TOWN MANAGER'S MESSAGE:
Though the temperatures have been warm lately, the cool temperatures are on the way according to the forecast. Leaves are now changing color and falling as we enter October. There are many things you can do in October. In Coventry we have some events to check out, such as the Walktober walking tour of Coventry Village, the Walktober-“Things that Go Bump in the Night” tours at the Nathan Hale Homestead, the CROP Hunger Walk, the 13th annual Scarecrow Contest, and the Town of Coventry’s Halloween on Main.
If you haven’t been out to the Coventry Farmers’ Market this year, you need to come check it out. There are only a few more weeks for you to come out on Sunday to experience all the Market has to offer. You can have a nice lunch in the warm autumn sun while enjoying some great musical entertainment. You can shop for Connecticut homegrown meats, fruits and vegetables as well as other local homemade products. You can bring your dog and visit with friends. There is plenty to do. The Farmers’ Market themes for October include Apple Harvest/Fire Prevention, Farmer’s Day, Holiday Market and our final day is the Pumpkin Harvest Celebration. The Farmers’ Market is open each Sunday from 10am-1pm at the Nathan Hale Homestead through the end of October.
Hopefully with the nice October weather everyone will get out and enjoy our lakes and trails. The Hop River Trail is a favorite of many, but there are several others that our Town owns and that are also kept in good condition, thanks to our volunteers. Over the last few months there has been a lot of work done by Town volunteers through work parties organized by the Protected Spaces Stewardship Committee. They have also recently been assisted by Coventry’s Boy Scout Troup 65 in their repairs. The volunteers’ work has involved clearing overgrowth, putting down mulch, installing trail markers, and in some locations constructing foot bridges. The volunteers have also been active this past spring and summer removing invasive plants from Eagleville Lake, which helps keep down the overgrowth. This keeps the Lake healthy for fish and wildlife and navigable for boating. These volunteers do an excellent job for our community. Their work really makes a difference. There is always need for more volunteers. Anyone wanting more information or if you are interested in volunteering, you can reach out to openspacestewardship@coventry-ct.gov .
The Coventry High School HVAC project is still underway, with most of the work now having been finished. The contractor, Pro-mech, Inc, has done an excellent job. The Town, in recent years, approved approximately $20 million dollars for three school construction projects. All of these projects received significant grant funding. The first two projects, energy efficiency improvements and roof replacements (Coventry High School and George Hersey Robertson School), were completed well below estimated costs, however the last one (CHS HVAC Project) came in much higher than estimated. The Town was one of the first towns in Connecticut to receive a $6.6 million grant toward the CHS HVAC project. Though the CHS HVAC project involved much roofing work and it included new energy efficient equipment, it was recommended by bond counsel that the Town should transfer the unused approved bonding authority from the roof project and energy efficiency project to the CHS HVAC Project. On September 2, 2025, Town Council authorized a referendum vote for November 4, 2025. On election day, voters will consider transferring the unused previously approved bonding authority to provide the needed funding to the CHS HVAC Project. If approved, the Town will still be below the $20 million amount that was approved by voters to be used for these three school projects. More detailed information about this will be presented at the Town Meeting scheduled for Thursday October 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Coventry High School Lecture Hall.
As we have rolled into fall, the Town’s summer road work is winding down. Crews are still working on drainage on Standish Road and paving will soon follow. The 2023 Road Bond has funds remaining as we work down the list of streets most needing improvement. The majority of remaining funds are set to match state grant funds for culvert replacements on Bunker Hill Road and Parker Bridge Road. As you drive around the Town, I believe everyone can see the success the Road Bond funding has had in improving the condition of Coventry’s roads over the last few years. The State’s recent resurfacing of Route 44 in Town has also brought much-needed improvement.
October is a busy month. I hope to see you out around the Town. Perhaps I will see you out on the Thornton Brook Preserve trail, at the Museum of CT Glass, at the Farmers’ Market on apple harvest day, pumpkin shopping at Edmondson’s Farm, or maybe even at Halloween on Main. Should you wish to contact me, please email JDrumm@coventry-ct.gov or call the office at 860-742-6324. Frequent updates are also posted to the Town Manager’s Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/CoventryCTTownManager.
Sincerely,
James Drumm
