From the Desk of the First Selectman:

It has come to my attention via the Community Manager of the “See Click Fix” website that there have been on-line complaints pertaining to a dump site and a pothole, both located on Bethmour Road in Bethany. The “See Click Fix” website, of course, has no connection to the Town of Bethany, and while information contained on the website does reach the Town, it is not though the normal course of business for complaints of this nature. I have listed below the proper contact numbers for people to call to make the Town aware of any issues they may have. By contacting the Town directly, staff and I can get details as to exactly what the issue is and ascertain pertinent facts to determine the quickest and best response. While the original complaints were placed on “See Click Fix” several weeks ago, the Town was not made aware of the complaints until fairly recently. Upon learning of the complaints, we have acted promptly. To date, no complaints pertaining to these items have been made directly to my office or to the Zoning Enforcement Office. After being made aware of the complaints on “See Click Fix”, I took immediate action and drove to the area where the newly created driveway was constructed on Bethmour Road, which is known properly as 93 Peck Road and which is owned by Bioagricultural Enterprises. My inspection revealed a stockpile of debris visible from the road as well as various other items situated further into the property. I directed Zoning Enforcement Officer Isabel Kearns to investigate. ZEO Kearns has met with the property owner, and he proposes to re-locate most items to the rear of the greenhouses by June 30, if not sooner. However, the white, plastic-wrapped bagged soil will remain in the present location. The stockpile of discarded debris set closer to the Bethmour Road will remain until the ground has dried up sufficiently enough to remove it, hopefully also by June 30. The pothole that is being discussed resulted because a curtain drain was not installed when the road was originally constructed, and this is causing subsurface water flow to undermine the integrity of the road. It is not simply a matter of repaving or patching. This drainage work and road repair has been included in the Public Works budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11 and will be done in July. For a faster response to any future complaints please contact me directly at (203) 393-2100 X100 or Zoning Enforcement Officer Isabel Kearns at (203) 393-2100 X135 or Public Works Director Al Green at (203) 393-1555.

Sincerely, Derrylyn Gorski, First Selectman