The owner of English Apothecary in Bethel has proposed a redevelopment plan… adding two stories of one-bedroom apartments above his drugstore and adjacent bank on Greenwood Avenue. This project, including 16 residential units, aligns with Bethel’s vision for mixed-use development in its downtown area. The proposal will undergo a public hearing next month to discuss the site plan and special permit application.

The Board of Education in Brookfield is facing a reduction of over $700,000 in their budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. Despite this cut, officials say it won’t directly impact teachers or students. The reduction was largely offset by identified savings, particularly in employee health insurance costs, which are now projected to rise by 2 percent instead of the previously anticipated 7 percent. Additionally, the district will save by providing special education services in-house rather than using out-of-district placements. The proposed budget, to be decided by town voters next month, would increase local spending by $5.09 million, representing a 6.19 percent rise over the current budget.

Everyone is invited to join the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce for their spring networking event in conjunction with the Young Professionals Council. It’s your chance to spring into success, and to grow, network, and flourish! The event is set for Tuesday, May 14th at Del Primo on Federal Road in Brookfield, from 5 to 7pm. Tickets are $30, and that includes appetizers and one drink. All who attend are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut. Tickets are available by contacting the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce.

A serious crash involving a 20-year-old motorcyclist from Southbury occurred Friday evening on Federal Road in Brookfield. According to police, the motorcyclist was traveling north on Route 7 and attempted to continue onto Route 202 when he collided with a car turning left onto Federal Road. The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital. The road was closed for several hours during the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to contact the Brookfield Police Department.

Danbury police have confirmed that a report of an armed individual at the Danbury Fair mall on Sunday was simply another false alarm. Responding officers determined that there was no credible threat, and the public was not in danger. This incident is being investigated as a case of swatting, a dangerous hoax where false reports are made to provoke a large law enforcement response. Similar incidents have occurred recently, including a lockdown at Brass Mill Center mall in Waterbury. Meanwhile, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. They say swatting not only wastes valuable resources but also poses serious risks to public safety.

Connecticut health officials are urging caution after a raccoon discovered in East Lyme tested positive for rabies. The infected animal was confirmed to carry the deadly disease on Friday. Authorities statewide now are reminding residents not to approach or feed wild animals or stray pets to avoid potential exposure to rabies, which can be transmitted through scratches or bites. This case follows another incident last month in Fairfield, where six dogs were placed under quarantine after encountering a rabid raccoon.

Two people from Connecticut were arrested after an incident involving the theft of railroad tracks at Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park in Old Saybrook. Nicole Hooghkirk and Jason Hubbard were taken into custody after an investigation turned up evidence that the two were observed dismantling and removing sections of track from an active stretch of railroad, spanning 12 miles within the state park. That track is used year-round for passenger cars, including the popular “North Pole Express.” Investigators say Hooghkirk and Hubbard had dismantled and sold almost a half mile of track to local scrap yards. The damage has since been repaired. Both now face charges including damage to railroad property, criminal mischief, larceny, reckless endangerment, and conspiracy.

Danbury’s long-anticipated Transit Center project has received a boost with $1.6 million in federal funds, aimed to connect buses and trains, fostering convenient transportation options for residents. Mayor Roberto Alves views it as crucial for responsible development and economic growth. The next phase involves designing and studying traffic for relocating the bus station.

The Danbury Library is hosting a Community Baby Shower next weekend, on Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This free event offers resources and support for new parents and families. The first 50 registrants will receive an early literacy tote bag filled with books and toys. Those who take part will be provided with information on health, housing, and childcare services. Attendees can join activities like Dad’s Read Storytime and a Prenatal Yoga Class. This event aims to connect families with local resources and services for childhood success. To register and learn more,  CLICK HERE

A New Fairfield man convicted last year in the stabbing death of a Newtown man is appealing his guilty verdict. Patrick Griffin filed a direct appeal with the state Appellate Court, challenging his conviction on two counts of first-degree manslaughter related to the 2022 incident. The case unfolded after police responded to Griffin’s residence and found James Edward Knapp Jr. with a fatal wound. Griffin claimed self-defense, but he was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Griffin’s appeal questions the sufficiency of evidence and trial court rulings.