Council spotlights major traffic safety push with 106 violations in one day, launches 16-week behavioral health program, honors Eagle Scouts, and announces late-summer community events.

West Hartford Town Hall. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Mia Jaworski

The West Hartford Town Council focused on key community priorities during Tuesday’s meeting, including traffic safety, behavioral health support, and upcoming local events.

On August 6, the West Hartford Police Department conducted an eight-hour special enforcement operation across six locations, including Farmington Avenue, New Britain Avenue, Mountain Road, and Albany Avenue. Officers issued 106 motor vehicle violations, including 75 infraction tickets, 28 warnings, three misdemeanors requiring court appearances, and one felony arrest resulting in full custody. 

Police will continue these enforcement efforts at varying times and locations to promote safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

To further address speeding concerns, the town will hold the second of two public information meetings regarding the installation of speed cameras on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sedgwick Middle School. 

Vision Zero. Courtesy Photo.

The meeting will review potential sites that have been identified for automated speed enforcement cameras and gather community feedback regarding the Vision Zero initiative. Following this, a draft Speed Enforcement Plan will be reviewed by the Community Planning and Economic Development Committee and brought before the Council for approval.

Courtesy Photo.

Also related to road safety, on Tuesday the Town Council approved a resolution to appropriate $50,000 from the Arapahoe Group, developer of the Center Park Place project at LaSalle Road and Arapahoe Road, to fund offsite traffic improvements on Arapahoe Road, Farmington Avenue, and LaSalle Road. The contribution fulfills part of the $150,000 traffic safety commitment required by the Council when it approved the project in December 2022. The funds will support the planning, design, and implementation of improvements to pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety in the surrounding neighborhood. Construction on Center Park Place is expected to begin soon.

Also on Tuesday night, the Council approved acceptance of a $4,000 grant from the North Central Area Agency on Aging to support the 16-week Buried in Treasures Workshop, a behavioral health program assisting residents dealing with hoarding disorders. The workshop helps participants regain control over their belongings through organized sessions and has demonstrated significant success.

Council also recognized two scouts from Boy Scout Troop 44, Hugo Wattel and Leo Kollen, who earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment achieved by only 6% of Scouts nationally. 

Leo Kollen (left) and Hugo Wattel (right) together at the Court of Honor. Courtesy photo

Hugo led a project building a large hexagonal bench for Wolcott Elementary School, while Leo constructed six custom wooden folding tables for the Universalist Church of West Hartford. Both projects involved planning, fundraising, and leading teams to successful completion.

Community Events and Announcements:

• Family Nights at the Parks will be held at Kennedy Park on Wednesday, Aug.13, and Fernridge Pool on Friday, Aug. 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., featuring swimming contests, cornhole, limbo, and more.
• Pooch Plunge – Monday, Aug. 18, 4–6:45 p.m., Beachland Park Pool, 847 South Quaker Lane. The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition’s annual end-of-summer swim for dogs is a fundraiser for a permanent public dog park. Cost is $15 per family (includes all dogs). Raffles include pet treats, grooming sessions, training packages, and more. Dogs must be licensed with current 2025 tags. Full details and advance tickets.
• “Story Time with Santa” won the 2025 ECM Hometown Media Award for excellence in community media, featuring former Assistant Fire Chief Mike Sinsigalli and the production team, Joel Bergeron and Eva Espinosa.
  
• The Real Ale Harvest Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Noah Webster House, offering unique cask ales from 20+ brewers. Admission is $40 for museum members and $50 general; under 21 not permitted.

Residents are encouraged to participate in these programs and events that promote safety, well-being, and community engagement.

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