Kent comments on speed camera plans

KENT — A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 22 for the adoption of a new traffic safety ordinance that would install two speed safety cameras along Route 7 to the north and south of downtown.

At the Tuesday, Nov. 12, special meeting of the board, the selectmen voted to approve edits made to the ordinance chapter, and move forward to a public hearing ahead of a town vote on Dec. 6. If the town votes the ordinance through, it will then be passed on to the state for approval of the location of the cameras.

“There are quite a few speeders that have come into town lately,” said First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer. He located the ordinance as part of a multi- year effort on the part of the town to slow traffic in the center of Kent.

“Post Covid, people are back on the road,” he said, also citing the increasing permanent and visitor populations as contributing to increased excessive speed incidents. After several years of trialing speed mitigation measures, such as lowering speed limits and installing LED “your speed” signs, the situation hadn’t tangibly improved, said Lindenmayer, citing reports from police and the town’s own speeding data collection project.

Lindenmayer said the new ordinance is “a tool” to finally address the speeding issue in town. He mentioned that the town of Washington, Connecticut, is just ahead of Kent in its own process of implementing speed cameras, and has been helpful in providing data and guidance.

Lindenmayer stated that the cameras would be installed in plain sight with the proper signage — “no hidden cameras or moving them in the middle of the night,” as he put it.

“From the start, this has been a safety issue,” said Selectman Glenn Sanchez at the Nov. 12 meeting. He related a story of how he was once passed by another vehicle — crossing the double yellow line — while driving down Main Street. “It was unbelievable,” he said.

Selectman Lynn Worthington reported that some residents fear the move has other motivations. “I’ve heard complaints that this is another way to tax residents,” she said.

She recommended the board be upfront at the public hearing about the financial aspects of the ordinance. “It’s not a money-making endeavor,” she emphasized.

Lindenmayer was careful to point out that the ordinance itself states that any money received from citations will have to go toward the maintenance of traffic programs, such as improving signage and painting crosswalks.

Latest News

Salisbury ski jumpers put on show for students

Gus Tripler prepares to jump from the new 36-meter jump.

Margaret Banker

SALISBURY - With the Winter Olympics just weeks away, Olympic dreams felt a little closer to home for Salisbury Central School students on Feb. 4, when student ski jumpers from the Salisbury Winter Sports Association put on a live demonstration at the Satre Hill Ski Jumping Complex for more than 300 classmates and teachers.

With screams of delight, student-athletes soared through the air, showcasing years of training and focus for an audience of their peers. The atmosphere was electric as the jumpers soaked up the attention like local celebrities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - February 5, 2026

Legal Notice

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application #2026-0307 by Amber Construction and Design Inc for vertical expansion of a nonconforming structure at 120 Wells Hill Road, Lakeville, Map 36, Lot 09 per Section 503.2 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The Owners of the property are Joseph Edward Costa and Elyse Catherine Nelson. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submitted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
Putting a stamp on Norfolk

Antonio Alcalá

Provided

As part of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission’s campaign to celebrate the Norfolk Post Office and the three women who run it — Postmaster Michelle Veronesi and mother-and-daughter postal clerks Kathy Bascetta and Jenna Brown — the EDC has invited USPS art director and stamp designer Antonio Alcalá for a visit.

Postage stamps designed by Antonio Alcalá.Provided

Keep ReadingShow less