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12/20/2017 03:27 PMHere’s a glimpse at some of the stories making news in Branford in 2017. Full stories appear at www.zip06.com; search by town and key words.
January
Organized by an interfaith committee, the 18th annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast once again draws a large crowd to Branford.
The Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) opens a public hearing for a modified application from Pawson Point LLC to use state affordable housing statute to build three units on a lot already deemed unbuildable in Pawson Park. The PZC had denied a 2016 affordable housing application for a six-unit development.
February
A Branford refugee committee holds a candlelight vigil on the First Congregational Church steps to show support for refugees affected by an “extreme vetting” executive order issued by President Donald J. Trump.
The PZC denies Pawson Point LLC a modified request to build three units on an unbuildable lot in Pawson Park.
The PZC approves proposed improvements to the multi-use Shoreline Greenway Trail (SGT) on Tabor Drive.
The PZC approves an expansive new Premiere Subaru dealership on North Main Street across from the current dealership location.
The project team for Branford’s proposed next-generation Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) expansion project holds a public info session and fields questions from some residents.
On Feb. 13, Costco informs First Selectman James B. “Jamie” Cosgrove it won’t resubmit an application to build a 158,000 square-foot Costco and 16-pump gas station at 569 East Main Street.
With a unanimous vote, Branford’s Board of Education (BOE) sends the superintendent’s proposed $55.3 million 2017-18 schools budget, a 1.96 percent annual increase, on to the Board of Finance (BOF) for review.
Town leaders and the BOF grapple with questions on 2017-’18 town budget financing affected by Governor Dannel Malloy’s proposal to allocate to Branford a $2.7 million contribution to the state teachers’ pension fund and another $500,00 cut from education.
March
The town is still unsure whether the state will grant a $30 million bonding reimbursement for the $88.2 million WIS expansion. Branford won’t have an answer until the new state budget is approved.
Superintendent of Schools Hernandez announces current WIS Principal Robin Goeler will become principal at Murphy Elementary School as of July 1, 2017; and current Murphy Principal Raeanne Reynolds will be WIS principal.
Branford’s Jacey Wyatt is seeking a gubernatorial candidate endorsement and Democratic nomination for the 2018 state election.
A dog found dying of starvation is being sheltered and cared for at Daniel Cosgrove Animal Shelter. Shelter staff have named the dog Hope, and post daily updates to a growing audience of viewers following her story on social media.
A demolition permit application is submitted to tear down the old Atlantic Wire factory. The 7.5 acres of former industrial land will be cleared to for Atlantic Wharf, a mix of commercial/retail/restaurant spaces and 205 residential units.
PZC approves Solar City Corp.’s special exception application to construct a solar array generator facility on town land at Ecology Park, which will in turn generate electrical energy to power Town of Branford facilities.
On March 27, the BOF unanimously recommends a $111,975,916 town budget to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). The budget ups the mill rate by 5.51 percent, with fully three percent built in to absorb “worst-case” state cuts and costs.
April
As she recovers, Hope’s story has gone viral and Cosgrove Shelter Director Laura Burban seeks to use it to raise awareness to strengthen laws on animal abandonment and abuse.
The Branford Community Foundation unveils a $100,000 matching grant for the Blackstone Library’s Campaign for the Blackstone, which seeks to raise $800,000 toward a proposed $4.8 million library renovation/expansion. A state library matching grant of $1 million will be added if the town agrees bond the remaining expense.
Parkside Village I property owner Branford Housing Authority (BHA) and developer Beacon Communities sits down with First Selectman Cosgrove and some RTM members about moving the affordable housing complex to the former Branford Hills School location. BHA is also considering expanding Parkside I at its current location, 115 South Montowese Street.
Branford High School (BHS) Music Director Cathyann Roding announces she will retire from her post after 32 years.
BHS receives a positive accreditation report from New England Association of Schools and Colleges Inc.
Pawson Point LLC owner Arsalan Altaf files legal appeals against denials by Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA, 2016) and PZC (2016, 2017) to build either a single-family home or affordable housing units on a lot deemed unbuildable by the town in Pawson Park.
Eighty-six staff members sign a letter of support asking the BOE to keep WIS Principal Robin Goeler at his post next year. Superintendent Hernandez tells The Sound the rationale for the change was already addressed with staff at the time of the transition announcement.
At an April 26 RTM Branford Hills Property Usage Committee meeting, no action is taken on a request to consider use of the former Branford Hills School site for Parkside Village I. As a result, the site will not be considered.
The ugly history of Branford’s offensively named “Negro Heads” nautical landmark is erased by BHS sophomore Kelly Tiernan, who submits “Sowheag Rocks” as the new name in a winning essay launched by the school district with State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-12).
May
The RTM approves a $111.8 million 2017-’18 town budget with a five percent tax increase. If excessive proposed state budget cuts and costs don’t materialize, the town will divert about $1.3 million of tax revenue to pay down town debt and use another $1.1 million for contingencies.
The state approves a request from town and state legislative leaders to re-purpose $650,000 in past state grants for Stony Creek.
The state chief medical examiner finds suicide as the cause of death of a 22-year-old Branford man struck and killed by an Amtrak Acela near Bridge Street on May 16.
The first community workshop is held to help with plans for a transit-oriented development (TOD) area fanning out from Branford’s rail station.
World War II Veteran Bill Brody, 96 years young, leads Branford’s 2017 Memorial Day Parade.
The PZC votes to submit a positive report to the RTM to enact a street-side parking plan allowing Legacy Theatre to complete a legal agreement meted out between the non-profit group and its Stony Creek neighbors. The RTM vote is set for June 14.
On May 30, the BOF sets a new mill rate of 28.47 mills for an annual tax increase of 3.85 percent.
June
The RTM approves a street-side parking plan for Legacy Theatre in Stony Creek.
Thousands enjoy the 33rd annual Branford Festival, June 16 to 18.
First Selectman Cosgrove joins expresses concerns about a proposed “quad-track” rail expansion through Branford. The Federal Railway Administration (FRA) wants the change to open a high-speed Northeast Corridor. Currently in the “preferred alternative” stage with little state and local oversight or input, the FRA can enter final, “record of decision” phase at any time, say members of a grassroots group fighting the expansion.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) announces 2020 plans to construct a modern roundabout to replace the “T” intersection at the Branford/North Branford town lines at Route 1 and Route 22.
More than 250 members of the BHS Class of 2017 graduate on the town green on June 9.
Branford Recreation moves its office to temporary digs to Kirkham Street in preparation for the upcoming $12.1 million expansion of the Senior Center/Community House.
Stony Creek Brewery owner Ed Crowley files an application to build a 34-room boutique hotel along the Branford River on Indian Neck Avenue across from the brewery.
RTM member, nurse, and local advocate Lynda Mollow seeks the Democratic nomination as candidate for first selectmen in this November’s municipal election. Democratic Selectman Jack Ahern is her running mate.
The special committee overseeing the building upgrade for Indian Neck Volunteer Fire House on Linden Avenue holds a public information meeting with plans shared by the project architect on June 19. The project received a $500,000 grant to help with costs in 2016.
Branford Republican Dominic Rapini announces he’ll challenge U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D) for his seat in 2018.
The Branford Fireworks committee puts on a phenomenal display from the Town Dock on June 24.
A second TOD workshop brings together more than 40 community members.
The BOE votes to add a one-year extension to the superintendent’s current three-contract, extending it to June 30, 2020.
Saying he values the contribution he makes a state senator for the 12th District, Ted Kennedy, Jr., announces he will not run for governor in 2018.
Following a year-long auditing process by an outside group, the BOF approves appropriating $6 million to enter an energy performance contract that will ultimately reduce overall energy consumption in town buildings and installations by an estimated 20 percent.
July
The Route 139 bridge between Branford and North Branford is shut down on July 1 for a five-month period to allow for bridge replacement.
On July 1, former Atlantic Wire building demolition begins at 1 Church Street.
Joanne Cleary, Branford’s elected tax collector since 2005, announces she will retire in November 2017.
Branford is shocked and saddened after a 10-year-old resident, Ben Callahan, perishes in the Branford River while swimming with his two brothers on July 7. His body is recovered in a culvert by rescue workers following an intensive search lasting several hours. Thousands unite on the Town Green July 9 to celebrate his life and show support for his grieving family.
After several attempts reaching back to 2003, the Sterling Ridge residential development at 26 Cherry Hill Road is approved by the PZC. Final plans satisfied concerns of the site’s historic district neighboring homes including the Harrison House Museum.
A public information session shares the latest plans for installing a Main Street roundabout, in the works since 2008.
The FRA announces it will not make any recommendations on the proposed high-speed rail expansion between Branford and Guilford, essentially ending the controversial project.
Police seize eight kilos of narcotics with a $2 million street value following a routine traffic stop. The driver, an Ohio man, is arrested.
Branford’s Democratic Town Committee endorses a slate including Lynda Mollow as first selectman candidate and Jack Ahern for re-election as selectman for the Nov. 7 election.
Branford’s Republican Town Committee endorses a Nov. 7 election slate topped by First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, running for his third consecutive term with Selectman Joe Higgins.
The PZC grants a one-year extension to property owners to submit a site plan as part of a previously approved I-95 Exit 56 Planned Development District, which had included plans for a Costco store.
After being closed since July 2016, the state opens the improved $1 million Branford boat launch on July 29.
August
Branford’s first wheelchair-riding swing is installed at Foote Park, funded in part with a $1,000 contribution from the Konesky family.
With no state budget in place, the town is still awaiting approval for $30 million in state reimbursements for the proposed $88.2 million WIS expansion. To date, the ZBA has granted a height variance allowing for a three-story addition and Inland Wetlands Commission and PZC approval have been received for town-submitted site plans. The project is currently in the construction document stage with a goal of beginning construction summer of 2018.
The BOE forms an advisory committee to explore naming the BHS auditorium in honor of retired teacher Cathyann Roding.
Work to tear down the former Atlantic Wire factory has pulled down almost all structures on the site.
On Aug. 25, due to indoor air detected to be carrying polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) slightly above safe, long-term exposure guidelines for children under 12, the WIS indoor pool, gym, auxiliary gym and locker rooms are closed for remediation.
September
A grassroots group ramps up a last-minute effort to save a large gingko tree from removal at the Senior Center/Community House project site. Meanwhile, the BOS approves the project’s construction bid. Work is expected to get underway Oct. 1.
The PZC asks the town attorney to research the possibility of rescinding a vote, after several letter writers asked if zoning regulations allowed the PZC’s July vote approving a one-year extension for site plan applications for a PDD at I-95 exit 56.
Parents voice frustrations and fears during a mid-month information and update session discussing the PCB remediation efforts at WIS. Following remediation and testing, on Sept. 27, the WIS gym and locker rooms are reopened.
October
A grassroots effort to save a large gingko tree at the Senior Center/Community House site ends unsuccessfully.
A capacity crowd turns out for the opening of a public hearing to re-zone, expand, and redevelop Parkside Village I under state statute section 8-30 regulations. The hearing is continued to November.
A candlelight vigil on the Town Hall steps is held for the victims of the Las Vegas massacre.
The Party at Branford Hills Park celebrates 13 acres of newly fenced fields and playgrounds on the site of the former Branford Hills Elementary School.
A bi-partisan, “veto-proof” state budget is passed by legislators Oct. 26; Branford learns the budget includes $30 million state bonding reimbursement for the WIS next-generation school expansion project.
BHS is evacuated Oct. 26 after officials received a threat of an explosive device possibly placed in the school. State police bomb squad assistance helps local first responders declare the building safe by mid-day.
Local officials celebrate the groundbreaking for Branford’s expanded and renovated Senior Center/Community House on Oct. 27. The project is expected to be completed within one year.
A messy tropical storm blasts the shoreline during the last weekend of October, taking down trees and causing power outages.
Following remediation and testing, on Oct. 30, Superintendent Hernandez sends notification the WIS pool will reopen due to PCB airborne levels being brought back within federal guidelines.
November
A second part of Parkside Village I hearing draws some responses from the applicant to health and safety questions and another large crowd with more comments and questions. The hearing is continued to Nov. 16, where questions center on safety of senior citizens and a proposed emergency access road.
Veterans’ Parade chairman Bill O’Brien says the Nov. 5 Veterans Day Parade may be the town’s last; future parades hinge on improved attendance. Despite rainy skies, parade turnout improves.
Republican Jamie Cosgrove wins a third term as first selectman, taking nearly 61 percent of the vote. GOP running mate Joe Higgins and Democrat Jack Ahern round out the 2017-’19 BOS. The GOP wins majorities in four of the town’s seven RTM districts and shares one district evenly with Democrats. Residents elect Democrat Roberta “Bobbie” Gill as new tax collector in a close race with GOP contender Sandra Kraus.
Signage officially naming the BHS Cathyann Roding Auditorium is unveiled Nov. 15.
The shoreline loses a legend as chef Silvio Suppa of Branford’s Woodwinds and Madison’s Café Allegre passes away on Nov. 21
Community input is gathered at workshop to update the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, last updated in 2008. More meetings are planned.
Branford’s in the spotlight as scenes are filmed around downtown for a Hallmark Channel holiday movie set to air in December.
December
The DOT reopens the newly replaced and widened Route 139 bridge on schedule on Dec. 1.
The Campaign for the Blackstone receives a single, anonymous donation of $150,000 for a total of $650,000 raised toward the $800,000 goal.
Branford’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Memorial Post 12106 honors one of its own by renaming its organization as Walter Dymarczyk Memorial Post 12106.
On Dec. 7, the PZC completes the fourth, final part of the Parkside Village I public hearing, opening a 65-day decision window. The PZC will reconvene in early January, 2018.
Rain held back many spectators, but small crowds still turned out on Dec. 12 to welcome the Wreaths Across America convoy to town. Organizers and local veterans Dottie Packer and Pam Bold announce the convoy will return to Branford in 2018.
On Dec. 18, a unanimous BOF vote approves a $5.4 million bond authorization for the expansion and renovation of Blackstone Memorial Library. The recommendation heads to the RTM in January for a final vote.
The Sound completes 2017 by marking 20 years in operation as Branford’s community newspaper.