Ridgefield Selectpersons Advance Pound Street Land Deal, Approve Health Director

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Board of Selectpersons on Nov. 5 advanced several key measures, including approval of a new Director of Health, acceptance of open space on Pound Street, and the addition of senior tax relief discussions to the upcoming Nov. 19 agenda.

The meeting opened with public comments focused on the failed public safety building referendum, concerns about political conduct, and dog park safety near the new school construction site.

Prospect Street resident Peter Bancel urged town leaders to regroup after voters rejected the proposed public safety facility for a second time, saying the town still needs “a clear and transparent proposal that citizens can get behind.”

Later, State Rep. Aimee Berger-Girvalo (D-111), and fellow state lawmakers State Rep. Savet Constantine (D-42), 24th District State Sen. Julie Kushner (D) and 26th District State Sen. Ceci Maher (D) briefed the board and residents on the status of Gov. Ned Lamont’s upcoming special legislative session. Last week, Lamont pointed toward an upcoming special session expected to revisit housing reform proposals following the governor's veto of House Bill 502 earlier this year. Berger-Girvalo credited First Selectperson Rudy Marconi for representing Ridgefield’s interests in those talks, including local control over zoning, parking minimums, and downtown development.

The delegation also discussed ongoing issues surrounding the proposed Aquarion Water Company sale, transportation safety, children’s behavioral health legislation, and potential state responses to federal funding cuts affecting SNAP and housing programs.

Board Actions

According to motions approved during the meeting, the board unanimously voted (4-0) on the following:

• Eversource Easement: Approved an easement for underground power lines to school and transition program facility near the Ridgefield Dog Park. A public hearing will be held Nov. 19, followed by a town meeting Dec. 10.
• Health Department Leadership: Approved a resolution formally appointing Jennifer Zbell as Ridgefield’s new Director of Health, succeeding long-time Director Ed Briggs, who is retiring. The state Department of Public Health will review and confirm the appointment.
• ECDC Appointment: Appointed Nadia Blair, owner of Flobees café on Route 7, to the Economic and Community Development Commission (ECDC). Blair discussed her background as a small business owner and her interest in supporting North Village revitalization efforts.
• Pound Street Open Space: Accepted a donation of open space on Pound Street. The matter will also move to a Nov. 19 public hearing and Dec. 10 town meeting.
• Senior Tax Credit Review: Added the Senior Tax Committee report to the Nov. 19 agenda to review potential adjustments to Ridgefield’s senior tax relief program.

Ridgefield 250th Celebration Update

Pam Jones, co-chair of the Ridgefield 250th Committee, said planning continues for the town’s 2026 celebration. The July 4, 2025 kickoff drew about 1,400 attendees, and upcoming events will include a “Liberty Ball” fundraiser at Lounsbury House, community music, and local business participation.

Compassionate Ridgefield Appointments

The board also discussed formal appointments to the Compassionate Ridgefield Committee, which was recently reorganized as an official town body. Several members spoke in support of continuing the group’s mission of promoting respect and civility in town dialogue.

The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. The next regular Board of Selectpersons meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19.