West Haven installs port-a-potties in many public locations

Port-a-potties installed in many public locations

WEST HAVEN, July 25, 2022 — The city has installed a number of port-a-potties across the city for public use, Public Works Commissioner Tom J. McCarthy announced.

McCarthy said the portable toilets will be cleaned every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Otherwise, if it is a holiday week or there are “trucking issues,” the toilets will be cleaned on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, he said.

See the Portable Toilet Map.

Port-a-potties are open daily through Labor Day at the following locations and times:

— Quigley Stadium, 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. — when games are played.

— Veterans Memorial Park, closes at 11 p.m.

— Peterson Field, closes at sundown.

— Painter Park, closes at sundown.

— Duffy Field, closes at sundown.

— Benham Field, closes at sundown.

— Pagels Elementary School playground, closes at sundown.

— South Street Park, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

— Hubbard Farms Park, closes at sundown.

— Prospect Beach, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

— April Street boat launch, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

— Sandy Point Beach & Bird Sanctuary, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

— Morse Park, closes at sundown.

— Sea Bluff Beach, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

— Oak Street Beach, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

— Bradley Point Park, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

— Charlotte Bacon “Where Angels Play” playground, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Tonight’s Rubber City concert canceled

WEST HAVEN, July 25, 2022 — Tonight’s Rubber City concert has been canceled because of inclement weather.

The West Haven Summer Concert Series will come to a close at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 in Old Grove Park with R&B favorites by Shaded Soul Band.

Concerts postponed by rain will move to the same time and venue the following Monday. For rescheduling information, go to the Department of Parks and Recreation’s website at Park-Rec.

Allingtown FD launches new website

WEST HAVEN, July 25, 2022 — The City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown has launched a new website, Chief Michael R. Terenzio announced.

The website, www.cityofwesthavenfd.com, contains and will be updated with department information and photos, interactive forms for request submittals for Child Safety Car Seat-certified installations or inspections, plan reviews, and smoke detector installations; as well as a radio dispatch “live feed” link.

Also, the site will have seasonal life safety information, along with photos of department activities.

Additional items are being planned, including an apparatus fleet description, a list of fire commissioners and personnel, and alerts.

A link to the site is also on the city website under the Fire Departments section.

Parkway Diner will headline Day One of the Savin Rock Festival by playing favorites by Billy Joel and Elton John and hits of the ’70s and ’80s in West Haven’s Old Grove Park at 8 p.m. Friday. (Publicity Photo)

Savin Rock Festival, July 29-30, celebrates ‘the Rock’

WEST HAVEN, July 25, 2022 — Classic rock bands Parkway Diner and The British Legends of Rock Show will headline the Savin Rock Festival in Old Grove Park on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

The annual festival, sponsored by the University of New Haven and New England Brewing Co., will showcase the sights, sounds, smells and tastes that made the 20th-century Savin Rock Park “the playground of New England,” Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said.

See the Schedule of Events.

The festival, which pays homage to the legacy of “the Rock,” is scheduled from 5-10 p.m. Friday and noon-10 p.m. Saturday.

Along with live music, it will feature a “bigger and better” midway of rides and games — and, of course, boatloads of seafood and other mouthwatering dishes.

The midway will include “new and improved” rides, including a Ferris wheel, said George Marenna Jr., who owns Marenna Amusements.

Marenna will offer wristbands for unlimited rides for $30 and a sheet of 21 tickets for $20.

A number of nonprofit organizations will set up informational booths in the 152-year-old Grove, and a fleet of food trucks on nearby Palace Street will serve up burgers, hot dogs, cheesesteaks, fried dough, gyros, lobster rolls, tacos and meatball bombs. Dessert trucks will offer cannoli, ice cream, cupcakes and kettle corn.

The craft fair, a festival tradition, will also take place, spread beneath the park’s oak trees, organizers said.

Resident-only parking for vehicles displaying a valid, affixed beach sticker will be available in the lots on Oak Street and Altschuler Boulevard. Free overflow parking for residents and nonresidents will be available in the grass lot on Oak Street, across from the Surfside public housing complex.

The festival will open at 5 p.m. Friday with welcoming remarks by Rossi and the national anthem sung by Adeline Mellilo, a 2022 graduate of West Haven High School.

Brian Smith, a former co-host of WPLR’s “Smith and Barber the Morning Show,” will serve as the “ringmaster” of ceremonies for a fifth time.

The Navels will perform the best of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks at 5:30 p.m., followed by Parkway Diner, playing favorites by Billy Joel and Elton John and hits of the ’70s and ’80s, at 8 p.m.

Day Two will kick off at noon Saturday with the festival’s first Touch-a-Truck event, held on the right side of the Oak Street Beach parking lot off Captain Thomas Boulevard until 4 p.m.

At noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., members of the West Haven Fire Department, led by Fire Marshal Roger Sicotte, will demonstrate the department’s 35-foot smoke trailer and show children what to do in the event of a fire.

At 3 p.m., West Haven firefighters will demonstrate the Jaws of Life tool by prying open parts of a vehicle to free those trapped inside. Members of the West Shore Fire Department will demonstrate the department’s amphibious rescue boat.

At 4 p.m., Tre Paul, a trio anchored by retired city police Detective Sgt. Paul Raucci on drums, will open the musical lineup by playing a 90-minute set of rock, oldies and singalongs.

Just before the concert, Smith will introduce Elizabeth Shea, an incoming senior at West Haven High, who will sing the national anthem.

Then, at 6 p.m., Echoes of Sinatra will perform a timeless tribute to the one and only Frank Sinatra. The band, fronted by Sinatra tribute artist Steve Kaz, will trace the career and life of Ol’ Blue Eyes through music and storytelling, including swing renditions of the Sinatra songs you know by heart.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this exciting show, featuring classic songs, skilled storytelling and world-class musicianship,” Kaz said.

At 8 p.m., The British Legends of Rock Show will invade the stage and play “a powerful rock ’n’ roll buffet celebrating the two undisputed greatest decades of British rock music: the ’60s and ’70s,” the band said in a statement.

The two-hour show will dig deep into the British music catalog, “from the Animals to Led Zeppelin and everything in between.”

Watch the band’s promotional video on YouTube.

If it rains, all bands will perform in the West Haven High auditorium, 1 Circle St.

West Haven’s flagship festival was established in 1982 by the Chamber of Commerce — initially under the direction of Brian M. Stone, David Gesler and Michael Shiner and thereafter by John L. Perrone and his wife, Mary Perrone — to bring organizations, clubs, businesses and families together for a summer festival that celebrates life in one of America’s oldest coastal communities.

From the dawn of the Savin Rock House hotel in 1838, the Rock had long been a resort hub until it was officially incorporated as an amusement park by the Savin Rock Park Co. on Memorial Day 1925, when it opened to 300,000 visitors and 66,000 automobiles in one spectacular day.

For the next four decades, the popular seaside park captured the hearts and imaginations of “Rock rats” of all ages. “The Coney Island of Connecticut” shuttered on Sept. 21, 1966, to pave the way for the Savin Rock Urban Renewal Project.

The Navels will open Day One of the Savin Rock Festival by performing the best of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks in West Haven’s Old Grove Park at 5:30 p.m. Friday. (Publicity Photo)

Tre Paul, a trio anchored by retired West Haven police Detective Sgt. Paul Raucci on drums, will open Day Two of the Savin Rock Festival by playing a 90-minute set of rock, oldies and singalongs in West Haven’s Old Grove Park at 4 p.m. Saturday. (Publicity Photo)

Day Two of the Savin Rock Festival will continue with Echoes of Sinatra performing a timeless tribute to the one and only Frank Sinatra in West Haven’s Old Grove Park at 6 p.m. Saturday. The band, fronted by Sinatra tribute artist Steve Kaz, will trace the career and life of Ol’ Blue Eyes through music and storytelling, including swing renditions of the Sinatra songs you know by heart. (Publicity Photo)

The British Legends of Rock Show will headline Day Two of the Savin Rock Festival by invading West Haven’s Old Grove Park at 8 p.m. Saturday and playing “a powerful rock ’n’ roll buffet celebrating the two undisputed greatest decades of British rock music: the ’60s and ’70s.” The two-hour show will dig deep into the British music catalog, “from the Animals to Led Zeppelin and everything in between.” (Publicity Photo)

Rossi announces ARPA Parks Improvement Fund

Rossi heralds ARPA Parks Improvement Fund

WEST HAVEN, July 21, 2022 — The city is accepting suggestions and proposals for improvement and rehabilitation projects for city-owned neighborhood parks, playgrounds, open space, wildlife preserves, public tree plantings and trail parks, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

Funds for park improvements are provided by Rossi’s American Rescue Plan Act spending plan through a grant from the U.S. Treasury Department.

The park projects and funds will be overseen by the commissioner of the Department of Public Works and the mayoral-appointed ARPA Committee.

Proposals may come from any resident, community group, city department head or “park steward” committee.

Each proposal should provide a brief narrative of the proposed project, an estimated budget, photos of existing conditions, a description of how the park is currently used, and how the project will impact its use and appeal to the residents of West Haven.

For details, see the Parks Improvement Fund document and download a proposal form at West Haven ARPA.

Proposals should be submitted by email no later than Aug. 10 to city Grant Coordinator Doug Colter at dcolter@westhaven-ct.gov.

People walk across West Haven’s new Cove River pedestrian bridge, illuminated with red-and-white LED lights, for the first time in more than 20 years during a “light the bridge” celebration to mark its official opening Tuesday evening. The drone photo was donated by Jow Films LLC of West Haven. (City Drone Photo/Andrew Kosarko)

‘Light the bridge’ celebration opens new Cove River bridge

WEST HAVEN, July 20, 2022 — With a vibrant crowd looking on, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and state Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, cut a red ribbon to “light the bridge” to mark the official opening of the new Cove River pedestrian bridge in West Shore on Tuesday evening.

Standing at the bridge’s Sea Bluff Beach entrance with members of the city’s General Assembly delegation, Borer and Rossi, sporting a pair of oversize scissors, led the gathering of more than 250 people in an enthusiastic countdown before cutting the ribbon and setting the bridge aglow.

The all-ages crowd oohed and aahed at the newly lit bridge, bedecked with LED lights illuminated in red and white — and even purple, Rossi’s favorite color.

The Navels, a local classic rock band, also got in on the celebration, playing a free concert before and after the lighting spectacle in Sea Bluff Beach’s new upper parking lot, just a stone’s throw from the bridge off Captain Thomas Boulevard.

“This is a beautiful addition to our city, and for the first time in over 20 years, pedestrians will be able to cross over Cove River,” Rossi told the crowd, moments before lighting the bridge.

She added: “We are here this evening not just to celebrate the official opening of the bridge but also to view its beautiful light display. The LED lights are capable of the full spectrum of colors, allowing for unique displays. This will be an amazing addition to our scenic shoreline!”

Rossi concluded her remarks by thanking Borer for obtaining the project funding and the rest of West Haven’s state delegation for their support. She also thanked City Engineer Abdul Quadir and a list of project contractors.

The pedestrian bridge features decorative lighting designed by Apex Lighting Solutions of Wethersfield, according to the project manager, Keith Lundgrin of Terry Contracting & Materials Inc. of Riverhead, New York.

Lundgrin said the LED lighting, mounted on the arch and controlled by a phone app, is programmed to change colors and display color patterns and sequences on the bridge for holidays.

The 88-foot-long, prefabricated aluminum truss bridge connects Bradley Point Park to Sea Bluff Beach. Manufactured by GatorBridge of Sanford, Florida, the white powder-coated bridge replaces the original concrete footbridge built in 1938.

The Frankson Fence Co. of North Haven fabricated and installed a matching guardrail at each end of the bridge.

The Sea Bluff parking lot, though not completely finished, has been “significantly” upgraded with gray, permeable brick pavers that allow water to penetrate the joints and drain into the gravel base with no runoff, Lundgrin said.

The lot will also include new Victorian lampposts, along with fresh plantings this fall, he said.

The bridge complements the new Cove River tide gate system, which became operational in late 2021.

The pedestrian bridge and tide gate project, which began in March 2021, is part of the city’s Coastal Resilience Plan and was paid for by a $3.9 million state grant secured by Borer.

While Borer thanked those who worked on the project, she said the most important people to thank are the public.

“It is our residents who never lose their commitment and passion for West Haven,” Borer said. “From the day this project was announced, the excitement never wavered. This project is a win-win on so many levels. It provides for functionality of water flow, accessibility, connectivity, a complement to our aesthetics and is very environmentally focused.”

She continued: “There are many more projects we’ve secured state funding for in the queue, and I can’t wait to see them come to fruition as well. It’s so rewarding to see beautiful progress.”

Among the state leaders joining Rossi and Borer and speaking were Sen. James J. Maroney, D-Milford, and Reps. Charles J. Ferraro, R-West Haven, and Treneé McGee, D-West Haven.

They were joined by City Council members Meli Garthwait, R-2, Victor M. Borras, D-8, Robert Bruneau, D-9, Steven J. Johnstone, R-10, Gary Donovan, D-at large, and Colleen O’Connor, R-at large.

They were also joined by a contingent of city, police and fire officials, including City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath, Pubic Works Commissioner Tom J. McCarthy, Parks and Recreation Director Mark E. Paine Jr., Sidewalk Inspector Ernie Chiarelli, Tree Warden Leo Kelly, West Shore Fire Department Chief Stephen Scafariello, City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown Chief Michael R. Terenzio and West Haven Fire Department Deputy Chief William S. Johnson IV, as well as Land Trust of West Haven Vice President Marilyn Wilkes.

For the tide gate part of the project, Terry replaced the river’s deteriorated wooden flap gates with new steel gates under the bridge on Captain Thomas Boulevard.

The Cove River flows into Long Island Sound through the tide-regulated gates, which abut the Charlotte Bacon “Where Angels Play” playground at Sea Bluff Beach.

Quadir said the tide gate system comprises two flap gates and two self-regulating gates that enable the city to control the tidal height within an inch to keep the salt marsh healthy and prevent flooding.

In high tide, the flap gates close to prevent the Sound from flooding the marsh on both sides of the river; in low tide, they open to allow the river to flow into the Sound, Quadir said.

Officials said the gates are vital to preserving and restoring the river’s tidal wetlands. When functioning, they are designed to protect the surrounding infrastructure and restore the tidal flushing of the 90-acre marsh without flooding upstream properties, including homes, businesses and West Haven High School’s campus.

On Oct. 29, 2012, the surge of Superstorm Sandy overwhelmed the wooden flap gates and flooded the school’s ballfields and track, prompting city officials to seek state funding to safeguard the area from a similar flooding event.

For the past decade, Paine, formerly of the Department of Public Works and now the director of Park-Rec, has led West Haven’s efforts to rehabilitate the marsh by eliminating much of the invasive species, such as phragmites, and restoring the natural salt grasses. The area has also seen a resurgence in shorebirds and waterfowl because of the restoration.

Rossi said the new gates will continue the marsh’s rehabilitation by enabling proper tidal flow to ensure the area is replenished with the salt, sulfur and nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

According to Paine, the first system to restrict tidal flow on the Cove River was built in 1912, primarily for salt hay mowing and drying.

The original concrete footbridge and tide gate system were constructed in 1938. Those gates were removed in 1971 and replaced with the wooden flap gates, which were installed under the then-new bridge on Captain Thomas Boulevard. The original structure was used as a pedestrian bridge until the late ’90s, when it was fenced off and abandoned because of structural deficiencies, Paine said.

West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, center, cuts the ribbon with West Haven Democratic state Rep. Dorinda Borer, second from right, to set the Cove River bridge aglow. With them are, from left, state Reps. Charles J. Ferraro, R-West Haven, and Treneé McGee, D-West Haven, and state Sen. James J. Maroney, D-Milford. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

An aerial view of the ribbon-cutting, courtesy of Jow Films LLC of West Haven. (City Drone Photo/Andrew Kosarko)

A aerial view of people lining up to cross the Cove River bridge. The drone photo was donated by Jow Films LLC of West Haven. (City Drone Photo/Andrew Kosarko)

An aerial view of people walking across the bridge, illuminated with red-and-white LED lights. The drone photo was donated by Jow Films LLC of West Haven. (City Drone Photo/Andrew Kosarko)

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi delivers opening remarks about the Cove River pedestrian bridge and tide gate project. Looking on are, from left, state Rep. Dorinda Borer; City Council members Gary Donovan, D-at large, and Colleen O’Connor, R-at large; state Rep. Charles J. Ferraro; and council members Victor M. Borras, D-8, Meli Garthwait, R-2, and Steven J. Johnstone, R-10. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

State Rep. Dorinda Borer talks about how the project improves water flow, accessibility and connectivity. Looking on are, from left, City Council members Gary Donovan and Colleen O’Connor; Mayor Nancy R. Rossi; state Rep. Charles J. Ferraro; council members Steven J. Johnstone and Meli Garthwait; state Rep. Treneé McGee; and state Sen. James J. Maroney. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and state Rep. Charles J. Ferraro check out the red-and-white LED lights on the arch of the bridge. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The Navels, a local classic rock band, play a free concert after the lighting spectacle. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

State and city leaders are all smiles at the bridge’s Sea Bluff Beach entrance. From left, Sen. James J. Maroney; Reps. Charles J. Ferraro and Treneé McGee; Mayor Nancy R. Rossi; Councilwoman Colleen O’Connor; and Rep. Dorinda Borer. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Tony Inzero Farmers Market opens 2022 season

WEST HAVEN, July 14, 2022 — The Tony Inzero Farmers Market has opened its 2022 season in the Oak Street Beach parking lot off Captain Thomas Boulevard.

The market, nestled on the right side of the Oak Street lot, will include state farmers selling homegrown fruits and vegetables and crafters selling wares from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays through Oct. 15.

It will also include more than 20 different vendors, crafters, organizations and food trucks throughout the season.

Parking is available in the Oak Street municipal lot and on Palace Street. Oak Street is on the senior shuttle route and the CTtransit route. In addition, a van will run from the West Haven Senior Center, 201 Noble St., to Oak Street on Thursdays.

The Department of Elderly Services will start distributing farmers market vouchers to eligible city residents this week. For information on the voucher program, call the department at 203-937-3507.

The farmers market is sponsored by the city and has operated since 2000. It was dedicated in 2010 in memory of Anthony F. “Tony” Inzero, a leader in the downtown business community who co-owned Flower Affair on Campbell Avenue for many years and was a founding member and longtime president of the West Haven Business Association.

To participate in the farmers market or for information, contact Killian Gruber, the market’s manager, at kgruber@westhaven-ct.gov or 203-937-3518.

For the latest news on the market, go to West Haven Farmers Market.

Public invited to take regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey from SCRCOG

WEST HAVEN, July 8, 2022 — The South Central Regional Council of Governments and its municipalities are working together to update the Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The plan is aimed at identifying and assessing the region’s natural hazard risks — flooding, hurricanes, winter storms — and determining how to best minimize or manage those risks.

To increase public participation, SCRCOG has launched the South Central Connecticut Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey so those in the planning area can share their opinions and participate in the mitigation planning process.

The information provided by the five-minute survey will help the planning team better understand local concerns and issues as expressed by the region’s residents and can lead to mitigation activities that should reduce the impacts of future disasters.

Read the news release and take the survey at SCRCOG.

See the Flyer.

See the Fact Sheet.

For more information, visit the plan’s webpage, or contact Rebecca Andreucci, SCRCOG’s senior transportation planner, at randreucci@scrcog.org or 203-466-8601.