Plans to Redevelop Sutton Park & Climate Resilience Board Tackles Climate Change

August 18, 2023


The start of the school year is approaching very quickly. This week, I'm breaking down the redevelopment plan for Sutton Park, detailing how much financial assistance some children will receive in time for Sales Tax Free Week, outlining how much support our district is getting for summer mental health programs, and much more.

Click on any of these links to jump to that section of this newsletter:
 
What's Our Rep Been Up To?
We heard the preliminary conceptual plan presentation for the redevelopment of Sutton Park in Groton. It was great to catch up with many new and longtime friends as we discussed improving this incredible multi-purpose park in the Poquonnock Bridge neighborhood!
Investments at Sutton Park include:
  • several upgrades to the existing skate park
  • new restrooms
  • installation of an additional basketball court
  • native tree plantings
  • multi-use paths
  • nature-based playscape
  • more picnic tables and grills

I will keep you updated on this amazing project that leveraged federal, state, and local funds!
 
I met with Stonington’s Flood Prevention, Climate Resilience, and Erosion Control Board to tackle climate change. In 2021, the legislature modified the name and authority of Flood Prevention and Erosion Control Boards to include “Climate Resilience,” with Stonington being the first to do so.

Municipalities now have a substantial tool to address the increasing pressure on landscape and infrastructure from rising sea levels, storm surge, and intensified precipitation, flooding, and subsequent erosion. I look forward to working with this group on these issues!
Learn More About the Board
 
I bumped into some friends at the State Capitol on Tuesday. It was great to catch up with the Kepple Family and our mutual friend, Officer Kerry Reynolds!
 
Sales Tax Free Week
🗓️ SAVE THE DATE! 🗓️

This year's Sales Tax Free Week begins Sunday, August 20th through Saturday, August 26th. During this one-week sales tax holiday, retail purchases of most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the Connecticut sales and use tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing under $100 regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer on the same invoice.

Many retailers frequently choose to offer additional discounts of their own during the sales tax holiday, resulting in even more savings.

You can find a full list of individual items by CLICKING HERE!
 
Back-To-School Cash Benefit For Kids
The Connecticut Department of Social Services will deliver a one-time, back-to-school cash benefit to 7,500 children across the state using federal Pandemic Emergency Assistance Funds (PEAF). This benefit will go to children aged 5 to 17 who were enrolled in the Temporary Family Assistance program in May 2023.
Specific information about the Saturday, August 19 distribution:
  • The one-time cash benefit is $55 per eligible child
  • 4-year-olds who turned 5 by May 31 are eligible
  • 17-year-old who turned 18 by May 2 are eligible
  • Families do not need to apply for the additional funds, all eligible households will automatically receive this benefit on their existing electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards.

The cash benefit coincides with the start of Connecticut’s Sales Tax Free Week, which runs from August 20 – August 26, to help families maximize back-to-school purchases or other essential needs.
 
Connecticut previously distributed approximately $7 million in PEAF assistance in August 2022. The funding for this round of benefits came from a supplemental federal PEAF distribution.
 
Summer Mental Health Grants For Schools & Camps

Parents are deeply concerned about our youth’s mental health following an extremely challenging pandemic. As a result, the state is providing more than $4.5 million in summer mental health grants for schools and camps. Groton Public Schools will receive $133,650 over a three-year period.

Our students deserve year-round support, and this critical funding will help address their social and emotional needs in the summer months. 
This funding will allow students to seek out the mental health services they need to acclimate, grow, and prosper in and outside of the classroom.
Learn More About Mental Health Grants For Schools & Camps
 
New Groton Transfer Station Prices
Each year, the town of Groton rolls out a new price structure for using the transfer station. New permits will be effective from September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024 for Groton residents.
Annual Permit:

Annual Permit (65+ at time of purchase):

Annual Permit (Active & Retired Military & Dependents):

Purchased after March 1, 2024:
$100

$75

$90

$50% off
Permits are issued through the Public Works Office at the Annex, 134 Groton Long Point Road. Sales are from 8:30 A.M. - 4 P.M. Monday through Friday.
Click Here For More Information
 
Community Events
 
 
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