MIDDLETOWN:
Officials say the cleaning of toxic waste from a site in Middletown may cost the city millions of dollars. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is actively pursuing the cleanup of twelve acres between Walnut St. and Route 9, which were used as a dumping ground in the 1950s. According to state law, any party found responsible for contamination must also pay for the cost of the cleanup. OMO Manufacturing Company, a former manufacturer of rubber and plastic apparel, owned some of the land, which is 2,000 feet from an aquifer recharge area, although no contaminants were found in the water there. The EPA started inspecting the site for contamination in 1990 and has already spent $400,000 on the cleanup out of a budgeted $2 million.
Middletown Eye
The Public Bar & Grill has officially closed down after months of conflict with government officials. Middletown issued a cease and desist order to the owner, Tyler DeVecchis, last year when he made renovations without a proper permit. The state Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell Jr. then suspended DeVecchis’ liquor permit on New Year’s Eve. Frank Johnson, the new owner from East Hampton hopes to revamp the site, and is currently seeking zoning approval to reopen as the Downtown Bar. Johnson intends the new restaurant to be family-friendly, and plans to convert the side lounge into a recreation room, with couches and large television screens. Johnson and his wife Melysa will run the bar’s day-to-day operations, with other family members helping out as needed. Johnson said he conducted a Facebook survey to find out what customers wanted in the new bar. The results: karaoke, country line dancing, and live music, all of which Johnson plans to incorporate.
Middletown Press
HARTFORD:
While searching for illegal turkey hunters in the Everest Hill Woods, the Department of Environmental Protection officers discovered a 54-year-old man cultivating marijuana plants. Gary Hall of Goshen was charged with interfering with an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana with intent to sell. Hall was apprehended during a police chase when officers discovered him in the privately owned woods off of Everest Hill. Another man, who was with Hall, escaped during the chase. DEP police are seeking a warrant for the man’s arrest. Hall confessed that he and the other man had just planted 26 marijuana plants. He consented to a search of his home, where the officers seized 241 more marijuana plants, more than $5,000 in cash and 17 rifles, shotguns and pistols. Hall was released on a $10,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 10.
The Hartford Courant
Michelle Courter of Stonington, Conn. has been arrested on allegations that she stole people’s pet cats and listed them for sale on petfinder.com. Authorities seized 24 cats from her home on April 10. According to Stonington Animal Control Officer Rae Jean Davis, Courter set traps for multiple cats in Groton, New London, Norwich, Stonington, and other towns. She was arraigned Tuesday in New London Superior Court on charges including animal cruelty, companion animal theft, and running an unlicensed pet shop. She scheduled to return to court on May 7, but maintains that she was operating a shelter for feral cats.
Middletown Press
NEW HAVEN:
On Wednesday, parents, teachers, and students assembled on the steps of New Haven City Hall, urging that this year’s budget not make any more cuts to education. A proposal submitted by the mayor supports a 2.6 percent increase in spending for services like public safety and education; however, this will also result in higher taxes. New Haven residents can expect on average, a nine percent tax increase. Many say they can’t afford the higher cost and will be forced out of the city and their homes. Angered New Haven residents made a petition, collecting hundreds of signatures and ideas on how to save the city’s money. The petition advises each city department cut its spending by 10 percent. The petition was submitted to the Finance Committee, who must approve or modify the mayor’s plan.
Nbcconnecticut.com
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