Oct. 10 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Oct. 10, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Public use of PT Barnum Sq.

The Board of Selectmen (BOS) continued a discussion about requirements for groups using PT Barnum Square this week. Given the importance of the topic, we moved our meeting to the GP room and changed our agenda to allow extended public comment. The majority of the public comments were against any permit or insurance requirements because they would interfere with the right to assemble and exercise free speech. Many also expressed that there are no safety concerns at PT Barnum and view any consideration of requirements for PT Barnum as an assault on free speech and politically motivated.

Concerns for the businesses around PT Barnum Sq. were also been raised. Some residents have expressed that they avoid downtown on Saturdays and businesses have expressed that they have been negatively affected by the weekly protest. Supporters of the weekly event attending the meeting stated that the event brings people to Bethel and the event is good for businesses.

The BOS has not made any proposals regarding applications, insurance or anything else regarding PT Barnum Sq. The topic was tabled again to a future meeting to consider the public comment. If you have thoughts on the subject, please email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov and include PT Barnum in the subject line. The meeting is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hVJDmLP0DA.

Childcare Needs Assessment

Last fall, Bethel’s Youth Commission conducted a survey to identify childcare needs, including daycare, before/aftercare, and summer/holiday programs. 125 families responded, averaging 1–2 children under age 10; most (79%) had children in Bethel Public Schools, and nearly one-third reported a child with special needs. Survey results point to significant challenges: limited program availability, high costs, short hours, and a lack of options for children under 5 or those with special needs. Families also reported difficulty accessing care during school holidays, early dismissals, and summer months. In the coming weeks, we’ll share key findings and suggested plans to address these needs through town initiatives and economic development opportunities. A full summary is available on the Youth Commission’s website.

P&Z public Hearing

The Planning and Zoning Commission will continue a public hearing for 21 Trowbridge Dr. (Site Plan) Tuesday, October 14th at 7 pm in Town Hall Meeting Room D. Learn more at https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning or check out the Pending Applications page at https://bethel-ct.gov/pending-applications.

Bethel Business Spotlight

Stay tuned for the “Bethel Business Spotlight,” a new initiative being launched by Bethel High School and our Office of Economic Development. The initiative will highlight the amazing businesses that make up our community by sharing their stories, showcasing services, and helping residents shop local. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. If you are a Bethel business and want to participate in this free initiative, please fill out the form HERE. To all our Bethel businesses, we appreciate you and the role you play in strengthening our community! A huge shoutout to our Economic Development intern, Nicholas, for getting this program off the ground!

Wakesurfing

Attention residents who frequent Candlewood Lake, and other Connecticut waterbodies: CT DEEP is conducting a conducting an informational study on the operation of wake boats and the activity of wakesurfing in the state. Check out the DEEP public notice regarding public comments, which are due by October 22nd.

Storm this Weekend

We are preparing for the possibility of a coastal storm this Sunday, October 12th in the afternoon and continuing into Monday evening. According to Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection, there is still uncertainty of where the exact track of the storm will be, but we are likely to have a long-duration wind event. Gusts between 30 and 50 mph are possible. Eversource has announced preparation for the potential of up to 130,000 customers without power and up to 3000 tree-related damage locations. This is a level 5 event, which is the lowest level of their Emergency Response Plan. Please consider bringing items inside, such as yard signs, sandwich board signs, and other items that might blow away.

Probate Court Closure

The Northern Fairfield County Probate Court located in Town Hall will be closed this Monday, October 13th for Columbus Day and remain closed through Friday, October 17th due to construction. The clerks will check messages and residents can utilize the drop box in front of Town Hall. Normal court operations will resume on Monday, October 20th.

St. Thomas’ Parm Dinner

St. Thomas’ Chicken/Eggplant Parm Dinner is back on Saturday, October 18th from 5 pm to 7 pm. Have great food and an affordable night for the entire family! Please make reservations by Friday, October 17th for take-out and dining in at https://www.stthomasbethel.org/Dinner.

Trick or Treat

The Bethel Chamber of Commerce Trick or Treat Street is on Saturday, October 25th from 1 pm to 3 pm along Greenwood Avenue and ends with a Costume Contest at the Town Hall lawn at 3 pm. There are five categories with a prize for the winner of each category: Ages 0-5, Ages 6-10, Ages 11-17, Ages 18+, and Family. If you have a Bethel business and want to participate, please register by Wednesday, October 15th. There is plenty of room on the Town Hall lawn if your business is not located downtown or is a home-based business.

The Town Hall Trick or Treat is back this year on Thursday, October 30th from 4 pm to 5:45 pm. Trick or treat through the halls of Town hall where our town employees will share in the fun. We will also collect non-perishable food donations. Thank you to Union Savings for sponsoring the event!

Shoutouts

Congrats boys soccer for the big win over Barlow this week! Way to go.

Girls volleyball had a big win over Immaculate this week at their Dig Pink game and raised funds to fight breast cancer! Good luck at home against Barlow tomorrow! Game starts at 11:30 am.

Congrats for a great season for the boys and girls XC teams! The girls finished at 8-5 and the boys were 12-1. Great job!

An early shoutout to Dr. Carver and the coaches from BHS Athletics who are working the snack shed at next Friday’s home football game! Take it from us at town hall, you will smell like a chicken tender but it’s worth it!

A shoutout to the BHS Marching Wildcats who were out practicing in the cold last night! Their major event, Quest for the Best was canceled due to the rain, so they could use some help. Show them some love with a Double Good popcorn purchase https://popup.doublegood.com/s/6rwa45x1

Town Hall is closed this Monday, October 13th for Columbus Day.

Have a great weekend!

Dan