Nov. 21 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Nov. 21, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Affordable Housing

Last week, HB 8002, a new affordable housing bill, passed the legislature in a special session. The none of the Bethel delegation of Representatives and Senators supported the bill. The statement issued by Governor Lamont makes it clear that the he intends to sign the bill into law and another veto is unlikely.

The law will make it difficult for the Planning & Zoning Commission to address developments on a case-by-case basis and require additional zoning regulations. For instance, Bethel will have to create a process that allows mixed use residential developments on any commercial lot in town by “summary review,” which means there is no discretionary process, such as a special permit, variance, a zoning amendment or a hearing. There are other similar requirements, including for parking. Some discretion over health and safety will remain, but like 8-30g appeals, the bar is very high.

Significant mandates on Bethel will go into effect by July 1st, 2026, so we can expect the P&Z commission to be pretty busy next year as Commissioners consider how to comply with the state mandates. There are already many misconceptions about how much the P&Z commission can affect 8-30g developments, so stay please watch for information regarding meetings and public hearings and stay informed.

Aquarion Sale

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) rejected the $2.4 billion sale of Aquarion by Eversource to the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) this week: a big win for Bethel. The legislature had created the path for the sale and a larger non-profit model that included Aquarion. It became apparent that there would be a negative impact on water rates, decline in tax revenue, and an end to public regulatory oversight. There would also be little control or input from the town to protect residents. We worked with WestCOG to oppose the sale.

P&Z Hearings

The Planning & Zoning commission will hold a public hearing next Tuesday, November 25th at 7pm in Town Hall Meeting Room D regarding changes Bethel Zoning Regulations exempting Commission initiated applications from certain filing requirements, including a map signed by a licensed land surveyor, and reaffirming an exemption of the requirement of to notify property owners. P&Z will also continue a hearing for 72 Reservoir Street (8-30g affordable housing 6 units). Learn more at https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning.

Child Care 6 0f 6

Wrapping up the child care survey series: there are new resources available to local or prospective childcare providers. The State Legislature created a $300 million early childhood education endowment last summer. Over time, the fund will help families by capping childcare costs at 7% of household income and making care free for families earning under $100,000. The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is also offering grants to help childcare businesses grow. Start-up grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, and expansion grants of up to $25,000 are available for licensed providers operating for two or more years. Applications open in August each year. In addition to childcare businesses, the WBDC supports all women entrepreneurs in Connecticut, so check out this important resource.

Wash the Turkey?

From the Health Director: Don’t wash your Turkey, unless it is brined. The USDA recommends leaving poultry unwashed because it can cause pathogens to easily spread throughout the kitchen from the spray of the water. Brined turkeys are required to be rinsed before cooking, but use caution and be sure to sanitize all surfaces in and around the sink afterward.

BMS Beauty and the Beast

Don’t forget Bethel Middle School will be presenting "Beauty and the Beast Jr." tonight, November 21st at 7 pm and tomorrow, November 22nd at 1 pm and 7 pm in the Bethel Middle School Auditorium. Tickets are $12 and are available at the door. Come support the arts in Bethel Public Schools!

Drivers Needed!

Brotherhood in Action needs drivers! BOA will be delivering food tomorrow, November 22nd, starting at 9:00 am. Enter the United Methodist Church parking lot at 139 Greenwood Ave from the driveway on Greenwood Ave. Stay in your car and volunteers will load you up and you will be given delivery assignments. We have friends and neighbors who can really use your help and it will make their Thanksgiving special! Learn more at https://www.bethelbrotherhoodinaction.org/.

Stony Hill FD Food Drive

Head over to Big Y in Stony Hill tomorrow between 8 am and 4 pm and help the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Company with their annual food drive for Brotherhood in Action. No time to shop, no problem: they accept cash donations too! There are Bethel families who rely on our support and we can make a difference!

Winterfest 2025

See you at Winterfest next Friday, November 28th! Shop along Greenwood Ave, enjoy music and caroling, take a ride on a horse drawn wagon, and more between 2 pm and 5 pm. Join the festivities in front of Town Hall between 5 pm and 7 pm with the BHS Chorus, the tree lighting, and a visit with Santa! Remember that Greenwood Ave will be closed during the event on 2 pm to 5 pm between Rector Street and Depot Place. Visit the Bethel Chamber of Commerce website for the schedule of events. https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/winterfest.

Swearing in Ceremony

You are invited to join your newly elected town officials on Monday, December 1st at 7pm in the Bethel High School auditorium for their swearing in ceremony.

Tree Raffle

Win a Christmas Tree in the St. Mary School Classroom Christmas Tree Raffle! Each class has uniquely decorated a 4ft pre-lit Christmas tree and they will be on display in the front entry of school from December, 3rd to December 6th. Tickets may be purchased after school, at the Christmas Craft Fair, or after Masses the weekend of December 6th and 7th. Tickets are 1 for $10 or 3 for $20 and the drawing is on Tuesday, December 9th. Of course, don’t miss the Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, December 6th from 9 am to 3 pm!

Town Hall Hours Next Week

Opening at 10:00am on Tuesday, November 25th
Expect reduced staff on Wednesday, November 26th after 12 pm.
Town Call closed on November 27th and 28th

Shoutouts

Another shoutout to the Bethel Business Spotlight for putting the spotlight on the businesses that shape the Bethel, CT community! Snap Fitness in Bethel is the latest spotlight. Check out the latest spotlights at https://www.facebook.com/people/Bethel-Business-Spotlights/61581045707197/

A shoutout to the crew of i95 who are “camping for cans” up at BJ’s on Federal Rd. this weekend! Hillside Food Outreach helps low-income residents, people who are ill or have disabilities, and anyone who can’t get to a regular food pantry. Hope to see you guys in Dave’s Subaru!

Have a great weekend!

Dan