Dear Neighbors,

Thank you to all who attended and submitted testimony at the recent hearing on speed cameras in school zones. You can watch the hearing here.

In 2023, the Connecticut State Legislature passed a bill to allow municipalities to install speed cameras in school zones. To date, a total of 15 municipalities in Connecticut have state-approved plans to use automated traffic enforcement (speed and red-light) cameras in local zones.

The purpose of the cameras is to make sure that children are safe going to school. At the meeting, we saw how effective these cameras have been in reducing speeding in school zones. And, according to the American Association of Pediatricians and the National Institutes of Health, if a child is hit by a car going 20 mph, they have a 90% chance of survival. However, if they are struck by a car going 30 mph, the chance of survival is reduced to about 60%.

The safety plan will be presented for a vote at the Representative Town Meeting’s June 8th meeting. According to the RTM Moderator:

• If a majority of the RTM votes “YES” on the plan, the plan will be submitted to the DOT for approval, and if approved, the speed camera program will be up and running again.

• If a majority of the RTM votes “NO” on the plan, the speed camera program would not move forward because the cameras cannot be turned on without DOT’s approval of the plan.

• Should the RTM reject the plan, the Town and the GPD have the option of developing a new plan, conducting another public hearing, and resubmitting the new plan to the RTM for consideration at a future meeting date.

You can sign up to speak at the RTM meeting.

When I was a state representative, I voted on the bill to allow municipalities to install speed cameras in school zones because I believe that we need to do what we can to make streets safer for all. This safety plan also had the unanimous support of the Board of Selectman when it was introduced to the Board in 2024. We can all agree that the safety of all our residents is paramount.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at: Rachel.Khanna@greenwichct.gov or (203) 622-7706.

Best Regards,

Video: Universal Breakfasts

In the budget that the Connecticut General Assembly and Governor Lamont recently passed $12 million was allocated for universal free school breakfasts. In 2024, 1 in 6 children in Connecticut went to school hungry. This is unacceptable and I’m so glad that our governor and legislators did something about it.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars: Memorial Day Weekend Events in Greenwich

Saturday, May 23:

• 11am: Cos Cob Veterans of Foreign Wars Wreath Laying

Veterans Park. Strickland Road in Cos Cob

Sunday, May 24th:

• 1pm: Byram Veterans Day Parade & Community Block Party, 300 Delavan Avenue
• 4:30pm:Glenville Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony, Glenville Street and Walker Court

Monday, May 25:

• 8am: Wreath Laying Ceremony at Indian Harbor Yacht Club
• 10am: Old Greenwich Memorial Day Parade, Sound Beach Avenue

Gas Leaf Blowers Prohibited

I would like to remind readers that the gas leaf blower ban goes into effect on May 22nd and lasts until September 30, except for properties that are larger than 2 acres. Those properties can begin to use gas leaf blowers again after Labor Day. 

• Electric leaf blowers may be used year round during the usual hours of operation, M-F 8:00-6:00 and Sat 9:00-3:00. No commercial use of any leaf blowers, gas or electric, is allowed on Sundays.

This restriction was adopted to improve the health and quality of life of both residents and landscape workers. Please respect your neighbors' right to enjoy a more peaceful and pollution free summer and avoid fines by making sure your landscapers are aware of this rule.

Click here for more information.

Wear Orange: Commemorate National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Celebrate Pride Day in Greenwich

Tod's Point Sailing School Summer Programs

Greenwich Department of Human Services Campership Fund

Your gift to the GDHS Fund’s Campership Program supports children and working families when school is out. 

$800 helps provide 4 weeks of summer camp and childcare 

$400 helps provide 2 weeks of summer camp and childcare 

$50+ supports the overall Campership budget and helps serve more families 

Every gift—large or small—plays a role. When school is out, Campership steps in. Together, we can ensure Greenwich children have a safe, enriching summer—and parents have the peace of mind to keep working.

To learn more or donate click here.