Aug. 15 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Carter**

Aug. 15, 2025

Dear Bethel,

8-30g on Nashville Rd.

The Planning & Zoning Commission closed the public hearing on the 5 story, 75-unit 8-30g project at 48 and 50 Nashville Rd. this week. Representatives of Vessel RE Holdings, LLC, the developer of the project, stated they would be agreeable to a conditional approval of a 4 story project that also changes the color of the building from white to a “wood” color tone. They would also agree to add a few more parking spots and reduce the number of 2 bedroom units, which also improves the parking ratio. Residents were on hand to express concerns about the project, including impacts on traffic, traffic safety, fire safety, and the environment on Nashville Rd. It is fair to say that there was no public support for this development. The next step is for the P&Z Commission to deliberate on the project and decide to approve the project with or without conditions or deny the project.

This project is the best example yet of how unfair the 8-30g law is for communities like Bethel and our P&Z Commissioners are in a difficult position. There are many outraged residents with genuine concerns about the project, but if the developer appeals a denial, the Commission must be able to prove that there is a substantial health or safety concern or a public interest that clearly outweighs the need for affordable housing and reasonable changes to the development can’t protect that public interest. The P&Z must now consider if the health and safety concerns of our residents are legal grounds for denial that would outweigh the need for affordable housing and survive an appeal. That is a huge amount of pressure on our P&Z Commission members. Stay tuned.

8-30g Discussion with State Leaders

If you want ask questions about 8-30g to the leaders the State House and State Senate, join them for a discussion on state and local housing policy and the potential special session of the legislature later this year. This event will touch on HB 5002 and other key state and local housing topics, with an emphasis on Fairfield County. The event takes place at Sacred Heart University on Wednesday, August 20th at 6 pm. Seats are limited, so register Here.

Road Work

Our paving contractor is slightly behind schedule. They will be working on Kayview Ave on Monday, August 18th, but begin paving Kayview Avenue, Oxford Street, Library Place, Durant Avenue, and Blackman Avenue on Wednesday, August 20th, or possibly Thursday, August 21st.

CT Ready!

From the Bethel Health Department: With hurricane season upon us, the “CT Ready! Personal Preparedness Guide” is available online and in print outside the Bethel Health Department in Town Hall. Use this guide to prepare so that you are ready in the event of ANY emergency. Download your guide at https://portal.ct.gov/dph/public-health-preparedness/main-page/personal-preparedness-guide

Meckauer Park Workday

Don’t forget the Meckauer Park workday tomorrow, August 16th from 9 am to 1 pm, sponsored by the Friends of Bethel Parks and Recreation. Stay for part or all the time; bring your gardening hand tools or borrow one of the loaners we will have on site.

Summer Concert Series

Our Summer Concert Series continues this Sunday, August 17th on the Town Hall lawn from 6 pm to 8 pm. Music provided by the Kenn Morr Band.

Tax Free Week

Connecticut’s 2025 Sales Tax-Free week begins this Sunday, August 17th and ends on Saturday, August 23rd. During this weeklong sales tax holiday, retail purchases of most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the Connecticut sales tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing under $100, even if those items are purchased in the same transaction.

Check out Cub Scouts!

Bethel Pack Cub Scout Pack 156 is hosting their annual kickoff event at Stony Hill Preserve (67-69 Stony Hill Rd) on Friday, August 22nd from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. All families with boys or girls in K-5 are welcome to come learn about cub scouts!

Final Food Truck Friday

Join us at final Food Truck Friday of 2025 next Friday, August 22nd on the Town Hall Lawn from 5 pm to 8 pm. Smash Bros, Szabo’s Seafood, Brazilian BBQ Boys, Nicky Zooks, Dish it Right Here, and Jesse’s Ice Cream Truck, T’s Italian Ice, and Wild Sips will be satisfying our hunger. Music provided by Exit 9. Don’t forget many of Bethel’s amazing restaurants have to go items!

Shoutouts

Shout out to Emily Mendes and Jules Riccio-Weiss for your service to the Stony Hill and Bethel Fire Departments! Thank you for your commitment to Bethel and good luck on your first year in college!

Congrats to Adhwaitha Devasani from Bethel High School who placed in the Top 10 in multiple divisions at the U.S. Open Martial Arts World Championship! Way to go!

A shoutout to the State Treasurer, Erick Russell, and the “Big List.” The state Treasury Department began implementing CT Big Match and, by the end of July, the agency had sent out more than 15,000 checks. The town is receiving money back, and you might too! Check out https://ctbiglist.gov/


Have a great weekend!

Dan