Jan. 2 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Jan. 2, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Snow Removal and Parking

With the first significant snow this season, we have had questions about snow removal and parking. According to our Town Code, Chapter 92, every person or company owning or occupying land with any sidewalk is responsible for removing snow and ice “within six hours of daylight immediately following the cessation of any fall of snow or accumulation of ice” and is required to apply sand or other materials so pedestrians can use the sidewalk. The current penalty for noncompliance is $50 and the Public Works department may remove the snow at the expense of the owner or occupier of the property. It’s worth noting that the liability for someone injured on a sidewalk due to snow or ice is the responsibility of the owner or person in possession of the land abutting a sidewalk.

A parking ban is effective November 15th of each year through April 15th of the following year. The ban prohibits on-street parking between the hours of 2 am through 6 am so our highway crews can plow when needed. The police will issue parking warnings during the first week of the ban and parking tickets after November 22nd. If a vehicle is parked on the street during a storm, it may be towed.

Iconic Businesses Change Owners

When the Austin family announced last week that The Sycamore would be closing, there was a huge outpouring of concern by our community, showing just how important the iconic restaurant has been to our residents. The Austin’s, the longest owners of the Sycamore Restaurant, have kept Sycamore going for close to 30 years and we are grateful for all their contributions to our town! We are also grateful to the Grosso family who have owned the property for 80 years and are working with a new tenant to reopen the Sycamore in a few months. While we can expect some changes, the Grosso’s are working with the tenant too honor the legacy of the Sycamore by keeping the name and some of the fan favorite foods!

Blue Jay Orchards is also under new ownership. Started in 1935 by Robert Josephy, a writer turned book designer, he began with peaches and apples. Over the next 50 years Blue Jay Orchards became a part of our community in many ways, including the annual Apple Blossom Festival which raised money for the school’s hot lunch program. In 1985, Paul and Mary Patterson purchased the property and continued the legacy of opening up their farm to family, friends, and visitors for another 40 years, although it seemed everyone was family in Paul’s eyes. As we welcome the new owners, things will probably remain the same at Blue Jay for a little while. But the new owners may have some really exciting ideas, as they currently own Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard in North Salem, NY. Having been there a few times, it’s a fantastic place. As the next chapter for Blue Jay Orchards begins, we have a lot to look forward to!

Office Hours

Office hours are great opportunities to stop in and say hello or share any concerns or ideas you may have regarding the town. The next office hours in Wednesday, January 7th from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. You can also make an appointment by emailing firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov or calling 203-794-8540.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 school year begins on Tuesday, January 6th for children
who turn 5 years old before September 1st, 2026. The links are not active for registration yet, but it
might be a good idea to review what is needed to prove Bethel residency. Learn more at
www.bethel.k12.ct.us and select “New to District” on the banner. Then select “Registration
Information/Procedures.”

NJROTC Tree Pickup

The Bethel High School Naval JROTC annual Christmas Tree Pickup for Bethel residents will take place on Saturday, January 10th beginning at 9 am. (Rain/Snow Day Sunday, January 11th at 12 pm) This is an excellent opportunity to help the Bethel NJROTC Boosters fund educational programs for the cadets. The suggested donation is $15, but please consider how much this group does for our community and be generous. Sign up HERE.

Frozen Jr the Musical

Bethel Parks and Rec and ERA Productions bring you Frozen Jr the Musical on Friday, January 16th at 7 pm and Saturday January 17th at 2 pm at Bethel Highschool Auditorium. The kids have been practicing at Town Hall and sound amazing! For tickets, visit https://www.ticketpeak.co/Bethelparkandrec/events

Shoutouts

Good luck to the boys basketball team against Joel Barlow tonight! Varsity is 3 – 1 and plays at 7 pm!

A shoutout to Vivian Stewart on the Lady Wildcats basketball team for being named GameTime CT’s female Athlete of The Week! Lady Wildcats are 4 – 2 with a win over Oxford this week. Way to go!

Congrats to all the Wildcat Indoor Track athletes for the rock-solid performance in Boston last weekend! Good luck to the girls and boys indoor track teams tomorrow, January 3rd at home at 1:30 pm.

BBDI IceCats have their home opener against Pawling at 1 pm on tomorrow, January 3rd at the Danbury Ice Arena! Good Luck!


Have a great weekend!

Dan