Off-Shore Wind Development Needs and Implications for Regional Planning and Transportation Workshop
Thursday March 23, 2023, 10 AM to Noon
The Metropolitan Area Planning (MAP) Forum announces the next meeting of its Multi-State Freight Working Group on March 23, 2023 at 10:00 am. This virtual meeting will be available as a Zoom webinar:
MetroCOG will hold a public information meeting on Feb. 8 at 5:00 p.m. on its updated Title VI Program, Public Participation Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan. The meeting will in the conference room of the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments, 1000 Lafayette Boulevard, Suite 925, Bridgeport, CT 06604.
The updated plans ensures that the services MetroCOG and the Greater Bridgeport and Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (GBVMPO) provide are not discriminatory and the opportunity for full and fair participation is offered to the community. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that agencies which receive federal financial assistance have non-discrimination plans in place. MetroCOG is the host agency of the GBVMPO, which includes the NVCOG communities of Ansonia, Derby, Seymour and Shelton. The legal notice for the meeting is available in English and Espanol.
The updated plan also examines the need for services and materials for people who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.
The public can submit written comments on the updated plan from Jan. 13 to Feb. 27. Those comments must be clearly legible, submitted on 8½” by 11″ paper and include the person’s name and address. Anyone who wants to comment may submit them in writing to Matt Fulda, Executive Director, MetroCOG, mfulda@ctmetro.org or Rick Dunne, Executive Director, NVCOG, contactus@nvcogct.gov. Written comments must be received before 10 a.m. on February 27.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs, activities and services that receive federal financial assistance.
The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments will conduct a Hybrid Public Information Meeting concerning the Route 8 & Waterbury Branch Line Corridor Transit-Oriented Development & Alternative Modes Assessment Project on Thursday, December 15th, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Valley Transit District (VTD) offices in Derby, located at 41 Main St., and online via Zoom. Information on how to join the zoom meeting can be found at: https://nvcogct.gov/event/route-8-alt-modes-study-public-meeting/
A formal presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. after a brief introduction. The presentation will be followed by a a question and answer period.
The purpose of this study is to develop options and examine the feasibility of implementing alternative transportation modes within the Route 8 and Waterbury branch rail line corridors. The intention is to improve and expand upon the existing public transit options to enhance the viability, convenience, and access of alternate modes of travel.
The public informational meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. NVCOG is interested in obtaining input and is accepting comments regarding this study from December 15, 2022 through January 15, 2023.
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling dial in 1 (929) 205-6099 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 123456. Zoom offers closed captioning for the hearing impaired. A recording of the formal presentation will be posted to the NVCOG’s YouTube following the event.
During the 30-day comment period individuals may leave a question or comment via email (preferred) at Contactus@nvcogct.gov. Individuals may also leave a voicemail question or comment by calling (203)-757-0535. Written comments may also be submitted to NVCOG at 49 Leavenworth Street, 3rd floor, Waterbury, CT 06702. Please reference the project in your voicemail, email or written version.
Language assistance may be requested by contacting the NVCOG at info@nvcogct.gov or (203) 757-0535. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.
CONTACT:
Desira Blanchard
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203.489.0353 dblanchard@nvcogct.gov
NVCOG Designated “SolSmart Bronze” for Advancing Solar Energy Growth
The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) has received a Bronze designation from the national SolSmart program for advancing the growth of solar energy across the Naugatuck Valley Region. This designation recognizes NVCOG for taking steps that make it faster, easier, and more affordable for local homes and businesses to go solar by way of education and training municipal officials.
SolSmart is led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. SolSmart uses objective criteria to award points based on the actions taken to reduce barriers to solar energy development. Organizations that take sufficient action are designated either Gold, Silver, or Bronze.
“Solar energy is an invaluable tool for improving grid reliability, reducing costs for residents, and fighting the climate crisis,” said Regional Environmental Planner Christine O’Neill. “This Bronze designation represents NVCOG’s commitment to fostering a sustainable, pro-solar region.”
As a regional organization, NVCOG is helping local communities coordinate on setting goals and strategies for sustainable energy growth. Earlier this year, NVCOG launched a series of webpages to promote the development of solar energy in the region and to provide municipal staff as well as residents and developers with resources. This includes an interactive solar map of the region, on-demand webinars, and a tool that will help analyze the potential for rooftop solar on any property. NVCOG also hosted virtual training sessions in June on planning and zoning for solar as well as inspection and permitting.
All municipalities, counties, and regional organizations are eligible to join the SolSmart program and receive no-cost technical assistance to help them achieve designation. Interested communities and regional organizations can learn more at SolSmart.org.
From left to right: NVCOG Communications and Community Engagement Manager Desira Blanchard, Environmental Planner Christine O’Neill, Executive Director Rick Dunne, and Senior Regional Planner Aaron Budris
The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG), as the designated recipient of Federal and State funding for transportation planning and program administration for the Valley Transit District, has prepared a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal. NVCOG, In accordance with US Department of Transportation Regulations 49 CFR Part 26, announces a proposed Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 4.9 percent for Federal Fiscal Years 2023, 2024 and 2025.
A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 23th at 5:30 p.m., at 49 Leavenworth Street, 3rd Floor, Waterbury, CT 06702.The public is welcome and encouraged to review and comment on the Draft DBE Goal. Draft DBE Goal is available online at www.nvcogct.org and www.valleytransit.org and at the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments offices located at the 49 Leavenworth Street, 3rd Floor, Waterbury, Connecticut 06702 and at the Valley Transit District (VTD) located at 41 Main Street, Derby, Connecticut 06418.
The DBE Program and Goal is designed to: (1) ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts; (2) create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts; (3) ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law; (4) ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs; (5) help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts; (6) assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE Program
The proposed goal and its rationale are available for public review for the next 30 days during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. During this period, the Draft Plan will be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the NVCOG offices and Valley Transit District offices. Written comments should be sent to Desira Blanchard, Communications and Community Engagement Manager, NVCOG, 49 Leavenworth St, 3rd Floor, Waterbury , Connecticut 06702 (203)-757-0535 or via email at dblanchard@nvcogct.gov
Waterbury, Conn. — The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG), along with the City of Bristol and the Town of Southington, announces a draft of the CT Route 229 Corridor Study Final Report. This comprehensive review observes aspects of the corridor in its current state, considers alternatives for improvement in key locations, and provides recommendations.
Along the entire length of the route, install a multi-use trail to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists.
Fill sidewalk gaps opposite the multi-use trail to provide pedestrian access on both sides.
Add an additional Southbound through lane from ESPN Drive to Executive Boulevard N. in Southington, ensuring two through lanes in either direction between I-84 and Route 72.
Realign several intersections to improve operations and safety.
The 30-day public comment period for this study is now open until June 30. Written comments can be submitted to contactus@nvcogct.gov. Questions can be directed to Richard Donovan at 203-489-0361.
Translation services for the final document are available upon request.
A summary page can be accessed here in English and Spanish.
NVCOG needs your input on the update of our Title VI Plan, guaranteeing nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. The draft plan can be accessed here.
Join us for a short presentation on the demographics of the NVCOG region and our policy of nondiscrimination, followed by a Q&A session.
Translation services are available by request with two-day notice.
Waterbury, Conn. — In partnership with the Town of Thomaston, the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) has begun a collaborative effort to assist in the development of the town’s affordable housing plan. NVCOG staff will provide technical assistance to the town as they work towards meeting the June 1, 2022, deadline to create the plan.
“Thomaston is a small town, but we have a lot to offer, and we want this plan to reflect the needs of our residents,” said Stacey Sefcik, land use administrator and lead for the Town of Thomaston. “Like other communities, we are limited in staff and time, so the services that NVCOG provides are excellent and very cost-effective. We are already looking forward to working with NVCOG on future projects.”
In collaboration with NVCOG, Thomaston is conducting research into zoning regulations and gathering baseline housing data. To measure the need for affordable housing in the small town, involving the residents is a key priority. As a starting point, the town has disseminated a survey to residents to gather input and will continue to conduct public outreach in the coming months.
“The Town of Thomaston is committed to providing housing options,” said Thomaston First Selectman Ed Mone. “We want to ensure that all our residents, young and old, who want to remain in our town for years to come have the means to do so.”
“Our goal is to serve our municipalities and we are happy that our staff can be a resource to assist with the development and completion of this important statutory requirement,” said NVCOG Executive Director Rick Dunne.
