Volume 29, Number 52
www.towntimes.com
Friday, December 29, 2023
Rae, BOS look to the future in Durham
DICKENS VILLAGE COMES TO LIFE
By Michael Savino Special to The Times
The town is under new leadership after First Selectman Brendan Rae took office earlier this month. Rae was sworn in as First Selectman on Dec. 3 and took over for George Eames the next day. Two other selectmen — Rob Chadd and Tom Hennick — were also sworn in on the same day ahead of their first meeting on Dec. 12. “I feel excited to get to work,” Rae said. “We have some work ahead of us so we’ll get right to it.” Those who visited Lyman Orchards throughout December were transported back to 19th century London, where “time travelers” were likely to bump into Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, or Tiny Tim. A Charles Dickens’ Christmas ran every weekend, through Dec. 23, delighting holiday revelers with a look at what Christmas looked like when the famous author of “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens, was conjuring up his story of three ghosts. Photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards, Facebook
MIDDLEFIELD
Traffic enforcement cameras eyed By Michael Savino Special to The Times
Previously, towns could not use cameras to catch drivers who travel above the speed limit or fail to stop at red lights.
several vendors offer cameras.
The other selectmen agreed that they initially supported the idea, but wanted to know more before moving The state Department of Transporta- forward. tion still has to issue its policy for The town would need to draft its municipalities, but First Selectman own policy and hold a public hearThe state legislature this past session Robert Yamartino suggested during ing before selectmen could make a signed off on allowing towns to use a Dec. 4 meeting the town at least decision. The DOT would also need automated traffic enforcement as a review options. to approve the town’s policy. way to address a rise in dangerous “There’s a million different ways we driving. can approach this,” he said, noting See Cameras, A2
The Middlefield Board of Selectmen is exploring the possibility of installing cameras for traffic enforcement.
Eames spent time earlier this month preparing a transition document informing Rae about outstanding projects. Eames took office in August 2022 after Laura Francis resigned to take a post with the South Central Regional Council of Governments. “It’s just been, to me, a very satisfying period,” Eames said. As far as accomplishments, Eames mentioned being proud of his handling of the project that transformed the old Korn School into the town’s Community Center. The project was initially projected to cost $7.1 million, but the town was able to complete the transformation for just $700,000. Other priorities included using $2.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for variSee Rae, A5