MAKE WP ICONIC
Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Konicki outlined an idea for Stonington selectmen Wednesday night that calls for building a $500,000 structure on the Pawcatuck River Bridge to help market and brand the downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck community. Konicki told selectmen that the first step would be to paint a stripe on the bridge where the two towns and two states meet, giving people a chance to take selfies and post them on social media. First Selectman Rob Simmons likened the project to the Frog Bridge in Willimantic and the clock tower at Eastern Connecticut State University, agreeing such structures help brand places. Selectmen say they’re excited about the idea and willing to further collaborate with the chamber.
PROGRESS MADE IN HOUSING RELOCATION
Judge David Sheriden signed an agreement in 2014 to end a class action lawsuit and ensure new homes for tenants at the troubled New London Thames River Apartments. Robert Reardon, who has represented tenants pro bono for more than a decade, threatened to reopen the case because of what he said were further deteriorating conditions at the Crystal Avenue high-rises. On Wednesday, Judge Sheriden said he’s satisfied with the recent progress the city and its housing authority have made in trying to provide new homes for those families.
MAN MISSING
New London Police are searching for a 31-year-old city man they said went missing early Sept. 8th. A friend of James Kozik said he often took nighttime walks but went out later than usual. His girlfriend reported she received a text from him saying he’d be home in 20 minutes but never showed up. Kozik is described as a black male, with black hair and brown eyes, about 5 feet 11 inches tall and 172 pounds. He was wearing a T-shirt and shorts with red sneakers when he left. Kozik is an Air Force veteran who suffers seizures and has been diagnosed with PTSD. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (860) 447-5269.
DRONES A CONCERN IN OL
As thousands of tree swallows settle onto Goose Island to prepare for their migration south for the winter, observers have spotted something else flying nearby: drones that they’re concerned could affect the birds’ migratory patterns. Observers said they’ve seen drones flying in the middle of the flocks as they fly, and swooping down close to where the birds roost. It’s thought that if the birds spend energy avoiding the drone instead of feeding on mosquitoes and other bugs and resting, that’s energy they won’t have to migrate, and it may lower the success of their migration. While there is no state prohibition against flying a drone there, both the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Connecticut Audubon Society are urging people to not disturb the wildlife.
DINER OWNER SENTENCED
The owner of the former Mel’s Diner in Montville, where police say they found more than eight pounds of marijuana in mason jars and lasagna pans, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and received a one-year suspended sentence on Wednesday. Melanie Lamperelli told police she smokes marijuana for medical reasons, and was in the process of obtaining a license to purchase medical marijuana. Additional charges were dropped.
