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Citizen Portal News Connecticut
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NVCOG is taking a giant leap towards a greener future by applying for a $7 million grant to restore habitats and enhance stormwater management in the Upper Naugatuck River!

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#CT #CitizenPortal #WaterQuality #HabitatRestoration
NVCOG to seek $7 million Long Island Sound grant for Upper Naugatuck River stormwater projects
NVCOG moved to authorize a $7 million application to the Long Island Sound Ecosystems grant for habitat restoration and green stormwater infrastructure assessments in the Upper Naugatuck River across five municipalities; the board approved the resolution to apply.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 1:29 AM
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The Connecticut Green Bank is revolutionizing solar energy access for municipalities and affordable housing, offering no-cost support and doubling revenue potential for projects!

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#CT #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityAssistance #RenewableEnergy
Connecticut Green Bank pitches no‑cost solar and storage help for towns and affordable housing
Katie Shelton of the Connecticut Green Bank told NVCOG members the Green Bank’s Solar MAP programs offer no‑cost technical assistance and third‑party ownership options for municipal and school solar projects and (new) affordable multifamily housing, with a residential incentive now paying "just over 37¢ a kilowatt hour" and requiring tenant benefit sharing.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 11:42 PM
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Big changes are on the horizon for the Kinneytown Dam as the Connecticut Brownfield Land Bank steps in and crucial sediment testing paves the way for future construction!

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#CT #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach #EnvironmentalManagement
Kinneytown Dam update: Brownfield land bank takes ownership as EPA and engineers study sediment
NVCOG staff said the Connecticut Brownfield Land Bank has acquired the Kinneytown Dam site; EPA completed sediment sampling and is conducting supplemental testing, engineers are developing alternatives, and sewer relocations in Seymour must be completed before dam removal can proceed, with initial construction hoped for 2026.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 11:38 PM
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The Naugatuck Valley MPO has set a bold Vision Zero target for 2026, aiming to reduce fatalities to just 35, while also greenlighting crucial transportation improvements across the region.

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#CT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #VisionZero
NVCOG endorses regional Vision Zero safety targets and approves TIP amendments
The Naugatuck Valley MPO adopted region‑specific safety performance targets for 2026 (including a numerical target of 35 fatalities) and unanimously approved a package of TIP amendments covering roadway, bridge, track and four station platform projects, with construction on several projects slated to start in spring 2026.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 11:32 PM
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Connecticut's new housing bill is shaking up local plans, urging towns to adapt quickly or risk falling behind in the evolving landscape of affordable housing!

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#CT #CitizenPortal #RegionalPlanning #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing
NVCOG staff warns towns to prepare for new housing growth plans and 8‑30g changes
NVCOG staff briefed members on the recently passed housing bill that replaces municipal affordable housing plans with housing growth plans, allows towns to opt into regional plans, and alters the 8‑30g appeals landscape; staff recommended towns coordinate regionally, update zoning standards and consult town attorneys.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 11:30 PM
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The New Haven Tax Committee has taken a significant step towards forgiving back taxes for Radio Ambuana, contingent on the approval of its corrected paperwork—could this nonprofit’s community legacy be saved?

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#NewHavenCounty #CT #CitizenPortal #CommunityService
New Haven tax committee provisionally approves forgiveness of Radio Ambuana’s back taxes pending assessor approval
The New Haven Tax Committee voted Nov. 25 to forgive the back taxes and interest for Radio Ambuana Inc. if the assessor provisionally accepts the organization’s corrected exemption filing; staff said the account reflected missed M3 paperwork and unpaid taxes, including building and personal property components.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 9:40 PM
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Bridgeport School District reveals shocking disparities in special education funding compared to peer cities, sparking urgent calls for legislative reform.

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#CT #CitizenPortal #SpecialEducation #AdvocacyReform #BridgeportSchools #EducationFunding
Committee hears data showing large special-education cost gap between Bridgeport and peers
Finance staff presented multi-year data that, according to the meeting materials, show Bridgeport receives less average special-education funding per pupil than several peer cities and spends materially more on special-education tuition and services; board members discussed gaps in ECS/Alliance allocations and potential corrective advocacy.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 4:38 PM
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Bridgeport School District faces a staggering projected deficit of $23 million, raising urgent questions about its financial future and the sustainability of one-time funding sources.

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#CT #CitizenPortal #FiscalTransparency #EducationFunding
Bridgeport committee warns of recurring deficits; transportation funding and ISF leave gaps
Committee members were warned the district’s reliance on one‑time funds (city/state transportation support, Alliance dollars, ISF) masks a structural deficit projected to roll into future years; members asked for contract documents and agreed on a stepped advocacy plan for legislators.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 4:32 PM
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Bridgeport School District is on the brink of a budgeting revolution, teaming up with state experts to create a transparent and inclusive financial process that empowers principals and keeps the community informed.

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#CT #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach
Bridgeport finance committee outlines plan with state to rebuild transparent budget timeline
The Bridgeport School District finance committee said a new state technical‑assistance team will help write a transparent, written budget process and timeline that includes principals and directors and equips the board to explain budget decisions to the community.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 4:06 PM
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Hebron's planning director just unveiled a game-changing update to the Economic Development Incentive Program that could reshape local investment and growth!

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#CT #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal #EconomicGrowth #HebronEconomicDevelopment #LocalPolicy
Planner outlines proposed updates to Hebron's Economic Development Incentive Program to match state statute; council requests follow-up
Town planner Matt Whirl presented a draft to align Hebron's incentive policy with Connecticut statute 12-65b, including possible personal property abatements, expanded eligible uses (including multifamily), longer terms and a reimbursement option for public improvements; council discussed flexibility and administrative burden and asked staff to refine forms and examples.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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Connecticut's advisory board has rejected a consent order for Dr. Purdy, citing serious concerns over patient protections and telehealth standards.

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#CT #CitizenPortal #TelehealthOversight #PublicHealth
Connecticut board rejects proposed consent order for telehealth prescriber Dr. Purdy
The Department of Public Health advisory board declined to approve a proposed consent order for Dr. Purdy, citing inadequate Connecticut-specific telehealth oversight, missing probationary controls, and a civil penalty the board considered too low; the matter returns to DPH for revision.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 12:14 PM
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The board's decision to table the application for Dr. Helfrich's residency equivalency has sparked intense debate over international medical training standards.

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#CT #CitizenPortal #ResidencyTraining #MedicalEquivalency #PrimarySourceVerification
Board tables foreign‑training equivalency request for Yale candidate after split vote; asks Yale for more documentation
The advisory board deferred a decision on whether German‑trained anesthesiologist Dr. Helfrich has training equivalent to two years of U.S. residency, asking Yale to provide greater documentation or pursue an academic permit; members were divided over primary‑source verification and scope differences.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 12:12 PM
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Board members are demanding clarity on virtual clinical training for RN and LPN refresher courses amid concerns about hands-on competency assurance.

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#CT #ProfessionalDevelopment #CitizenPortal #ClinicalTraining #HealthcareEducation
Board requests ReNurse Academy to present program details after questions about virtual clinical hours
Following concern about virtual clinical hours in approved refresher courses, the Board of Examiners for Nursing asked the ReNurse Academy to return with an annual report and a focused presentation explaining how virtual clinical experience assures hands-on competency for RN and LPN refresher courses.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 12:07 PM
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The Board of Examiners for Nursing has approved a hybrid RN refresher course for Asia Dodwell, but one member voiced strong concerns about hands-on training!

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#CT #ProfessionalDevelopment #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HealthcareReform
Board allows hybrid refresher option for Asia Dodwell with 40 in-person clinical hours; one member dissents
The board modified a prior memorandum of decision to permit Asia Dodwell to complete an approved hybrid RN refresher course (ReNurse Academy) provided she completes 40 in-person clinical hours; the motion passed with one 'nay' citing public-safety concerns.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 12:05 PM
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Physical therapists in Connecticut are pushing for the ability to refer patients for X-rays, claiming it could enhance access and cut costs, but radiologists warn it might lead to overuse and safety concerns.

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#CT #CitizenPortal #ImagingSafety #PatientCare #HealthcareAccess
Physical therapists seek authority to refer for X‑rays; radiologists and physicians warn of overuse and safety risks
Physical therapy representatives urged a state committee to allow PTs to refer patients for plain‑film x‑ray imaging to improve access and reduce costs; radiologists and physician societies countered that expanded ordering could increase unnecessary imaging, strain radiology capacity and risk missed or incidental findings.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 12:04 PM
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In a shocking move, the Connecticut Board of Examiners has suspended the nursing license of Kalisha R. Davis amid serious allegations stemming from the FBI's Operation Nightingale investigation.

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#CT #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #HealthcareAccountability #ProfessionalEthics
Board summarily suspends RN Kalisha R. Davis after DPH cites Operation Nightingale referral
Following a Department of Public Health presentation tying the matter to Operation Nightingale, the Board of Examiners for Nursing voted to summarily suspend Kalisha R. Davis (petition 2025-628) and scheduled further proceedings; the respondent was not present at the meeting.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 12:03 PM
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The Connecticut Maternal Mortality Review Committee has just entered an executive session to tackle the critical and confidential issue of maternal deaths—what insights will emerge from this closed-door discussion?

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#CT #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HealthPolicy
Maternal Mortality Review Committee moves into executive session to review confidential death summaries
At a public meeting, the Connecticut Maternal Mortality Review Committee introduced members, recorded motions to approve October minutes (vote not recorded in the transcript) and voted to enter an executive session to review confidential maternal death summaries before adjourning.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 11:54 AM
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Connecticut is one step closer to recognizing drama therapy as a licensed profession, integrating creative arts with mental health treatment to expand career opportunities!

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#CT #CitizenPortal #CreativeTherapies #LicensureReform #MentalHealthAccess
Connecticut public-health committee reviews proposal to create drama-therapy licensure
A Department of Public Health committee reviewed a proposal to establish a drama-therapy licensure category in Connecticut, heard details about required degrees and certification (including a 1,500-hour figure and a provisional pathway), discussed reciprocity and fiscal implications for the department, and agreed to draft a report for the legislature.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 11:53 AM
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Norwalk's Planning & Zoning Commission just approved major amendments that could reshape the city's landscape, from artist live/work spaces to new rules for vehicle storage.

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#NorwalkCityFairfield #CT #CitizenPortal #NorwalkCity #CommunityPlanning #UrbanDevelopment #ZoningReform
Commission approves broad zoning text amendments covering siding, permit expirations, artist live/work rules, and more
The commission approved a multi-part text amendment making technical and policy changes: permitting corrugated metal in light industrial zones, aligning permit expirations with state statute, easing artist live/work rules (with staff‑guided workforce housing language), clarifying encroachment and frontage rules, and adjusting duplex height rules among other items.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 6:07 AM
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The Planning & Zoning Commission has denied a controversial riprap stabilization project at 281 East Avenue, sparking concerns over environmental impacts and future remediation options.

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#NorwalkCityFairfield #CT #CoastalManagement #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalStability
Commission denies after-the-fact shoreline stabilization at 281 East Avenue, seeks peer review or remediation
Commission denied an after-the-fact riprap slope stabilization and fill at 281 East Avenue, citing lack of prior authorization and the need to verify whether less environmentally damaging alternatives were feasible; commissioners recommended peer review if the applicant wishes to return.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 6:04 AM
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Open Doors is battling bureaucratic hurdles to bring deeply affordable family housing to Norwalk, with construction set to resume soon—will they overcome the challenges?

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#NorwalkCityFairfield #CT #CitizenPortal #HousingInnovation #NorwalkCity #CommunityDevelopment
Norwalk nonprofit outlines hurdles, timeline for five-unit Berkeley Street affordable housing project
Open Doors told a Norwalk City committee that its five-unit Berkeley Street townhouse project is deeply affordable but was slowed by state design rules, a lengthy state financing process and contractor scarcity; construction is expected to resume in December with a planned certificate of occupancy in October 2026.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 4:04 AM
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The Danbury School District finance committee has moved to present October's financial statements, but a crucial vote was missing from the record—what does this mean for the board's next steps?

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#CT #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #EducationFunding #FinanceTransparency
Committee moves to present October statements to full board; vote not recorded in transcript
During the Nov. 19 Danbury School District finance committee meeting a motion was moved and seconded to present the October financial statements to the full board; the transcript shows the motion and a second but does not record a roll-call or final outcome.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 3:56 AM
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The Danbury School District's finance committee revealed a shocking $19.4 million in October expenses, raising eyebrows about the impact of new grants on the budget.

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#CT #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #EducationFinance #GrantManagement
Finance committee: October expenses up as staff and costs shift to newly approved Alliance and ARPA grants
At its Nov. 19 meeting the Danbury School District finance committee reviewed October financials showing about $19.4 million in expenses for the month, discussed $39 million in Alliance grant programming and ARPA restrictions, and asked staff for supplemental reports showing how one-time grant dollars are being used for salaries and other recurring costs.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 3:55 AM
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The Norwalk Food Alliance swiftly mobilized to support residents during a recent SNAP benefit pause, showcasing the power of community collaboration in ensuring food security.

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#NorwalkCityFairfield #CT #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach #FoodSupports #NorwalkFoodAccess
Norwalk Food Alliance mobilized after SNAP pause; alliance prepping for HB 1 changes
Health department staff told the Board of Health the Norwalk Food Alliance—more than 30 partners—coordinated rapid local response during a recent SNAP benefit pause and is parsing state HB 1 changes to protect residents’ access to food.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 3:27 AM
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As Thanksgiving kicks off respiratory illness season, local health officials are urging everyone to stay vigilant against rising infections and new flu variants.

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#NorwalkCityFairfield #CT #CitizenPortal #VaccinationImportance #NorwalkHealth #RespiratoryIllnesses #PublicHealth
Norwalk health staff warn of respiratory-season uptick, note measles and new H3N2 subclade
At its Nov. 25 meeting the Norwalk Board of Health heard an epidemiology update from health department staff warning of a seasonal rise in respiratory illnesses around Thanksgiving, noting an H3N2 subclade and national measles figures; the department urged vaccination and usual precautions.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 2:53 AM