Printer Friendly Version - North Haven: The Year in Review

Members of the North Haven High School football team were all smiles after their convincing 51-34 victory over Kilingly to claim the Class MM championship at Rentschler Field on Dec. 10. The win marks the school’s first-ever state football championship, and the team finished the 2022 season with an 11-2 record. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

A snow plow drives down Washington Avenue in North Haven on Jan. 29 toward the end of the blizzard. Winter Storm Kenan dropped up to a foot of snow in some spots, then cleared out quickly, leaving ample time for sledding over the weekend. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

It was just another day at the North Haven Fair for Cecelia LaTerra, 4, on Sept. 11 — until she was had a close encounter with an approaching dinosaur. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

NHHS celebrated commencement of the Class of 2022 on June 17. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

Donna Dickinson and border collie Brooke take part in a herding dog demonstration during the Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival at the North Haven Fairgrounds on April 30. The event included spinning demonstrations, shearing, fleece skirting, and more. Photo by Victoria Fennell/The Courier

With a deadline looming to file an affordable housing plan with the state, North Haven’s Affordable Housing Plan Advisory Committee (AHPAC) asked members of the community to proivde feedback through a survey on the town’s website. The public was also encouraged to attend upcoming public hearings.

North Haven Public Schools (NHPS) eliminated contact tracing and shortened quarantine periods to align with new federal guidance.

The North Haven Rotary Club announced the return of its Restaurants & Roses Raffle. Sales were limited to 2,000 tickets and a grand prize winner was set to receive $3,000 in gift cards to local restaurants.

The North Haven Knights of Columbus presented a check for $800 and lots of pet food to Animal Haven in North Haven. The donation was the result of a dinner held to benefit Animal Haven.

The North Haven Fire Department (NHFD) reported that it responded to nearly 5,000 incidents in 2021 and was already seeing a trend toward higher numbers. By the end of January, NHFD had responded to 454 incidents compared to 331 in January 2021.

North Haven High School (NHHS) launched a pilot intership program, allowing studetns to get career experience in the community.

The North Haven Garden Club (NHGC) presented a $230 check to both the North Haven Community Services and North Haven Library Children’s Department from the proceeds of its Scarecrow Contest.

The NHHS Drama Club prepared to perform its spring musical Mamma Mia! Opening night was scheduled for March 3.

The North Haven Police Department (NHPD) reported that it responded to 28,900 calls in 2021, a 27 percent increase compared to the average of the previous five years.

NHPS became mask-optional for both students and staff. Masks were required for buses and public transportation.

The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) sought public input on regulating cannabis establishments. Residents, property owners, and interested persons were encouraged to attend a Zoom meeting to discuss Public Act No. 21-1 An Act Concerning Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis.

The Board of Education (BOE) requested an increase of $1,695,600 over the 2021-’22 approved budget of $58,470,730. The 2.9 percent increase amounted to a $60,166,330 request. The increase was driven by an increase in costs related to student enrollment, vendor contracts, and contractual staffing costs.

North Haven boys’ ice hockey team defended its conference title with a 4-3 win over Lyman Hall. The Nighthawks ran its win streak to 18 and improved to 20-2 on the season.

The North haven Town and Schools Budgets headed to the Board of Finance (BOF) for review. The town budget reflected a 3.7 percent increase over fiscal year 2021-’22. The BOE budget represented a 2.9 percent increase.

Green Acres Elementary School held a ribbon cutting unveiling its new playground on March 18.

Mangia Apizza on Quinnipiac Avenue found its moment under Hollywood’s bright lights. The apizza place was a setting for the short film The Jackpot Hit.

Redistricting efforts brought modest changes to North Haven’s legislative landscape. Under the redistricting, the town moved from being served by Senate district 11 and 34 to falling solely into the 34th District.

North Haven Memorial Library launched a series of poetry workshops with the town’s inaugural poet laureate, Gabriella Brand.

The North Haven Board of Police Commissioners welcome NHPD’s newest hires Jason Diaz and Cassandra Soda. Diaz and Soda attended a six-month basic training academy followed by a 16-week field training program.

The PZC prepared to hold a public hearing on two related affordable housing issues and continued deliberation and a possible vote on retail cannabis sales zoning.

NHGC participated in the Conservation Commission’s Earth Day town-wide clean-up day.

Renovations and upgrades to North Haven Historical Society neared completion. Work on the town-owned building began in 2019 and was quickly halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NHPD offered advice on crime prevention following an uptick in vehicle entries, catalytic converter thefts, and vehicle thefts.

The PZC voted to opt out of two state regulations that would have allowed North Haven property owners to add accessory apartments to their properties regardless of current zoning limitations and would limit the town’s ability to mandate minimum parking spaces for the units.

The North Haven Historical Society’s large collection of Quinnipiac artifacts was being sorted, identified, and cataloged thanks to a partnership with professor William Farley of Southern Connecticut State University and an operating support grant.

Voters approved the proposed Town and school budgets of $116,023,597 by a margin of nearly 4:1 across all districts. The budget marked a 3.7 percent spending increase compared to the 2021-’22 fiscal year.

Churches in North Haven sponsored the annual North Haven Community Prayer Breakfast on May 5.

The Board of Police Commissioners announced the promotion of three veteran NHPD officers.

The Daytime Gardeners renovated gardens at the intersection of Route 22 and Washington Avenue.

NHPD announced a joint task force with law enforcement agencies in East Haven, North Branford, Branford, Madison, and Guilford dubbed the South-Central Regional Traffic Enforcement Unit.

North Haven Girl Scouts held a town-wide Bridging Ceremony on June 9, advancing scouts in five toops to the next level of scouting.

The Town announced plans for its annual paving program. Approximately 12.5 miles of roads were expected to undergo milling and overlaying.

The St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Carnival and Festival was held on the grounds of St. Therese Church from June 23 to 25.

North Haven resident Mark F. Kohler was appointed Secretary of the State by Governor Ned Lamont. Kohler began serving on July 1 and filled a vacancy created by the resignation of Denise Merril who stepped down from her position on June 30.

North Haven Historical Society celebrated its grand reopening on July 17. The town-owned building had been closed to the public since 2019, with renovations delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

East Haven-North Haven Probate District Judge Michael R. Brandt was appointed as the administrative judge for the New Haven Regional Children’s Probate Court.

At Home, the Home Decor Superstore, opened its doors on Universal Drive on July 19. The Texas-based retailer’s 80,000 square-foot location was the second in Connecticut.

A new informational sign for the Tidal Marsh Trail was created and installed by Eli Holton as part of his Eagle Scout project.

NHPD issued a warning for drivers stopping at gas stations: Remain aware of your surroundings. The department responded to several incidents on Aug. 5 in which thieves targeted drivers parked at gas pumps.

The focus was on community at the North Haven Fairgrounds on Aug. 20 with the Community and Wellness Fair. The fair was designed to bring awareness and attention to wellness and community-focused businesses and nonprofit organizations in North Haven.

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare opened the doors to celebrate the expansion of the Gaylord Therapy Services outpatient clinic on Devine Street.

The second annual Legacy Car Show at the North Haven Fairgrounds benefitted Army’s Legacy, a dog and cat rescue and rehabilitation.

The North Haven Leo Club installed its 2022-’23 Executive Board and inducted three new members on Aug. 24.

Former tennis star James Blake dropped by North Haven Health & Racquet, played an exhibition match, and participated in a question and answer session to benefit New Haven Youth Tennis on Aug. 27.

The North Haven Fair celebrated its 80th anniversary on Sept. 8 through 11 with a birthday celebration on its opening day.

Area Cooperative Education Services (ACES) unveiled its new inclusive playground with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 14 at the ACES Village School. The playground replaced a previous structure that was torn down earlier in the year after being deemed hazardous.

The North Haven Rotary Foundation presented a $3,000 check to Quinnipiac University to fund two $1,500 scholarships to local students majoring in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or nursing.

The General Federation of Women’s Club of North Haven invited the public to attend an informational session on the medical use of marijuana and related materials.

Governor Ned Lamont announced that North Haven would receive $281,122 in Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants on Sept. 19. The money was used to compete a variety of infrastructure improvements including enhancements to the playscapes and bandshell on the Town Green.

The Board of Selectman continued seeking solutions to provide more affordable housing options for current and incoming town residents. One of the biggest challenges in providing affordable housing is the construction of a new apartment building on 225 Washington Avenue, with 20 percent of them being specifically for those needing more affordable options.

The Veterans Day Project group announced the date of its annual clean-up effort for veteran residents to be Nov. 12. The event was organized by Paulette DeMaio to express appreciation for North Haven citizens who served in the United States military.

Ukrainian couple Kostyantyn and Olga Yermakov were awarded the key to the City of North Haven on Oct. 28 by First Selectman Michael Freda, a symbolic presentation of honor and welcome for their newly found home in the community. The couple and their son, Daniil, escaped violence in the Russian-Ukrainian War.

North Haven Community Services said it is still committed to provide help in mental health to young people and the rest of the North Haven community while looking to the future for greater possibilities in its outreach.

For a fifth consecutive year, S&P Global Ratings awarded North Haven with a AAA bond rating — the highest level financial designation for a municipality. The designation put North Haven among the highest-rated municipalities in the state.

First Selectman Michael Freda held a meeting with Rabbi Moshe Hecht of Chabad of Hamden, town resident Sherman Katz, and Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Andrew DelVecchio in preparation for the menorah lighting on the Town Green to be held on Dec. 19.

The Central Connecticut Coast and Wallingford YMCA organizations announced plans to collaborate with the Town of North Haven in assisting and delivering services in the fields of physical health, youth development, and social responsibility for residents.

The Christmas Tree Lighting on the Town Green was held on Dec. 4, an event dedicated to Ukrainian family Konstyantyn and Olga Yermakov and their son Daniil, and to the memory and family of slain Bristol police officer Lt. Dustin DeMonte.

New recreational developments for athletics at North Haven High School (NHHS) have been completed or are in the process of being completed, improving conditions and accessibility at facilities for baseball and softball, track and field, and football, among other sports.

The Clean Energy Task Force and its leader Kenny Foscue said it remains committed to collaborations with the Town on future projects to promote and initiate sustainable and eco-friendly practices at homes and businesses.