VIEW IN BROWSER

August 13, 2024

A Note From Mayor Hedrick

City Day at Washington Park was a success. Thank you to all of the event organizers and volunteers who made this event happen and to all residents who stopped by to chat with us, explore City department booths, get fitted for a bike helmet from The Elks, and grab a quick bite. We look forward to hosting this event each year and appreciate your feedback. If you attended and have any comments or suggestions, please email me at mayor@cityofgroton-ct.gov


Also, thank you to everyone who has been following our request of making appointments prior to coming to the Municipal Building while our front landing undergoes a renovation. We anticipate we will reopen our storefront on August 26, however will update our website if anything changes.


Our weekly Farmer’s Market at Washington Park continues today (Tuesday) from 3 – 6 pm at the corner of Mitchell and Meridian Streets in Washington Park (more on that below in the Parks & Recreation section). Today's market is a special Family Day co-sponsored by Children First Groton and our Parks & Recreation Department.


Concerts in the Park wraps up at the end of this month with three shows that were previously rained out. Join us on August 23 for Floydian Trip, August 24 for Mass-Conn Fusion, and August 30 for Wild Nights. All shows begin at 6:30 pm and take place in Washington Park. As always, you can enjoy a selection of food trucks and food from the concession stand.


The next United Way Mobile Food Pantry is scheduled for Friday, August 23 from 12:30 – 2:00 pm at St. John’s Christian Church. Click here to view the full United Way Mobile Food Pantry calendar.


Registration is open for the annual Groton City Brew Run, taking place September 7 at Eastern Point Beach. See below for more details about the 5k (road race, walk and kids fun run) and brew fest!


There are a few weeks left of beach season at Eastern Point Beach. We hope you've had a chance to visit the beach this summer and enjoy the gem that the City is so proud to call our own.


As a reminder, be sure to check out my Facebook page and the City's social media pages (including the Groton City Police Department Facebook) and our website when significant weather events are forecasted for important City-wide updates and special events.


Respectfully,

Keith Hedrick

The Municipal Building is open to the public Monday-Thursday from 8 am-4 pm

and by appointment only on Friday.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW MARKETING BRAND

Every municipality (City, Town, Borough) has a municipal brand. This is often a seal or other timeless presentation that includes the name of the community, founding date, and a slogan related to the values of the “founding fathers.”


In the case of Groton City, the municipal seal has all the criteria... plus two founding dates (first as a Borough and later as a City).


With 2023 and 2024 offering milestone anniversaries of the founding of the Borough (120 years) and the founding of the City (60 years), there was an ideal opportunity to address the City/Town brand confusion AND to launch a marketing brand for Groton City.

Through a committee process and with community input, a variety of brand concepts and taglines were presented and vetted. The final selection - Groton City: History in the Making - was an engaging, appropriate and timeless choice.


Groton City: History in the Making applies to both long-standing history AND the history being made every day by the residents, visitors, and enterprises in the City of Groton.

What does History in the Making mean for Groton City?

From one of the last Revolutionary War battles to the world’s first nuclear submarine, Groton City has made its mark on history. But we’re not finished yet; our history continues to be written each passing day, by those who live and work here.

- Workers building the next generation of nuclear submarines

- Researchers developing drugs that will change countless lives

- Students who will lead the next generation into the future

- Families who find their first home in a welcoming Groton City neighborhood

- Tourists who discover the charm of our beachfront communities.


Every moment is history in the making.

MAIN ENTRANCE REMAINS CLOSED

The City of Groton front landing (main entrance) located at 295 Meridian Street, is in the middle of a renovation. During this time, the Municipal Building is open to the public by appointment only. We anticipate the project will be completed (barring weather delays) by August 26, 2024.



If you plan to come to the Municipal Building during this time, please call ahead to make an appointment prior to arriving. Curbside assistance will be available for those with accessibility concerns.

When you make your appointment, you will be instructed which entrance to use as the main entrance will be closed.


Access to the Police Department and Building & Zoning is NOT impacted. 


All City meetings will take place as scheduled. We ask that residents attend meetings via Zoom. Zoom information can be found at the top of each published agenda on the City website


To schedule an appointment, please contact the following:


Groton Utilities Customer Service: 860-446-4000 or gucustomerservice@grotonutilities.com

  • Convenient bill pay options:
  1. Online bill payment
  2. By phone: 860-446-4000
  3. In person: Secure, drive-up drop box located at the Municipal Building parking lot

Parks & Recreation: 860-446-4128 or pr@cityofgroton.com

Mayor’s Office: 860-446-4103 or mayor@cityofgroton-ct.gov

City Clerk: 860-446-4102 or clerk@cityofgroton-ct.gov

Planning: 860-446-4169 or planner@cityofgroton-ct.gov 

Finance Department: 860-446-4110 or financedept@cityofgroton-ct.gov 

Economic Development: 860-446-4066 or patrickc@cityofgroton-ct.gov 

Public Works: 860-446-4127 or highway@cityofgroton-ct.gov


Inquires, questions, or concerns should be directed to the Mayor’s Office, 860-446-4103 or mayor@cityofgroton-ct.govThank you for your cooperation! 

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Upcoming events


  • August 23 - Floydian Trip
  • August 24 - Mass-Conn Fusion
  • August 30 - Wild Nights


The Friday night summer concert series is held at Washington Park (Meridian Street) in Groton. All concerts start at 6:30 pm and are co-sponsored and co-produced by Groton Utilities and the City of Groton Parks and Recreation Department.


Spectators are encouraged to bring their families and enjoy the food trucks and concession stand. The concert site also has sufficient room on the basketball court for dancing.


For concert information or cancellation notices, call 860-446-4129, the concert hotline. Visit Concerts in the Park on the City of Groton website for more information about this year's bands, schedule and food truck line-up.

GROTON CITY BREW RUN

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Eastern Point Beach


Register early for the 2024 Groton City Brew Run to ensure you get the lowest rate and a Brew Run shirt!

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Aug 13: Farmers' Market at Washington Park

Aug 18: Summer Cabaret at Eastern Point Beach - Brad Bensko

Aug 20: Farmers' Market at Washington Park

Aug 23: Concerts in the Park - Floydian Trip

Aug 24: Concerts in the Park - Mass-Conn Fusion

Aug 27: Farmers' Market at Washington Park


Click here to view the full calendar

of meetings and special events

MEETINGS

Aug 13: Special Planning & Zoning Commission

Aug 13: Youth Advisory Committee

Aug 14: Beach and Parks Committee

Aug 15: PACT

Aug 19: Board of Ethics

Aug 19: Mayor and Council

Aug 20: Planning and Zoning Commission

Aug 21: Groton Utilities Commission

Aug 22: Retirement Board

Aug 26: Committee of the Whole

Aug 27: Zoning Board of Appeals

Aug 28: Bozrah Utilities Commission

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY - VOLUNTEER ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Applications and other information regarding vacancies on boards, commissions, and committees are always available at the City Clerk's office.

  • Beach & Parks Committee
  • Board of Ethics
  • Bozrah Utilities Commission
  • CMEEC
  • Committee of the Whole
  • Conservation Commission
  • Eastern Point Historic District
  • Economic Development Commission
  • Harbor Management Commission
  • Mayor and Council
  • Planning & Zoning Commission
  • Police and Community Together (PACT)
  • Retirement Board
  • Utilities Commission
  • Youth Advisory Committee
  • Zoning Board of Appeals


Click here and here to review boards and commissions in detail.

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Building & Zoning - zb@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 446-4104

City Clerk - clerk@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 446-4102

Economic Development - patrickc@cityofgroton-ct.gov or call (860) 446-4066

Finance - financedept@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 446-4110

Fire Department - fire@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 445-2456

Groton Utilities - gucustomerservice@grotonutilities.com or (860) 446-4000

Human Resources - hr@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 449-5510

Mayor's Office - mayor@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 446-4103

Parks & Recreation - pr@cityofgroton-ct.gov or call us at (860) 446-4128

Planning & Zoning - creanel@cityofgroton-ct.gov or call (860) 446-4169

Police Department - policedept@cityofgroton-ct.gov or (860) 445-2451

(for emergencies, dial 911)

Public Works - highway@cityofgroton-ct.gov or call us at 860-446-4127

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

The City of Groton Police Department is collecting school supplies to assist students of all ages. 

Donations can be dropped off at the Police Department's dispatch (295 Meridian Street, Groton) by August 23, 2024. For more information, call (860) 445-2451.

CITIZEN'S POLICE ACADEMY

The City of Groton Police Department is sponsoring a Citizens Police Academy. The purpose of this academy is to provide the local community with information as it relates to the function and activities of the City of Groton Police Department. The program will begin on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 starting at 6 p.m. and will run for 8 weeks.


All applications must be received to the City of Groton Police Department no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, September 24, 2024. Click here to review and download the application.


Completed applications can be submitted:

  • U.S. Mail: City of Groton Police Department, Attention Sgt. Brittany de la Cruz, 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340
  • Email: delacruzb@cityofgroton-ct.gov
  • Hand Delivered: City of Groton Police Department, 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT 06340

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

  • Entry Level Police Officer
  • Dispatcher
  • Entry Level Police Officer - CPCA Exam

Apply online at policeapp.com.

FARMERS MARKET AT WASHINGTON PARK

Weekly (Tuesday's) | 3 - 6 pm | Washington Park


The City of Groton Farmers Market, with support from Groton Utilities, is proud to announce that the dollar-for-dollar match will continue for the 2024 season! Use your EBT/SNAP card and you will receive a match for up to $20 to be used on food items at the market. The City of Groton and Groton Utilities are committed to our community and being able to provide families healthy food options. 


Come out to Washington Park every Tuesday for the Farmer's Market from 3-6pm.


Today (August 13) is our special Family Day, we hope you'll be able to swing by!


Thank you for your support. See you at the park!

PERSONALIZED PAVERS AT EASTERN POINT BEACH

We are very proud of our new personalized paver walkway at Eastern Point Beach. Big thanks to Jenkins Landscaping for an awesome job! For information on how to get your family's personalized paver added, click here.

SUMMER MUSIC AT EASTERN POINT BEACH

Brad Bensko is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter who plays solo as well as with the likes of Paul Rishell, Annie Raines, and Kathleen Parks of Boston based band, Mojo Rodeo. Drawing from his love of 50s and 60s pop, American Songbook, and American Roots, Brad weaves these influences together to create fresh songs with ties to the past.


Enjoy a concert on the lawn of the Zbierski House! Bring your chair! The beach concession will be open to get dinner while you are listening to the music.

REMINDERS + UPDATES

Spring/Summer Program Brochure

Click here to view our Spring/Summer Program Brochure.


Eastern Point Season Passes

Season or Daily passes are required to access Eastern Point Beach each year beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor day weekend. Passes may be purchased online, in-person by appointment only, mail-in or via drop box.


Rental Facilities & Parks

Click here for information about all of our rental facilities and parks - or call 860-446-4128.

SHORE AVENUE SEAWALL RECONSTRUCTION

The Shore Avenue reconstruction project began on May 28. Until further notice, the portion of Shore Avenue between South Prospect Street and Circle Avenue is closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.  The timeline for project completion is 180 calendar days. 

REMINDERS


  • If you see a catch basin that is clogged or full, please report it to the Public Works Department for cleaning at 860-446-4127.


  • The City of Groton sells trash containers. The design is compatible with automated and semi-automated lifters, fit onto our garbage truck and are easy to tilt and roll. Click here for more information.

Sign up for the FREE City of Groton Business Newsletter here.

WOMEN'S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL - IGNITE GRANT PROGRAM

Women's Business Development Councils Ignite Grant Program

Deadline to apply is September 24


The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. Since the start of the program, WBDC has distributed 328 grants of over $3 million to women-owned businesses in Connecticut. For additional information and more details on the program, please visit Ignite - WBDC (ctwbdc.org)


Starting August 14th, WBDC will hold one-hour informational webinars each week throughout August and September to assist prospective applicants with their applications before submitting. There will be 6 sessions in English and 2 sessions in Spanish. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here: Class Listings

Business Highlight: T-MAK Bodega Awarded $2500 Minor Facade Improvement Grant!


Swing by T-MAK Bodega (located at 105 Bridge Street) today and try the best Spanish and Soul food takeout in Groton!


This new family business has local roots and a beautiful story of perseverance.


We welcome Mike & Natash to the community and wish you many years of success.

REMINDERS

Building or Renovating?

Schedule a one-on-one meeting with the Planning & Economic Development team to discuss your ideas and plans for your property. To schedule an appointment email Patrickc@cityofgroton-ct.gov.


Commercial Space for Sale or Rent?

There's a growing interest for commercial space from enthusiastic entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their business to the City of Groton. If you have available space, email Cierra Patrick to discuss ways the City of Groton can help.


City of Groton's Bi-Weekly Business Update

Sign up here to receive our bi-weekly business updates prepared by the City of Groton's Economic Development staff.

GREATER GROTON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLATFORM

Join the Conversation!

Click here to sign-up for the Greater Groton Community Engagement Platform and participate in community discussions and planning efforts throughout Groton.  

JACQUELINE B. NIXON COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Groton, August 3, 2024 – David Rose was presented the 2024 Groton Utilities Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award during a ceremony at Groton City Day on Saturday, August 3 in Washington Park.


The award is given out annually to a member of the City of Groton community who exemplifies GU’s slogan of “Giving Back to the Community”.


As part of the award Groton Utilities presented a check for $1,000 to the Bill Memorial Library in the name of David Rose at his request.


Read more about David Rose and the award here.


2023 ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT

Groton Utilities has released its 2023 Annual Water Quality Report. We are pleased to report that once again the water we supply meets all established Federal and State drinking water standards.


Read the report here.

HURRICANE SEASON - STORM PREPARATION

There are certain things that everyone can do to be as prepared as possible should a storm hit the region. Read this article to get helpful tips on what you can do to prepare for a storm, what do do during an outage, and generator safety.

You can pay your utility bill anytime, from anywhere, and anyway you want!


  • Mail a Check: Send to Groton Utilities, PO Box 4109, Woburn, MA 01888-4109


  • Pay By Phone: Call (860)-446-4000, Select Option 1.



Remembrance of the Battle of Groton Heights

Sunday, Sept. 1 | 6:00 pm

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park


The Friends of Fort Griswold Battlefield will hold a candlelight ceremony commemorating the

1781 Battle of Groton Heights at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton CT. The Friends will place 88 luminaries on the Fort grounds each representing a casualty from the Battle of Groton Heights. For more information, contact info@fortgriswold.org.

Participate in Eastern CT Community Health Needs Assessment!


It’s a 42-question survey for everyone in Eastern CT. Survey closes August 30th 

Every three years nonprofit hospitals have to assess the health needs of the communities they serve. This year, for the first time ever, the two health collaboratives Eastern CT Health Collaborative and Health Improvement Collaborative of SECT are working together with Hartford Healthcare and Yale New Haven Health to hear directly from community members.


Take the survey here.

Thames River Heritage Park Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruises are back!


The Thames River Heritage Park hop on, hop off, Harbor Cruises are back in operation for the summer season. The retired navy utility boats run a continuous hour-loop from Fort Trumbull (on the hour) to City Pier New London (20 minutes after the hour) and Groton Thames Landing (40 minutes after the hour). Explore the heritage sites and restaurants that line the Thames River! Perfect for all ages. Secure your Season Pass today for unlimited rides all summer.

Bill Memorial Library

240 Monument Street, Groton


Food For Thought Book Club

August 13 | 12 pm


Storytime

August 19 | 10 am


Music & Movement

August 20 | 10 am


Visit the library's Facebook page 

for a full list of events.

Avery-Copp Museum

154 Thames Street, Groton


Semaphore, Signal Flags and Sea Chanteys

Tuesday, August 13 | 10am – 12pm

Saturday, August 17 | 10am – 12pm


A free children’s program on the shady Avery-Copp House lawn


For more information, click here.

FREE Entrepreneur & Small Business Symposium & Networking Event

August 27, 2024 | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

Open to the public, free for all attendees.

To Register, click here.



This FREE one-day symposium will have content relevant to ALL entrepreneurs and small business owners. Featuring panels, workshops, expert speakers, and success stories, this symposium will provide information and guidance on how to grow your business. Attendees will gain valuable insights into resources that lead to business success, learn lessons from others' success, and have opportunities for networking with fellow like-minded business owners.

Connecticut Sun Job Fair

September 13 | Noon-4:00pm

Mohegan Sun


Reserve your table at the Connecticut Sun Job Fair to secure invaluable networking opportunities with potential candidates across New England.


For more information, contact Andre O'Connor at aoconnor@connecticutsun.com

From Resistance to Resilience: Empowering Environmental Justice Communities

October 7 - 9

Mashantucket Pequot Museum + Foxwoods Resort Casino


The Connecticut Coalition for Economic and Environmental Justice presents:

From Resistance to Resilience: Empowering Environmental Justice Communities

October 7- 9 at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum



For more information, visit https://www.resistance2resilience.org or email info@resistance2resilience.org

Offshore Wind in New England: Opportunities and Challenges

September 12 | Noon-3:30pm

The Conference Center at Fort Trumbull State Park

(90 Walbach Street New London, CT 06320)


Join the New England Consumer Liaison Group (CLG) on September 12, 2024 from Noon-3:30pm

  • 12 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. (lunch for in-person attendees) 
  • 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (CLG program)  



Register HERE to attend in-person. Registration is required for in-person attendance so the host can plan accordingly for seating and lunch, and respect venue occupancy limits.


Register HERE to attend via WebEx. On the day of the meeting, the meeting link will open 15 minutes in advance so everyone is ready to begin at 12:30 p.m. If you join by phone only, you will be in listen-only mode and will be unable to ask questions. 


The CLG is governed by a Coordinating Committee with elected representatives from the six New England states. The CLG is the consumers’ voice in the electric industry. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information on the CLG, please visit the CLG webpage


Questions about the CLG? Contact Sarah Adams: 774.287.4268 or sarahadams@iso-ne.com 

For assistance with registering in ISO-TEN, please contact Participant Support: 413.540.4220 or askiso@iso-ne.com


Facebook  Instagram