Cleaning Up O'Sullivan's Island & Text Message Scam Warning

June 25, 2025


 
 

The state is working to clean up and revitalize a green space along the water in Derby. I'll dig deeper into how new funding could transform O'Sullivan Island.

You should be aware of a text message scam tricking people into paying a phony traffic ticket. I'll break down how it works and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Summer is officially underway, and our communities are preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July. Please keep scrolling to see when and where your town will be lighting the night sky with patriotic fireworks.

Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:

  • Funding to Revitalize O'Sullivan Island
  • Fourth of July Celebrations
  • Road Work on Route 15
  • Text Message Scam Warning
 

Funding to Revitalize O'Sullivan Island

The Cit of Derby is receiving much-needed help to clean up and revitalize parts of O'Sullivan's Island, located where the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers meet.

The state is contributing $200,000 to evaluate current site conditions and begin addressing longstanding contamination. The ultimate goal is to open more of the island for safe public access and recreational use.

This is not the first step toward transformation -- previous environmental assessments have already lead to successful cleanup work on the island. Thanks to those efforts, the former regional fire training center has been repurposed as part of the Naugatuck River Greenway and is now open to the public as parkland.

I'm grateful to Governor Ned Lamont for allocating this funding to our community. This investment is part of a broader, nearly $19 million initiative to assess and remediate contaminated sites in 19 towns and cities across Connecticut. By restoring these properties, we're paving the way for new economic opportunities, environmental restoration, and vibrant public spaces.
 

Fourth of July Celebrations

July 4 is more than a celebration -- it's a moment to reflect on the enduring values that define our nation: freedom, democracy, and the spirit of community.

As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors to mark our independence, let's also remember the sacrifices that made this day possible and the ongoing work required to ensure liberty and justice for all.

Please take a look at the image below to see where and when you can join our communities in celebrating our amazing country.
 

Road Work on Route 15

Drivers should be aware that road work that may cause slowdowns on Route 15 South in Woodbridge and New Haven. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), there is an ongoing traffic shift for the next four to five weeks in that area.
Route 15 bridge over Fountain Street

Traffic is currently shifted toward the median as crews re-stripe the pavement. This work will allow CTDOT to reconstruct the bridge parapet on Route 15 North over Fountain Street.
Click here for potential lane closure information

The overall project is expected to be done by September 30.
 

Text Message Scam Warning

Connecticut State Police are warning all of us of a new text message scam involving a phony traffic ticket. The criminals pretend to be with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and claim the recipient has an outstanding traffic ticket that must be paid immediately.

If you receive a text like the one below, DO NOT click on the link. It leads to a fraudulent website where your personal and financial information can be stolen.

Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to avoid being a victim of these types of scams:

  • Do not respond to the text or click any links. The DMV would not ask for your information or money by text.
  • If you think the message might be real, contact the DMV using a trusted phone number or website.
  • Copy the text message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This will help your wireless provider spot and block similar messages.
  • Report the text on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam.
  • Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and/or file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

If you did click the link and experienced a financial loss, please contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.