Borough News from the Desk of the Warden - December 4, 2023

Dear Residents, 

Happy holidays to you and your family. As we approach the end of the year, there are a few items of note I’d like to share with you:

• Old Saybrook RE Tax Reassessment:  As most of you are aware, the town of Old Saybrook has recently completed their state mandated 5-year real property tax reassessment. All property owners should have received their revaluation notice by now. The reassessment has resulted in an average valuation increase in the Borough of +/-30%. In speaking with both the OS Assessor and First Selectman, the expectation is that the mill rate will fall from the current rate of 20.08, down to 16.00 +/-. I suggest carefully checking your new valuation and supporting documentation for accuracy. Visit the following link to access your assessment information online (https://gis.vgsi.com/oldsaybrookct/Search.aspx)
• Lynde Point Lighthouse: Completing a process that began back in May of this year, last week the Borough formally submitted our 200+ page application to the National Park Service for the acquisition of the Lynde Point Lighthouse. It was an arduous process that most likely will not entirely play out before the spring. Much help was supplied by the Board of Burgesses, especially Frank Keeney and Duby McDowell. As well, Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna provided excellent guidance along the way, culminating in a much-appreciated unanimous resolution endorsement of our application by the Old Saybrook Board of Selectman. The next step will be to receive comment on the substance of our application from the National Park Service, which will be within 60 days.
• Sidewalk: The replacement of large stretches of crumbling sidewalk along the Front Row has been completed. The walkway is now very smooth and without the historic tripping hazards. Thank you to all of the homeowners who funded the repairs on their property, which benefits all of us. Additionally, a big thank you to Daryl Aresco for overseeing this complicated project.
• Pettipaug Repair: Another successful project completed this fall was the return of the roadbed on eastern Pettipaug and Pattaquasset back to rolled gravel.  I am very happy with the way it turned out and Daryl and his team did a great job here too.
• Golf Tee Upgrades: The tee upgrade program has continued this fall. Tees #4 white and all of #8 have been completed and will open for play next spring.

Please feel free to contact me (warden@fenwicknews.com)  with any questions or concerns. Thank you and I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

Respectfully,

Newton C. Brainard III
Warden. Borough of Fenwick