Once Around the City: The big sweep; back to the gyms; District B’s do-over

NORWALK, Conn – Sweeping changes are on the way to the SoNo Business District this weekend. That is, the city is going to sweep the streets.

The Norwalk Department of Public Works sent out a notice that it will be sending the sweepers into the district from 3 to 8 a.m. Saturday, April 5.

Cars parked in posted areas will be towed at the owner’s expense.

And there’s another warning aimed at district merchants:

“By city ordinance, sweeping or blowing debris from idewalks into the street is illegal and subject to fines of $250 per day. Without cooperation, the sweeping program will be discontinued.”

The SoNo Business District includes Washington, North Main, South Main, Water, Ann and Marshall streets.

Courts are back in session

Gymnasiums at Roton Middle, Ben Franklin and Columbus Elementary schools are re-opening for non-schooltime use.

Mayor Harry Rilling and Recreation and Parks Director Mike Mocciae scheduled a Thursday afternoon press conference to announce that the gyms would be re-opened after having been defunded over the past seven years.

According to a press release from City Clerk Donna King, “The administration feels that open Gyms are a place where young boys and girls can utilize a gymnasium in a safe, supervised environment.”

Saturdays, April 5 – May 24 (no gym April 19)

• Columbus Elementary

   K-3rd grades 9 a.m.

   4th-5th grades 10 a.m.

   6th-8th grades 11 a.m.

   9th-10th grades noon

Mondays, April 7-May 19

• Ben Franklin School Gym

   7 to 9 p.m. Age 16 and up

Fridays, April 11-May 30

• Roton Middle School Gym

   7 to 9 p.m. Age 16 and up

School Vacation week program April 14-17

• Ben Franklin School Gym

   K-3rd grades 9 a.m.

   4th-5th grades 10 a.m.

   6th-8th grades 11 a.m.

   9th-10th grades noon

Dems go with Plan B

Norwalk’s District B Democrats threw out the results of their first attempt at electing officers last month and decided to hold a new election after getting its voter eligibility list in order.

“We had members that were put forward to vote that really weren’t members of the district,” Common Councilman Travis Simms (D-District B) said after the earlier election. “Then we had members of the district that wasn’t put on the ballot to vote. We had some questions about that and we are in the midst of figuring all of that stuff out.”

They apparent got it figured out to everyone’s satisfaction and got back to business Monday. State Rep. Bruce Morris (D-140) was elected chairman, Bobby Burgess was chosen as vice chairman and Darlene Young was picked as secretary.

Mary Geake and Common Councilwoman Faye Bowman tied in the voting for treasurer, but a source told NancyOnNorwalk that there was no desire for yet another ballot. Instead, the caucus voted to create the position of deputy treasurer, and Bowman volunteered to take the new role, making Geake treasurer.