State Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, speaks during a news conference Friday afternoon at Sea Bluff Beach announcing $3.9 million in state funding for a new Cove River tide gate system to protect the tidal wetland, which abuts the campus of West Haven High School, from flooding. Joining Borer are, from left, Mark E. Paine Jr., assistant to the public works commissioner, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, and state Reps. Michael A. DiMassa, D-West Haven, and Charles J. Ferraro, R-West Haven. (Contributed Photo/House Democrats)

$3.9M grant announced for new Cove River tide gates

WEST HAVEN, June 5, 2018 — State Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, announced $3.9 million in state funding on Friday afternoon for a new Cove River tide gate system to protect the tidal wetland, which abuts the campus of West Haven High School, from flooding.

Borer heralded the money during a news conference at Sea Bluff Beach just hours after it was authorized by the state Bond Commission. She was joined by state Reps. Charles J. Ferraro, R-West Haven, and Michael A. DiMassa, D-West Haven, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Mark E. Paine Jr., assistant to acting Public Works Commissioner Lou Esposito.

The funding, long sought by West Haven officials to replace the aging, nonfunctioning tide gates, is being allocated to the city through a grant administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The Cove River flows into Long Island Sound through the tide-regulated gates, which flank the Charlotte Bacon “Where Angels Play” playground at Sea Bluff Beach, off Ocean Avenue. The gates also skirt Bradley Point Park.

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

Officials said the gates are vital to the preservation and restoration of the Cove River tidal wetland. When functioning, they are designed to protect the surrounding infrastructure and restore tidal flushing of the 90-acre marsh without flooding upland property, including homes, businesses and West Haven High, which is undergoing a $134 million reconstruction.

The gates, however, have been deemed “nonfunctioning” for the past 45 years, officials said.

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

Borer credited Paine and city grants writer Eileen M. Krugel for helping to secure the funding for the project, which also includes replacing the concrete footbridge over the gates.

“This area, with its rich history, should be preserved, and I am grateful the state prioritized our funding request to get this critical project off the ground,” Borer said.

“Our shoreline is our greatest asset and pride and joy,” she said. “Proactively improving the functionality through self-regulated tide gates and replacing the pedestrian bridge, which has been closed for over 20 years, will generate countless safety, environmental and quality-of-life benefits.

“I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure these funds.”

For more than six years, Paine has led the city’s efforts to rehabilitate the Cove River salt 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, thanks to the restoration.

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

“The tide gate upgrade will increase coastal resiliency, mitigate stormwater flooding, and provide multiple environmental and recreational benefits that will last for generations,” said Rossi, who thanked Borer and the rest of the city’s General Assembly delegation for lobbying for the grant funding. “Residents and visitors will also benefit from the safety of a new footbridge.”

Plans for the new tide gate system include the installation of several self-regulating tide gates that will allow the city to control tide heights within an inch, with tidal height in the marsh being the biggest factor to maintain its health, Paine said.

Plans also include the construction of a prefabricated concrete footbridge for pedestrian access over the gates and construction of a rock jetty to prevent sand from washing into the marsh, he said.

Officials said the project, part of the city’s Coastal Resiliency Plan, is expected to begin in early summer and take up to eight months to complete.

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

The concrete footbridge tide gate system was constructed in 1938. Those gates were removed in 1971 and replaced with the existing wooden hinge gates, which were installed on the new Captain Thomas Boulevard bridge at the time, Paine said.

He added that the original structure was used as footbridge until the late ’90s, when it was fenced off and abandoned because of structural deficiencies.

Japanese maple tree dedicated in memory of Vin DiLauro

WEST HAVEN, June 5, 2018 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, center, presents a plaque marking the dedication of a Crimson Queen Japanese maple tree in memory of Vincent J. “Vin” DiLauro, longtime president of the West Haven Twilight League, to DiLauro’s widow, Mary Ellen, and the DiLauro family on opening night of the baseball league’s 86th season Thursday at Quigley Memorial Stadium.

From left, Bridget DiLauro, Todd and Rachael Richard, grandchildren Luke Richard, 8, and Claire Richard, 4, Mary Ellen DiLauro, Jennifer Carroll, grandson Brennan Carroll, 17, and Vin DiLauro’s brothers, Ralph and Anthony.

For more than 15 years, DiLauro, who died Jan. 28 at age 75, served as president of the Twilight League, the oldest amateur baseball league in the U.S., founded in 1933.

(City Photo/Kristen Teshoney)

West Haven residents reminded to renew dog licenses by June 30

WEST HAVEN, June 5, 2018 — As part of Dog Licensing Month, residents who own dogs must renew their licenses before the current ones expire June 30 or face a $1 monthly fine, City Clerk Deborah Collins said.

State law requires dog owners to submit a current rabies vaccination certificate when applying for the new dog tags. Expired certificates are not accepted.

The fee for the two licenses, which are available in the city clerk’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St., is $8 for neutered or spayed dogs and $19 for other dogs.

Failure to renew a license can result in a $75 fine.

Residents can also send vaccination records and checks in a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the city clerk’s office, P.O. Box 526, West Haven 06516.

Also, in conjunction with Dog Licensing Month, the city clerk’s office will hold its first Dog Contest.

Residents who license their dogs before June 30 will have their canines entered in the contest. The office will draw a winner in early July, and the winning dog will receive a gift basket and have its photo published in local newspapers.

New festival coming to West Haven shoreline in July

WEST HAVEN, May 31, 2018 — Marenna Amusements owners George Marenna Jr. and George Marenna III are bringing a new festival to the West Haven shoreline in July, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

Shoreline Fest will mark a return to “more of a fair atmosphere” featuring food tents, nonprofit booths, crafts and, of course, rides, said mayoral adviser Tom McCarthy, who was recently contacted by the father-son team about the festival.

The festival is set for July 19-22 and July 26-28 in Old Grove Park, off Palace Street, and on the nearby lawn at Captain Thomas Boulevard and Oak Street. The popular shoreline venues are also known as Parcel I and Parcel J, respectively.

The hours are 6 p.m.-midnight July 19-20, noon-10 p.m. July 21, noon-7 p.m. July 22, 6 p.m.-midnight July 26-27, and noon-10 p.m. July 28.

Rossi said the privately operated festival will take place at no cost to the city.

According to Marenna Amusements’ contract with the city, the company is assuming all festival-related responsibilities and fees, including paying for non-city maintenance workers and extra-duty police, obtaining all permits and licenses, and paying for electricity, portable toilets and rubbish removal.

Marenna will use the proceeds from food concession rental fees “to offset the cost of police services and city expenses.”

Under the contract, the company will also pay the city a one-time fee of $5,000 for up to 21 amusement rides.

Before the cancellation of this year’s Savin Rock Festival because of financial constraints, the Marennas, who are no strangers to giving back to the city, supplied the festival’s rides and games for 23 years.

With Shoreline Fest now a go, the Orange-based amusement company is partnering with the West Haven High School Band Parents Association, a longtime participant of the Savin Rock Festival, which previously depended on the festival for holding its annual craft fair fundraiser.

Rossi said the new festival will allow the band parents to continue having the fair and raising much-needed money for their association.

Throughout the festival, Marenna Amusements will offer bracelets for unlimited rides, a family pack of 24 tickets and single tickets.

Connected by a midway of games, both venues will showcase food vendors and rides, including a Grand Carousel on the grounds of the 148-year-old Grove.

Marenna Jr. said the carousel was filmed in New York’s Central Park in 2016 and appeared in the Kevin Spacey movie “Rebel in the Rye” last year.

“I am thankful to George Marenna and his son for rising to the occasion and bringing this festival to our shoreline for all ages to enjoy,” Rossi said. “While it will not replace the Savin Rock Festival, Shoreline Fest will preserve the legacy and spirit of old Savin Rock as a destination for family-friendly fun. I look forward to seeing my fellow Westies at the festival in July.”

Savin Rock Museum open

WEST HAVEN, May 31, 2018 — The Savin Rock Museum, which chronicles West Haven’s 370-year history, is open to the public for the season.

The museum is in the lower level of the Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St., and is open 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Aug. 30.

Admission is $4, or $2 for adults 60 and older and children under 12.

The museum displays artifacts from the old Savin Rock amusement park and its fire service, Engine & Hose Company 1, as well as Colonial pieces.

It also has a theater and learning center with exhibits, events and notable city figures, including 1933 Miss America Marian Bergeron and World War II Medal of Honor recipient William A. Soderman.

The gift shop sells official Savin Rock memorabilia; call museum volunteer Norma Kahl at 203-934-7234 to arrange a private tour for 10 or more. For information, call the same number and leave a message.

Digital copy of The Haven site plan available for public review

WEST HAVEN, May 31, 2018 — A digital copy of the site plan for The Haven development is available for public review.

View the Site Plan.

West Haven/Allingtown Senior Center sets summer party

West Haven/Allingtown Senior Center schedules summer party

WEST HAVEN, May 31, 2018 — The West Haven/Allingtown Senior Center is holding a “Welcome to Summer” party from noon-3 p.m. June 19 at the Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St., with entertainment by Ashly Cruz.

Catered by Cusano’s Catering by Maria, the buffet menu includes chicken Parmesan, ziti, salad, bread and dessert.

Coffee, soda and wine are also included.

The cost is $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

For reservations, call the senior center at 203-937-3507.

Simon and The Haven Group LLC commence entitlement process for The Haven luxury outlet center

WEST HAVEN, May 31, 2018 — Simon Property Group and The Haven Group LLC applied on May 21 for site plan approval before the Department of Planning and Development at City Hall, the first entitlement step toward building The Haven, a 235,000-square-foot luxury outlet center.

Read the official news release at Simon.

View a Rendering of The Haven development provided by Simon Property Group.

Bulk trash pickup week, e-waste drop-off day in June

WEST HAVEN, May 31, 2018 — The next bulk trash pickup week is June 4-8, and the next e-waste drop-off day is June 9.

City officials said the two services are not the same, however, and are reminding residents to take note of the difference.

During bulk trash week, crews will not pick up electronic items, including TVs. They will only pick up such bulk items as couches, chairs, mattresses, tables, carpeting, padding, fencing and small amounts of bundled lumber, which may not exceed 6 feet in length.

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

More details at Bulk Trash Pickup.

For electronic recyclables, which are defined as typically anything that contains a circuit board or needs a battery, residents must drop off those items from 8 a.m.-noon at the highway maintenance garage, 1 Collis St.

Anything that has refrigerant, including air conditioners and dehumidifiers, is not accepted. Those items are considered white goods, and residents are asked to put them out for pickup on their weekly curbside collection days.

The collection is free for residents who have such items as TVs, hand-held video games, computers, monitors, copiers, scanners, microwaves, toaster ovens and other small appliances.

More details at E-waste Drop-off.

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