Greetings Greenwich friends and neighbors.
Mother Nature certainly isn’t disappointing us with the hazy, hot and humid conditions this week. With the forecast of this oppressive heat wave continuing through Monday, I hope that residents who need to, will visit one of the several cooling centers around Town.
We will continue to keep these facilities open through Monday. The complete list of libraries and facilities, with hours can be found here.
Setting record straight on Greenwich Avenue crime
The public reaction to the attempted mugging outside the Apple store this weekend brings to the fore, the need for a better understanding of how your government works for you.
We have more of a police presence in the central business district than ever before. Contrary to much of the public discourse, having officers assigned to traffic duty at two intersections would not have prevented this attempted crime of opportunity.
Our community is not immune to being targeted by criminals. And we are addressing that with the deployment of the four-member bicycle patrol unit, the assignment of two plainclothes officers with the Organized Retail Crime Activity team, as well as a patrol unit.
I hope that you will take the time to read the statement I issued this week to help allay any concerns. I also hope that you will read the op-ed from Police Chief Jim Heavey that provides many useful tips on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a crime.
Fireworks show update
A shout-out to our Parks and Recreation Department staff for their efforts to have a last blast to summer fireworks shows.
Since the cancellation of the Fourth of July fireworks, staff has been working to secure a new date. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 3 at both Binney Park and Greenwich Point Park. The approximate times will be 7:55 p.m. at Binney Park and 8:20 p.m. at Greenwich Point Park. These times are adjusted for earlier sunset.
In the event of rain on September 3, there will be one (1) display on Sunday, September 4 at Greenwich Point Park only. This display would start at 8 p.m. and will include materials from both fireworks shows.
Connecticut Conference of Municipalities appointment
I’m happy to announce that I have been selected to serve on the board of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM). CCM is the state’s largest nonpartisan organization of municipal leaders who collaborate to improve the quality of life for all residents.
CCM has several committees devoted to that mission and I am looking forward to working with other chief elected officials in my role as vice chair of the Land Use, Transportation, Infrastructure and Economic Development Policy Committee. I will update you on the work of this committee.
Absentee ballots available
Absentee ballots for the August 9 primary are available from the Town Clerk’s Office. There are several easy ways to receive an absentee ballot: in person at the Clerk’s Office, first floor of Town Hall; call the office at 203-622-7897 to request an application mailed to you, request by mail: Town Clerk, 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT 06830, or download the application via this link.
Completed ballots may be mailed to the Town Clerk; dropped off in the office; or deposited in secure ballot boxes located adjacent to the Town Hall parking garage, the lobby of Town Hall and the lobby of the Greenwich Public Safety Complex, 11 Bruce Place.
COVID Update
Greenwich Hospital reported that as of today, July 22, it is treating 15 COVID-19 patients. Two of those patients are in the intensive care unit and are on ventilators. Last week there were 10 patients. The Yale-New Haven Health system has a total of 109 patients, down from 124 a week ago.
According to the state, as of July 22, the total number of Greenwich COVID cases (since the pandemic began in March 2020) increased to 15,081, an increase of 138 cases from a week ago. The number of residents whose deaths have been attributed to COVID remains at 125.
Vaccine info
Log onto the Yale New Haven Health website to find a booster vaccine site.
Family Centers is offering weekday vaccine and testing clinics at 111 Wilbur Peck Court. Details can be found here.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is offering mobile vaccine clinics. Information on locations can be found here.
Photo contest deadline
The Parks & Recreation Department’s 2nd annual photo contest to celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month is coming to a close. While you’re out enjoying one of our many parks, try capturing a photo that defines what you enjoy so much. Deadline is July 31 and contest details can be found here.
Upcoming events
There will be a presentation of the annual Americans with Disabilities Act proclamation at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 26. This year it will be presented in the recently completed handicapped accessible parking area at Greenwich High School Cardinal Stadium. Given construction on campus. attendees should park in the lot adjacent to the black box theater.
Key staff and I have a meeting scheduled in early August with the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss flooding and the Byram River. I’ll keep you updated on that as well.
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Stay safe and cool, and wishing you all the best.
Fred