Docent seeks city support for Custom House Museum grant; resident urges stronger traffic enforcement

Susan Hamby, a volunteer docent at the New London Custom House Museum, asked the council to support the museum’s application to the state’s Community Investment Fund to help restore the Custom House and nearby lighthouses and to complete repairs to Harbor Light and Ledge Light.

Hamby told the council the museum draws tourists and school groups, citing more than 500 visitors from 25 states and Puerto Rico in a recent two-month period and international visitors as well. She told councilors the museum has offered low-cost trips for New London students and residents via grant-funded water-taxi and discounted tours, and said the museum will request letters of support from the city and mayor as it compiles its application.

Separately, resident Keith Kimball urged the council to press the police department for more active traffic enforcement after sustained concerns about reckless driving and traffic safety, including on streets near Jennings. Kimball told the council he has previously pressed the issue and said he fears injuries and deaths without stronger enforcement.

Council response: Several councilors thanked the speakers and pledged to review the requests. Councilor Jeff Hart suggested using the city’s parking enforcement personnel in a modified role to provide flexible traffic enforcement during peak times. Councilor Reona Dice asked Hamby to specify in writing what the grant request seeks and who should receive a letter of support so the administration can process a formal support letter. Mayor Pasaro and other staff described ongoing traffic-safety work the city is conducting, including raised crosswalks, medians, islands, a recent rotary installation at Chester and Jefferson, and camera technology under consideration. Director Reyes and others said the city uses crash data and targeted engineering solutions to address high-risk locations.

Why it matters: The museum’s restorations and outreach programs intersect with economic development and tourism promotion. Traffic enforcement and engineering choices affect public safety, school routes and pedestrian safety.

Next steps: The museum volunteers said they will submit documentation and request letters of support; councilors asked staff to accept written requests and to consider the traffic enforcement proposals alongside ongoing engineering and enforcement efforts.