Road Work in Our District and Sutton Park Redevelopment Plans

September 15, 2023


More details have been released on the plan to redevelop Sutton Park in Groton. You can learn more about the proposal and attend a public presentation later this month.

Drivers can expect more delays as crews get to work on a couple of different road projects in our district. There is a full breakdown of where to expect slowdowns below.

Click on any of these links to jump to that section of this newsletter:
 
What's Our Rep Been Up To?
My wife, Kayla, and I had a great time being part of the Brew Crew at the Groton City 5K Brew Run hosted by the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Groton Utilities, and many other awesome partners!
I enjoyed serving ice cold non-alcoholic beers to runners with UConn Avery Point Campus Director Annemarie Seifert and Lisa Rukakoski Bressani. Congratulations to the runners and walkers that participated and showed out in this heat! 
 
Kayla and I enjoyed kayaking at Long Pond with members of the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed! We got a great workout while working together and catching some rays.
 
Tree & Vegetation Removal Project on Route 1 in Stonington
Starting next week, drivers in Stonington can expect delays on Route 1 as crews remove trees and vegetation. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will be performing the work from 8 A.M. – 3 P.M. Monday through Friday from Monday, September 18 through Friday, October 13.
 
According to the CTDOT, drivers can expect right-lane and shoulder closures on both sides of Route 1 from Mason's Island Road to Buzzi Memorials in Stonington. Make sure to slow down in that work zone.
 
Road Work on I-95 North in Groton & Stonington

There will be temporary lane shifts and ramp closures along I-95 northbound between exits 91 and 92 this month in Groton, Stonington, and North Stonington. The work allow crews to reconstruct the right shoulder. Message boards will let drivers know when lane shifts and ramp closures are ahead.

The $38.25 million project is expected to be completed in November 2024.
 
Sutton Park Redevelopment
You are invited to share your thoughts and listen to a presentation for the redevelopment of Sutton Park in Groton. Organizers will be hosting a public presentation at 5:15 P.M. on Tuesday, September 26 at the Town Hall Annex at 68 Groton Long Point Road. It will be followed by another presentation to the Council at 6:30 P.M.
Proposed changes at Sutton Park include:
  • Expansion to existing skate park
  • New family style restrooms
  • Installation of two new basketball courts
  • Fitness and workout area
  • New climbing structure playground

Click on the button below to take a survey on the proposal, to see more renderings as well as proposed changes. I will provide more updates on this amazing project in the Poquonnock Bridge neighborhood that leveraged federal, state, and local funds.
Learn More About Sutton Park Redevelopment Plan
 
National Preparedness Month
Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut emergency management officials are recognizing September as National Preparedness Month by raising awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters. Since our state is in hurricane season, you’re being reminded to take necessary steps to get ready for an emergency. The 41st district is susceptible to flooding and wind damage due to our proximity to the coast.
Make sure to download the state’s free CTPrepares app, which provides useful information ahead of an emergency as well as during emergency situations.
 
Federal Aid Coming To Support Farmers
Our state will receive federal aid to help cover the cost of damage from heavy rainfall and flooding that occurred in early July. 
Farmers in New London County and the state’s other seven counties can apply for federal disaster assistance from the Farm Service Agency, such as emergency loans, to cover production losses they experienced as long as they are eligible. Farmers have eight months to apply for emergency loans.
Click Here For Resources Helping Affected Farmers
 
Important Information For Nonprofits
The Office of Policy and Management is accepting applications for the Nonprofit Grant Program, which provides grants-in-aid to certain profit, nonprofit health, and human service organizations.

All communications regarding this Request For Applications (RFA) must be directed only to the Official Agency Contact as noted below:

Judi Jordan
Office of Policy and Management
450 Capitol Avenue
MS#52LTC
Hartford, CT 06106

Telephone: (860) 418-6237
E-mail: OPM.NPGrantProgramApplications@ct.gov

Non profits are often the safety nets and backbone of our community, and I applaud our state for its continued support of these critical institutions.
 
Upcoming Community Events
 
 
 
The Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed invites you to explore our waters from 8 A.M. - 12 P.M. Paddlists in the free event may follow an 11-mile route from the river’s headwater in Old Mystic to the mouth in Noank and back, or join the group at any of several public access points along the way. There will be a celebration honoring the river at 11 A.M. under the pavilion at the seaport.
Register & Learn More About the Event!