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Dear Neighbor,
The 2025 Legislative Session is over, but there is still so much work to be done for our community.
In Stonington, an important meeting is coming up where you can vote on policies impacting volunteer first responders, school building and management, the management of the Stonington Harbor, and more.
In Mystic, we're seeing our community take important steps forward. This past week, I was able to attend the opening of a new event space, restaurant, and inn. Expansions to beloved local businesses like the Whaler's Inn are a good indication that our economy is headed in the right direction. A part of protecting and growing that economy is dealing with issues like our state's solid waste crisis. I took steps to address that issue this past session, and while lawmakers did pass a bill improving the situation - we still need your help. In this week's update - I'll share how one local business is setting a strong example when it comes to sustainability and responsible waste management.
And in Groton - the public school system has just received a $17,000 donation to support STEM summer programs for kids. The educational programs that money will fund invaluable opportunities to combat summer learning loss, help kids explore their passions, and give them a fun and productive summer.
In this week's update - I'll provide more details on all of those topics and more. Here's a full list of what's included:
- Around N' About the Capitol, 41st District
- Reimagining Exit 89: A Safer, Smarter Gateway into Mystic
- From Mystic to Hartford: Building CT's Circular Economy
- Supporting Groton’s Nonprofits and Public Spaces through the Neighborhood Assistance Act
- Stonington Special Town Meeting: What You’ll Be Voting On
- Groton Public Schools–Electric Boat STEM Summer Camp
- CT State Library Offers Summer Reading List
- CT Department Of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- With Liberty and Justice for All
- Happy Father's Day!
- Community Events And Notices
Do not hesitate to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative
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| A little post-session photo dump! |
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Tuesday marked a major milestone for Mystic!
Congratulations to Amanda Arling as well as Kathleen & David Standridge, and the entire Whaler’s Inn team on the official grand opening of The Stanton House — a stunning new chapter in downtown Mystic’s story.
With 10 thoughtfully curated luxury suites, an elegant event space overlooking the Mystic River, and cuisine led by James Beard Award-winning Chef David Standridge, The Stanton House is more than a place to stay — it’s a bold statement about where Mystic is headed.
It was my honor to present citations from Senator Somers and me on behalf of the Connecticut General Assembly recognizing Amanda, Kathleen, David, and the dedicated Whaler’s Inn staff who made this vision a reality. Your work has redefined what hospitality means in southeastern Connecticut.
Mystic is thriving — and it’s because of people that power this great community. |
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| We had a wonderful conversation at our coffee hour! Thank you Jason Hine for hosting us at The Ditty Bag! We had a great conversation about what we accomplished in this legislative session. Appreciate the discussion and great turnout! |
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On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the Groton Town Council unanimously authorized the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) to proceed with developing preliminary design plans for a proposed set of modern roundabouts at the Exit 89 interchange of Interstate 95 into Mystic/Allyn St.
These plans will be presented to the public and the Town Council for review and feedback before final approval.
DOT is proposing a $12.5 million project to install single-lane roundabouts at three key intersections:
- The I-95 southbound on/off ramps
- The I-95 northbound on/off ramps
- The intersection of Allyn Street and Sandy Hollow Road
According to DOT engineers, roundabouts offer significant safety and operational benefits over conventional signalized intersections. A signalized intersection has 32 vehicle conflict points, while a roundabout has just 8—dramatically reducing the likelihood of crashes, especially high-speed, T-bone-type collisions.
Roundabouts also help calm traffic, reduce backups, prevent wrong-way driving, and lower vehicle emissions by reducing idling and improving flow—particularly valuable during Mystic’s busy summer season.
If DOT proceeds with the final design and receives all necessary approvals, construction could begin in approximately two and a half years and take about two years to complete. While the signalized alternative would cost $6.4 million, the roundabout design—eligible for 80% federal and 20% state funding—offers greater long-term value.
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When I served on the Groton Town Council, I began tracking this project closely and advocating for it to align with our community’s long-term transportation needs.
After DOT presented early signalization plans at a 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting, I remained in communication with residents, Town officials, and the agency. Once elected to the state legislature, I worked to ensure that forward-looking alternatives—like roundabouts—received full consideration. My direct outreach to DOT leadership helped elevate the case for safer, more modern design options and ensured local voices were heard throughout the process.
Since the summer of last year, following public feedback and Town official input elevated directly to my office, DOT began seriously evaluating a roundabout alternative. That effort culminated in April 2025, when DOT met with Groton’s Town Manager, Police, Fire, EMS, Planning, and Engineering staff, all of whom supported presenting the roundabout concept to the Town Council.
DOT’s internal Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) study confirmed that roundabouts outperformed traffic signals across nearly every metric: safety, operations, and long-term maintenance. |
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Local support has been strong. Since this past Tuesday’s Groton Town Council meeting, I’ve heard from Mystic residents of all ages and political affiliations who’ve reached out to share their support for this project. I also want to thank resident Jonathan Richards, who first introduced this idea to me.
The Council’s unanimous vote paves the way for Groton to be a leader in safer roads, building on the work we’ve done to establish a Complete Streets Committee and policy to improve safety—especially for cyclists and pedestrians.
At the most recent Groton Town Council meeting, Groton Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro Jr. stated that roundabouts would likely reduce crashes and speeding on Allyn Street. DOT data backs this up: studies in Connecticut have shown an 81% reduction in severe crashes and a 44% reduction in total crashes at roundabout intersections. National data reflects similarly strong safety gains.
This milestone reflects years of community advocacy, technical review, and local–state collaboration. As your state representative, I will continue to champion infrastructure projects that improve public safety, reflect community values, and enhance the quality of life in places like Mystic.
Projects like this don’t just change roadways—they shape how people experience daily life in one of Connecticut’s most iconic communities.
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This past session, I was proud to co-sponsor and unanimously advance HB 6917 out of the House of Representatives—a bill focused squarely on addressing Connecticut’s growing solid waste crisis.
The bill recognizes that our current waste infrastructure is unsustainable and calls for solutions rooted in food waste diversion, boosting recycling rates, and reducing plastic while eliminating polystyrene. It’s a step forward in building a truly circular economy—one that prioritizes reuse, recovery, and regeneration over disposal.
But legislation alone isn’t enough. Fortunately, we don’t have to look far to see what this vision looks like in practice.
Right here in Mystic, one of the clearest examples comes from Oyster Club, the flagship restaurant that helped launch Mystic’s culinary renaissance over a decade ago. Dan Meiser, who I often refer to as the godfather of the Mystic restaurant scene, has long understood the connection between food, place, and stewardship.
Today, Oyster Club is leading by example.
The restaurant has partnered with Noank-based Organixx Composting, founded by Casey Adams, to collect and recycle its organic kitchen waste—everything from peels and shells to bones and scraps. That waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost that returns to the soil instead of going to a landfill. Now, residents across the region can take part too: Organixx offers residential compost pick-up in and around Mystic, expanding access to this essential climate solution. |
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In addition, Oyster Club continues its oyster shell recycling efforts through a partnership with the Coastal Oyster Restoration and Recycling program. These shells, once discarded, are now reused to restore local shellfish habitats—an excellent example of material recovery that also supports marine ecosystems.
We’re seeing momentum grow across the region. I was proud to help secure $4.5 million through the Connecticut DEEP’s Materials Management Infrastructure (MMI) Grant for SCRRRA’s regional commercial-scale composting facility. This investment will allow us to divert up to 7,500 tons of food waste annually from incineration, turning organic material into compost for use by local farms, gardeners, and community projects.
In Stonington, I also helped secure funding through DEEP’s Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Grant to launch a town-wide curbside food scrap collection pilot program, which began on January 23, 2023. Since its launch, the program has diverted over one million pounds—more than 500 tons—of food waste from the municipal waste stream. That material is now being composted, not burned or buried.
These regional infrastructure investments and local pilot programs complement the grassroots leadership of businesses like Oyster Club and Organixx, creating a more resilient and effective composting ecosystem for Southeastern Connecticut. Together, they represent the circular economy in action—closing the loop between waste and resource, policy and practice.
In Hartford, I’ll continue fighting for structural change: investments in composting infrastructure, waste reduction incentives, and broader access to food donation and diversion programs. But I’ll also keep shining a light on local leaders like Dan, Casey, and the team at Oyster Club—because they’re already showing us what works. |
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Each year, the Town of Groton proudly participates in the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA)—a state tax credit program that encourages businesses to invest in local nonprofit and municipal initiatives. Administered by the Department of Revenue Services (DRS), the program allows corporations to receive up to 100% in business tax credits for donations supporting approved energy conservation and community service projects.
This initiative benefits everyone involved: local organizations receive critical funding to carry out high-impact work, businesses gain meaningful tax relief, and our community becomes stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable.
For the 2025 NAA cycle, Groton has submitted three thoughtful proposals that reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainability and community well-being:
- Noank Baptist Church is seeking $38,000 to install a multi-unit air-source heat pump system, helping reduce long-term energy costs while promoting lower carbon emissions in one of our historic institutions.
- The Town of Groton has proposed a $150,000 project to install energy-efficient heating and cooling systems at the Groton Community Center. This upgrade will improve comfort and reduce operational costs at a key public space that serves thousands of residents annually.
- Community of Hope, a local nonprofit providing housing and support services, has requested an extension to complete a previously approved 2023 energy efficiency project, ensuring uninterrupted progress toward its mission of housing stability and care.
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All three applications were approved by the Groton Town Council and submitted to DRS following a public hearing on June 3, 2025. If accepted by the state, they will be eligible for corporate donations from any business operating in Connecticut. Participating businesses may then claim state tax credits in the next fiscal year based on their contribution amount.
These new proposals build on Groton’s recent success with the NAA program. In 2024, the Town received $141,000 for auditorium repairs and technology upgrades at Groton Public Schools, while both Riverfront Children’s Center and TVCCA (Thames Valley Council for Community Action) secured funding for the installation of energy-efficient windows at early childhood facilities. These improvements were supported in part by donations from Groton Utilities and Eversource, both participating under the NAA tax credit framework.
In 2023, Groton-area recipients included Community of Hope, which received over $100,000 to support energy upgrades at its supportive housing site. That same year, funding also went to Sacred Heart School for roof repairs, to TVCCA for improvements at its child development centers, and to Malta, Inc. for its “Bridging the Gap” initiative focused on homelessness services.
These examples show how the Neighborhood Assistance Act continues to deliver real, measurable impact for Groton. Once this year’s proposals are certified by the state, businesses across Connecticut can step forward to support these vital community projects—receiving tax credits in return. It’s a smart, effective model for public-private partnerships that keeps Groton moving forward.
To learn more, please click HERE. |
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Qualified electors and citizens of the Town of Stonington are invited to attend a Special Town Meeting on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Stonington High School (176 South Broad Street, Pawcatuck) to discuss and vote on the following five resolutions:
- Volunteer Fire & EMS Tax Abatement Ordinance
A proposed ordinance to implement a property tax abatement for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel who reside in and serve the Town of Stonington. The goal is to recognize their service, improve retention, and encourage volunteerism. Eligible volunteers could receive up to $2,000 annually based on participation and certification levels, as authorized under Connecticut General Statutes §12-81w.
- Stonington Harbor Management Plan Revision
A resolution to adopt a revised Harbor Management Plan and to separate the plan from the existing ordinance for clarity and better administrative management.
- Ordinance on Open Burning and Recreational Fires
A new ordinance to regulate open burning and recreational fires in Stonington, ensuring compliance with state regulations while protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
- Creation of a K–12 School Building Committee
A resolution to dissolve the existing committee and establish a new Stonington K–12 School Building Committee. This body will assess and plan improvements to the town's public school facilities, beginning with a focus on the long-term needs of the middle school population.
- Authorization to Purchase VFW Property
A resolution authorizing the purchase of the VFW Harley Chase Post 1265 property at 160–162 South Broad Street, Pawcatuck, for $285,000, and authorizing the First Selectman to execute the necessary agreements.
Why Passing Question 1 Matters
The first resolution is particularly significant. It supports the volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel who provide essential emergency services in Stonington. These individuals dedicate countless hours to training and responding to emergencies, often with little or no financial compensation. The proposed tax abatement provides a meaningful, tangible benefit—up to $2,000 off their property tax bills annually—as a way to recognize their service and improve volunteer recruitment and retention.
This ordinance will directly benefit volunteers from the Mystic, Old Mystic, Pawcatuck, Quiambaug, Borough, and Wequetequock Fire Departments, as well as Mystic River Ambulance, Stonington Volunteer Ambulance, and Westerly Ambulance Corps (as a mutual responder). In a time when communities across Connecticut are struggling to maintain their volunteer emergency services, passing this ordinance ensures Stonington can retain the trained responders we rely on every day.
Special Town Meeting Details:
Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. (check-in begins at 6:30 p.m.)
Location: Stonington High School, 176 South Broad Street, Pawcatuck, CT
Note: Please bring valid identification for check-in.
For the full meeting notice and ordinance text, visit the Town Clerk’s office or click HERE.
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Groton Public Schools has officially accepted a generous $17,000 donation from Electric Boat to support the GPS Elementary Summer STEM Camp, which will serve approximately 180 students in grades K–5.
The 4-day camp will run half days from July 7–10, 2025 at Charles Barnum Elementary School, offering hands-on exploration in engineering, computer science, and team building.
The donation helps fund teachers, paraprofessionals, a nurse, a secretary, transportation, and supplies. Families contribute a small $25 registration fee, keeping the program affordable and accessible. |
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| This is a fantastic example of how public-private partnerships strengthen educational opportunities and prepare our young learners for the future. Please reach out to Ben Moon, Director of STEM & Magnet Programs, K-5 at bmoon@groton.k12.ct.us for more information. |
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| Our libraries have a lot of books, and through resource sharing, we have access to even more books! For the first time, the CT State Library is offering a Suggested Summer Reading List for all grade levels. |
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The Suggested Summer Reading list has been compiled around this year's theme, Level up at Your Library, an all-ages summer reading program. The suggested list is just that, suggested!
The list has been created with accessibility in mind and it's a guidance that matches the age breakdowns and number of titles as the Department of Education reading challenge lists.
Click here to access the list. |
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The CTDOT has announced a series of public meetings and pop-up events to gather input on the proposed fare increases on rail services in Connecticut, including Shoreline East.
The following fare increases are being proposed:
- Proposed 5% fare increase on Metro-North Railroad services in Connecticut (New Haven Line and the New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury Branch Lines), CTrail Hartford Line, and Shore Line East services, effective September 1, 2025.
- Proposed 5% fare increase on Metro-North Railroad services in Connecticut (New Haven Line and the New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury Branch Lines), CTrail Hartford Line, and Shore Line East services, effective July 1, 2026.
The public comment period will run from June 6 to July 6, 2025.
The public meetings will be conducted in person in Stamford and New Haven on June 23 and June 24, and virtually via Zoom on June 30 and July 1. During open house hours on June 23 and June 24, CTDOT staff will be available for informal questions and answers. For the in-person meetings, registration is encouraged; however, it is only required for those who wish to provide a comment during the meetings. Registration is required for the virtual public meetings.
In-Person Meetings:
Stamford Ferguson Public Library | 1 Public Library Plaza, Stamford, CT 06904
DATE
Monday, June 23, 2025
TIME
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (open house)
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (public meeting)
ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Kennedy Mitchell Hall of Records | 200 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06510
DATE
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
TIME
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (open house)
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (public meeting)
ACCESS VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Virtual Meetings:
DATE
Monday, June 30, 2025
TIME
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
To register, click HERE.
DATE
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
TIME
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
To register, click HERE.
CTDOT staff will also hold pop-ups at the following rail stations to receive public feedback in person:
- Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at New London Union Station.
- Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hartford Union Station.
For more information on how to attend the public meetings and information on proposed changes, click HERE.
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Temporary Signalization on Route 215 in Groton
A temporary signal was implemented on Route 215 in Groton on Monday, June 9th. It will be de-energized in November 2025. Project No. 0058-0338 consists of replacing the culvert headwalls and relining the existing culvert pipe under Route 215 at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be continuous single-lane closure on Route 215 from June 9 to November 2025. Traffic control signing, temporary pavement markings, and the temporary signal will guide motorists through the work zone in an alternating one-way manner.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
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Culvert Replacement on Route 215 in Groton
A culvert replacement at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove will be performed on Route 215 in Groton. Minor construction and utility work have already commenced.
This project is scheduled to typically occur on Mondays through Fridays with anticipated completion on November 22, 2025.
The project will address the deterioration of the existing headwalls and the separation of the culvert sections spanning Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove on Route 215 in Groton, Connecticut. The project is scheduled to be completed on November 22, 2025.
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| This project is to be completed on Friday, August 22, 2026. At applicable locations, pedestrian control features, such as countdown pedestrian indications, accessible pushbuttons, and sidewalk ramps, will be upgraded to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety. |
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As the State Representative for Groton, Mystic, and Stonington, home to a strong military community and the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, I am committed to ensuring Veterans, active-duty service members, and military families have access to the latest updates, resources, and opportunities.
Below are important events, legislative updates, and benefit programs that may be of interest to our district’s Veterans. |
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Upcoming Events for VeteransWreaths Across America – Start Sponsoring Now!Every year, we strive to place a wreath on all requested graves at the Connecticut Veterans Cemetery and Col. Gates Cemetery. You can sponsor early to help us reach our goal. Sponsor Here2025 Municipal Veteran Representative Training – June 13, 2025A vital event for all Municipal VetReps who assist Veterans in accessing services.
Legislative & Policy Updates
2025 Connecticut General Assembly Session Opened January 8Veterans can track bills related to military benefits, tax relief, and more using the General Assembly’s Bill Tracking Tool: Track Bills HereHow to Get a Copy of Your DD 214
- Your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is critical for accessing VA benefits. Here’s how to obtain a copy:
- Check with your Town Clerk – Many Veterans file their DD 214 with their local town clerk.
- Contact CT Veterans Affairs – They have an archive of 130,000 DD 214s. Email oaa.dva@ct.gov for assistance.
- Submit a Request to the National Archives – The fastest way is online: Request Here
- If Needed for Burial or Military Honors – Funeral directors have priority retrieval access.
Applying for a Discharge UpgradeVeterans with less than honorable discharges due to PTSD, TBI, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), or sexual orientation (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell) may be eligible for an upgrade. Learn more and apply online: Discharge Upgrade InstructionsMunicipal Veterans Representative ProgramEach town must appoint a Veterans Representative to help Veterans access services. Find your local VetRep here: Locate Your Rep2025 Veterans Benefits Guide Available for DownloadThe latest edition of the VA’s "Veterans Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers" is now available: Download Here
Stay Connected & Get Involved
I encourage all Veterans, military families, and community members to stay informed and engaged. You can sign up for the Connecticut DVA Newsletter to receive future updates: Subscribe Here.For those looking to connect with fellow Veterans, share stories, and access important resources, consider attending a Veterans Coffeehouse near you. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for Veterans to socialize and receive information about benefits and services:
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- Groton – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Groton Public Library – 52 Newtown Road
- Mystic – 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Mystic Congregational Church – 43 East Main Street
- Pawcatuck – 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center – 27 Chase Street
For more locations and information, contact:
Gina King, Director, Senior Volunteer Services
gking@tvcca.org | 860-425-6617
If you have any issues, concerns, or ideas related to Veteran services, military families, or legislative priorities, please feel free to reach out to my office. Your service and sacrifices deserve to be honored with the best support possible.
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| Wishing all of the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day! |
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