Griffin Health receives $44,000 grant from Safe Kids Worldwide

 

Safe Kids Worldwide President Torine Creppy, left, recently visited Connecticut to share news of Safe Kids’ Signature Grant for Griffin Health with Cathi Kellett, Griffin Health Community Outreach & Parish Nurse Department Special Programs supervisor and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition coordinator./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Health Community Outreach and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley aim to enhance their child safety programing in the Valley thanks to a $44,000 grant from Safe Kids Worldwide.

Griffin and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley are the first recipients of Safe Kids Worldwide Signature Grant. 

The $44,000 grant is comprised of $25,000 from Safe Kids and $19,000 from State Farm Insurance, which is specifically ear-marked for child passenger safety programs. The Safe Kids Worldwide Signature Grant supports strategic, innovative, data-driven, and sustainable road, safe sleep, and water safety initiatives that help connect, strengthen, and build community alliances.

The grant will help Griffin grow existing community partnerships that offer programs such as pedestrian safety, bicycling safety, summer safety and free child seat safety clinics, and develop community connections to reach new audiences in order to increase the culture of safety in communities where children are at greater risk.

“This grant recognizes Griffin’s and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley’s efforts to use local data to guide its initiatives and collaborate with community partners to ensure the greatest impact while also identifying areas that require further partnerships or injury prevention initiatives to address the community's needs,” said Cathi Kellett, Griffin Health Community Outreach & Parish Nurse Department Special Programs supervisor and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition coordinator. 

“We look forward to better understanding the challenges and gaps in reaching local communities where unintentional injuries are most prevalent. Additionally, we aim to create solutions to address the specific injury prevention needs and share findings and solutions with our network.”

Griffin Health Community Outreach partners with Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley as part of Griffin’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of its community through free education, guidance and assistance in preventing childhood injuries, managing chronic disease, and in promoting overall wellness. 

Griffin’s mission is to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and to go beyond caring for individuals when they are not well by building a meaningful relationship, guiding, and coaching them to maximize their quality of life.

About Safe Kids Worldwide

Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries to children ages 0-14 and build equitable and sustained systems that support injury prevention. 

Since 1988, Safe Kids and its partners have contributed to a more than 60 percent reduction in the rate of fatal childhood unintentional injury in the U.S. Learn more at safekids.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Rochelle announces funds for Derby housing, Ansonia Opera House remediation

Friends and Neighbors, 

Good news for economic redevelopment and affordable housing this week in the 104th District! 

In Derby, the Trolley Pointe development under construction on Main Street will receive a $2.625 million loan from Build For CT, a program of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA). 

Trolley Pointe is a 105-unit apartment building at the site of the former Lifetouch property downtown, and 21 of the units fall under the state’s affordable designation — meaning households that earn between 60 to 80 percent of the area’s median income. 

The project had originally been described as market rate when it was reviewed and approved by the Derby Planning and Zoning Commission. Gov. Ned Lamont approved a series of state grants totaling $20 million that will be used to support the remediation and redevelopment of 21 blighted properties consisting of 150 acres of contaminated land in 18 municipalities across Connecticut, including Ansonia. 

Ansonia will receive a $200,000 grant for environmental, hazardous building materials, and structural assessments that will facilitate the development of cost estimates and options to repurpose the former Ansonia Opera House at 100 Main St.

This is from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle.

Rochelle, Cabrera hail $1.5M grant to upgrade senior housing facility in Ansonia

ANSONIA - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D- Ansonia/Derby, and state Sen.Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, today announced state approval of a $1.5 million grant to make renovations and upgrades to the James J. O'Donnell Elderly Housing facility.

This grant is provided through the Connecticut Department of Housing's Community Development Block Grant Program. 

Of the state's 169 municipalities, 6 communities were awarded a combined total of $9 million in grants for eligible projects.

This grant funding will be used to implement a series of repairs and modernize the 4-story, 40-unit building originally built in 1973. 

The funds were requested to make improvements that include the replacement of the building's elevator, repairs to the roof and interior ceilings to address leaks and water damage, and procurement of two emergency generators. Additional upgrades will include the replacement of windows and interior and exterior doors to improve insulation and security, updating the heating system and making energy enhancements, including energy efficient lighting.

"Our seniors are important. I am proud to play a part in securing this grant to meaningfully improve the lives of the residents at the James J. O'Donnell Apartments. I want to highlight and thank every party involved in securing this vital funding, it was truly a team effort. A warm thanks goes to state Department of Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, Connecticut DOH Director of Government Affairs and Communications Aaron Turner, Governor Lamont and Senator Jorge Cabrera for recognizing the value of this project," said Rep. Rochelle. "I also want to thank Tom Foley, the grant specialist the city hired to write the application, for working with city officials like Mayor David Cassetti, Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley, and Housing Authority Chair Joseph Pinto and his team to compile information for this application. When we work collaboratively, we can achieve great things for our community."

"Our seniors deserve the best. This community block grant for the James J. O'Donnell senior apartment building in Ansonia goes a long way in making sure we treat our seniors with the dignity and respect they have earned. I am proud to support it," said Cabrera.

On Aug. 11, the legislature's Commerce, Housing, and Appropriations committees, which have cognizance over the funds, held a joint public hearing followed by individual committee meetings to approve the use of federal funds for the grants. As Vice-Chair of the Commerce Committee, Rochelle served as a strong voice and advocate for the funds. Read more about her advocacy here in the CT Examiner.

Legislative Office Building ∙ Hartford, CT 06106-1591

In addition to this grant, Rochelle assisted in securing a $1 million block grant in 2019 to make improvements to Cicia Manor, a senior housing complex in Derby, and $400,000 in 2020 for the City of Ansonia to establish a housing rehabilitation program. 

This program helps low- and moderate-income residents make health and safety improvements to their homes. 

Additional information about the Ansonia Housing Rehabilitation program is available on the City of Ansonia website, here.

The State of Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant provides funding and support for projects that meet municipal goals for community and economic development. 

The program focuses on proposals that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. It is only available to Connecticut municipalities with less than 50,000 residents. 

Program funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and managed by the state legislature and Connecticut Department of Housing. Additional information is available on the Connecticut Department of Housing website at www.ct.gov/doh.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Derby Historical Society receives 3-year, $75K grant from foundations

Derby Historical Society is thankful to the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the Valley Community Foundation for awarding our organization with a multi-year grant in support of our mission and efforts to preserve our legacies. 

The grant total is $75,000 and will be awarded in three separate consecutive-year distributions of $25,000.

Established in 2004, the Valley Community Foundation distributes hundreds of thousands of grant dollars each year to support the local nonprofit sector and the people it serves. 

In addition to grantmaking, VCF works in strong partnership with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, to promote philanthropy in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton. 

To learn how your gifts of cash, life insurance, appreciated stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets can help to support the quality of life in the Valley, please visit www.valleyfoundation.org or contact VCF President Sharon Closius, at sclosius@valleyfoundation.org or 203-751-9162.



This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society.

Katharine Matthies Foundation awards $20K grant to Parent Child Resource Center

BHcare’s Parent Child Resource Center recently was awarded $20,000 from The Katharine Matthies Foundation. 

The grant dollars will be used to help cover the cost of converting programs and services to telehealth and additional operating expenses due to the pandemic. 

In addition to working and other responsibilities, parents now have school-age children at home all day. 

It can be a significant challenge to keep them entertained, keep their lives structured, help them with online learning, and make sure everyone in the household is getting along.  

Parents bear the weight of managing everything and trying to keep everyone happy. 

Children feel the strain, too. Listening to the news or conversations at home, the virus can be very frightening. If a parent is out of work or someone in the family is ill, it is very traumatic. 

Children can’t go to parks, the movies, or shopping, they can’t have birthday parties and can’t visit grandparents or their friends.  

“We are so grateful for the monies from the Katharine Matthies Foundation,” said Sarah Beard, Director of Children’s Services.  “We are able to continue to respond to the mental health needs of both children and families during this difficult and challenging time.”  

The Katharine Matthies Foundation was established in 1987 to support and promote quality educational, human services, and health care programming for underserved populations. Special consideration is given to organizations that work to prevent cruelty to children and animals. 

The Matthies Foundation specifically serves the people of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

PCRC, a program of BHcare, provides hope and help for children, adolescents, teens, and families struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. Visit www.bhcare.org for more information.

This is a press release from BHcare.

BHcare awarded prestigious 2-year, $4M grant to expand services

BHcare was awarded a prestigious new Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant in recognition of its comprehensive range of services for children, families, and adults who are struggling with mental illness, behavioral disorders, and substance use disorder. 

This two-year, $4 million Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Expansion Grant will allow BHcare to enhance and expand its vital range of services including 24/7 mobile crisis services, Assertive Community Treatment, and integrated, on-site primary care. 

BHcare is proud to be one of four organizations in the state that was awarded this non-emergency, federally appropriated CCBHC funding.

CCBHCs provide a comprehensive scope of services that create access, stabilize people in crisis, and provide the needed treatment and recovery support services for those with serious and complex mental health and substance use disorders. 

CCBHCs serve children, adolescents, teens, adults and seniors in one location.

“We are excited and honored to receive the CCBHC funding,” said Roberta J. Cook, President/CEO, BHcare. 

“The grant will allow us to reach more children, families and adults who are struggling with substance use disorder, mental illness and behavioral issues, and expand our programming to meet their needs.  CCBHCs are the future and I’m proud to bring these critical and integrated services to our communities in the Valley and on the Shoreline.”

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. 

BHcare’s family of services include The Alliance for Prevention and Wellness, the Parent Child Resource Center, the HOPE Family Justice Center, and The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. 

For more information, visit https://bhcare.org/. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Adam's House in Shelton to offer 'Grief 4 Graduates' pilot program in July

Initiative launched for 18-25 year olds  

SHELTON - Adam’s House recently announced the launch of “Grief 4 Graduates,” an innovative, free grief education and peer support program for 18 to 25-year-olds who are mourning the loss of a loved one. 
The program is designed to provide peer support, knowledge, and meaningful connections for young adults as they navigate their feelings of grief and isolation amid the ​life-altering disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re excited to start this pilot program because there are no other​ grief education services in the area geared solely for 18-25 year olds,​” says Allison Wysota, Founder and Executive Director of Adam’s House. “​This age group often feels like they have nowhere to turn for help because they don't quite relate to adult support groups, but are too old for children's groups. Given the wave of deaths following the coronavirus pandemic, more than ever bereaved young people need a place where they can feel safe, comfortable, supported, understood, and bond with peers their age.”

​The “Grief 4 Graduates” program is made possible, in part, from a Valley Community Foundation grant award. 
Sharon Closius, Valley Community Foundation President & CEO, said, “We are delighted to support such an important and timely initiative for bereaved young ​adults in the community."

The “Grief 4 Graduates” program will meet at Adam’s House, 241 Coram Ave., from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, July 2-29.

For more information or to enroll in “Grief 4 Graduates” call 203-513-2808, email AdamsHouseCT@gmail.com,​ or visit https://www.adamshousect.org/grief4graduates

This is a press release from Adam's House.

Ansonia schools seek partner agencies for extended hours program

Rochelle lauds $1M in state aid for Cicia Manor upgrades in Derby

Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, this week applauded the announcement of $1 million in state aid awarded to Derby’s Housing Authority for improvements to Cicia Manor, which provides housing to elderly and disabled residents.  

The funding, administered by the state Department of Housing with resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is part of $13 million in Community Development Block Grants awarded to 13 municipalities across the state after a competitive application process. 

The grants will help provide infrastructure upgrades that will modernize and rehabilitate housing for low and moderate-income individuals.

“I want to thank and praise all parties, as this was a true team effort," Rochelle said.  "Of note, a warm thank you to Derby Housing Authority Chair Linda Fusco for spearheading these effort, coordinating state and local officials, and being the soul and force behind the work. I’d also like to thank Derby Housing Authority Commissioner Adam Pacheco for joining me in Hartford to meet with state Department of Housing officials to advocate for Derby’s needs; Grant Writers Patty Finn and Peter Testa for their well-crafted application; Derby’s State Elderly Coordinator Ellen Oczkowski who coordinated much of the local data, Mayor Richard Dziekan and the Derby legislative delegation, state Rep. Themis Klarides, state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, and state Sen. George S. Logan for their letter of support; Gov. Ned Lamont, state DOH Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, and her team for seeing the value in allocating resources to our community, and many others who have had their hand in bringing this to fruition for our residents.  When we work together, good things happen.”

The proposed scope of work for Cicia Manor is to create three new ADA-Complaint residential units and make ADA upgrades to the Community Building. The kitchen area will be renovated. The existing bathrooms will be redesigned to address access, floor space, turning radius, approach zones, and clearances. 

The electric baseboard heating system will be supplemented with a heat pump significantly reducing electrical usage, and generator installation will allow the community building to be used as a place of refuge for all residents in the event of power outages.


This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Save the date: WIN grant fundraiser slated in Shelton

SHELTON - Save the date for this year's WIN Council Entrepreneurial Grant Fundraiser - WINGO! There will be lots of new features this year. Stay tuned for details.

The event will be held from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Hilton Garden Inn, 25 Old Stratford Road.

Grant applications are now available and due by Oct. 4. Message the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce for details and an application.

PerkinElmer grant to support surgical services at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Interim Director of the Griffin Hospital Development Fund Janet Hall receives a $5,000 grant from PerkinElmer Sr. Director, Customer Experience, Michael P. DiVito to support expansion of Griffin’s surgical services./ Contributed photo

DERBY- PerkinElmer in Shelton recently awarded a $5,000 grant to Griffin Hospital to support the expansion of its surgical services.

The grant was made through the PerkinElmer Foundation, which supports programs designed to address human and environmental health.

“We are grateful for PerkinElmer's generous support of our surgical expansion project, which will provide our patients with minimally-invasive robot assisted procedures for an exceptional surgical experience with faster recovery times and better outcomes,” said Griffin Hospital Chairman of Surgery Dr. Richard Salzano.

The funds will aid Griffin’s multi-phase surgical expansion project, which will enhance its surgical capabilities and expand capacity to better serve the growing number of individuals across the region choosing Griffin Health for their care.

In 2017, Griffin built a new Ambulatory Surgery Suite to increase the number of pre-op/post-op rooms and provide easier access for patients and caregivers. 

Griffin is now preparing to increase its number of operating rooms from six to seven and is building a state of-the-art technology operating room to accommodate robotic surgery cases for its da Vinci Xi Surgical System.

For more information about Griffin’s Robotic Surgery Program, visit griffinhealth.org/robotic-surgery.

About PerkinElmer

PerkinElmer enables scientists, researchers, and clinicians to address their most critical challenges across science and health care. With a mission focused on innovating for a healthier world, PerkinElmer delivers unique solutions to serve the diagnostics, life sciences, food and applied markets. 

PerkinElmer strategically partners with customers to enable earlier and more accurate insights supported by deep market knowledge and technical expertise. 

Its dedicated team of 12,500 employees worldwide is passionate about helping customers work to create healthier families, improve the quality of life, and sustain the wellbeing and longevity of people globally. 

The Company reported revenue of approximately $2.8 billion in 2018, serves customers in more than 150 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Additional information is available through 1-877-PKI-NYSE, or at www.perkinelmer.com.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

My Sister's Place in Ansonia to close for remodeling

ANSONIA - Thanks to a generous grant from the Katharine Matthies Foundation, My Sister’s Place is getting a facelift.

The store and donation center at 380 Main St. will be closed from Jan. 20-27 and reopen Jan. 28.

Workers will replace the flooring, touch up paint, make repairs, and perform other housekeeping maintenance. 

A grand reopening celebration is anticipated for Feb. 1.

MSP, a program of BHcare, offers quality new and gently used clothing, furniture and house wares at discount prices. 

All proceeds from MSP support BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.  

Each year UCDVS helps more than 6,000 adults and children who are experiencing domestic violence; all services are provided free of charge.

Find us online at www.supportumbrella.org and www.facebook.com/MySistersPlace.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Funds available to Valley homeowners to address lead hazards

The Naugatuck Valley Health District is offering grant funded money to help Valley homeowners and property owners remove lead-based paint hazards with a program called Naugatuck Valley Emends Lead Hazards (NauVEL). 

NVHD is committed to protecting children from lead poisoning and making homes in the Naugatuck Valley lead safe and healthy. 

This grant funded money will help to protect children before they are poisoned by lead hazards or injured by safety hazards in their homes.

In 1978 lead based paint was banned in the United States but lead exposure and poisoning is still a reoccurring problem for children. 

Lead poisoning is caused by swallowing or breathing in lead dust that is created by chipped and cracked lead paint or on high friction services such as doors and windows. The Centers for Disease Control states that no level of lead exposure is safe for children. Even low levels can be very dangerous for a child’s developing brain, causing reduced cognitive ability and attention span, impaired aptitude for learning and an increased risk for behavioral problems. 

Elevated blood lead levels can cause irreversible medical problems including hearing, speech, kidney, and brain damage. In adults, lead poisoning can cause high-blood pressure, nerve disorders, memory problems, muscle and joint pain, fertility and other problems that are lifelong.   

Carol W. Slajda, program manager for NauVEL, said “Lead poisoning is 100 percent preventable but, once a child has been poisoned, there is permanent damage and the cost of care is exponential.” 

With education and intervention to remove lead from the home, lifetime health and behavior issues can be avoided.

Lead hazard interventions are currently underway in multiple towns including, but not limited to, Naugatuck, Seymour, and Ansonia. One of the most impressive renovations to date is in Beacon Falls.  

A total of $33,000 in grant funds were provided for lead safe interventions with minimal cash output by the owner. 

This two-unit home built in 1920 was abated for asbestos, insulated replacement windows were installed, and new screen doors were added. Additionally, interior home improvements as well as repairs to the front and back porches with new safe home railings. 

The improvements to this home were all made possible by the grant funds provided to NauVEL by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

If you are interested in protecting your family, your renters and your investment please apply today, you may qualify for*:

• Generous financial assistance to remediate all hazards
• Free inspections 
• Plans for lead and home safety hazard removal 
• Relocation assistance during construction 
• Up to $15,000 per unit of free money to keep your family and tenants safe!!**
• Remediation may include but is not limited to interior repairs, energy-saving windows, doors and more!

Homes must be pre-1978 and in Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour, or Shelton. 

Remember if you are renovating a pre-1978 home you must use an EPA, RRP certified contractor. 

Please make your New Year’s Resolution to have a lead safe home, for more information on the NauVEL Program and/or to find out if you qualify, apply at www.nvhd.org/nauvel or call 203-881-3255.  

Additional information on making your home a Healthy Home is available at https://www.hud.gov/healthyhomes.

NauVEL is a partner of Connecticut Children’s Healthy Homes Program.

*Other eligibility requirements include but are not limited to- privately owned housing, occupant income less than 80 percent of area median income and for owner-occupant properties a child under six must reside or spend significant time in the unit.

**Some restrictions may apply 

This is a press release from the Naugatuck Valley Health District.

Ansonia receives $385,000 for Main Street safety improvement project

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Friday towns across Connecticut would be receiving grants to help improve safety. 

Ansonia will receive a grant totaling $385,000 towards a safety improvement project which will include sidewalk and bump-out installations as well as improvements to street lighting.
“The safety of our community should always be a top priority,” said state Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia. “There are so many great benefits from Ansonia’s economic health to the physical health of our residents in addition to improved safety that will come with new sidewalks and improved lighting. With this grant we have an opportunity to make Ansonia healthier and safer for all ages to walk and enjoy the great things our community has to offer. I thank the Governor for this investment in our town.”

Over 40 towns and cities were selected to receive state grants totaling $12.4 million administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. 
The funding will be used to support a variety of projects that improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists.
For more information on the Community Connectivity Grant Program, please visit: http://ctconnectivity.com.

Seymour-based Treasured Time receives MassMutual Foundation grant

STAMFORD - Treasured Time, Inc., a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses, has received a $10,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation as part of a national Community Service Award program. 

Treasured Time is one of 22 organizations nationally to receive an award.  

The MassMutual Foundation made the grant as a tribute to the volunteer efforts of Anthony Truino, a MassMutual agent with Barnum Wealth Management in Stamford.

“We are stronger when we come together as a community, and our Community Service Awards program recognizes a group of MassMutual financial professionals who embody this spirit, working with members of their respective neighborhoods, towns and cities, helping nonprofits with which they are involved grow and thrive,” said Dennis Duquette, Head of MassMutual Community Responsibility and President of the MassMutual Foundation.   

“We are proud of the time and energy Anthony dedicates to better his community and delighted to support the great work MassMutual financial professionals do with organizations across the country.”

Treasured Time serves families where a parent has a life-threatening illness and they have at least one child between the ages of 3 and 18. The goal is to create a fun, safe, and memorable experience for the family.  

“All too often the specter of illness creates an environment tinged with sadness and concern.  By granting the parent’s wish, we can help lift that sadness for at least a few days.” says Suzanne Major, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Treasured Time.  “We call it ‘giving the gift of moments’ and this grant will enable us to create special memories for more families.”

Anthony has been the Chief Executive Officer of Barnum Wealth Management since 2010.  He has been committed to Treasured Time since 2014 and has dedicated countless hours of time and talent to help the organization grow and flourish.  “I am very pleased that my dedication to Treasured Time has been recognized by the MassMutual Foundation,” said Anthony.  “This grant will provide much needed funding to continue supporting our community by granting the wishes of families who need some happy time in the midst of illness.”

About the MassMutual Foundation

The MassMutual Foundation strives to broaden economic opportunity for America's youth and their families by investing in financial education for middle and high school students across the United States and economic development and education locally in Springfield, Mass. 

The Foundation is a reflection of MassMutual’s longstanding dedication to corporate citizenship and its unwavering commitment to the communities in which we do business. 

To learn more about the MassMutual Foundation visit www.massmutual.com/responsibility.

About MassMutual

MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. MassMutual offers a wide range of financial products and services, including life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, annuities, retirement plans and other employee benefits. 

For information, visit www.massmutual.com.

This is a press release from Treasured Time.

Duo to perform Irish music at Seymour Public Library

Ansonia to install double-bracket lights downtown, doubling illumination

Contributed photo

ANSONIA - The city has approved installation of 25 double-bracket lights on each of the existing Main Street and Kingston Drive vintage light poles, thus doubling current lighting capability.

When installation is completed by early spring, the Main Street corridor will be noticeably brighter to everyone. 

There will be no cost to the city for the new lights, brackets or installation. The only cost will be an estimated $6,000 annual increase in electricity from United Illuminating. 

This cost increase will be offset by the estimated $125,000 in annual electricity savings the city has just begun enjoying from the recently completed city-wide installation of more than 1,600 street lights to brighter, energy-saving 4,000 LEDs, also at no cost to taxpayers.

Mayor David S. Cassetti said adding the double-bracket lights was a creative and resourceful solution to brightening up Main Street, often noted as having a dull evening illumination.

The Main Street lighting issues date back to “the original vintage lamps installed by the previous administration and paid for by a grant received,” Cassetti said. 

“The lamps were spaced at 150 feet apart instead of the recommended 75 feet spacing,” he added. 

Without a grant, it would cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars to double up the light pole capacity. Adding double-lamps to each existing pole was the solution.

During Cassetti's first term in office, and through a grant received, the city upgraded West Main Street with new sidewalks, landscaping, and vintage light poles every 75 feet. “You can see the lighting difference on West Main Street with poles more closely spaced,” said Cassetti.

As a test in December UI installed a double-bracket lamp outside of City Hall with favorable feedback from the public and city officials.

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