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01/02/2024 03:15 PMJanuary
On Jan. 3, retiring Judge Frank Forgione administers the oath of office to Charles E. Tiernan III as the new Judge of Probate for the 35th District of Branford-North Branford.
Recreational marijuana sales launch in Branford on Jan. 10 with a green ribbon cutting at Rise, a new hybrid (recreational/medical) cannabis retailer at 471 East Main St.
Branford’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) debates, and, along Republican party lines, ultimately does not approve a vote supporting a non-binding RTM resolution regarding the proposed Tweed-New Haven Airport expansion.
Save our Shoreline (SOS) hosts a Community Conversation with speakers from Save the Sound, Parents & Citizens of Greater New Haven, 10,000 Hawks, and SOS, among others, about the extensive health, environmental, and economic impacts that a bigger Tweed-New Haven Airport will have on the shoreline and its residents.
Branford Community Television (BCTV) celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023.
Senator Christine Cohen (D, 12) introduces a bill for state legislation to ensure veterans’ graves receive proper care.
A public meeting shares plans on the Todds Hill Wet Meadow Preserve, for which the Branford Land Trust is applying for funding to install a handicap-accessible trail.
The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) continues a highly followed public hearing on constructing three two-family duplexes on property at 94 East Main Street behind a circa 1790 home.
St. Stephen’s AME Zion Church celebrates its 100th anniversary in Branford in 2023.
On the path toward renovating Branford Police Department (BPD) headquarters, Branford’s Board of Finance (BOF) unanimously recommends to the RTM appropriating $325,000 to allow BPD to move forward with design development and construction documents.
February
Stony Creek Brewery (SCB) announces moving forward with the addition of a brewery fermentation tank building beside a portion of the existing facility at 5 Indian Neck Avenue. The addition will support growing retail production at the brewery.
Branford partners with FLO®, one of the largest EV charging networks in North America, to install Level 2 charging stations at various municipal properties throughout town. An Eversource incentive program provides $53,366 in incentives toward the project cost. Stations at Branford Counseling & Community Services (BCCS), Daniel Cosgrove Animal Shelter, and Branford Fire Headquarters will serve the Town of Branford’s growing fleet of electric vehicles and provide accessible options for residents and visitors. In addition, Town plans are moving forward for the installation of an EV station at Foote Memorial Park.
With an $8.3 million construction price tag anticipated to be 100% reimbursed by state funding, Branford’s Main Street reconstruction project goes forward with developing an increased scope of work.
A new Solid Waste and Recycling Equipment sinking fund is approved to support Branford’s transition from current curbside trash and multi-stream recycling collection to automated solid waste and single-stream recycling collection.
In a show of bipartisan support, the RTM signs a letter in support of a bill proposed by Sen. Cohen concerning the upkeep of military veterans’ graves in cemeteries.
The Board of Education (BOE) recommends a proposed 2023-’24 Branford Public Schools (BPS) operating budget of $64,477,616 and a capital budget of $1.1 million.
Together with co-developers, Branford’s Theodore "Ted" Kim wins an Oscar for an innovative computer animation program. Kim is honored with a 2023 Academy Award for Technical Achievement.
The BOE adopts a resolution memorializing its commitment to reducing the school district’s production of carbon emissions and eliminating its use of fossil fuels by the year 2040.
March
As of this month, Connecticut residents relying on federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds are no longer receiving the extra monthly boost deposited into their accounts since March 2020. The end of SNAP emergency funds hits non-profit Branford Food Pantry (BFP) at a time when inflation and the dipping economy have already created an alarming increase in the number of residents requesting food security assistance.
A 45-day public review and comment period opens March 2 on the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for Tweed-New Haven Airport’s proposed expansion in East Haven. A public hearing is set for April 1 at East Haven High School. Comments will be considered and addressed in the Final Environmental Assessment (FEA) for the proposed action. Based on a review of the FEA, the FAA will determine the significance of potential impacts and either issue a Finding of No Significant Impact or require a more detailed Environmental Impact Study (EIS).
Branford receives a Silver designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar.
Twice a week, 54 Branford second-graders are now confidently swarming the WIS swimming pool. The effort is the first toe in the water for a new swim and water safety initiative in collaboration with BPS, Soundview Family YMCA, and Branford Parks and Recreation.
The BOF votes unanimously to recommend to the RTM a $130,510,768 2023-’24 Town of Branford budget.
Local environmental group 10,000 Hawks will begin collecting real-time data on air and noise emissions from Tweed-New Haven Airport in surrounding community areas, such as Short Beach, to provide public with greater understanding of aviation-sourced toxic emissions.
Caius, a new farm brewery, opens its doors at 101 North Branford Road.
Following a March 16 roll-over crash and DUI arrest in Hartford, Branford State Rep. Robin Comey (D, 102) issues a statement on March 18 in which she apologizes for the arrest and says she will seek treatment. Comey is temporarily suspended from her House committee and leadership assignments.
Within hours of a reported threat on March 22, Branford police take a middle school student into custody in connection with the incident. The student is referred to juvenile court and other appropriate services.
At a special meeting of the BOE search committee on March 22, members of the BOE, district leadership, education professionals, Town leaders, and community members extend a warm welcome to Branford’s next Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christopher Tranberg, Ph. D. He will replace Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez, who will retire in June after 13 years in the role.
April
Branford resident Karla Aponte Roque is crowned Miss Connecticut USA 2023 at the Marriott Hartford Windsor Airport. Next, she will compete for the title of Miss USA 2023.
At the April 19 Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting, residents Wanda Bubriski, Sandra Reiners, and Margaret Wheeler address the BOS with a request to support the need for a full EIS of the proposed Tweed-New Haven Airport expansion.
Residents are notified they will receive new trash and recycling carts to be used when Branford’s new automated curbside collection of trash and recycling becomes effective July 1.
After a three-year pandemic hiatus, the Branford Education Hall of Fame inducts 10 new members into the Class of 2023.
Co-developers announce plans for HealthTech Park to become the first-of-its-kind healthcare innovation hub in Connecticut. The park will be situated on a 120-acre parcel of land along Route 1, including a portion of the former Bittersweet Farms property.
Branford Clean Energy Commission helps launch PowerSmart in town as part of a new statewide Solar+Storage outreach initiative designed to help Branford homeowners.
Record-breaking sales help non-profit Homemaker Thrift Shop give away $75,000 in donations to six Branford charitable organizations.
In a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), selectman Raymond Dunbar (D) supports calling for an expanded environmental study of the Tweed-New Haven Airport expansion.
May
Bausch+Stroebel Machine Company hosts the grand opening of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at 10 Thompson Road.
Branford’s brand-new showmobile premiers as the event stage for “TGIF,” a brand-new, live music series Fridays on the Branford green.
Branford’s newly renovated and expanded Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter celebrates its grand opening on May 8. With its goal to be the nation’s first net-zero municipal animal control shelter and its unique, multi-wing design, the new facility is a model for other municipalities to follow, says Shelter Director Laura Burban. Among the crowd are supporters and committee members of the CosgroveSavingLives capital campaign, which raised approximately $1.8 million to help offset the shelter’s $4.895 million expansion and renovation project cost, funded by the Town of Branford. The shelter also serves North Branford through a municipal agreement established in 2005.
On May 9, Sen. Cohen votes for legislation that will ensure that veterans’ graves receive proper care, a bill she introduced in January.
In a message issued May 12, State Rep. Comey informs her Branford constituents that she has officially returned to her state office in Hartford this week, following the completion of “an intensive inpatient program for addiction.”
For the 2023-’24 fiscal year, Branford will employ a budget of $130,315,768, representing an approximate tax rate increase of half of one mill. Branford’s new fiscal year begins July 1. The 2023-’24 Town of Branford budget passes by a 22-2-1 vote of the RTM. The budget approved by the RTM includes a decrease of $195,000 from the $130,510,768 budget recommended by the BOF.
The BOS selects Branford Community Foundation (BCF) to create a recommendation for $395,000 in federal funding to charitable organizations through Branford’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in partnership with the Town.
Following a first public workshop on May 16 at Branford Community House, an online community survey is launched to continue gathering input for the Town’s Branford Athletic Fields Strategic Plan. Funding for the effort includes a $400,000 appropriation from Branford’s ARPA fund.
Branford’s Memorial Day Parade is held on May 29. The parade is organized annually by the all-volunteer Branford Veterans Parade Committee.
June
The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approves plans submitted by the Town to bring in dual synthetic turf athletic fields and many more improvements to the fields at Walsh Intermediate School (WIS). Next, the project site plans head to the PZC for review.
The BOE rises to take a “No Place for Hate” pledge offered to them by Branford High School (BHS) student representatives.
The BOF sets Branford’s new mill rate of 29.89 mills, a tax increase of 1.499% over the current mill rate of 29.45 mills, for the new fiscal year, which begins July 1.
BHS celebrates the 201 members of the Class of 2023 with a standing-room-only commencement in the school commons on June 14.
On June 14, Branford police catch two New Haven juveniles involved in a Madison purse stealing earlier in day but have to break off pursuit of a stolen vehicle also connected to the crime. Both juveniles, arrested after a foot chase at Branford Walmart, were found to have been arrested previously for related crimes, including one involved in an incident taking place within the past 24 hours. The other juvenile was wearing a GPS ankle monitoring unit.
The 39th Branford Festival fills the Branford Green June 16 through June 18. The all-volunteer festival team is grateful for the support of community individuals and the sponsorship of many businesses and organizations.
First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove and Public Works Supervisor Gary Zielinski share news of a new pollinator garden growing on a section of the Branford green. It’s the first garden of its type on the town green, but not the first pollinator garden to be installed by the Town of Branford, where a pollinator path is spreading.
Non-profit Shoreline Trolley Museum will receive a $405,375 “Good to Great” state grant to update both the East Haven and Branford museum campuses to allow a more accessible, inclusive environment for guests, volunteers, and staff.
The BOE and BPS announce Imani Y. Jones is appointed principal of Mary T. Murphy Elementary School. Jones will officially join BPS on July 1.
With a future goal to add a firehouse to the eastern end of town, Branford’s Board of Fire Commissioners’ recommendation to earmark town property at 32 Acorn Road receives support from BOS. Cosgrove emphasizes this is a concept that’s only in the very beginning stages.
The all-volunteer Branford Fireworks Committee hosts another spectacular Independence Day celebration on June 24.
Branford firefighters in protective gear enter a home and assist three people inside who were found suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning in response to a 911 call from a concerned neighbor about a gas-powered electrical generator left running just outside the neighbor’s open garage.
As the new presenting platinum sponsor of the 2023 Branford Jazz on the Green Series, Bob Alvine of Branford Premier Subaru and Branford Premier Kia drives in a $30,000 contribution supporting the weekly, live, free performances of top national and international artists all summer long.
July
Branford transitions to a new automated collection of trash and single-stream “no-sort” recycling.
On July 5, Branford police keep track of decibel (dB) levels emanating from a large, ticketed concert event at SCB, finding them to be within ordinance regulations, with some “spikes” above the decibel level also recorded. The readings are taken as part of an effort to address concerns that neighbors have raised with SCB owner Ed Crowley Sr., town leadership, and police. The neighbors say they are unwilling receptors of amplified music when it reaches their homes at levels exceeding the noise ordinance standard of 61 dB. Contacted by The Sound, brewery owner Ed Crowley Sr. says, “We continue to improve what we do at the brewery after every event, based on the results and working with police.” Neighbors plan to continue to pursue the issue.
Launching July 13, the South-Central Regional Traffic Squad, comprised of the Branford, East Haven, Guilford, North Branford, North Haven, and Madison Police Departments, commences its summer enforcement campaign.
State Rep. Comey announces $100,000 in funding secured from the state budget to advance programming at BCCS.
On July 15, hundreds of participants come out to enjoy Branford-based Society of Nepalese in America’s festival celebrating the 76th anniversary of US-Nepal Diplomatic Relations on the Branford green.
The Town is notified that, after months of study and collaboration, North Branford’s Town Council has voted to move its animal control services and shelter municipal agreement from Branford to East Haven.
The BOE and BPS announce the appointment of Ashley Marinaro as WIS Assistant Principal.
On July 31, campers with Branford Parks and Recreation’s summer program at Foote Park are the first to try out the new Branford splash pad, the first to be installed at a town park.
August
To address an urgent need, a staffing plan proposal outlining options developed by the Board of Fire Commissioners and Branford Fire Administration is presented to the Town. The commissioners unanimously support an option involving the creation of an EMS-only division.
BPD is awarded national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
The BOE and BPS appoint Allison Moran as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for BPS.
September
A busy morning for members of BFD emphasizes the important work of first responders during Branford’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Sept. 11. Several of the town’s professional firefighters and paramedics respond to emergency calls during the ceremony at Branford Fire Headquarters.
Results of a Sept. 12 primary election in Branford to decide Republican candidates in District 5 to be on the Nov. 7 ballot support incumbent challenger Carolyn Sires, who receives the most votes.
On Sept. 19, BFD responds to a heavy structure fire at 18 Totoket Road, a single-family residence. Upon arrival of the fire department, units encounter and work to extinguish a well-advanced fire on the second floor. The family is displaced from the home.
Heavy demand for food security support and high grocery prices continue to impact BFP, as residents’ requests continue to increase for free weekly grocery staples.
On Sept. 15, local veterans host a meaningful ceremony on the Branford green to mark National POW-MIA Recognition Day.
BPD’s annual Tip-a-Cop event to benefit Connecticut Special Olympics raises just over $44,000, a new record.
On Sept. 21, Branford’s municipal ballot order for all candidates in the upcoming Nov. 7 municipal election is finalized during the state-required candidate ballot lottery process. With no contender facing off against First Selectman Cosgrove in his run for a sixth-consecutive term and no contenders facing incumbent selectmen Dunbar (D) and Angela Higgins (R), the top of the ballot has been set for some time. Incumbent Town Clerk Lisa Arpin (R) is also running unopposed. Other elective candidate positions on the ballot are those for open terms on the BOE and two-year RTM, Town Treasurer, Board of Assessment Appeals, and Constables positions. Branford’s BOE uses staggered terms to maintain its nine-member board.
BPS Family Resource Center joins nearly 1,000 childcare advocates from all 50 states in urging federal lawmakers to immediately pass $16 billion in emergency childcare funding to prevent a looming childcare crisis that will disrupt families’ childcare and devastate Connecticut’s economy when funding ends on Sept. 30.
Residents are notified of the Town’s fall plans for both curbside leaf collection and a newly offered yard waste collection option, which involves emailing a request for pick-up.
October
Special exception modifications to allow the Town to bring in dual synthetic turf athletic fields and many more improvements to the WIS fields are unanimously approved, with conditions, by the PZC on Oct. 5, following a review that included a public hearing, which began in September. The improvements will create a more robust facility for school programs, as well as townwide recreational sports use. School use will be first and foremost for consideration of use.
Branford’s 2021-'23 RTM completes its last meeting on Oct. 11. The meeting includes a unanimous voice vote approving an ordinance to establish the Town of Branford Fair Rent Commission, as required by state statute.
On Oct. 23, after a thorough investigation by Animal Control assisted by BPD, Denzel Hunter, 30, of Branford, is arrested and charged with two counts of cruelty to animals. The arrest is made in connection with an August response to a report of newborn kittens crying in a dumpster. Authorities located one deceased kitten, one in critical condition, and two actively crying. All four kittens had been left outside of a plastic garbage bag at the bottom of the dumpster and were soaking wet from downpours. Only one kitten is now surviving. Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter has custody of the kitten and its mother, who have been reunited.
State Rep. Comey announces the Housing Advisory Panel has voted to approve one-time grant funding awards as part of the Interest on Real Estate Brokers Trust Account (IOREBTA) program, including $10,000 for Branford Housing Authority.
November
Running unopposed on Nov. 7, Branford First Selectman Cosgrove (R) earns a sixth consecutive term. However, in a major shift, based on preliminary voting results, Democrats take a majority of the 30 RTM seats. The change would undo the previous Republican RTM majority streak of five consecutive terms, or 10 years, from 2013 to 2023. Recounts are set to determine the final results.
Following recounts, a Democratic majority takes the RTM lead for the new term during a special organizational meeting on Nov. 21. The new 2023-'25 term marks the first time Democrats have held the majority of seats on the RTM since the 2011-'13 term. New RTM officers for the 2023-'25 term are nominated without contest and elected by a majority voice vote, including moderator Maryann Amore (D, 4) and clerk Frank Twohill (R, 1). The 2023-'25 RTM majority leader is Tracy Everson (D, 5). The RTM minority leader is Victoria Verderame (R, 4). RTM parliamentarian is Peter Hentschel (D, 2).
An $800,00 state grant is awarded to Branford for pedestrian connectivity improvements. The grant will be directed to assist underserved community areas by allowing the installation and upgrading of sidewalks at Jefferson Road and Florence Road.
Branford’s town center lights up with holiday activity on Nov. 25 with the annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting.
December
In connection with a lawsuit stemming back to 2019 filed by Branford property owner Wayne Cooke, court rulings and orders on the defendants’ motion for summary judgments are filed on Dec. 8 regarding former Town officials’ handling of a withdrawn Costco application. The defendants’ motion for a summary judgment is granted in part and denied in part.
In a document signed Dec. 11, the FAA issues a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Record of Decision (ROD) for the proposed runway extension and terminal expansion at Tweed-New Haven Airport. As a result, the project may be implemented.
In the span of three hours, 10 juveniles between the ages of 12 and 16 are arrested by BPD in two separate incidents involving attempted motor vehicle thefts during the evening of Dec. 16. Four of the juveniles were wearing Global Positioning Monitors from previous crimes; others had previous criminal histories.
Volunteer organizers of the 5th annual Harbor Lights in Branford hold the stroll/drive event on Dec. 16, featuring thousands of lit luminaries stretching from Branford Point to points in town, including the Branford Green. Proceeds will once again benefit non-profit Community Dining Room.
BPD announces the passing of retired Chief William F. Holohan, Jr. Among many accomplishments in his lengthy law enforcement career, Holohan served 25 years with BPD.