WHAT'S OUR REP BEEN UP TO?
I had the honor of attending the christening of the USS Iowa (SSN 797) at General Dynamics Electric Boat with my wife and several legislative colleagues. This is a momentous occasion for our community as the USS Iowa is the first submarine specifically designed to accommodate female service members. It is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the employees at Electric Boat, who have built this incredible vessel.
I'm proud to represent a community that is home to such an important piece of our national defense. The USS Iowa is a symbol of our strength and resolve, and I know that it will serve our country with distinction. God speed to the men and women who make up the crew of our nation’s newest Virginia-Class sub!
Speaking of submarines, I had the opportunity to tour the USS Oregon in Groton with some of my colleagues. It was an incredible visit at Subase, and we talked about all kinds of issues ranging from energy resilience to readiness. I extend my thanks to Captain Curtin and the rest of his team for their time and generosity. It is an honor to represent the Submarine Capital of the World!
Thank you to everyone who attended our Legislative End of Session Wrap-Up at Union Baptist Church in Mystic! Representative Christine Conley, Representative Anthony Nolan, and I touted some of our accomplishments such as historic tax cuts, historic investments in education, and updating gun violence statutes.
We embrace every opportunity to speak with residents about improving our community. We had a great conversation about the issues that matter most to them!
La Grua Center truly stands out as a place that beautifully brings us together through community gatherings and educational opportunities. It was wonderful to support La Grua and attend their Summer Soirée.
If you're seeking a place that celebrates history, cultivates dialogue, and embraces the power of community, look no further than La Grua. It's a haven where ideas flow freely, friendships are forged, and memories are made!
It was an absolute honor to meet the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Dr. Brenda Mallory at the Mystic Aquarium! Dr. Mallory is a Connecticut native and the first African American to serve as Chair of the CEQ! In this role, she advises President Joe Biden on environmental and natural resources policies that protect public health and the environment for all Americans.
She is particularly focused on addressing environmental justice and climate change challenges, while also advancing opportunities for economic growth. It was a privilege to discuss how the Mystic area and our state are becoming more resilient and sustainable!
FREE MEALS FOR KIDS IN GROTON
Groton Public Schools are offering free breakfast and lunch for all children ages 18 and younger on weekdays from now through August 11 at the following locations:
Groton Public Library - 52 Newtown Rd
Breakfast: 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Lunch: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Anchors Landing - 124 Gungywamp Rd
Breakfast: 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Lunch: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Branford Manor - 37 Mather Ave
Breakfast: 9:15 am - 9:45 am
Lunch: 11:00 am -11:30 am
Dolphin Splash Pad - 100 Tern Ave
Breakfast: 9:40 am - 10:10 am
Lunch: 12:10 pm - 12:40 pm
Poquonnock Plains - 1 Central Ave
Breakfast: 9:40am - 10:10 am
Lunch: 12:10 pm - 12:40 p,
No meals will be served on July 3 and 4.
VOICE YOUR OPINION ON DATA CENTER RULES
The Town of Groton Planning and Zoning Commission is holding a public hearing on Tuesday at 7 pm at the Town Hall Annex to discuss a proposed Text Amendment to regulate the siting of data centers.
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| B. Grant (CT Examiner) |
An attempt to build 55-foot tall, 250,000 square foot data centers on Flanders Road in 2022 sparked a community debate about the impacts of such facilities. Then, as a Groton Town Councilor, I voted to reject the host agreement due to the community's concerns about its noise and environmental impacts.
Now as State Representative, I will continue to support our local land use commissions' efforts to protect the environment and public health in our community. I commend the Town of Groton Planning and Zoning Commission and town staff for their year-long effort to carefully examine data centers and including the following provisions in the proposed Text Amendment:
- Limiting the size of data centers in Groton to 12,500 square feet
- Prohibiting water cooling of data centers
- Prohibiting fossil fuel use for back-up generators in most scenarios
- Requiring that data centers must be at least 1,500 feet apart
I believe that these provisions are reasonable and will protect our community from the potential impacts of data centers. I urge all Groton residents to attend the upcoming public hearing to share their thoughts on this proposal.
PROTECTING THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED
On Saturday, you and your family are invited to meet advocates who are working together to keep life safe and flourishing in the Mystic River Watershed.
There will be a short walk to the largest and purest forested wetland in the area, a peek at the controversial 16 Smith Street property, plenty of flood stories, information about wetlands, and an opportunity to meet and share snacks with others on the Alliance team.
SUPPORTING STONINGTON'S YELLOW FARMHOUSE!
The Yellow Farmhouse Education Center in Stonington is receiving $288,000 for upgrades as part of the Good to Great Grant Program. The funds will be used to:
- upgrade wayfinding signage to make it easier to get around the property
- build accessible pathways and restrooms
- build a multipurpose Welcome Pavilion which will serve as a three-season programming and gathering place and welcome center
In total, the state is releasing more that $7 million in grants to several nonprofits to upgrade cultural and historic sites around Connecticut. CLICK HERE to learn more.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
| The Bill Memorial Library will host the donkeys of Tripledale Farm of Guilford along with a petting zoo on Saturday, June 24 between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to kick off its Summer Reading program. Call (860) 445-0392 for more information. |
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