Voters to decide funding for aquatics project in Newington

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2024

Voters to decide funding for aquatics project in Newington

As Newington considers updating its aquatic facilities, voters will decide whether to approve bonding nearly $12 million for the project.

On Tuesday, the town council voted to send the request to a referendum in November.

Before the council’s decision, a public hearing was held and people spoke out about the plan to improve the facilities at two parks.

The proposal includes changes to Mill Pond Park and its aging, more than 60-year-old pool.

The plan includes building a new pool, splash pad and other features.

“$12 million is a lot of money. Number two, it’s going to be blocking all of Garfield Street. So you can’t see the park from Garfield Street anymore,” Scott Greczkowski, of Newington, said.

Besides costs, other concerns were the parking, traffic and noise.

Supporters say a much-needed, updated pool will benefit the community, including potentially swim teams.

“If it’s set up for competitive swimming it’d be possible for us to host swim meets there, which could help generate revenue for the club and the town,” Michael Schumacher, swim coach, said.

There would also be changes to Churchill Park, including the addition of a splash pad.

“We are in a healthy position to take on this project based on the need presented to us,” Matthew Plourd, Newington town councilor, said.

Some councilors defended the ideas and argued there was misinformation spreading online including about the cost.

But others raised concerns such as the thoroughness of the process.

“There is no rationale why we need a pool of $12 million,” Tim Manke, Newington town councilor, said.

Source link

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

Published

10 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

A multi-vehicle crash temporarily close Interstate 84 on Tuesday night.

The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. and involved four cars, according to the Hartford Fire Department.

Fire crews arrived at the scene and helped one of the drivers who was trapped. The driver was then taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Four other people reported minor injuries but declined ambulance treatment at the scene, officials said.

I-84 East was temporarily shut down as crews responded but has since reopened.

The Connecticut State Police is investigating the crash.

Source link

Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

Published

22 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

As the snow turns to sleet and freezing rain in parts of the state this afternoon, it is causing some treacherous travel on Connecticut roads.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reporting several crashes.

There are crashes on both sides of Interstate 691 in Meriden.

A tractor-trailer jackknifed on the eastbound side of I-691 between Exit 5 and 3, closing the left lane. On the westbound side, a single-vehicle crash closed the left lane.

There is a two-vehicle crash on I-91 North in Middletown between Exits 20 and 21. The left and center lanes are closed.

A multi-vehicle crash has closed lanes of I-84 East in Waterbury between Exits 25 and 25A. There is a second crash on I-84 East in Southington near Exit 30.

In Cromwell, a two-vehicle crash closed the right lane of Route 9 North in Cromwell.

On Route 9 South, a crash closed a lane on the southbound side.

Source link

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

People in Westport have the chance to pick the best thing between sliced bread.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held a kick-off event at Old Mill Grocery on Monday for The Great Westport Sandwich Contest.

The contest runs throughout March with 21 restaurants, delis and markets competing in 10 categories to be crowned the best sandwich maker.

Residents can vote in the following categories: Best chicken, best steak, best vegetarian, best combo, best club, best NY deli, best pressed sandwich, best breakfast sandwich, best wrap, and best fish/seafood sandwich.

After people sample sandwiches, they can vote for their favorites in each category on the chamber’s website. They will also be placed into a drawing to win a free sandwich from one of the 10 winners.

“Of course, the goal is to have people come to Westport and check out restaurants, our markets and our delis. This is a great promotion. I mean it is a competition, but mostly it’s to bring people to the restaurants. It also gives a great community activity because they are the ones who get to vote who makes the best one,” says Matthew Mandell, the chamber’s executive director.

Winners will be announced in April and receive a plaque.

The chamber has held similar contests to determine what establishment has the best pizza, burger, soup and salad.

Source link