Phase 2 of Beach Street raising set

WEST HAVEN, April 26, 2023 — Phase 2 of the long-anticipated raising of Beach Street is set to begin in May, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

Rossi said the project will raise a section of Beach Street up to 11 feet above sea level to protect the area’s flood-prone neighborhoods.

The project will also help ignite economic development on the Beach Street corridor, she said.

“I am ecstatic for the final phase of the raising of Beach Street,” Rossi said. “The road raising will absolutely spur economic activity on Beach Street and the surrounding area.”

The mayor added, “I have been fighting for this project since I originally requested it be put first on the city of West Haven’s state bonding list, and I am grateful for the project to pass the final approval point.”

In May 2020, Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, announced $5.2 million in state funding for Phase 2 of the road raising. The money joined $3.5 million in federal and local funding for Phase 1, including $2.94 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and $560,000 from the city.

The two-phase project consists of raising an approximately 3,900-foot stretch of First Avenue and Beach Street from Monahan Place, near the Water Pollution Control Plant, to Morse Avenue, near the former Chick’s Drive-in restaurant.

Phase 1 was completed two years ago and raised the road up to 7 feet from Monahan Place to the wastewater treatment plant.

Just over a decade ago, the area was 5 feet underwater during Superstorm Sandy, City Engineer Abdul Quadir said.

Phase 2 had been delayed since 2021 because of a protected species of grass that had been discovered by officials from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection during the permitting process.

“I want to thank City Engineer Abdul Quadir for his assistance in guiding the project through each delay,” Rossi said.

Quadir said Phase 2 will raise Beach Street from the treatment plant to Morse Avenue and should take about eight months to complete.

The project, like its counterpart, will include new sidewalks and a two-way bike lane on the beach side of the road, he said.

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

Thanks to federal and state funding to help Connecticut municipalities mitigate flooding in the wake of the superstorm, the city has taken steps to make its shoreline more resilient to tidal flooding and coastal storms, including dredging the Old Field Creek salt marsh off Beach Street and installing a new tide gate system on the Cove River.

Bulk trash pickup week underway in West Haven

WEST HAVEN, April 26, 2023 — Bulk trash pickup week is underway.

West Haven residents are reminded to separate metals, recyclables and regular trash from bulk trash and put them out no more than 24 hours before pickup. Violations carry a $100 fine per daily offense, Public Works Commissioner Tom J. McCarthy said.

Residents are also reminded to “Put a Lid on It!” and use lids on all trash cans. Rain-soaked trash costs West Haven 10 times more at the dump, said McCarthy, adding that using trash can lids will save the city money by reducing the weight of trash and cost of tipping fees.

Bulk items include couches, chairs, tables, carpeting, padding and fencing, which may not exceed 6 feet in length. No building materials, tires, mattresses, propane tanks or hazardous waste are accepted.

Options for disposing of building materials include renting a dumpster or bringing the materials to a disposal facility for a fee.

Tires and mattresses are not considered bulk trash and will not be collected.

Tires can be brought to Town Fair Tire, 63 Boston Post Road, Orange, for a fee of $2.75 per tire.

Mattress drop-off has resumed and will take place at the city garage, 1 Collis St., from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. When bringing mattresses — a maximum of two per drop-off — for disposal, people must show proof of residence, including a driver’s license. The drop-off is a free service for residents only.

Hazardous waste can be dropped off for free at HazWaste Central, 90 Sargent Drive, New Haven. HazWaste is open Saturday mornings from mid-May through October.

Propane tanks can be brought to Taylor Rental, 304 Boston Post Road, Orange, for a fee of $10.60 per tank.

The amount of bulk trash per collection is limited to 6 cubic yards, which is equal to a pile of trash about 6 feet long, 6 feet wide and 4 ½ feet high.

Homeowners are required to rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal service at their expense if trash exceeds 6 cubic yards. Otherwise, trash exceeding 6 cubic yards will be left at the curb, and a $100 fine per daily offense will be imposed, McCarthy said.

To prevent a potential fine, property owners should familiarize themselves with the city’s trash guidelines at Public Works.

Bulk trash must be generated by the customer at the residential unit where it is collected. Trash will not be collected if it is generated by anyone other than the resident of the home.

Bulk items must be separated and orderly. Do not place them next to a mailbox or utility pole or close to a fence, McCarthy said.

Also, do not place bulk items in front of a vacant lot or home — they will not be collected, he said.

Details at Bulk Trash Pickup.

In addition to bulk trash, the city picks up metals, including household appliances, also known as white goods, and toilets. To schedule a pickup on their curbside collection day, residents must call the Highway Department at 203-937-3644 or 203-937-3585. Appliance doors must be removed.

Leaf bags are picked up until June 1 and from Oct. 1-Dec. 15. The bags are picked up on residents’ weekly collection days. Leaves and grass clippings must be in separate biodegradable paper bags and will not be accepted if they are in plastic bags.

The city also picks up brush that is cut into 3-to-6-foot lengths and tied in small bundles, no more than 70 pounds. Logs and stumps are prohibited.

Residents can bring grass clippings as well as bagged leaves and untied brush to the compost site, 1 Kimberly Ave., from 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and, starting in June, from 6:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays. The first cubic yard of compost is free with proof of residence. Additional compost costs $25 per cubic yard. Residents must bring buckets and shovels.

For a $50 fee, the Department of Public Works will deliver up to 2 cubic yards of compost to homes in West Haven.

For the latest news and information, subscribe to the city’s Facebook page at West Haven City Hall.

Applications available May 1-26 for summer youth jobs in city

WEST HAVEN, April 20, 2023 — Applications for the Summer Youth Employment Program will be available from May 1-26 in the athletic director’s office at West Haven High School and the main office at Bailey Middle School.

Applications are also available on the city website. Download an Application.

The six-week summer program, which begins July 10, is aimed at funding positions for low-income city residents ages 14-21.

Students must return applications with all required documents to West Haven High from 7-9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and to Bailey from 8-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

No applications will be accepted after May 26.

Students must also include copies of information, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, as well as documentation of household income.

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

Incomplete applications will not be processed. Applicants will be notified by mail or phone if more information is needed.

New West Haven florist, Christine’s Creations, celebrates opening

New florist, Christine’s Creations, celebrates opening

WEST HAVEN, April 17, 2023 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, holding oversize scissors, cuts the ribbon with Christine’s Creations owner Christine Gonzalez, center right, on April 15 to mark the flower shop’s grand opening at 323 Captain Thomas Blvd.

Shown with them are, from left, Councilwoman Meli Garthwait, R-2; Rosa Richardson of the West Haven Community Development Administration; state Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven; city Tax Collector Dorothy Chambrelli; City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath; Councilman Gary Donovan, D-at large; and Councilwoman Colleen O’Connor, R-at large.

Christine’s Creations, located in the Savin Rock business district near the beach, offers everyday floral arrangements, wedding floral arrangements, funeral flowers, custom floral arrangements and bouquets, as well as same-day delivery.

The ribbon-cutting was also attended by Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce President Michael Moses, Director of Membership and Marketing Simon McDonald and event coordinator Wendy Terenzio, along with chamber members Peggi Vetro of the Irish Heritage Society of Milford and Patriot Bank of Milford Vice President Robert Creigh.

The nautical-themed florist, which serves West Haven and New Haven County, is dedicated to providing handcrafted bouquets with “the freshest blooms available.”

Gonzalez said she sources flowers from local farms and uses “only the finest quality materials” when arranging custom orders for birthdays or anniversaries, including taking any idea and making it a reality.

“Our talented team of florists will work with you to create a floral arrangement that perfectly expresses your sentiment,” Gonzalez said. “Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply sending your best wishes, we'll make sure your flowers are unforgettable.”

Christine’s Creations is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Grieving Parents Support Group meeting at senior center May 3

WEST HAVEN, April 17, 2023 — West Haven Youth and Family Services’ Grieving Parents Support Group will hold its next meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. May 3 at the West Haven Senior Center on the upper floor of the Johnson Community Center, 201 Noble St.

The group, led by Cate Saxton and liaison Marianne Gambardella, meets monthly on the first and third Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at the senior center.

Come and meet other grieving parents and be part of a confidential, safe, supportive grief-sharing environment.

‘Boot’ program resumes this month for tax delinquents

WEST HAVEN, April 6, 2023 — Residents who are delinquent on their taxes are urged to pay their overdue taxes as soon as possible.

West Haven’s “boot” program resumes this month, and tax delinquents risk their vehicles being immobilized with a wheel-locking boot.

TaxServ Capital Services LLC of Hartford is the city’s vendor that administers the program in cooperation with Vioalert Systems LLC of West Haven.

A vehicle-mounted ID system that is part of the program uses an infrared license plate scanner to target tax scofflaws. Vehicles are released of the boot once their owners pay all delinquent taxes and the boot fee.

The boot, however, may be on a vehicle that does not owe back taxes because the scanning system recognizes delinquent taxes linked to the vehicle owner’s name, according to city Tax Manager Rachel A-Massih.

Residents can check if they owe back taxes and make a payment at My Tax Bill. They can also pay in the tax office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St.

A-Massih said delinquent personal property taxes for city business owners who have not paid their taxes have also been turned over for collection. Properties with delinquent real estate and sewer bills are in the process of being liened, and collection proceedings are beginning, she said.

Taxes accrue additional interest on the first day of each month.

Marchers sought for West Haven Memorial Day parade

Marchers sought for Memorial Day parade on May 29

WEST HAVEN, April 6, 2023 — 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 29.

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 Mark Levine, a Vietnam Army veteran.

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 8.

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.

Food scrap bags sold at retail sites

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 24, 2023 — Residents who need more green and orange food scrap bags can buy them at the following retail locations ($1.05 for five green bags and $1.55 for five orange bags):

• Krauszer’s Food Store, 10 Jones Hill Road (Babybrook Shopping Center, corner of Ocean Avenue)

• Krauszer’s Food Store, 911 Campbell Ave. (corner of Spring Street)

• Krauszer’s Food Store, 377 Campbell Ave. (corner of Brown Street)

• Krauszer’s Food Store, 191 Platt Ave. (near the WHHS entrance)

• Nazar Halal Meat & Market, 39 Elm St. (West River Plaza)

• Greatway Food Store, 502 Sawmill Road (across from Walmart)

• Best Gas & Food Mart, 161 Boston Post Road (near the Allington Green)

• Noble Gas Station, 941 Boston Post Road (corner of Farwell Street)

City touts launch of state’s largest food-to-clean-energy program

WEST HAVEN, Nov. 14, 2022 — West Haven is the first city in the state to offer a citywide curbside food scrap diversion option to all single-family residents, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

Rossi said the program allows all single-family homes — one, two and three families — to easily separate food scraps and have them collected at the curb in the same container now used for residents’ trash collection.

The city has received a $1.3 million Sustainable Materials Management grant from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop and launch a food-to-clean-energy program.

Grant Coordinator Doug Colter, who secured the funding for the city, said the state is facing a solid waste disposal crisis, as traditional options for disposing of municipal solid waste are diminishing or becoming more expensive. With fewer and rapidly aging disposal options in Connecticut, residents and municipal leaders can expect disposal costs to increase at the remaining waste incineration facilities “as well as out-of-state landfilling,” Colter said.

On Nov. 7, the West Haven Food to Clean Energy program launched a nine-month pilot project for curbside food scrap diversion. Participation in the program comes at no cost to the 16,000 eligible households.

Colter said the funding covers the purchase of special color-coded bags for trash and for food scrap separation for the nine-month pilot. It also covers the cost of educational materials — mailers, a website and a Connect mobile app — along with personnel to sort the bags and the shipment of food scraps to Quantum Biopower in Southington, where the food will be converted into clean electricity, he said.

More details at Food Scrap Recycling.

Informational Materials

The Downsizing Donation Guide: A Resource for Residents of New Haven County (PDF)

What’s In? What’s Out? A Guide to Recycling (PDF)