Aug. 8 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Aug. 8, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Charter Revision

This week the Board of Selectmen (BOS) accepted the report of the Charter Revision Commission and voted to accept or reject recommendations in the report. The BOS rejected adding the Board of Fire Commission and the Sustainable Bethel Commission as permanent commissions in the charter, which are already created by ordinance and will continue. The BOS also rejected adding "acceptable" as an answer to the non-binding question for budget referendums which currently asks if the budget is too high or too low. All other recommendations were accepted, including a 4 year term for the Board of Selectmen beginning in 2027. The BOS will prepare the questions for a ballot and schedule a referendum within 15 months. The questions are likely to appear on the municipal ballot in November.

Road Work

Use caution for road construction around town! Kayview Avenue, Oxford Street, Library Place, Durant Avenue, and Blackman Avenue have been milled and are scheduled to be paved the week of Monday, August 18th thru Friday, August 22nd. Birnam Wood and Sunset Hill will also be done soon, so stay tuned once we have a more concrete schedule.

P&Z Hearing

On Tuesday, August 12th at 6:30 pm at Town Hall in Conference Room D, the Planning & Zoning Commission will have a special meeting where they will continue a public hearing for 48/50 Nashville Road (8-30g affordable housing 75 units/5 stories). Visit https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning for more information. Select the agenda, and the google drive link on the agenda to view the documents.

Office Hours

Office hours were rescheduled to Wednesday, August 13th from 5 pm to 7 pm. Stop in with questions or concerns, or make an appointment at firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov or 203-794-8540.

West Nile Virus in Bethel

Every summer the CT Agricultural Station traps mosquitos across the state and tests them for West Nile Virus. The virus is widespread in CT this year and we were notified that some of the pests trapped in Bethel have tested positive. There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile in people. Most people infected do not have symptoms, but 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://portal.ct.gov/mosquito.

Youth Soccer

Bethel Youth Soccer Association's registration is in full swing! BYSA is a youth soccer league for girls and boys ages 4 - 13 and is a great way to become involved in our wonderful community. They have both Intown and Travel teams starting early September, and you can learn more about the programs and sign-up on the BYSA website at https://www.bethelsoccer.org/.

Greenwood Features

Look for more than movies at Greenwood Features! They hosting Charlie Chaplin's "The Kid" with live music - a silent movie like you've never seen before! Danbury Vaudeville Orchestra under the direction of Michael Bank will be playing a live musical soundtrack for Charlie Chaplin's 1921 silent film classic. Showtime is this Sunday, August 10th at 3:00 pm. Visit https://danburymusiccentre.org/events/ for info.

Summer Concert Series

Our Summer Concert Series continues this Sunday, August 10th with the Willie and Jan Band, Enjoy free music on the Town Hall lawn from 6 pm to 8 pm. There are no food trucks, so bring your picnic basket!

Friends of Parks and Rec

Don't forget The Friends of Bethel Parks and Recreation is holding a work day at Meckauer Park, Saturday, August 16 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and they could use a hand. They will clean up trash, remove invasive plants, and touch up paint. Signing up is not required but appreciated to help them plan: https://forms.gle/gof9zgrUtsSMRmR7A.

Bethel Ed Foundation

The Bethel Education Foundation is looking for volunteers. Save the date for their next meeting and meet their Board of Directors. Wednesday, September 3rd at 7pm. Email betheledfoundation@gmail.com for info.

Bethel Arts Presents

Bethel Arts announced that the renowned Aaron Goldberg Trio, joined by the legendary John Patitucci and master drummer Lenny White, will take the stage on Saturday September 13, 2025, at the Veronica Hagman Concert Hall on the WCSU westside campus. Proceeds will support this special concert and arts programs that enrich the Bethel community. Sponsorships and tickets are available at https://www.bethelartsct.org/arron-goldberg-trio-concert/.

Shoutouts

A shoutout to Don Warfield who was recognized by the Bethel Land Trust for over 20 years of service by naming a 26 acre of protect property in his honor. A past president of the BLT, he has been a passionate advocate for land preservation. Learn more about the BLT at https://bethellandtrust.org/.

Congratulations Ethan and Kelly Allen, Troop 71's newest Eagle Scouts! Achieving Eagle is something that will follow you forever. Stick to the scout laws and oath. Thank you both for your service to Bethel!

A shoutout to our Bethel Police for the best National Night Out so far! All our first responders participated and fun was had by all. Thank you for all you do!

Have a great weekend!
Dan


P.S. “Join the Story” as Bethel celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Learn more and stay tuned for events and opportunities at https://bethel-ct.gov/america250.