West Haven named a Tree City USA

WEST HAVEN, April 5, 2022 — West Haven was recently named a 2021 Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to urban forestry.

According to the foundation, the city earned Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: forming a tree board or department, creating a tree care ordinance, having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and holding an Arbor Day observance.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation of Lincoln, Nebraska, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. The program was established in 1976.

“Tree City USA communities benefit from the positive effects that an urban tree canopy has year after year,” said Dan Lambe, the foundation’s chief executive. “The trees being planted and cared for by West Haven ensure that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program helps cultivate a sense of stewardship and pride for the trees the community plants and cares for.”

The Arbor Day Foundation, founded in 1972, has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than 1 million members, supporters and partners.

The foundation has planted nearly 500 million trees in communities and forests worldwide since 1972.

According to the foundation, urban tree plantings help reduce energy consumption by up to 25%, increase property values by up to 20%, and clean water and create animal habitats to encourage biodiversity.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi releases update on coronavirus audit

WEST HAVEN, April 5, 2022 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi has released an update on the CohnReznick coronavirus audit.

Read the full Statement.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi releases statement on CohnReznick audit

WEST HAVEN, April 5, 2022 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi has issued a statement on the CohnReznick audit that was released Friday.

Read the full Statement.

Support groups resume in person

WEST HAVEN, April 1, 2022 — The support groups offered by West Haven’s Youth and Family Services and Interagency Network for Children have resumed in-person meetings at the Johnson Community Center, 201 Noble St.

WHINC Parent and Guardian Support Group: Meets the 2nd Monday of each month, 6-7:45 p.m. For more information, call Viola at 203-804-5326.

Free on-site child care is available for parents of special needs children and their siblings, ages 5 and older, so parents can attend support group meetings. Parents or guardians must call the group facilitator at the above phone number by noon the day of the scheduled meeting.

West Haven Bereavement Support Group for widows, widowers and partners: Meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, 6-7:30 p.m. For more Information, call Toni-Jo at 203-410-2541.

Part of dog park closing for maintenance for 6 weeks

Part of dog park closing for maintenance for six weeks

WEST HAVEN, April 1, 2022 — Part of Veterans Memorial Park’s dog park — the side for large dogs — will be closed for maintenance for about six weeks starting the week of April 4, according to a Department of Public Works official.

The park area, at 91 Bull Hill Lane, will be aerated and seeded with a hardier seed, “which should stand up to the dogs’ wear and tear better,” said Ernie Chiarelli, the department’s project coordinator and sidewalk inspector.

Chiarelli said the area will also be fertilized.

During the maintenance work, both large and small dogs can use the side of the park for small dogs, he said.

Those with questions can call Chiarelli at 203-937-3527.

Marchers sought for West Haven Memorial Day parade

WEST HAVEN, March 9, 2022 — The city and the West Haven Veterans Council are 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 30.

Participants must register and list required special accommodations for the procession, which has no rain date.

The city will provide transportation for veterans who are unable to walk the 1 ½-mile parade route, 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 marshal is Emery Linton Sr., an Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

Download a Participation Form.

Forms are also available for pickup in the mayor’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St., where they are due May 6.

Completed forms must be faxed to 203-937-3705 or mailed to the West Haven Memorial Day Parade, Office of the Mayor, 355 Main St., West Haven, CT 06516.