Letter: First Selectman talks Beacon Falls

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letters_flat(Editor’s note: This letter is the November First Selectman’s letter that appears on the Beacon Falls town website.)

To the editor,

I consider it an honor and a privilege to have served the town of Beacon Falls as your First Selectman. The past two years brought many challenges, and with thoughtful perseverance, our committed team overcame them. I do look forward to being able to continue these letters for another two years, communicating our achievements as the shared goals of our town are met.

On Oct. 9, Beacon Hose Company No. 1 held a Fire Prevention Open House, where kids and their parents were treated to demonstrations that included an automobile rescue, two live structure fires and two smoke houses. The State Fire Marshall displayed a variety of investigative tools that are used to detect arson, including an accelerants-detecting black lab. The event was geared towards children, but we adults also came away armed with new information, and a renewed appreciation for our firefighters.

On Oct. 19, the Conservation Commission was joined by state and local officials in a ceremony to mark the grand opening of Lantern Ridge Park. This 97-acre parcel was given to the town in 1990, and was subsequently declared open space. Due to the hard work of Chairman Diane Betkoski and the entire commission, residents can enjoy passive recreation in the lovely wooded park, situated off Skokorat Road. We thank them for their efforts on behalf of the community. 

Beacon Falls is part of the newly formed and federally recognized Naugatuck Valley Corridor Economic Development District (NVC EDD). Coupled with our location in the Enterprise Corridor, this is a major boon for economic growth. Moreover, we are now eligible for federal funding not previously available to our area. The formation of this District allows Beacon Falls to offer added incentives to companies seeking to locate in town. 2014 will see the full potential of the district, reaping benefits for both new and existing businesses.

I look forward to your support on Tuesday.

Gerard F. Smith

First Selectman

Beacon Falls