Derby Public Library to host Little Sprouts Story Time

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St., Derby.

TEAM, Inc. in Derby names development, communications manager

Lisa Savoid

Who? Lisa brings more than 20 years of experience in communications, sales, marketing and advertising, and development. 

Lisa’s previous work experience includes the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Cumulus Media in Bridgeport, Journal News, Digital First Media and AT&T Communications. 
She is currently involved in Ansonia’s Board of Education Community Conversation and Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse Advisory Board. 

What? Lisa will work with CEO David Morgan and the leadership team to increase public awareness and her leadership responsibilities cover TEAM’s entire service area throughout the Greater Valley region and surrounding communities. 

Why? After experiencing the for-profit industry and non-profit, she discovered her passion is to make a difference in her community. 
“Shortly after returning to the for-profit industry in 2018, I realized my love for non-profit and desire to return. I joined TEAM because I wanted to make a direct impact in my community," Savoid said.

This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.

Derby native named development officer of Boys & Girls Club

 Lenskold

SHELTON - Diane Potkay Lenskold, a Derby native, has joined the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley as its new Development Officer. 

She comes to the Boys & Girls Club with more than seven years’ development experience and more than five years’ experience marketing for wealth managers.
“Diane is a perfect complement to our leadership team,” said Shaye Roscoe, Executive Director. “She understands the importance of developing professional relationships with our supporters built on trust and good communication. Diane’s work will be essential in advancing our Boys & Girls Club mission and strengthening our relationships among donors.”
Lenskold said, “I will work tirelessly to support our donors and to help the Boys & Girls Club continue to flourish so they can continue to help kids and their families throughout the Valley."
Most recently, she served as Business Manager and Director of Development for Today’s American Catholic Publishing Co. in Farmington, where she worked with the Board of Directors to re-energize the company, its mission, and vision while managing fundraising annual appeals and individual solicitations for major gifts. 
Lenskold worked with both Yale University and the Culinary Institute of America, where she developed and implemented goals and strategies for individual giving and capital campaigns.

Lenskold holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and took graduate classes at the University of New Haven School of Business. She and her brothers grew up playing sports for Derby High School, and in 2016 Diane was inaugurated into Derby’s first class of the Athletic Hall of Fame. 

This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Gentile lauds Ansonia opportunity zone nomination

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, today welcomed news released by the governor that Ansonia has been nominated as one of the 72 zones across 27 municipalities in the state to participate in the new federal Opportunity Zone Program.

“I am very excited to see that Ansonia made the list,” Gentile said. 

“This collaborative work with our local officials and the governor’s office gives us renewed optimism for potential investments that will prove critical to our future development.”

The program seeks to encourage long-term investments in low-income communities by offering favorable capital gains treatment and tax breaks.

“I am very grateful to Rep. Linda Gentile and Sen. George Logan for their support of Ansonia’s Opportunity Zone. This nomination will incentivize developers to invest millions of dollars in private funds in Ansonia’s downtown,” said Mayor David S. Cassetti. 

"This nomination boosts our existing effort to attract investment to Ansonia. Attracting new investment has been a cornerstone of the Cassetti administration with our Ansonia Recharged campaign, and the opportunity zone program now gives us the ability to take it all to the next level,” Corporation Counsel John Marini said. 

Sheila O’Malley, city grant writer and Economic Development Director said, “I am more excited about this grant than any others we have gotten because there is no way to quantify this for Ansonia. It’s invaluable.” 

In February, the governor announced the application process for municipalities that were interested in participating in the program, which is subject to approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. 

The program provides a federal tax incentive for investors to re-invest unrealized capital gains into opportunity zones through opportunity funds.

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Ansonia Republican kicks off campaign for 104th District seat

Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Republican Joe Jaumann recently announced his run for state representative for the 104th District at the site of Farrel Pomini’s new building at the Fountain Lake Industrial Park. 

Farrel Corp. has a 150-year manufacturing history in Ansonia and the Valley.

“We are at Fountain Lake, because from this vantage point we have a view of much of the 104th District which includes Derby and Ansonia and because this site is representative of what can happen when a municipality works with private development and when you incentivize economic development,” Jaumann said.
“I'm not going to Hartford to talk. I'm going there to get things done for the hard-working people of the 104th District. 

"Farrel-Pomini Corp. was fleeing Ansonia and the Valley taking with them over 100 manufacturing jobs. To lose them would have been devastating. 
"Ansonia fought to keep them and to retain valuable jobs. That was done through the swift actions of elected officials and I was proud to be a part of that. I learned how to create the kinds of partnerships and incentives needed to retain and increase jobs. That’s exactly what I’m going to do in Hartford. I’m going to help save jobs and help restore our economy. We are in desperate shape in Connecticut and we need decisive leaders who are willing to move swiftly to help our taxpayers.”

As an attorney, Jaumann has spent years advocating for the rights and for the liberties of his clients. 

From the elderly struggling on a fixed income to meet their financial obligations, to young people and families seeking work and decent paying jobs, Jaumann has delivered. He fights for his clients and he will fight for the residents of Ansonia and Derby.
As an alderman, Jaumann has advocated for the taxpayers and students. 

Most recently, he spearheaded the movement to study regionalization in our schools.
“By studying regionalization now, we can become more efficient and less dependent on Hartford in the future,” said Jaumann.

While serving on numerous boards like Planning and Zoning Jaumann made difficult decisions that helped bring development into the Valley.
“I want to make life easier for the constituents of the 104th. Taxes are too high and unemployment is high," he said. 

"I’ll work for everyone in Hartford to bring a better quality of life for all residents. It’s time to lesson the burden on the taxpayer. That will be my priority.”
Ansonia and Derby need someone who is no stranger to rolling up his sleeves, making tough decisions and getting teal results.
“I believe our communities and our residents deserve the kind of advocate in Hartford that will take action to do what right for his constituents," said Jaumann. 

"I understand the needs of our cities and I will be a voice for all the people of the 104th.” 

This is a press release from Jaumann's campaign.

Updated Valley profile report now available

Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments staff recently completed an update to the Regional Profile for the 19 municipalities comprising the region.

The Regional Profile compiles population, economic, and housing data from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Connecticut Department of Labor, and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.  

This report provides useful statistical data to public officials, local organizations, developers, private citizens, students, businesses, and others interested in population, housing and economic trends. NVCOG staff prepares an update each year.  

The data is intended to assist municipalities with grant applications, updates to planning and economic development documents, and provide information to local boards and commissions. An analysis and overview of important regional trends is found in the beginning of the report.  

More detailed tables and maps showing information for each municipality are found in the appendices.

As a supplement to the Regional Profile, NVCOG staff has created an interactive web-based application to provide access to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data at the block group or block level. This tool allows users to obtain statistics for smaller areas within a municipality.

The Regional Profile report and web-based application can found on NVCOG’s website, www.nvcogct.org

“Just as the State of Connecticut is very diverse as a whole, the NVCOG region demonstrates considerable diversity in demographic data, which the Regional Profile summarizes well,” NVCOG GIS Program Coordinator Glenda Prentiss said. “Providing supplemental access to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data at the block group or block level is a new feature that offers the opportunity to provide even more specific data.”  

This is a press release from the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments. 

Shelton Dems to host community conversation

 SHELTON - Shelton Democrats are continuing their Community Conversation Series as part of their commitment to educate and engage the community on issues that matter most to residents on a local, state, and national level.

The second Community Conversation will be 'Shelton Development: Smart Growth & Neighborhood Rights.' 

Taking place May 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Shelton Intermediate School auditorium, this conversation will take an important look at the rights of property owners and town residents with regard to land development.  

It will feature a panel of speakers including Tom Harbinson of the Shelton Conservation Commission, Al Tyma of Ryan & Tyma LLP, Steve Studer of Berchem, Moses & Devlin PC. 

It will be moderated by Terry Jones of Jones Family Farms and will feature remarks by Jimmy Tickey, Planning & Zoning Commissioner.

David Gioiello, Chairman of the Shelton Democrats said,  "Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in this free event, and we look forward to continuing our Community Conversation series."

The Shelton Democrats first Community Conversation took place in March and focused on Building a Community of Respect: Why Words Still Matter, which was presented in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League. 

This conversation discussed the rise of hate speech, intolerance, and the role community organizations and citizens play in standing together against hate. 

This is a press release from Jimmy Tickey.

BHcare names Valley native as director of development

BHcare announced today that Joy DeMarchis has joined the organization as Director of Development. 

DeMarchis

DeMarchis is responsible for developing a comprehensive strategic plan for fundraising and development initiatives and to increase BHcare’s visibility in the community. 

She will also oversee the organization’s events including our Bowl-2-Benefit, Shoreline Benefit featuring Cupcake Wars, Pedal for PCRC and the Great Give. 

DeMarchis will split her time in the Ansonia and Branford offices and is responsible for the supervision of the development staff.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the dedicated team at BHcare,” DeMarchis said. “I look forward to helping the organization continue to provide quality behavioral health, addiction and domestic violence services for the Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.” 

DeMarchis recently returned to Connecticut from Tampa, Fla. where she served as the assistant vice president of international and domestic business development. 

Her nonprofit experience includes serving on the executive team of Mary Wade Home of Greater New Haven, development director of United Way of Greater Waterbury and director of the Valley United Way Volunteer Action Center. 

DeMarchis is the first recipient of the Connecticut Association of Fundraising Professionals Excellence in Leadership award for her work to spearhead a “Best in State” award and philanthropy conference for the organization from 2011-2015.  She is a founding member of the Greater New Haven Exchange Club. 

DeMarchis is a past Chair of Communications for the Best Buddies of CT walk, former Chair of the Stratford YMCA Youth Campaign, and served on the Women’s Business Council, and an active member of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

She also was a grant reviewer for the Valley Community Foundation and William Casper Graustein Foundation.

Community provider

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.  

For more information, visit www.BHcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Derby to lobby DOT for Rte. 34 design changes in interest of development

DERBY - The City of Derby recently punctuated the public engagement component of its comprehensive planning initiative Downtown Now! Derby’s Blueprint for Progress with a five-day intense and interactive design charrette.

Downtown Now! is a bottom-up approach to development, unprecedented in Derby, that is geared to successfully position the south side of downtown Main Street for investment. 

It is being led by DPZ Partners, one of the country’s preeminent urban design and planning firms. 

The project is funded by a grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

For Downtown Now! DPZ Partners joined forces with a team of consultants to conduct a series of assessments for the downtown area including infrastructure and environmental analyses, an economic and market study, and an evaluation of the tax revenue implications of proposed development scenarios. 
The goal is to define a development path for the site that is in sync with the community’s vision, is grounded in real world data, and boosts the expansion of Derby’s tax base. The objective also includes streamlining the development process for investors.
During the charrette, the ideas and priorities collected from the community during stakeholder interviews and two public workshops were measured against the data assembled by the team’s consultants. From there, DPZ designers created a series of credible development plans for the south side of Main Street which reflect the vision Derby residents have for a vibrant, walkable downtown.
The proposed development plans account for a variety of challenges that exist at the redevelopment site including topography, multiple property owners, a rail spur, and Derby’s sewage treatment facility.

DPZ’s analysis also incorporated a review of the local transportation network as well as the proposed improvements to Route 34 through downtown Derby.
One of the big takeaways from the assessment was a recommendation by the consultant team to consider changes to the Route 34 design. Route 34 is a state road.

“The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments has been a great steward of the Route 34 project for our City,” said Mayor Anita Dugatto said.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Rick Dunne, NVCOG has worked with Connecticut’s Department of Transportation to design a road to facilitate the movement of vehicular traffic in accordance with DOT’s objectives.
However, Dunne’s team recognized that Route 34, while being a state road, was historically Derby’s Main Street. So, Dunne and his team incorporated many design features to make it more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly including narrower lane configurations, bump-outs, a center median, and dedicated bike and pedestrian paths.

Marina Khoury, one DPZ’s leaders, suggested that even greater modifications to the Route 34 design should be proposed to DOT.
“We were commissioned to present Derby with a credible development plan that would provide the best opportunities for economic vibrancy. Therefore, we have an obligation to suggest any and all considerations that would encourage this - including some tweaks to the current design plans for Route 34,” Khoury said.

Khoury believes Derby can realize a greater economic return on downtown investment by incorporating additional modifications that favor pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles.
“Our data suggests that there may be opportunities for changes to the Route 34 design that will further increase safety and support a more robust economy on both the north and south sides of Main Street,” Khoury said.

Dugatto expressed her support of Khoury’s recommendations. “I can assure you that NVCOG and the City of Derby will work collaboratively to lobby DOT for additional modifications that best serve the interest of Derby’s residents and the future prosperity of our downtown,” Dugatto said.

To learn more about Downtown Now! or to preview the proposed development plans, visit derbygt.gov. 


This is a press release from the mayor's office.   

Officials mark opening of The Mark in Shelton

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President William Purcell, left, speaks Wednesday at a grand opening ceremony of The Mark-Fairfield County upscale apartments. The property is located off Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton. When completed, it will feature six apartment buildings, a 6,400-square foot clubhouse, pool, and more. With Purcell are Continental Properties' principal Howard S. Rappaport, center, and Shelton Mayor Mark A. Lauretti.

Derby officials to select consultant team to develop plan for revitalization

DERBY – The City recently issued a Request for Proposals seeking a multi-disciplinary consultant team to develop and steward a credible, detailed development plan for revitalization of the downtown area.

The planning exercise is being funded by a grant from the State of Connecticut.

The RFP received a tremendous amount of interest, with 11 consulting firms from as far away as Florida and Texas, submitting proposals. Most submissions were comprised of a team of experts from various fields including transportation services, housing, environmental studies, urban planning and design, and economic/market analysis.

“This is intended to be the most comprehensive planning exercise ever undertaken on the south side of Main Street,” said Mayor Anita Dugatto. 
“The area has been void of significant economic activity for far too long. It’s time to unknot all the issues and position the City for success.”

To aid in the consultant selection process, Dugatto has appointed a bi-partisan committee, comprised of various community members, to review the proposals and host interviews to recommend the most qualified candidate for the project. The group’s recommendation will then be submitted to Derby’s Board of Aldermen for final approval.

“I’m thrilled by the quality of submissions we’ve received,” said Dugatto. We have an opportunity to select from the best of the best.”
The first working meeting of the selection committee is scheduled for 5 p.m. March 14 at City Hall.

Members of the committee include: Board of Aldermen President Carmen DiCenso, Alderman Thomas Donofrio, Derby native and Shelton Businessman Daniel Onofrio, Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Ted Estwan, Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments Assistant Executive Director and Director of Planning Mark Nielsen, and Mayor’s Representative Lynn DiGiovanni.

For additional information on the Downtown Derby Revitalization Planning project, visit www.derbyct.gov. 


This is a press release from Dugatto's office.

Forum highlights the good, the bad, and a vision for Derby's future

Tiffany Zezula from Pace University Land Use Law Center in White Plains, N.Y. facilitates a forum last week at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby.


DERBY - Concerned citizens turned out March 25 for a forum to offer their ideas for moving the city forward.
Please click here for the story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Derby residents offer ideas, express concerns about city's future

DERBY - I attended an interesting forum Wednesday night focusing on plans for the city's future.

Public input was sought on a Plan for Conservation and Development that will serve as an advisory document for the Planning and Zoning Commission. 
About 50 members of the community turned out to express their ideas and concerns on a variety of issues.

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Derby seeks opinions on plans for city