Dear Chester -

Not too much new tonight - our totals in Chester have stayed pretty steady over the past week, with two new cases and one death from complications related to coronavirus.Overall, in our health district consisting of Haddam, Chester, Deep River, Clinton and Old Saybrook we have a total of 136 cases and 14 deaths. For the most part, our residents have been diligent about wearing masks and social distancing, although with the impending conversations about Phase 1 of business reopening we will need to be especially vigilant about following the guidance. The very last thing we want is to have a surge in deaths and hospitalizations which will cause us to shut down again.

I will be having conversations with the merchants as a group this week and also (I hope) separately with restaurant owners and managers. Businesses who don't feel ready to open on May 20th are not required to. We will be trying to think outside the box and come up with some creative ideas, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, please remember to wear a mask and keep the 6 foot distance whenever you are out in public - while picking up take out, going to the grocery store, or even just taking a walk where you know you will be encountering other people (like on the downtown sidewalks). I hope you all had a peaceful weekend and that you were able to enjoy Mother's Day with your families, whether through Zoom or in person. I had a fabulous breakfast made to order by my two college students followed by a jigsaw puzzle marathon and a little bit of paperwork and some time outside. What a nice day!

Be well,

Lauren



Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration has released documents detailing specific rules that eligible businesses falling under phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopening plans must follow amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The first phase – which includes restaurants; offices; hair salons and barbershops; retail stores; and outdoor museums and zoos – is currently planned to take effect beginning May 20.

The governor stressed that the decision to reopen during this phase rests with each individual business owner – they are not required to open if they do not choose, however if they do they must follow the rules as prescribed.

The protocols were developed by Governor Lamont, members of his office, and the Department of Economic and Community Development, in consultation with legislators and recommendations made by the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group, which consists of several of the state’s leading medical experts and representatives of several business and industry groups.

Documents containing the rules for the first phase of reopening have been published on the state’s coronavirus website –  ct.gov/coronavirus  – and are available to download directly at these links:






All businesses subject to these rules will be required to self-certify prior to opening on May 20. The certification system will be online beginning next week.



MAIN STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
MAY 11, 2020  WEEK # 4 ACTIVITIES

Thank you to the village residents and businesses for their cooperation and patience with the downtown construction

In an effort to complete as much work as possible before businesses fully reopen, Colonna Construction will begin weekday operations at 6:30 a.m.

This crew understands the importance of business access and operation of a safe work zone. Chester constables are on site throughout the workday to maintain traffic flow, pedestrian safety and parking. Additional signage will be on site next week to make it easier to see where traffic flow should be.

During the past week, the voids under the sidewalk between the Village and River Tavern were filled.

The main storm drainage line between the old town hall and Otto's was installed. Decorative street lights were removed and work at the Chester wall started. With the completion of the main drainage outfall to the Pattaconk Brook, removal of the old street drainage system and construction of the new system will start along the north side of Main Street from the flagpole area to the new bridge.

Excavations for the new pipe, catch basin and temporary trench asphalt patching will be done in a sequence to ensure the street is safe and useable at the end of each day.

You will see that the "bumpout" in the Chester wall is being removed. The wall will be straightened out next to the stairs and the stones that are removed as part of the bumpout will be reused as part of the widening of the stairs.
Fun and interesting things found on the internet:





Chester Specific - Please share widely!