Shelton approves $4.42 million for city roads, buys state land and moves early voting site

The Shelton City Council on July 18 approved a $4,416,644.95 appropriation for citywide road repairs and a package of financial and administrative measures that included a $221,000 purchase of state land, a new bank resolution and the relocation of the early-voting site.

The measures passed by voice vote during the regular meeting and were described by council members and staff as routine municipal business to keep projects and elections on schedule. The council authorized funding for road repairs to come from automatic bonding pursuant to Section 7.16 of the City Charter and voted to acquire approximately 2.54 acres of state-owned land on State Road 714 (Bridgeport Avenue) for $221,000.

Why it matters: the road appropriation is the largest single financial action from the meeting and funds repairs across the city; the land purchase was described by proponents as a way to control future development on a parcel adjoining Bridgeport Avenue; moving the early voting site changes the polling location for upcoming primaries and elections.

Council actions and key details

- Citywide road repairs: The council moved to appropriate $4,416,644.95 for citywide road repairs, with funding to come from automatic bonding (Section 7.16 of the City Charter). The motion passed. Council members noted another request for additional road funds may come forward within a month.

- Purchase of state land (State Road 714 / Bridgeport Avenue): The council voted to authorize a purchase, following a favorable referral from the Planning and Zoning Commission scheduled for Aug. 24, to acquire approximately 2.54 acres (±) identified on a state-supplied map for $221,000. The motion authorizes Mayor Mark Elliott to execute documents to effectuate the purchase. Supporters said ownership would give the city more control over future use of the site.

- Newtown Savings Bank resolution: The council rescinded a prior Webster Bank resolution adopted in May and adopted a resolution naming Newtown Savings Bank as the financing institution. Minutes record that Newtown's offer carried a 4.0% fixed rate; the earlier Webster Bank quote had been 3.68% but Webster required the city to pay $20,000 in legal fees, which the city declined. The motion passed.

- LOTCIP/Local transportation application preparation: The council appropriated $7,000 to pay DeCarlo & Dow, Inc. for preparation of a LOTCIP (Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program) application for Phase 2 and 3 of the Constitution Boulevard extension; funding was to come from automatic bonding per the City Charter. Council discussed that the $7,000 covers filing the application through the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments process.

- USPS lease: The council approved a lease agreement between the City of Shelton and the United States Postal Service for premises at 41 Church Street (the community center) and authorized the mayor to sign documents to effectuate the lease.

- July statutory tax refunds: The council approved tax refunds totaling $2,918.36 and directed the finance director to make payments from the statutory refunds account.

- Early voting site relocation: At the registrar of voters' request, the council voted to relocate the early voting site for all future primaries, referendums and elections from City Hall, Room 104, to the Shelton Farmers Market at 100 Canal Street, effective Aug. 1, 2025. The motion passed.

Public comments and other discussion

Several residents addressed the council during the public comment period. Jerry Blue, a Fairfield Avenue resident, urged action on a pothole and roadway at Riverside Park Playground and said he had followed up on the condition: “I wanted to let you know that I immediately went out to look at the road, and I am in agreement with you,” Blue said. Another speaker raised lingering concerns about repeated fires at Oliver Terrace in the Third Ward and urged zoning enforcement or the fire marshal to act. A speaker also urged the council not to sell a strip of Bridgeport Avenue property for commercial development and recommended it remain open space.

What the council did not do

No ordinance changes, rezonings or lengthy policy debates were recorded on the agenda; most items were administrative or financial and passed by voice vote. Several agenda items were approved without roll-call tallies recorded in the transcript.

Next steps and conditions

- The land purchase is subject to the Planning & Zoning referral noted on Aug. 24 and final documentation to be executed by the mayor. - The LOTCIP application will be filed through the Naugatuck Valley regional process; further state approvals would be needed for project funding. - The early voting location change is scheduled to take effect Aug. 1, 2025; voters and election materials must be updated accordingly.

The council adjourned after the listed business.