Eric Bedner

Connecticut

Reporter at Journal Inquirer

[email protected] Staff Reporter for the Journal Inquirer/Hearst Connecticut Media Group

Articles

Enfield bans use of tobacco, cannabis, vape products on town property

2 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Eric Bedner

ENFIELD - Members of the Town Council voted unanimously Monday to ban the use of tobacco, cannabis and vape products on town-owned property in an effort to prevent residents and visitors from being exposed to secondhand smoke. The prohibition applies to carrying or smoking a lit cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, pipe, powered-on vaporizer device and electronic cannabis delivery systems as defined under state law.
Enfield's controversial police cameras to remain in place for now

2 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Eric Bedner

ENFIELD - A pair of controversial police cameras at two intersections in town will remain in place for now as local officials determine whether there are safety issues associated with them, officials say. In response to several complaints regarding the new cameras, which include potential line of sight issues, the town and the police department are examining whether the cameras pose safety risks, Mayor Ken Nelson Jr. said Thursday.
Enfield appeals $1.3M payment related to Board of Education discrimination case

2 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Eric Bedner

ENFIELD - The town is appealing a court ruling that would require the payment of about $1.3 million in attorney fees related to a former Board of Education member who won her discrimination case. A federal court ruled early last year that the town and the board failed to take appropriate steps to ensure communications with then-board member Sarah Hernandez, who is autistic and hard of hearing, were as effective as communications with board members who did not have a disability.
Enfield appeals $1.3M payment related to Board of Education discrimination case

2 weeks ago | sheltonherald.com | Eric Bedner

ENFIELD — The town is appealing a court ruling that would require the payment of about $1.3 million in attorney fees related to a former Board of Education member who won her discrimination case. A federal court ruled early last year that the town and the board failed to take appropriate steps to ensure communications with then-board member Sarah Hernandez, who is autistic and hard of hearing, were as effective as communications with board members who did not have a disability.
Enfield appeals $1.3M payment related to Board of Education discrimination case

2 weeks ago | darientimes.com | Eric Bedner

ENFIELD — The town is appealing a court ruling that would require the payment of about $1.3 million in attorney fees related to a former Board of Education member who won her discrimination case. A federal court ruled early last year that the town and the board failed to take appropriate steps to ensure communications with then-board member Sarah Hernandez, who is autistic and hard of hearing, were as effective as communications with board members who did not have a disability.
CT police department installed surveillance cameras without town permission, officials say

2 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Eric Bedner

ENFIELD - Local leaders are questioning who authorized the police department to erect at least two surveillance cameras at busy intersections in town, while objecting to how obtrusive the large camera systems are and whether they cost more than is budgeted. Two large cameras have popped up at the intersection of Raffia Road and Post Office Road, and at the intersection of Brainard Road and Washington Road, without the knowledge of the Town Council, mayor or town manager.
CT Bond Commission to consider this week $10M for Enfield Square

2 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Eric Bedner

HARTFORD - The state Bond Commission will meet on Friday to vote on a series of allocations for projects in northeastern and north-central Connecticut, including a $10 million allocation to begin the revitalization of Enfield Square. Commission members are likely to give final approval of a $10 million allocation approved by the Community Investment Fund board last month.
Business climate changing near Vernon's Route 83, with mini golf, coffee and BBQ in the works

2 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Eric Bedner

VERNON - The Route 83 shopping area will see several changes in the coming months, with two familiar businesses returning as well as a new coffee shop and a change of ownership for the town's only cannabis dispensary. Little Mark's BBQ will make its return to Vernon at the former Angellino's site on Kelly Road and Connecticut Golfland is expected to offer miniature golf this summer.
U.S. Air Force Academy Band making two stops in CT

2 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Eric Bedner

The U.S. Air Force Academy Band, one of the most celebrated ensembles of the nation's military, will be performing two free concerts in Connecticut next week to honor those who have served and inspire the next generation of service members. The Air Force Academy Band, which is comprised of officers and service members, features two members from Connecticut - Technical Sgt. Gabe Petkaitis of West Hartford and Technical Sgt. Mike Colletti of Fairfield.
Vernon budget calls for a $3.15M tax increase due to rising education, public safety, and infrastructure costs

3 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Eric Bedner

VERNON - Despite a decrease in the town's overall operating budget, local officials are seeking a $3.15 million tax increase due largely to an increase in the school budget, as well as in public safety and infrastructure costs. The proposed operating budget of roughly $107 million is about a $1.5 million less than last year, but Mayor Dan Champagne's budget is still seeking an additional $3.15 million from taxpayers over last year.