2023 St Patrick’s Day parade
The 47th annual Greenwich St. Patrick’s Parade will be held on March 19th at 2:00 PM. Kevin McFadden has been installed as the Grand Marshal of the parade. The parade will start at Greenwich Town Hall and proceed up Field Point Road, Route 1, and down Greenwich Avenue. The Greenwich Hibernian Association expects a large turnout with at least 10 bands and several community organizations, police and fire departments participating. Information about the parade can be found on the Greenwich Hibernian’s website: www.greenwichhibernians.org.
POLICE & FIRE
LOCK YOUR CARS
Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey has advised residents to lock their cars, set alarms, and use lights on timers to discourage criminals. Heavey also advised residents to keep their key fobs nearby and make them chirp if they hear something suspicious outside. The police have recovered some stolen vehicles and are making progress in their investigations with the help of video footage shared by residents and the work of a multi-jurisdictional task force. Heavey emphasized that the community’s help is crucial in stopping crime and encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity.
FROM TOWN HALL
Park and Golf Pass Renewals
The early bird rates for Park Passes and Golf Memberships are available until April 14th and April 30th respectively. To apply or renew, residency must be verified first. Seniors who had a valid Park Pass in 2022 have already been automatically renewed for the Park and Tennis Pass through the 2024 season.
P& Z Unanimously Approves Train Station Renovation Plan
The Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission has approved an application for a renovation of the Greenwich train station. The plan involves the demolition of the movie theater to create a mixed-use building with a restaurant and retail space. The project also includes a pedestrian plaza, renovations to the train station, improved pedestrian access, and the replacement of sidewalks and street trees. The approved plan includes ADA-compliant parking, bump outs, safety bollards, and flashing beacons in front of the main entrance. The applicant and P&Z will address parking issues if necessary, and the station will be open for train access during specific hours. The construction phasing plan will allow access to the train platform at all times, and the Tree Warden will be consulted on the replacement of street trees.
Poll Worker Appreciation Event Held by Registrars of Voters
A Poll Worker Appreciation event was held at Central Middle School in Greenwich, where the turnout was great. The event was hosted by the Registrars of Voters and was attended by various elected officials, including First Selectman Fred Camillo, newly elected Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, State Senator Ryan Fazio, State Rep Steve Meskers, State Rep Hector Arzeno, and State Rep Rachel Khanna. The event was organized to appreciate the 200 dedicated poll workers in the town and to acknowledge their hard work and training. The speakers praised the poll workers for their commitment and dedication to making the elections a success and noted that the town consistently ranks among the highest in terms of voter turnout. After the speeches, the poll workers were treated to a screening of the recently released documentary about election workers, No Time To Fail.
BET Votes on Final Recommendation on Town Budget
The Board of Estimate and Taxation Budget Committee has voted to reduce the town’s capital expenditure by $2.1 million in its final recommendation for the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget. The committee deferred funding for the replacement of the Dorothy Hamill ice rink, renovations at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, and some maintenance projects. Despite these cuts and deferments, the coming fiscal year is set to have the largest capital spending budget in town history, at around $100 million. The proposed budget will not be finalized until May, with a final vote from the BET on April 4 and from the Representative Town Meeting in May. The town’s mill rate, used to calculate property taxes, would increase by 1.6 percent, less than the original 2.96 percent increase projected. The four-member committee approved the budget with two votes in favor, one opposed, and one abstention. The budget includes funding for school security, the Central Middle School construction, and the operating budget, but some concerns were raised about capital spending on schools.
AROUND TOWN
Coyotes Downtown
Wildlife, such as fox, turkey, deer, and coyotes, have been seen closer to town, including in downtown Greenwich and the wooded areas around Brookside Drive. This week, a group of coyotes were spotted behind the library on Dearfield Drive and were heard making yipping and howling noises during the full moon. These noises are normal and there is no need to be alarmed as coyotes generally avoid people.
The Goose Problem
The Town of Greenwich is seeking residents’ help to manage the overabundant population of Canadian geese in the area. These geese pose disease threats and have a negative impact on the quality of rivers and streams that flow into Long Island Sound. The Conservation Commission uses a three-part approach to manage the population, including stabilizing the population, hazing geese on certain properties, and educating the public about the dangers of feeding geese. For more information, residents can contact Rebecca Poirier at Rebecca.Poirier@greenwichct.org.
Greenwich Ave ADA Compliance Issues
Stephanie Cowie and Alan Gunzburg, residents of Greenwich and members of the First Selectman’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, have filed an ADA grievance against the town for not bringing intersections on Greenwich Avenue up to the ADA code in a timely manner. The Representative Town Meeting had previously voted to halt the intersection improvement project at Arch and Grigg Streets, resulting in a loss of $2.7 million in state grant money and the town having to pay out of pocket for a future improvement project. Cowie and Gunzburg asked the Board of Selectmen to take action and bring the intersections up to code as quickly as possible. Human Services Commissioner Demetria Nelson recommended that a new improvement plan be developed to address the ADA compliance issues, but it may take 12-24 months to execute. First Selectman Fred Camillo expressed his support and stated that he would speak with the Department of Public Works about accelerating the timeline for any future projects.
Greenwich Avenue Prepares for Return of Outdoor Dining
Greenwich Avenue is expected to return to outdoor dining in a few weeks, but residents and businesses are concerned about parking. The outdoor dining program, which was popular during the pandemic, will look different this year with a ban on amplified outdoor music and updated guidelines approved by the Board of Selectman this past Thursday. The town plans to increase meter fees to free up spaces, but the new fees would increase the cost for restaurants to participate in the outdoor dining program. The total number of seats will not be allowed to exceed the approved number for each site, and the Planning and Zoning Commission has tightened regulations to prevent vermin and enforce rules. Some businesses are concerned about the loss of parking affecting their sales and customers, while others support the outdoor dining program. Some employees suggest a specific parking lot for those who work on the Avenue to avoid taking up customer parking spaces.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
XPO Named National LTL Carrier of the Year
Headquartered in Greenwich, XPO, a leading provider of less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation in North America, has been named National LTL Carrier of the Year by MODE Global, a large 3PL transportation platform in North America. XPO and MODE have been working together for over a decade to provide LTL shipping solutions. The award was given based on performance criteria such as service quality, technology, customer service, volume and revenue growth, and collaboration and communication. XPO was recognized for its exceptional approach, delivery, and support. The CEO of XPO, Mario Harik, stated that the award is a testament to the company’s ability to deliver high-quality results and its employees’ commitment to customer service.
Questions Over Homestead Inn Usage
The Homestead Inn in Greenwich was discussed at a P&Z Commission meeting on Tuesday. Residents shared concerns about the developer’s plans to turn the inn into condos or time-shares, leading to fears of parties and long-term guests. The P&Z Commission will determine if the proposed changes expand or intensify the inn’s pre-existing non-conforming use in a residential neighborhood. The attorney for the applicant stated that the plan is to reduce the number of guest rooms and restaurant seats, and the inn will still conform to the existing FAR. The commission will also consider questions about the guest suite amenities. A New York Times article about the inn was part of the public record for the application. The attorney for the applicant stated that the inn will operate as a high-end inn with concierge services and daily maid service. The public also raised concerns about increased traffic, noise, and events at the inn. The item was left open for further discussion.
Celebrating Red Cross Month
Officials and members of the community gathered in front of Greenwich Town Hall to commemorate American Red Cross Month and honor the heroes who volunteer for the organization. First Selectman Fred Camillo issued a proclamation in recognition of the month and the contributions of the American Red Cross, which depends on local heroes and donations of time, money, and blood to fulfill its humanitarian mission. The American Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter, which serves Greenwich and nearby areas, responded to nearly 100 local disasters in the past year and installed 976 free smoke alarms, and educated 1,100 adults and children in emergency preparedness. Stephanie Dunn Ashley, CEO of the chapter, encouraged residents to recognize Red Cross Giving Day on March 22 by volunteering, giving blood, and learning CPR and first aid. State Rep. Steve Meskers also acknowledged the sacrifice and contribution of the Red Cross volunteers. There are several blood donation opportunities available in Greenwich during the month of March, mainly at the Greenwich Blood Donation Center at 99 Indian Field Road. The following dates and times are available for blood donation: March 6 and 7 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., March 13 and 14 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., March 20 and 21 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and March 27 and 28 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. There is also a blood donation opportunity on March 27 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Greenwich Hospital, located at 5 Perryridge Road.
GTP Ticket Lottery Postponed
The ticket lottery for the Greenwich Town Party has been postponed from February to later in March due to a change in ticket vendors. The new vendor, Front Gate Tickets, has the capability of scanning tickets on-site, unlike the previous vendor, ShowClix. The party, which is limited to 8,000 tickets for residents or workers of Greenwich, will take place on May 27 and will feature acts that have yet to be announced. The party is organized by a non-profit organization, Greenwich Town Party, Inc., which generates at least $2 million in revenue each year. Past headliners have included Paul Simon and James Taylor. The lottery system was introduced in 2018 and the party was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information about the party can be found on the GTP’s website.
PEOPLE IN TOWN
Broadview at Purchase Hires Greenwich Resident as Director of HR
Broadview at Purchase, a retirement community on the State University of New York campus, has hired Greenwich Resident Connie Hewitt as Director of Human Resources. With over 20 years of experience in HR in various industries, Hewitt will help to hire nearly 200 employees and shape the benefits offerings to the community. Broadview at Purchase emphasizes intergenerational connections and lifelong learning, with the Founders Learning Commons building designed for students and residents to learn together. More than 95% of the residences have already been reserved, and the community has over 300 Charter Members forming a sense of community.
Recreation Superintendent Recognized for 10 Years
Sue Snyder, the Recreation Superintendent, is being recognized for her 10 years of service to the Town of Greenwich. Joseph Siciliano, the Parks and Recreation Director, stated that Sue is a valuable member of the department’s leadership team and thanked her for her time and commitment to Parks and Recreation and the Greenwich Community.
SCHOOLS
ISD’s 6th Annual Color Run
The International School at Dundee (ISD) in partnership with the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has opened registration for its 6th annual Greenwich Color Challenge fun run and obstacle course. The event will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, and includes a 1.25-mile run/walk and obstacle course, as well as 10+ obstacle stations and six color powder stations. Participants can skip the color if they prefer. The event is a celebration of color, friends, family, and fun, with proceeds going towards educational enrichment programs for ISD students. Tickets are available now at GreenwichColorChallenge.org until Sunday, March 26, for $40 per person (ages 5 and over).
Cos Cob School Head Shaving Event
The Cos Cob School in Greenwich held a head-shaving and hair-donating event to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The event was led by volunteers and aimed to show support for children who lose their hair during treatment. The event featured professional barbers, catering, and a live band. It has been a tradition in the Greenwich Public Schools since 2013 and is spearheaded by Cos Cob Principal Kerry Gavin.
WMS Soil Remediation Plan Submitted to Town
The Western Middle School in Greenwich is planning to restore its playing fields, which have been closed for six years due to high levels of contaminants in the soil. The school has submitted a $19 million remediation plan to the town planning department, which involves scraping off the toxic soil and replacing it with synthetic turf. The plan, drafted with the Langan Engineering consulting group, will remove a two-foot layer of soil, add a layer of man-made material, and cover the restored area with synthetic turf. The goal is to start the clean-up in June and complete it within 144 days, according to the engineering firm. Some trees will be cut down to make room for the project, which will offer space for sports such as soccer, football, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. The fields were closed in 2016 after tests found high levels of PCBs and other toxins in the soil, which was laid in the 1960s using improperly examined fill. The site-plan application has not been scheduled yet at the Planning & Zoning Commission.
CMS Architecture Firm Raises Concerns
The architecture firm, SLAM Collaborative, hired to design the new Central Middle School has raised concerns about the requirements for the school. According to the architects, the approved amount of classroom space cannot fit into a 115,000-square-foot building as the BOE’s building requirements (educational specifications) do not provide enough space for non-classroom areas such as bathrooms, elevators, and mechanical closets. SLAM Collaborative has said that a school with 88,300 square feet of learning space would need to be 135,000 square feet when taking into consideration other required infrastructure. However, the BOE’s educational specifications have a net-to-gross ratio of 76.6%, which the architects say is unachievable. The Board of Education Chair, Joe Kelly, has said the board is not willing to reconsider the educational specifications but will look into new data. SLAM will present a new design of 130,000 to 135,000 square feet to the CMS Design Review Committee on March 8. A public forum to gather community feedback will also be held on the same day. The budget is also a factor in the CMS planning process, with a cost estimate expected from Turner Construction by April 4.
SPORTS
Mackenzie Nelson Named Gatorade Connecticut Girls Basketball Player of the Year for Second Consecutive Year
Mackenzie Nelson, a senior from St. Luke’s School in Greenwich, Connecticut, has been named the 2022-2023 Gatorade Connecticut Girls Basketball Player of the Year. This is the second time Nelson has received the award, having also been named the Gatorade Connecticut Player of the Year in the 2021-2022 season. Nelson is the first player from St. Luke’s School to receive the honor.
Local Schools Shine at NEPSAC Division I Swimming Championships: Sacred Heart Greenwich Finishes Fourth, Greenwich Academy Takes Fifth
Sacred Heart Greenwich and Greenwich Academy had successful seasons and performed well at the NEPSAC Division I Swimming Championships. Sacred Heart Greenwich placed fourth with 209 points and Greenwich Academy placed fifth with 201 points. Phillips Exeter Academy won the championship with 389 points and Phillips Academy Andover placed second with 296.5 points.
Brunswick School Swimming Dominates, Finishes Third at NEPSAC Division I Championships
The Brunswick School’s swimming and diving team completed a successful season with a third-place finish at the NEPSAC Division I Championships, held at Phillips Academy Andover. Phillips Academy Andover won the team title with 490 points, Deerfield Academy placed second with 338.5 points, and Brunswick had 316 points.
St. Luke’s Girls Basketball Team Wins NEPSAC Class B Championship, Led by Strong Performance from Greenwich’s Nelson and Sollenne
The 2023 NEPSAC Class B Girls Basketball Tournament final was contested between St. Luke’s School and Brooks School, the same two teams from the previous seasons. However, this time the outcome was different and St. Luke’s School came out on top, avenging their past losses to Brooks.
Brunswick Ice Hockey Team Falls Short in Close 2-1 Loss to Cushing Academy in NEPSAC Elite 8 Semifinals
The Brunswick School ice hockey team had its best season in history, which included a spot in the Elite 8 Tournament semifinals, but was defeated 2-1 by the No. 1-seeded Cushing Academy. The game was intense and fast-paced, with both teams exchanging goals and shots in the first period. Coach Mike Kennedy said the first period was the most exciting.
Greenwich Academy junior Grace Wu captures New England diving title
Grace Wu, a junior from Greenwich Academy, successfully defended her diving title at the New England Prep School Swimming Association Division I Championships. She won the championship with a total of 496.55 points over 11 rounds of diving at the finals held at Deerfield Academy. Wu also won the NEPSSA Division I diving championship in 2022 with a score of 488.20 points.
Brunswick Ski Team Dominates Class S, Finishes Runner-Up at CISL State Open
Brunswick School’s alpine skiing team had a successful and memorable season, winning the Connecticut Interscholastic Ski League Class S championship and coming in second place at the CISL State Open Championship, the best performance in the team’s history.
Greenwich High Boys Swimming Dominates Again: Wins FCIAC Championship for 52nd Time in 53 Years
The Greenwich High School boys swimming team is a dominant dynasty in Connecticut high school sports, having won an impressive 52 conference championships in the past 53 seasons. No other high school program in the state has come close to matching this level of success.
Greenwich High Girls Basketball Falls to East Hartford in CIAC Class LL Tournament Opener
The Greenwich High School girls basketball team played against East Hartford in a CIAC Class LL opening-round game and stayed close for three quarters. However, in the fourth quarter, East Hartford gained an advantage and won the game 54-39, ending Greenwich’s season.
Darien Dominates, Eliminates Greenwich in FCIAC Hockey Semifinals; Blue Wave Advances to Finals against Fairfield
In Wednesday’s FCIAC Tournament semifinals, top-seeded Darien quickly took control of the game against fifth-seeded Greenwich. Senior forward Bobby Whittaker scored just 16 seconds into the game, and by 7:30, Darien had a four-goal lead. The Blue Wave went on to win 7-3.
Brunswick Hockey Team Shocks Noble and Greenough on the Road, Advances to Elite 8 Tournament Semifinals with 3-2 Victory
The Brunswick School hockey team overcame a 2-0 deficit to earn a place in the semifinals of the NEPSAC Elite 8 Tournament for the first time. They achieved this by scoring two goals in the third period, including the game-tying goal with 2:11 left, and then scoring again in the first shift of overtime. The quarterfinal game was held in Dedham, Massachusetts, and Brunswick won 3-2 against the fourth-seeded Noble and Greenough School.
Greenwich High School Ski Teams Impress with Fifth-Place Finishes at State Open Championships
The Connecticut Interscholastic Ski League State Open Championships was a chance for the Greenwich High School boys and girls teams to end their season on a high note. Both teams performed well, with the boys team placing fifth out of 13 teams in the CISL State Open at Mount Southington and second in Class L during the regular season. The girls team also placed fifth in the highly competitive State Open competition at Mount Southington.
LOCAL POLITICS
RTM to Consider Two Challenges to Approve Grant
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) will consider two challenges to a vote to approve a $500,000 grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) for the Registrars of Voters in Greenwich. The vote was taken in January and narrowly passed, but some members raised concerns about the electronic voting system used. The RTM agenda for the March 13 meeting has two challenges to the vote and the Registrars have added a re-vote to accept the grant in case the challenges succeed. The challenges have been referred to the Legislative & Rules Committee for assessment. The RTM will also consider a $9,600 grant from CTCL for the Registrars of Voters, which was postponed in January. Some RTM members and residents are concerned about CTCL’s influence on local elections, but the organization has stated that it will not touch live ballots or require specific policies.
FROM HARTFORD
AG Tong Sues Out-of-State Firearm Dealers for Ghost-Gun Sales
The Connecticut Attorney General, William Tong, has sued four out-of-state firearm dealers for selling and advertising illegal, untraceable “ghost gun” parts in the state. Despite Connecticut banning the sale of such items in October 2019, the defendants, Indie Guns, Steel Fox Firearms, Hell Fire Armory, and AR Industries, each sold and shipped illegal ghost guns to an undercover investigator. The dealers advertise and sell firearms and components, including ghost gun components, which allow consumers to easily assemble untraceable illegal guns. The lawsuit accuses the companies of unfair and deceptive advertising, marketing, and sales in violation of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. The Attorney General has warned that if these illegal ghost guns are shipped into Connecticut, the state will hold those responsible accountable.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Million Air Attempting to Bypass Environmental Review
Million Air, a Texas-based FBO, is attempting to bypass a full environmental review for their plan to build a second 80,000-square-foot hangar at the Westchester Airport. The coalition to prevent HPN Expansion is in the middle of a public comment period, with a deadline in early May, and the Master Plan process will also begin its public feedback stage in the next month or two. The coalition is raising funds with a goal of $100,000 to stop the expansion at the airport and limit its environmental impact, preserving air and water quality. If you are interested in getting involved and donating time and resources, you can contact George Klein at gklein@coalition-to-prevent-westchester-airport-expansion.org.
SPCA of CT Closing “ Any animal not adopted or placed in another shelter at high risk of being euthanized”
The SPCA of Connecticut is closing due to foreclosure and is going to auction on May 6, 2023. The shelter still has 13 dogs and 6 cats in need of homes and a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for vet care and re-homing animals, which has exceeded its $25,000 goal. The shelter’s founder, Fred Acker, has had two convictions on charges of animal cruelty and in 2016 was sentenced to one year in prison and told he was not allowed to own animals or work with any animal rescue groups. Acker is currently on the lam. The state of Connecticut passed a law in 2017 requiring animal shelters to be registered, regulated, inspected, and provided with oversight by the state.
