Aaron Rubin

The Guilford Planning and Zoning Commission agreed at its Oct. 7 meeting to establish a new working group consisting of three its members and three members of the town's Affordable Housing Commission. This group will further investigate how best to bring Guilford Zoning Regulations into compliance with housing laws adopted by the state as part of Public Act 25-1. The group may receive assistance on their work from a consultant, as the commission was informed by Town Planner Anne Hartjen

As Guilford considers several options for the permanent use of the property at 370 Church St., including conceptual plans for a new Guilford Police Department headquarters, the building will serve a temporary purpose this winter as a warming center and shelter.

Madison's newly constructed emergency operations center (EOC) at the Madison Hose Company's building on Boston Post Road is expected to become operational in November, according to the town's Emergency Management Department.

An interactive and evocative theatrical production of The Witch Tryal takes the stage at North Madison Congregational Church on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. Attendees will step back in time to the late 17th century, an era when settlers in New England, including Connecticut, were gripped by fears that some of their neighbors were practicing witchcraft. One of those accused of witchcraft was Susannah Martin, who is portrayed by actress Cathy Annulli.

As previously reported in The Source and Guilford Courier, spotted lantern flies have been able to spread in the towns due to the quantities of Tee of Heaven plants, which are the primary botanical hosts for the invasive species. Whilst the prevalence of spotted lantern flies can impact agricultural plants, their presence in beaches such as the Madison Surf Club and Guilford's Jacobs Beach pose an issue relating to both ecology and recreation.

Incumbent Republican Vincent J. Candelora is running unopposed in this year's election for the 86th District seat in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Although he does not face an opponent this year, Candelora shared his priorities with the Guilford Courier as he prepares for another term in the General Assembly.

The Guilford Police Department will receive three new hybrid vehicles for its fleet following their purchase by the Board of Selectmen earlier this month. The department expects the new vehicles to have a longer service life because of their hybrid technology.

The race for Connecticut's 101st House District seat is between incumbent Democrat John-Michael Parker and Republican challenger Mary Ann Connelly. Both candidates answered questions from The Source about their priorities for Madison, including education, affordability, and shoreline protection.

The race for Connecticut's 12th Senate District is between incumbent Democrat Christine Cohen and Republican challenger Lisa Deane. Both candidates answered questions from the Guilford Courier about the issues they believe matter most this election season and how they plan to serve their constituents.

The Board of Selectmen is considering the use of artificial intelligence software to provide residents with faster, around-the-clock answers to questions while potentially reducing the volume of inquiries handled by town staff.

Certainly the message that the mural was a fine addition to the school got through to the students, who collectively let out a big 'Whoa,' upon their first glimpse of Katriana's creation, she says. That was positive news for her, since the opportunity to paint the mural was one that Katrina had been waiting for.

Following an initial discussion of establishing an Other Post-Employment Benefits, or OPEB, trust, the Board of Selectmen has sent the issue back to the Board of Finance to determine how Madison could begin funding its obligations to town employees.

The board made the decision at its Sept. 22 meeting, with all members voting to approve the tax deferral period "largely because it has 30 affordable housing units" attracted to the project, said First Selectman Matt Hoey.

The adoption of the plan comes following around eight years of work by the committee that has involved research on a "complete streets" design for Madison and various community outreach efforts that have informed its contents.

Facing staffing challenges and higher-than-anticipated student enrollment at Neck River Elementary School, Madison officials are looking for ways to ensure before- and after-school programming can be provided to families who need child care.

The creation of the Guilford Volunteers takes after a similar initiative started two years ago by the Branford Community Foundation. According to Liza Petra, the Guilford Foundation's executive director, the idea stemmed from "two members of the Branford community who were trying to figure out an easier way to connect people who wanted to contribute their time and energy with organizations that needed volunteers."

Guilford voters overwhelmingly approved the purchase of 370 Church Street at a special town meeting Sept. 16. The property will become another town-owned space within the public safety complex and is being considered as a potential location for a new police headquarters in Guilford.

The Guilford Board of Selectmen has received the first application under the town's Business Development Incentive Program, concerning a 100-unit housing development at 90 and 100 Hubbard Road known as Memorial Estates.

The Town of Guilford is looking at an estimated $92.7 million in improvements to its public school buildings over the next 10 years, according to a feasibility study presented at a Sept. 9 joint special meeting of several town boards and committees.

After four attempts, Regional School District 17 voters approved a $52.8 million education budget at an Aug. 25 referendum, two days before the first day of school.