UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS:

• April 24 at 6 pm | Committee of the Whole
• April 27 at 6:30 pm | Youth Advisory Committee
• May 1 at 7:30 pm | Mayor & Council
• May 2 at 6 pm | Planning & Zoning Commission Special Meeting
• May 3 at 5:30 pm | Economic Development Commission
• May 4 at 4:30 pm | Eastern Point Historic District Commission
• May 8 at 7 pm | Council Group Committees
• May 10 at 7 pm | Beach & Parks Committee
• May 11 at 6 pm | Harbor Management Commission
• May 14 at 11 am | Winter Farmers' Market
• May 15 at 5:30 pm | Board of Ethics

• May 15 at 7:30 pm | Mayor & Council
• May 16 at 6:30 pm | Planning & Zoning Commission
• May 17 at 10:30 am | Groton Utilities Commission
• May 18 at 6 pm | Police and Community Together Committee
• May 20 at 9 am | City Wide Yard Sale Day
• May 22 at 6 pm | Committee of the Whole
• May 23 at 5 pm | Planning & Economic Development Open House
• May 23 at 7 pm | Zoning Board of Appeals
• May 25 at 2 pm | Retirement Board
• May 25 at 6:30 pm | Youth Advisory Committee
• May 29 | Memorial Day - Offices Closed

UPDATE ON GOLD STAR BRIDGE CLOSURES

The pedestrian sidewalk over the Gold Star Bridge, the right acceleration lane of the Bridge Street ramp, and the shoulder will remain closed while the Connecticut Department of Transportation works to repair fencing and barriers damaged in the April 21st crash.

For those unable to use the pedestrian walkway, SEAT buses can provide service between Water Street in New London and Groton Square and Groton Plaza Court. Full bus routes are available here.

CONGRATULATIONS, OFFICER CLARK!

Officer Clark graduated from State of Connecticut CT Police Academy on April 5th as part of the 376th session. Please welcome Officer Clark as he starts his field training.

THANKING OUR DISPATCHERS FOR NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK

We recently celebrated National Telecommunicators Week, a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications personnel across the nation who serve our communities, citizens, and public safety personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their calm and professional work was on display on April 21st as they coordinated the emergency response to the accident on the Gold Star Bridge; The Day recently reported on this response, and you can read the article here.

The City of Groton Police Department recognized our dispatchers, from left: Sandi (day shift); Kate (evening) and Marguerite (midnight).

THE CITY OF GROTON POLICE DEPARTMENT IS HIRING!

The City of Groton Police Department is hiring for the following positions. If interested, please apply at policeapp.com. 

If you have any questions, contact the Police Department at [email protected] or call us at 860-445-2451.

(For emergencies, please dial 911)

For the Fire Department email us at [email protected] or call us at

860-445-2456.

CITY SPRING LEAF COLLECTION RUNS THROUGH MAY 24TH

The City of Groton Public Works Department has started its spring leaf collection, which will take place on Wednesdays through May 24th.

When putting out leaves for collection, please follow these rules:

• Place leaves only in biodegradable paper bags, trash cans, or cardboard boxes no larger than 35 gallons
• Do not use plastic bags — leaves put out in plastic bags will not be collected
• Grass clippings will not be collected, and should not be blown into the street. Compost or mulch into your lawn.
• Do not sweep leaves into the street. Leaves accumulate in catch basins and clog them, creating drainage problems
• Place tree twigs or hedge trimmings with regular trash

Residents can also bring bagged leaves to the City of Groton Transfer Station to be composted. Leaves in plastic bags should be emptied when brought to the resident drop-off area, while leaves in biodegradable paper bags can remain bagged.

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Large solid and recycling containers are available for purchase to City of Groton residents. You can purchase 65-gallon trash or recycling containers for $79 each and 95-gallon trash containers for $89 each.

The design is compatible with automated and semi-automated lifters to fit onto City of Groton garbage trucks. The two-wheeled containers are nearly maintenance-free and are easy to tilt and roll.

For more information or to order a container, contact the City of Groton Public Works Department at 860-446-4127.

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Hazardous household waste collection is available at several locations in the region. City of Groton residents can drop off hazardous household wastes to be professionally incinerated, neutralized, stored, or recycled.

This service is available for free to all Groton residents (ID is required). Collection is only available for residential wastes; no commercial users.

For a full list of acceptable and unacceptable items, items that are regularly accepted at the Groton Transfer Station, and instructions on how to prepare hazardous wastes for collection and drop them off, click here.

For more information and questions about collections please contact Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resources Recovery Authority, 7 Hurlbutt Road Suite 1, Gales Ferry, CT 06335 www.SCRRRA.org. Phone: 860-381-5558 Fax: 860-381-5948.

PROTECT OUR WATERSHED BY PURCHASING A RAIN BARREL

The City of Groton and Town of Groton are partnering with the Great American Rain Barrel Company to offer residents discounted rain barrels. We are encouraging residents to purchase rain barrels because they help towns better manage their water resources by reducing runoff, lowering municipal water demands, saving energy at treatment plants, and improving residential storm management.

Water collected in rain barrels can be used for tasks like landscape and garden irrigation, washing vehicles, and cleaning exterior home features. According to the EPA, rain barrels also have the ability to save the average homeowner 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months.

Barrels are available for $89 each. To purchase one, go to www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community and select Groton as your town.

Purchase deadline is May 7th at midnight. Barrels will be available for pickup from 9-11 am on Saturday, May 20th, at the City of Groton Municipal Building.

CITY OF GROTON PUBLIC WORKS NOW HIRING SEASONAL EMPLOYEES

The City of Groton Public Works Department is looking to hire individuals for seasonal employment, for duties that include but are not limited to:

• Sanitation and recycling gathering
• Landscape assignments
• Washing and cleaning fleet vehicles and equipment
• Custodial duties for the Highway facility

Successful candidates must have the ability to work in a team environment, communicate well with other team members, lift 75 pounds, and work on their feet in all weather conditions. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license.

To apply, click here.

If you have any questions please contact the Public Works Department at [email protected] or call us at 860-446-4127

EASTERN POINT BEACH PASS SALES AND SEASON OPENING

Eastern Point Beach passes will soon be available!

New this year: 

• Starting Memorial Day weekend season passes will be required or a daily fee will be charged, weekends/holiday only until June 17th.
• $5 off season pass with military ID—military discount

Official beach season:  

• Saturday, June 17th to September 4th
• Daily fees will apply from 8 am - 8 pm

How do I purchase a Season Beach Pass?  

• Mail-in, drop box and online sales start on Monday, May 1st
• In-person sales will begin on Saturday, May 6th from 9 am - 2 pm. 
• In-person sales only accept cash or check for payment. Checks should be made out to: City of Groton
• Saturday, May 6th through Friday, June 16th (closed Monday, May 29th, for Memorial Day Holiday): In-person sales available Monday - Friday, 4 - 7:30 pm, and Saturdays, 9 am - 2 pm, in the lobby of the Municipal Building
• Tuesday, June 20th through Thursday, August 31st: In-person sales available Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 4 pm, in the Parks & Recreation Office

Season Pass rates:

• City residents/taxpayers (62 years old and older)*: $20           
• City resident/taxpayer (under 62): $40  
• City resident/taxpayer (second vehicle): $30  
• Town of Groton taxpayer (62 years old and older)*: $40     
• Town of Groton taxpayer (under 62): $80      
• Non-resident (62 years old and older)*: $55    
• Non-resident (under 62): $100            

* To be eligible for this rate, an individual must be 62 on or before Labor Day. 

Full details can be found online at the City of Groton Parks and Recreation website.

UPCOMING DAY TRIPS

New York City On Your Own

Saturday, May 6th

Bus leaves Norwich Commuter Lot at 7 am. There will be 8 stop choices around the City to create your own itinerary of things to do and see. Bus departs at 7 pm from Madison Avenue (between East 47-48 Streets) and returns to Norwich at approximately 9:30 pm.

Fee: $80 per person, includes transportation with Darrell as your driver and leader for the day.

Red Sox vs. Yankees at Fenway!

Friday, June 16th

Bus leaves Groton at 2:30 pm and arrives at Fenway approximately 5 pm for some free time before the game starts at 7:10 pm. Departs 30 minutes after the last out.

Seating: Right Field Grandstand 5, rows 1, 2 & 3.

Fee: $235 per person, includes transportation in a comfortable coach bus, driver gratuity, game tickets, and $50 credit for food, beverage and merchandise, .

Limited to 43 seats; this will sell out fast!

Register for all day/bus trips and all programs at http://cityofgroton.recdesk.com or call us at 860-446-4128.

LAST CITY OF GROTON FARMERS' MARKET WINTER POP-UP

Our last Winter Pop-Up Market will be on Mother's Day, May 14th, from 11 am - 2 pm. Outdoor farmers' markets will return to Washington Park beginning on Tuesday, June 13th.

CITY WIDE YARD SALE DAY

Time to clean out your garage, closets and basement! Individually hosted yard sales will be held on Saturday, May 20th from 9 am - 3 pm throughout the City of Groton. 

City residents can register their address online at the Parks & Recreation website, emailing [email protected], or calling us at 860-446-4128.

A map of the registered addresses and a sign to display will be provided. Registered participants can stop by our office starting Monday, May 15th to pick up their sign.

Don’t have a yard/driveway to host your own? City residents can use a spot in the Municipal Building parking lot for a $30 fee. Minimum of 10 to hold a multi-family yard sale at Municipal Building.

2023 CONCERTS IN THE PARK SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

June is nearly here, which means our summer concert season is just around the corner! Get ready to rock out in the park with our stellar lineup of 2023 bands. We have several bands making their Washington Park debut in 2023 while at the same time we are bringing back a number of our all-time favorites.

Shows start at 6:30 pm on Friday, June 13th, and run on Friday evenings through July 28th. All shows are held at Washington Park in the City of Groton and feature a variety of food trucks. The series is co-sponsored and co-produced by the City of Groton Parks and Recreation Department and Groton Utilities.

The full schedule of performers for 2023 includes:

• June 13: Red Light
• June 20: Wild Nights
• June 27: Take it to the Bridge
• July 7: The Heavy Hitters
• July 14: American Honey
• July 21: Wicked Peach
• July 28: 1974

For more information, click here.

RENT THE ZBIERSKI HOUSE AT EASTERN POINT BEACH

Small party, year-round rental venue at Eastern Point Beach with breathtaking views of Long Island Sound! Holds 50 people, tables and chairs are included. Limited kitchen on premise along with 2 bathrooms. Additional parking fees apply during open beach season. 

City of Groton residents: $30 per hour      

Non-residents: $60 per hour 

$100 security deposit is required (refundable as long as the contract is not broken)

Visit cityofgroton.recdesk.com or call 860-446-4128 for further details.

PERSONALIZED PAVERS AT EASTERN POINT BEACH

Arranged around the flagpole in front of the Tyler House.

$225 / 4 lines maximum (9 characters max per line, includes spaces). Payment is due with order form.

Order form can be picked up at our office or found online at recdesk.com.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

• May 2nd at 6 pm Planning & Zoning Commission Special Meeting
• May 3rd at 5:30 pm Economic Development Commission
• May 16th at 6:30 pm Planning & Zoning Commission
• May 22nd at 6 pm Committee of the Whole Department Presentation
• May 23rd at 5:30 pm Planning & Economic Development Open House

COMMUNITY PLANNING OPEN HOUSE, MAY 23RD

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FORUM, MAY 24TH

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY! VOLUNTEER ON:

Economic Development Commission

Formed with the purpose of promoting and developing the City of Groton’s economic assets. The Commission consists of 8 regular members and 2 alternates members committed to the growth and success of the local economy. The commission is authorized to; improve the function and appearance of the City’s commercial districts; encourage a diverse business environment; emphasize the strengths of locating business in the City; and support, promote, and celebrate the success of local entrepreneurs.

Authority: CT General Statutes Sections 7-136 and 8-188

Available Seats: 3 Regular Members; 2 Alternates

Term: 3 Years

Meetings are held in the City of Groton Council Chambers at 5:30pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month.

For more information, contact Cierra Patrick at [email protected]

Zoning Board of Appeals  

Hears and decides appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in any order, requirement or decision made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. The ZBA also determines, and may vary, the application of the zoning regulations with due consideration for conserving public health, safety and welfare, and with respect to a specific parcel of land where a literal enforcement of a regulation would result in exceptional difficulty or unusual hardship resulting in significant interference with the use of the property.   

Authority: CT General Statutes – Zoning Board of Appeals, Section 8-5

Available Seats: 3 Alternates

Term: 5 years. Appt. by Mayor

Meetings are held in the City of Groton Council Chambers at 7:30 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday of the month.

For more information, contact Leslie Creane at [email protected] 

CALLING ALL CITY OF GROTON COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS

Are you looking to renovate or build a new development? 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 please email [email protected].

Do you have available commercial space for sell 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, please email Cierra Patrick, the City of Groton's Economic Development Manager, with the following information:

• Property address
• Property size by square feet
• Number of floors 
• Available space in square feet 
• Lease/sale price 
• Realtor's contact information, if applicable
• Property brochure, if available  

CITY OF GROTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM

For more information please contact Cierra Patrick, City of Groton Economic Development Specialist at [email protected] 

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.  

Have you signed up for the City of Groton's Bi-weekly Business Update?

Sign up here! and receive bi-weekly business updates prepared by the City of Groton's Economic Development staff covering:

• Upcoming Webinars & Training

• Workforce Development Opportunities 

• Industry Events

• Funding Opportunities

• Business Support Services

Check out some of our featured Business Newsletter updates below!

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE BILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY

LEGO Club for Kids

Thursday, April 27th at 4 pm

The library supplies the Legos and a monthly challenge, and you provide the creativity! Open to kids in grades 1 through 5.

Think Spring! Container Gardening with Trillium Garden Club

Saturday, April 29th at 10:30 am

The Trillium Garden Club will offer a free class on how to transplant seedlings and plant decorative spring containers. All who attend will receive a free tomato seedling and will be eligible to win one of the finished planters. Class size is limited and registration is required.

Make Art with the Lyman Allyn Art Museum

Saturday, April 29th at 1 pm

Sophia Gipstein from the Lyman Allyn Art Museum guides kids in a painting project inspired by Small Wonders: Insects in Focus. Using watercolors and pastels, kids will focus on finding the beauty in the colors and designs on various insects and bugs. Open to kids in grades 1 through 5.

Star Wars Giveaway

Thursday, May 4th at 10 am

Celebrate Star Wars Day! Stop by the library during regular hours and pick up a free Star Wars poster book and a Star Wars activity packet for kids, while supplies last.

The History of Groton's Bacon Banjo Company

Saturday, May 6th at 1 pm

Learn about the Bacon Banjo Company, which was located on Thames Street in the 1920s and 1930s and produced high-quality instruments that are still sought after today. The event includes a musical performance by Marc Bernier and Bill Pratt using vintage Bacon banjos. Free, but registration is required.

Marigolds for Mom or Any Special Person

Saturday, May 13th, noon to 2 pm

Children are invited to decorate a clay pot and fill it with a beautiful plant to take home. All ages are welcome, but younger children will need an adult to help them. No registration is necessary, but plants are available while supplies last.

WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY

Workers' Memorial Day takes place each year on April 28th to remember and honor union brothers and sisters who lost their lives while on the job. Locally, the Memorial Monument at Washington Park contains more than 600 commemorative markers for workers and their families who have made this supreme sacrifice.

A ceremony honoring Workers' Memorial Day will take place at 6 am on Friday, April 28th at the monument, rain or shine.

To order a commemorative marker for the Memorial Monument, fill out this form and send it to AFL-CIO Community Services. The cost is $85 per marker.

STATE OF MYSTIC, STONINGTON, & GROTON

State of Mystic, Stonington, & Groton

Friday, April 28th, 7:30 am - 9 am

Hilton Mystic

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce are pleased to jointly present the State of Mystic, Stonington and Groton. Speakers will share current and forecasted economic activity in their respective areas. Take this opportunity to hear from your local representatives, ask questions, and get involved in your community. If you live, work, or serve clients in these areas, you won't want to miss this program! 

Chamber Member: $25 | Non-Member: $35 

CONNECTICUT STORYTELLING FESTIVAL AND CONFERENCE - STORYTELLER RECEPTION

A Meet & Greet reception before the start of the Connecticut Storytelling Festival. Celebrate the welcoming of the Maasai Tribe of Kenya. Handmade art by the Maasai Tribe of Kenya will be for sale in the gallery. Light beverages will be provided.

EVENTS AT HYGIENIC ART

Open Mic Night

Thursday, May 4th, 5 pm

Hosted by comedians Dame Dk and Elijah Pysyk, this open mic series takes place on the first Thursday of every month. Poetry, comedy, spoken word — bring what you've got! No cover charge; donations welcome.

Dave Dondero

Tuesday, May 9th, 7 pm

Considered by NPR to be one of the "Best Living Songwriters," Dave Dondero brings his original folk songs to Hygienic Art Park. Gates open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10.

Crafts and Cocktails

Thursday, May 18th, 5-7 pm

Join us for the final get-together of the season! The $10 event fee includes craft materials and one craft cocktail with the recipe to take home.

EASTERN CONNECTICUT CONSERVATION DISTRICT PRESENTS: ALTERNATIVE LANDSCAPES TO BENEFIT WATER QUALITY

CONNECTICUT SEA GRANT ARTS SUPPORT AWARDS PROGRAM

Connecticut Sea Grant, through its competitive funding program the Arts Support Awards Program, will award up to $1,000 to an artist or group of artists. The winning submission will be selected on the basis of aesthetic quality, relevance to coastal and marine environments and Connecticut Sea Grant themes, as well as its potential impact on non-traditional audiences.

Artists or groups of artists who live in Connecticut, or whose work is related to Connecticut’s coastal and marine environments and/or Long Island Sound are eligible for funding consideration. All artistic disciplines are eligible. Previous recipients of Sea Grant Arts Awards are not eligible for five years.

Submission deadline is 4:30 pm on Wednesday, May 11th.

For more information, click here.

OPENING DAYS AT FORT GRISWOLD, AVERY-COPP HOUSE

Fort Griswold State Park will hold its opening day on Friday, May 26th. Starting on this date, visitors will be able to visit the Monument House Museum, Ebenezer Avery House, and Monument. Visitors are able to walk the grounds of the fort year-round.

Tours will resume at the Avery-Copp House starting on Saturday, May 27th. The museum says guests are welcome to visit the grounds before this date.

THAMES RIVER HERITAGE PARK AND THE WOMEN'S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ARE HIRING

Thames River Heritage Park - Digital Marketing Coordinator Wanted

Thames River Heritage Park (TRHP) is looking for a talented individual to coordinate administrative services throughout the year, who will serve a visible role and critical in growing the non-profit organization. TRHP is a collection of national and historic sites in Groton and New London, linked by water, which capture the history and culture of life along the Thames River.

For more information please see the job description.

Thames River Heritage Park - Boat Crew Members Wanted

Thames River Heritage Park (TRHP) boat operator is looking for enthusiastic, friendly, customer centric, responsible individuals to provide excellent customer service while serving as crew on the water taxi for the summer season’s hop-on, hop-off harbor cruises, narrated historic tours, special cruises (fireworks, sunset, full moon) and charters. In this position you play a visible and critical role to connect, support, sustain and promote Thames River Heritage Park.

For more information please see the job description.

The Women’s Business Development Council - Program Manager Wanted

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is seeking a passionate and driven Program Manager based in its New London office. The Program Manager will be responsible for managing and delivering WBDC’s programs and services throughout Eastern Connecticut to women entrepreneurs and other clients at all stages of business development: pre-startup and new enterprises, as well as developed enterprises.

The full job description is available here.

TAKE THE HIC HEALTH SURVEY

The Health Improvement Collaborative of SECT (HIC) is a group of organizations and community members committed to working together to create opportunities for health for all within Southeastern CT communities. The purpose of this study is to (1) inform, and (2) identify and prioritize the significant health needs of people living in the area.

Your feedback is highly important, and it will guide HIC's efforts to drive change. We appreciate the time you’re willing to give to take part in this community health survey.

To participate in the survey please visit The Health Improvement Collaborative (HIC) Community Health Survey (jotform.com)

NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK 2023 ART CAMPAIGN

National Prevention Week (NPW) is an annual health observance in May dedicated to increasing public awareness and action around substance use disorder prevention, suicide prevention, and mental health promotion. Youth groups are invited to participate in the NPW 2023 photo/video social media campaign. The campaign is open to Connecticut youth groups (grades K-12) only.

• Be creative and spell out #PreventionHappensHereCT (examples: fence art, 3-D letters, drawing, sculpture, vegetables etc.).
• Take a photo or make a 15-30 second video with your art.
• The photo should be submitted as .JPG, .PNG or .PDF file. The video should not be more than 30 seconds long. Videos must be submitted in MP4 format.
• These will be posted on the NPW webpage and social media platforms.
• Upload photos and videos to social media with the hashtag #PreventionHappensHereCT. Tag @CTPreventionWeek for Facebook.

Please note, submissions will ONLY be accepted from youth-serving organizations or schools, NOT individuals.

For more information, please visit National Prevention Week Art Campaign (ctclearinghouse.org).

PROJECT OCEANOLOGY PUBLIC CRUISES

Project Oceanology has started its new season of public cruises, offering guided tours in Long Island and Fishers Island Sound aboard the EnviroLab research vessel. You can register now for oceanographic cruises that start up in July.

For a full list of Project Oceanology's upcoming public cruises, visit oceanology.org/public-cruises