Nov. 28 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Nov. 28, 2025

Dear Bethel,

A New Year

With our newly elected officials swearing in this Monday, December 1st, we are essentially beginning our New Year! Boards and Commissions will be kicking off the new year by setting their meeting dates for 2026 and preparing for the challenges over the next two years. Department heads at Town Hall and the Bethel Public Schools are already looking at the FY 27 budget and capital needs for the Town. One of the best ways to stay “in-the-know” about the happenings behind the scenes is to periodically take a look at the Agendas & Minutes on the Town’s website. There is also a link to the Town’s YouTube channel. The swearing in is open to the public at 7pm in the BHS auditorium.

Affordable Housing

As we guessed, Governor Lamont signed HB 8002, An Act Concerning Housing Growth. passed by the legislature in a special session. The bill was extremely controversial for many reasons, including removing some discretion from our P&Z commission and eliminating parking minimums in our regulations. None of our local delegation supported the bill and I am certain there will be efforts to fix some of the hastily adopted parts of the bill. However, given that parts of the new law go into effect soon, it is important that we recognize that we must work quickly and together to ensure the best outcomes for Bethel. Stay tuned for information about upcoming P&Z meetings and hearings.

Speeding

Speeding and traffic remain top concerns our residents, especially since the behavior risks the lives of our friends and families who are walking and bicycling around town. With the support of Connecticut Children’s and CT DOT, Bethel will participate in an outreach program called Watch For Me CT. Our goal is to increase the visibility to the threat we all face on our roads. Keep an eye out for information and opportunities to participate beginning in December. Learn more at https://watchformect.org/.

Office Hours

The next Office Hours is Wednesday, December 3rd from 5 pm to 7 pm at Town Hall in the First Selectman Office. It is an opportunity to stop by with questions, concerns, or ideas. Of course, feel free to make an appointment at firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov or call 203-794-8540.

Hills Sisters Toy Drive

Charlotte and Reagan, The Hill Sisters, lost their cousin Bella to cancer last May at 16 years old. While Bella’s health declined, they saw the joy in her when she received toys during her hospital stays and when Bella shared her kindness by crafting gifts for other kids while undergoing chemo. Over the past three years the Hill Sisters have delivered hundreds of toys to Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and they continue the tradition to honor Bella with their 4th Annual Toy Drive this year. There is a box located in front lobby at Town Hall. Let’s fill it for Bella and all the kids who need some love and hope.

Friends of Parks & Rec

The Friends of Bethel Parks and Rec are looking for some feedback to help them prioritize funds from the state to improve the Teen Center. If the 6th-12th grader in your life has not filled out the survey already, they can do so here. The Friends of Bethel Parks and Recreation annual meeting will be held on December 4 at 6:30 pm, in the Municipal Center and online. Learn more about supporting Parks and Rec in bethel at https://www.friendsofbethelpandr.org/

Christmas Fair

Don’t miss the Christmas Craft Fair at St. Mary School Saturday. December 6th from 9 am to 3 pm. Shop for homemade crafts, jewelry, and more! Santa will be on hand for photos in the Christmas Café and there will be lots of fun activities for the kids and vendor raffles.

Pot Roast Dinner

The annual the First Congregational Church Bethel, UCC Pot Roast Dinner is back on Saturday, December 6th! With all prices on the rise, this is an even better deal than before, because they are keeping this incredible meal at just $25. Pick up a Carryout Dinner from 4 pm to 5 pm or Dine-in from 5:30 pm to 7pm. All orders must be placed by Wednesday, Dec. 3rd by calling 203-743-1877 or emailing doskandy@comcast.net.

Coats for Kids

Pavia 48 Knights of Columbus program is on a mission to bring joy and comfort to children in need, and we need your help more than ever! Coats for Kids is a Pavia 48, Knights of Columbus program that raises money to purchase new coats for children in need. Visit https://conta.cc/3WuNdsb.

Shoutouts

Thank you, Josh Adams and your merry volunteers, for installing the lights on the polls downtown! Many may not realize this is a volunteer effort. Thank you for what you do to make our town beautiful!

A shoutout to all our elected officials: Those who are leaving our Boards and Commissions, and those who will joining us on Monday. We are grateful for your service to our community!

A huge congrats to the new members of Bethel High School’s chapter of the national Honor Society! The induction from earlier this week can be watched HERE.

A shoutout to Café Duo on their 2 year anniversary in Bethel! You all have quickly become a part of the fabric of Bethel and we are grateful!

Congrats to the crew over at Kinsley of Bethel! It has been years in the making and they are having their grand opening for The Kinsley Apartments this Tuesday, December 2nd at 11 am to 2 pm at 36 Stony Hill Rd.

A shoutout and THANK YOU to this year’s Bethel Giving Tree participants! The tags on the trees help Bethel children registered for the 2025 Holiday Gift Giving Program and local kids in foster care through 98Q’s Bags & Bears 15th Annual Bags & Bears Event on Saturday, December 6th from 10 am to 3 pm at the Danbury Fair mall Food Court where Rich Minor will be broadcasting live. Trees are located at: Biksbee's Eatery, Byrd’s Books, Famous Pizza, Fat Tony's Deli & Pizza, For Pete's Sake Deli, Greenwood Features, Jacqueline's Restaurant and Bakery, Jubi Tea & Sweets, Peachwave, Rainy Day Paperback Exchange, Sycamore, Toy Room, and Uncle Leo's & Rosny Gourmet.

Thank you to all who made Winterfest such a wonderful event!

Have a great weekend!

Dan