July 4 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

July 4, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Monday Road Closures

PT Barnum Sq. and the intersection of Pt Barnum Sq., School St., and Wooster St., and Main St. will be repaved this Monday, July 7th. In addition to the closure of PT Barnum Sq., the following roads will be closed to thru traffic: Main St. at Golden Hill St., School St. at Durant and Wooster St. at Hickock Ave. Delays on Greenwood Ave are likely, especially during morning commute. We expect work to start by 7 am and we do not have an estimate from our contractor on how long the work will take. Hopefully they will be done before evening traffic.

Building Maintenance Position

The Town of Bethel is hiring for a full-time (40-hour) Building Maintainer to perform skilled tasks in one or more trades and semi-skill trades work in other tasks in the maintenance, repair, and alterations of buildings and equipment. Additional skill and training in plumbing services is desired. The application is available at Town Hall and online at https://bethel-ct.gov/employment.

Vehicles with Out of State Plates

We have received questions about how the town collects taxes on cars garaged in Bethel that have out of state plates. Residents have 90 days to register a vehicle in Connecticut after purchasing it from another state or establishing residency. Vehicles are taxed in the town where they are garaged, including commercial vehicles. The town has a contractor that identifies unregistered or improperly registered vehicles not listed on our motor vehicle grand list. They determine ownership and conduct thorough research so that the assessors can confidently add the motor vehicles to the grand list. Owners are then notified and have an opportunity to refute the claim.

Volunteers Needed

The Bethel Patriotic Association is seeking volunteers to update the lists of veterans in Bethel cemeteries. The BPA and local veterans’ organizations honor fallen solders and veterans and this is an opportunity to ensure we are including all those who deserve to be honored. If interested, email Bill at HaganWilliam87@gmail.com.

Important P&Z Hearing

On Tuesday, July 8th 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 72 Reservoir Rd. (8-30g affordable housing 6 units).

They will also begin 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.

Troop 71 Carwash

If you are out and about downtown tomorrow, July 5th between 10 am and 2 pm, stop by Town hall and have your car washed by Scout Troop 71. This is a big fundraiser for them and they do so much for our town. They will be behind Town Hall at the Durant Ave. (CVS side) entrance.

Summer Yoga

Summer Yoga starts Sunday! Hosted by Bethel Arts, enjoy “Summer Yoga Among The Sculptures” on he
Town Hall lawn on Sunday mornings from 9:30 am to 10:30 am beginning this Sunday, July 6th and continuing through September 21st.

Food Truck Friday

Join friends and neighbors at the next Food Truck Friday on July 11th. The culinary choices are Smash Bros, Szabo, Taco Road Trip, Nicky Zooks, and Dish It Right Here, Jesse’s Ice Cream Truck, T’s Italian Ice and Wild Sips. Mental Health is providing the entertainment.

Bethel Police Car Show

Bethel Police is hosting their 3rd Annual Car Show on Sunday, July 13th from 3 pm to 7 pm. Enjoy food trucks and music performed by Lost Rebel. Best of all, the proceeds support the Scotty Fund and Hero’s on the Water, a group that helps first responders and veterans.

Habitat for Humanity

Mark your calendars for a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser on Wednesday, July 16th at Shakedown Street in Bethel. Selectman Bryan Terzian and yours truly will be on hand as guest bartenders to help the cause and help create a world where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing!

RVNAhealth Cooking Class

A salad can be really great in the heat of the summer. Join Carmen Weber, RVNAhealth Registered Dietitian, on Thursday, July 17th from 5 pm to 7 pm in Ridgefield to make and taste four amazing salads that are delicious and healthy. RVNAhealth serves towns across Western Connecticut and has many services to offer. Check out their calendar at https://rvnahealth.org/calendar/.

Shop and Stroll

Ready for a day of shopping, live music, and family-friendly activities? The Bethel Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2025 Summer Shop and Stroll on Greenwood Ave. on Saturday, July 19th from 11 pm to 4 pm. If you are an artist, Bethel Arts invites you to be part of their Artist Corner where you can showcase and sell your work during the event. Bethel Arts is proud to be funding this opportunity as part of their ongoing mission to support and promote local artists. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Deadline to register is July 7th. Please email info@bethelartsct.org to reserve your spot!

Shoutouts

A shoutout to Parks and Rec staff, first responders, and volunteers who helped make the 59th Annual John Demille Firecracker 8K Road Race a huge success! And thank you to all who participated in the race. Mark your calendars for the 60th Firecracker Race on Saturday, July 4th, 2026 when the race will kick off a day of events to celebrate America’s 250th birthday!

Shoutout to Portofino’s for supporting the Scotty Fund this week! Thanks for continuing to support one of Bethel’s most beloved charities!

Thank you to our amazing employees in the Highway Department, Parks & Rec, Transfer Station and Building Maintenance and Public Utilities. Spring and summer are busy times for all of you and you are stepping up to make our town look great!

Happy Birthday America!

Have a great weekend!
Dan