West Hartford leaders called for tolerance and civic participation as the council approved new EV charging fees, safeguarded public parking, funded library and historic programs, and updated residents on road projects, flu clinics, and the upcoming Hartford Marathon.

West Hartford Town Hall on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

By Mia Jaworski

Mayor Shari Cantor opened Monday’s Town Council meeting with a call for tolerance and respect after a series of sign vandalisms and other acts of suppression locally and nationally. 

“Acts of violence or vandalism, especially targeting speech, won’t be tolerated in our community,” Cantor said, urging residents to listen openly, debate respectfully, and allow “the best ideas to win.”

Absentee ballots at West Hartford Town Hall. Photo courtesy of Essie Labrot

She also reminded residents of their role in civic participation, noting that absentee ballots will be made available beginning Thursday, Oct. 3. Residents can apply online or by contacting the Town Clerk’s office, and early in-person voting begins Monday, Oct. 20.

The council then moved to business, voting 9-0 to establish fees at municipal electric vehicle charging stations, which had been provided free for more than 15 years.

West Hartford has installed new EV chargers at Town Hall. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The new ordinance sets a base fee plus a cost-recovery fee to cover electricity, vendor, and maintenance expenses while anticipating future infrastructure needs. Officials said the change also aligns with West Hartford’s sustainability goals and could prevent drivers from monopolizing chargers.

In another 9-0 vote, the council reaffirmed public parking access at the Memorial and Isham garages, which were described as “public assets” vital to the success of Blue Back Square and community festivals such as the Burger Bash, which occurred Friday, Sept. 26.

Memorial Garage. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

This follows suggestions of the garages being torn down.

The council also approved $29,148 from the West Hartford Library Fund for new computers and furniture, accepted a $5,584 grant from Connecticut Humanities to support America’s 250th anniversary events, and furthered the automated traffic enforcement plan, as it was approved, to be sent to the Community Planning and Economic Development Committee for review.

Town Manager Rick Ledwith reported progress on the LaSalle Road reconstruction project, noting that work shifted Sept. 29 to the west side of the road. Southbound traffic is closed, however, businesses remain open and northbound traffic is currently allowed.

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Sept. 24, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The town is also offering free on-street parking along LaSalle and Farmington avenues until Oct. 10, the expected completion date for the west-side work.

West Hartford is also implementing its first roundabout, located at the intersection of King Philip Drive and Old Meadow Road. A public service announcement featuring Town Engineer Greg Sommer will be released next week to guide residents through the new intersection.

Neighborhood roundabout construction on King Philip Drive at Old Meadow. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The West Hartford–Bloomfield Health District will offer flu shot clinics Oct. 2–27 for anyone age 4 and older, with high-dose vaccines for adults 65 and up. No appointment is needed. Residents should bring ID and insurance cards. Out-of-pocket costs are $50 for standard shots and $85 for high-dose, though insurance may cover the expense. Clinics will be held at Town Hall, Bishop’s Corner Senior Center, Conard High School, Elmwood Community Center, and King Philip Middle School.

The Hartford Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, with runners passing through West Hartford. Road closures will affect Fern Street, Penn Drive, Asylum Avenue, Elizabeth Park Road, and Prospect Avenue from 8 to 9:30 a.m., though some streets may reopen sooner as runners pass. Police will direct cross traffic.

Eversource Hartford Marathon 2025. Courtesy Image.

West Hartford’s America 250 celebrations will be launched next month during Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend, with events continuing through next year to mark the nation’s founding.

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