Danbury developer Dan Bertram has received zoning approval to convert the former Crowne Plaza hotel into affordable micro-apartments. After two previous denials, the city’s Zoning Commission approved the project, allowing Bertram to transform the hotel into 198 units. These will include 154 studios and 44 one-bedroom apartments.

Connecticut added 1,100 jobs in April, mainly in education and health services, but March’s job gains were revised down by 4,400, showing only 500 new jobs. The state’s unemployment rate dropped slightly to 4.4%. Despite recent growth, Connecticut’s labor force is still below pre-pandemic levels by 20,000. Labor officials highlight the volatility of the market, while business leaders stress the need for more workforce development to keep pace with national and regional job growth trends.

Two new apartment buildings are under construction in New Milford, adding 50 units to the town. A four-story building at 25 Church Street, featuring 18 units, including six affordable units, is expected to be completed within 90 days. The second project on Poplar Street will offer 32 affordable units next to the New Milford Police Department. Both projects aim to provide modern housing options and enhance the downtown’s livability. Interested residents can expect typical market rents with some units designated as affordable housing.

New Milford will celebrate Memorial Day with two parades on May 27. The first parade kicks off at 8 a.m. in Gaylordsville, followed by a ceremony at the New Milford Public Library. The downtown parade starts at 10 a.m., moving from Main Street to the Town Green. Local veterans will honor fallen heroes by throwing a wreath off Veterans Bridge. Those interested in participating can contact the Veterans Committee at 860-355-6010 or email newmilfordveteranscommittee@gmail.com.

Just in time for National Teacher Appreciation Day, Crumbl awarded Melinda Scott of Stadley Rough Elementary in Danbury as Connecticut’s “Teacher of the Year.” Selected from over 6,000 nominations, winners receive a cash prize and a classroom cookie party. Crumbl praised the dedication of these educators in their communities, and the full list of winners is on Crumbl’s website.

Southbury Animal Control is seeking information about a female German shepherd found tied to a tree at Willow Creek Horse Farm on North George’s Hill Road. Discovered Thursday morning, the dog is described as friendly and shy but had no microchip. Anyone with information is asked to contact animal control at 203-262-0613. Photos of the dog and the leash used were posted on social media.

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is launching a new online reservation system for Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield. This pilot program aims to improve visitor experiences on summer weekends and holidays by allowing reservations up to 14 days in advance, helping to manage overcrowding and ensure safety. Visitors will need to pre-purchase a reservation to secure a parking spot, as once capacity is reached, no walk-ins will be allowed. This initiative follows a state law mandating capacity limits. DEEP will work closely with local officials and law enforcement to ensure smooth implementation.

A man now faces charges of manslaughter and other offenses following a fatal wrong-way crash on Route 7 in Danbury last September. Connecticut State Police report that Charles Connors of Milford was driving a Dodge Challenger when he struck a Honda Accord head-on, resulting in the death of 25-year-old Danielle Dempsey of Danbury. Witnesses reported Connors driving the wrong way moments before that collision. Police investigations revealed Connors had a blood alcohol content significantly over the legal limit and he was speeding. Connors turned himself in and is now being held on $300,000 bail.

A former Connecticut pastor who is accused of possessing meth, was due to appear in court today. 63 year old Herbert Miller was arrested in February on multiple charges, including possession with intent to sell a narcotic… after being pulled over for a traffic stop by state police who discovered methamphetamine in his possession. Miller, once the pastor of Woodbury United Methodist Church, is reportedly no longer affiliated with the church.

Newtown residents have approved a reduced education budget for the upcoming school year by a significant margin. The $87.4 million budget, passed 2,075 – 1,198 after voters deemed the original $88.8 million budget “too high.” Now the hard word begins. $1.4 million in cuts must now be made. These reductions include delaying hires and eliminating programs like elementary Spanish.