ANSONIA — A makeover for Franklin Street’s sidewalks, a new children’s librarian, and ensuring all cops have body cameras were just a few of the highlights to come out of last month’s Board of Aldermen meeting (Aug. 10).
Here’s a recap:
Franklin Street Fix:
The deteriorating sidewalks, or lack thereof in some parts, along Franklin Street, are in line for a much-needed facelift. Mayor David Cassetti announced the Franklin Street Pedestrian Enhancement Project will begin on the west side (Route 334) at the intersection with Riggs Street, and extend south approximately 900 linear feet. The project will include the replacement of the existing sidewalk on the west side of Franklin Street, much of which is deteriorated, intermittent and non-compliant, Cassetti said. The new concrete sidewalk will be five feet wide, and existing driveway ramps will be replaced.
Economic Development Director/Grant Writer Sheila O’Malley said the project will provide safe access for Franklin Street residents to Nolan Field and downtown.
“It connects the residents on Franklin and side streets to two key locations in the city,” O’Malley said. “Sidewalks connect neighborhoods and improve quality of life.”
O’Malley said the project, which will go out to bid soon and slated to be complete by year’s end, will cost about $110,000 and be funded through HUD money.
The second phase of the project will include sidewalks for the east side of Franklin, with the addition of retaining walls.
Smile, You’re on Camera:
The new police accountability law is requiring the police department to increase the number of police body cameras at a cost of about $64,000.
The city has to pay the money up front but is eligible to receive 50 percent back.
The department currently has 25 body cams in its arsenal, but in order to comply with the new law, must increase that “so every sworn member will be issued their own camera, and we will have a few spares in case of emergency or breakdown,” said Lt. Patrick Lynch. The department will need to purchase an additional 25 cameras for its current roster of 45 officers.
“The increase will allow us to be in compliance with the police accountability bill and its requirements in regards to recording interactions with the public,” Lynch said.
The police first entered into a five-year contract with Axon Enterprises back in 2015 when it initially purchased 25 body cams. The contract, which the Aldermen approved in May 2020, since needed a revision to comply with the mandate under the police accountability bill, according to Lt. Wayne Williams.
New Faces
The Aldermen announced a new children’s librarian at Ansonia Public Library and Assistant Director of the Ansonia Nature Center.
Jen Shuart, the wife of Aldermanic President Josh Shuart and longtime director of the Nature Center’s Red Wing Pond House, will fill the role of children’s librarian. She replaces longtime Children’s Librarian Janet Fitol who retired earlier this year after nearly 40 years. Shuart will earn an annual salary of about $50,000.
Daniel Bosques, the former executive director of the Derby Historical Society, will come onboard as the Assistant Director of the Ansonia Nature Center, earning $25.81 per hour. Bosques was a former park ranger at the Center, and said he has returned to “my happy place,” in the new role.
