haven Code, police will tag and tow vehicles violating the ordinance at the owner’s expense. Violators will receive a $100 fine.

Once snow begins to fall, a parking ban is in effect on the even-numbered side of most roads, unless one is posted with a “No Parking” sign on the odd side.

The ban is in effect for 36 hours after a storm. Residents are urged to park in driveways or designated private lots.

However, during an official snow emergency declared by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, a parking ban will run from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on both sides of Campbell and Savin avenues, Morgan Lane, Elm Street, Meloy Road, Second Avenue from Elm to Beach streets, and Main Street from Savin to Washington avenues.

McCarthy is also reminding residents and businesses to shovel their sidewalks within 24 hours after a storm or face a $25 fine “for each day that the violation persists.”

According to the “Removal of Snow and Ice” ordinance under Chapter 195 of the West Haven Code, people are given 24 hours to remove snow from sidewalks on and bordering their properties. Violators are subject to the $25-per-day fine, which is enforced by the Police Department, the ordinance states.

To report a complaint, call the department’s nonemergency line at 203-937-3900. Complaints are kept confidential.

McCarthy also pointed out that plowing or blowing snow into city streets is prohibited and violators are subject to a $60 fine for each offense, per the ordinance.

Also, residents and businesses with mailboxes damaged by snow thrown from a plow are the responsibility of the property owner. The city will only repair mailboxes damaged by the striking of a plow blade if there is visible evidence, such as paint or tire tracks.

Snow removal around mailboxes is the property owner’s responsibility.

Residents are also urged to help firefighters keep hydrants clear of snow.

For more information, call the Highway Department at 203-937-3644.

Rossi lights Christmas tree on Allingtown Green

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 14, 2020 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, fourth from left, lights the Christmas tree on the Allingtown Green on Thursday.

Joining Rossi are, from left, Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins; University of New Haven political science professor Joshua Sandman; mayoral Executive Assistant Louis P. Esposito Jr.; Councilman Peter V. Massaro, D-6; Christian Mullins; state Rep. Michael A. DiMassa, D-West Haven; Councilman Gary Donovan, D-at large; Deputy Chief Michael T. Esposito of the City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown; and Councilman Barry Lee Cohen, R-10.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Hanukkah menorah lightings mark Festival of Lights

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 14, 2020 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi watches the lighting of the menorah as Rabbi Menachem “Mendy” Hecht of Congregation Beth Israel of New Haven, joined by his children, leads a Jewish blessing at the sundown celebration of the first day of Hanukkah on Thursday on the West Haven Green.

The annual ceremony was attended by a small gathering of West Haven residents and officials, including state Reps. Charles J. Ferraro, R-West Haven, and Michael A. DiMassa, D-West Haven; Councilmen Barry Lee Cohen, R-10, and Gary Donovan, D-at large; Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins; and University of New Haven political science professor Joshua Sandman.

Rossi, DiMassa, Cohen, Donovan, Mullins and Sandman were later led in a menorah lighting on the Allingtown Green by Rabbi Joshua Hecht, the headmaster of the Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy and spiritual leader of Chabad of Orange.

The ceremonies marked the Jewish Festival of Lights, an eight-day commemoration of rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Rossi reveals logo for West Haven’s 2021 centennial

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 8, 2020 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi on Dec. 8 revealed the logo for West Haven’s 100th anniversary next year.

In a video message posted on the city’s YouTube channel, Rossi, speaking from her office, unveiled the new logo, which features a blue-and-gold “100” that is overlapped with a gold banner with “Centennial” in white lettering and “1921-2021” in blue numbering below it.

The round logo is bordered by “City of West Haven” in blue lettering and “Celebrating Our Past” and “Inspiring Our Future” in gold lettering.

Watch the video message on West Haven YouTube.

“The City of West Haven Centennial Celebration Committee is excited to announce this image as the formal West Haven centennial logo,” Rossi said in the message. “This will also be accompanied by a newly colorized city seal, which will be used throughout 2021.”

Rossi said the committee, composed of city officials and community members, will use the logo for promoting and celebrating the 1921 birth of Connecticut’s youngest town.

The centennial logo was commissioned by Rossi, the committee’s honorary chair. The design was supervised by committee member Beth A. Sabo, the city’s commissioner of human resources.

Rossi said the committee is organizing a series of commemorative events for three straight weekends, starting June 24, 2021. Plans include a kickoff ceremony and other festivities that observe West Haven’s rich and diverse heritage, she said.

“The City of West Haven Centennial Celebration Committee continues to actively plan city-sponsored events that can allow everyone to safely celebrate the past 100 years of West Haven history,” Rossi said. “Future official centennial announcements will continue to be posted on the city website.”

West Haven, now a city, incorporated as Connecticut’s youngest in 1961, is also one of the state’s oldest communities.

In 1648, West Haven, then known as West Farms, was settled by farmers from the New Haven Colony. West Farms became the separate parish of West Haven in 1719 through a petition granted by the state General Assembly. In 1822, the parish united with North Milford to form the town of Orange before separating from Orange in 1921 to become the town of West Haven.

According to the Historical Society, West Haven was founded by several New Haven Colony leaders who recognized the value of the extended shoreline, unadulterated forests and potential farmland. The historic crossing into West Farms was by horse bridge over the West River near New Haven Harbor. The West River Crossing is an event commemorated to this day, both in ceremony and in a master mural in the post office on Campbell Avenue.

Soon after, according to information on the society’s website, guilds built six large post-medieval houses within a short distance of the community’s central Green, a common grazing and meeting site. The earliest settlers shared the lands with three major Native American tribes that historically summered in West Farms, using the resources of forests, three tributaries and a shoreline abundant with freshwater and saltwater life.

Rossi heralds holidays with surprise virtual tree lighting

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 7, 2020 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi heralded the holiday season Dec. 5 with a surprise virtual lighting of the Christmas tree on the Green.

Despite the city postponing this year’s public tree lighting festivities to 2021 due to rising coronavirus cases and restrictions limiting large public gatherings, Rossi, whose favorite holiday is Christmas, could not bear the thought of waiting another year.

So, with a little help from Santa Claus and her 10-year-old grandson, Arthur Rossi, the mayor decided to share the true spirit of Christmas by giving residents a gift in the form of a special tree lighting video presentation to hold them over until next year.

Watch the video presentation on West Haven YouTube.

“The health and safety of our residents is more important than ever this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rossi said. “Hopefully this time next year, we can fully celebrate our tree lighting festivities on the Green.”