News Flash

Mansfield Launches Initial Sessions Seeking Public Input on Facilities Planning for the Senior Center, Community Center, and Town Hall

The Town of Mansfield, in partnership with EDM Studio, will host a series of public engagement sessions to gather community input on the future of key municipal facilities, including the Mansfield Senior Center, Mansfield Community Center, and Audrey Beck Municipal Building (Town Hall).

The next public session will be held at the Mansfield Senior Center on Wednesday, March 25, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. The Senior Center is located at 303 Maple Road. A subsequent session will be held the week of April 6 at the Mansfield Community Center, located at 10 South Eagleville Road.

The planning process is focused on evaluating long-term options for several key municipal facilities, including the future of the Municipal Services Campus – home to the Mansfield Community Center and Town Hall – as well as the Mansfield Senior Center. For the Audrey Beck Municipal Building (Town Hall), concepts under consideration include both renovation of the existing facility and potential replacement on its current site. For the Senior Center, options being explored include replacement at its current location or relocation to the Municipal Services Campus through a potential expansion and integration with the Community Center.

The Town of Mansfield is advancing its Municipal Services Campus Master Plan in partnership with EDM Studios, thanks in part to a $250,000 Community Investment Fund grant previously awarded to support this initiative. The campus, which currently includes the Audrey Beck Municipal Building (Town Hall) and the Mansfield Community Center on South Eagleville Road, is central to the town’s efforts to create modern, efficient, and accessible municipal facilities that meet the community’s needs now and in the future.

In addition to broader public engagement sessions, EDM Studios is conducting interviews and focus groups with Mansfield’s volunteer boards and commissions, including the Council on Aging, the Recreation Advisory Committee, and the Arts Advisory Committee. During the week of March 30, residents of Glen Ridge, Juniper Hill Village, and Rolling Hills will have the opportunity to share their input. Additional engagement opportunities are planned throughout the spring, including pop-up events and interactive tabling at community gatherings where residents naturally come together. Details about these opportunities will be shared as they are finalized, ensuring everyone has a chance to contribute to shaping the future of Mansfield’s municipal facilities.

“The in-depth stakeholder and community engagement phase of this Facilities Master Planning project underscores our commitment to meeting the needs of all our residents,” says Ryan Aylesworth, Mansfield Town Manager. “Ensuring our facilities promote the wellbeing of our aging residents remains a top priority, we are equally focused on designing facilities that serve people of every age—families, young adults, and future generations. This planning effort gives us the opportunity to imagine how our municipal spaces can best support our community ten, twenty, or more years from now. We sincerely hope residents will share their input, helping us shape a vision that benefits everyone and aligns strongly with the community’s values and long-term planning,” he adds.

EDM Studio was selected through a competitive process to help lead this work for Mansfield.  Established in 1988, EDM Studio is an architecture and engineering design firm located in Unionville, CT. Their project experience includes designing multiple prestigious municipal, educational, and commercial campuses across New England.

https://mansfieldct.jotform.com/250415096950861

For immediate release              

 POC: Ryan Aylesworth, (860) 429-3336, ext. 5

March 12, 2026

Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth will present his proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026-27 to the Town Council on March 23 to lead off the budget development process for the Town of Mansfield. 

The Mansfield Town Council’s schedule of budget review meetings for the fiscal year 2026/27 is available on the Town of Mansfield website at https://www.mansfieldct.gov/169/Budget-Information.  All presentations and documents will be posted there through the budget review process. too. 

Please note these important dates: 

·         Proposed Budget Presented at Regular Town Council Meeting

o   March 23, 2026, 7:00 PM, Council Chambers, Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building  

·         Public Information Sessions on the Budget

o   March 26, 2026, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers, Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building

o   May 7, 2026, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers, Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building 

·         Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget

o   April 6, 2026, 6:00 PM, virtual - Zoom 

·         Region #19 Budget Referendum 

o   May 5, 2026 – Polls are open from 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM. All Mansfield districts vote at the Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building.   

·         Annual Town Meeting

o   May 12, 2026, 7:00 PM, Mansfield Middle School Auditorium

The Mansfield Parks and Recreation Master Plan calls for upgrades to key recreational assets as well as American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance across its facilities.  Among those improvements, the Bicentennial Pond Bathhouse replacement project is underway.   Plans call for installation of a modular building in late spring, allowing for utility connections and final site work so it can be operational by mid-summer for family use and summer camps.

Demolition of the existing structure is tentatively scheduled for March 10 and 11, weather permitting.  On the demolition day, the parking area closest to the existing bathhouse will be barricaded for public safety, but Bicentennial Pond Park and the trails will be accessible to the public using the trail entrance near the play scape.  The Town has finalized the specifications for the modular building, and the order has been placed with the manufacturer for production.

“To ensure continuity of programming, staff have developed plans to accommodate early-season summer camp operations while installation and associated site improvements are underway,” says Jay O’Keefe, Director of Parks and Recreation Department.  “We are confident that these temporary arrangements will allow programming to proceed smoothly until the new facility is fully complete and open for use.”

The new bathhouse will upgrade changing accommodations and improved toilet facilities, and a shared first aid and staff space.  A portion of the bathhouse will be heated to provide year-round toilet facilities to visitors to Bicentennial Park.  The Park is popular for families using the pond, pavilion, trails, and play scape, and is frequently used by Mansfield Middle School classes for field studies.  Additionally, the bathhouse with its changing rooms will be convenient for use by Camp Mansfield youth who spend their summer days at the pond and adjacent nature and picnic areas.

(View Congressman Courtney's Remarks in Mansfield on YouTube)

U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, representing Connecticut’s Second Congressional District, met with Mayor Antonia Moran, Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth, and Mansfield town staff to discuss the $1.952 million federal Community Project funding.  The Town of Mansfield has been working with Congressman Courtney’s office to secure this funding to build a multi-use pathway from Mansfield’s Four Corners to Tower Loop Road, thereby improving bicycle and pedestrian accessibility along a busy section of Rte. 195 to both the UConn campus as well as Mansfield’s downtown business district. This Community Project funding was signed into law earlier this February. 

 The funding will be paired with $1.25 million in federal funding, plus a local town contribution that the Town of Mansfield and Congressman Courtney secured previously for this infrastructure project.  With the planned growth in housing and other development in the Four Corners area and northwest Mansfield, this trail provides a safe, walkable alternative for residents. Rte. 195 (Storrs Road) is a heavily used state road, frequently traveled by commuters and visitors to the University of Connecticut.

 The total anticipated project cost is $3.5 million, leaving approximately $488,000 that will require a commitment of state or local funding.   Mansfield’s Assistant Director of Public Works, Derek Dilaj, estimated the project will take two to three years to complete, in cooperation with Connecticut Department of Transportation.   

 Congressman Courtney said, “Two weeks ago Congress completed action on about 95% of the spending bills to fund the federal government, and it included the Transportation-Housing-Urban Development Bill, known in Washington as T-HUD.”  

 The multi-use trail project had been submitted for consideration in the 2025 budget, then re-submitted again this year by the Congressman’s office. “Whatever the proposed project, there must be a precise explanation for how the funds will be spent. But projects must show that there’s a regional benefit—(in this case) not just a specific transportation issue, but also an impact on public safety.   The appropriations committee scrubs these projects hard.  It’s a credit to your Town staff – they did a really good job putting this proposal together. We just want to take a moment to celebrate and congratulate Mansfield,” added the Congressman.

  “This project is absolutely critical to give people a safe way, whether on bike or by foot, to navigate the roughly eighth tenths of a mile along Storrs Road to the UConn campus,”   said Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth.    Acknowledging the effort of Congressman Courtney’s office, he said, “This has been many years in the making, with two major installments of federal funds due to your help.  We’re very excited to get this project fully designed and under construction.  Things don’t happen overnight, but we’re far closer now than we have ever been.  Your support is obviously an enormous part of what’s that’s allowed this to happen. We thank you.”

 “This project really needs to happen. I’ve been over to that site enough times to understand it’s not safe. I see how people navigate that road. Congratulations to Mansfield,” Congressman Courtney added.

Here's the February-March 2026 Issue of News & Updates from the Town of Mansfield

Find the issue here on our website.

In this issue you will read about:

• Old Town Hall Buildings renovation nearly complete
• Mansfield to swear in 8 new firefighters
• Budget Planning process about to kick off
• Human Services to Host first Road Race as Camperships fundraiser
• DPW oversees culvert lining process to save time and money
• Learn about regulations around junkyards
• Taste 2 Towns Restaurant Week continues through February 8
• Microchips save pets' lives
• And More!

When the Mansfield Public Library shut down for its annual winter cleaning and refresh, it reopened with a new feature: a food pantry station.  In partnership with the Town of Mansfield’s Human Services Department, which operates a larger pantry at its location on Maple Road, the library now welcomes families and individuals to pick up necessities they might need while also visiting the library.  

Mansfield Public Library is located in a different part of the community and near the Mansfield Elementary School, so providing an additional pickup spot for shelf-stable food provides a convenient service for residents.

““Libraries have a rich history of meeting the needs of their communities beyond just offering books,” says Library Director Devon Andrews.   “Our library visitors have long been able to borrow cake pans, power tools, and toys as well as books, movies, and music.  Serving as a satellite food pantry location is just a natural extension of the resources available to patrons. It is our hope that community members visiting the library’s pantry space will also be connected with the myriad of additional ways that the library can offer support, including technology assistance through our Digital Navigator program and lendable hotspots and Chromebooks,” she adds.

The Human Services Department under Director Jessica St. Louis has made a concerted effort to battle food insecurity in Mansfield.  Department staff promote access to basics by offering a Food Pantry at their offices and by hosting the Food Share Mobile Van every other Thursday.  The department also coordinates the previously grant-funded Mansfield Farms to Families program as well as an innovative

Meal Kit program. Among its key goals, the Mansfield Town Council has set a priority to make services easier to access in Mansfield.  The Human Services department supports this goal by offering delivery for those with transportation issues, virtual appointments, as well as home visits for those residents in need.  

The departments collaborated to launch a Summer Fun Bus program last June which dropped bags of food, books, and fun activities to qualifying families and individuals at key stops around Town.  Within Mansfield Public Schools, about 25% of students qualify to receive free or reduced lunches because of their families’ household income, so assisting families with summer meals is especially important.

“The goal is to ensure that every member of our community has access to the most basic necessities, food being one of the most essential,” says Human Services Director St. Louis. “We never want to see anyone go hungry. While this is a small satellite pantry, it reflects our commitment to making food accessible to all. We encourage anyone in need to reach out so we can support them through our food programs and the other resources we offer.”

To learn more details about support programs that are offered through Mansfield Human Services or to apply for programs you can call 8660-429-3315, email human.services@mansfieldct.org or visit the website at https://www.mansfieldct.gov/1896/Food-Programs

To support the food programs of the Mansfield Human Services Department with cash or food donations, call 860-429-3315 or visit https://www.mansfieldct.gov/1896/Food-Programs 

December 2025-January 2026 Issue of News & Updates, the Town of Mansfield's e-Newsletter

To read the latest issue, find the link here:  /DocumentCenter/View/26864/Dec-2025-Jan-2026-Mansfield-eNewsltr-Final

In this issue, read about:

• Deputy Chief Kevin Danielson's Commendation from the Town
• Upcoming Public Hearing on Agriculture Regulations
• New Town Council Sworn in
• Human Services Collects Donations for Season of Giving
• Winter Welcome returns to Betsy Paterson Square on Saturday
• Rte. 275 Pedestrian Improvements Nearing Completion
• Town pilots Pocketalk, a portable translation device to aid communication with residents
• And much more!

The Town of Mansfield winter parking ban is now in effect beginning November 1^st.   Per Mansfield’s Motor Vehicle & Parking Ordinance, Section 182-3, “No motor vehicle shall be parked on any public highway under the jurisdiction of the Town of Mansfield, or in any area designated as a municipal parking area, between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m., from November 1 through April 15; or at all times when there is any accumulation of snow or ice on said highways or parking areas.” 

This includes the on-street parking in Downtown Storrs including Storrs Road, Dog Lane, Elsie Marsh Way, Royce Circle and Wilbur Cross Way. On-street parking during winter storms must not impede traffic or snow removal. Cars that are found to violate the parking ban or impede plowing operations will be towed.

The Town of Mansfield Department of Public Works requests that bicycle owners refrain from leaving bicycles on sidewalks or the Town Square during snowstorms or overnight. The cooperation of motorists and cyclists will aid the Public Works staff in their efforts to maintain clear roadways and sidewalks through the winter.

 If you have any questions, please call the Public Works Department's Administrative Office at 860-429-3331.

The Town of Mansfield Human Services Department is coordinating a season-long campaign encouraging residents to assist their neighbors in need. Over the past year, the department has seen a significant increase in families requiring assistance to help stay in their homes, keep food on the table, and keep people warm during the winter months.   With this increase in need, Mansfield Human Services is providing several options for people to offer hope and help—whether by giving a warm hat, a new toy, sponsoring a family, or writing a check toward summer camp.

The Town of Mansfield Human Services Department receives the bulk of its funding for programs through the generosity of people in the community. Mansfield Human Services offers support for families and individuals throughout the year, include seasonal/holiday giving programs, an active food pantry, monthly meal kits, Holiday meal kits, back to school programs, as well as emergency financial assistance.  The Emergency financial assistance program is a vital program that helps families to keep their homes heated in the winter when all other resources are not available, keeps the lights on and helps others to stay in their home or find temporary housing if needed. 

“While the Town of Mansfield provides some funding to these programs, the vast majority of the funds comes from generous donors,” says Human Services Director Jessica St. Louis.  “Without the caring community who provides donations both in the form of physical resources and monetary donations, we would not be able to keep our programs running,” she says.  “We sincerely appreciate all the donations that have been committed already—the Mansfield community really shows up when there’s a need.”

There are a variety of opportunities to support neighbors provided by the Human Services Department: 

Giving Tree.  The Mansfield Senior Center at 303 Maple Road has established a visual and accessible symbol of caring outside of its center.  A spruce tree is covered with plastic bags pinned to the tree that each contain warm gloves, hats, scarves and other warm items donated by residents.   The sign invites anyone to take what they need.

Sponsor a Family/Child. The Human Services Department is still accepting commitments for generous individuals, businesses, departments, or other organizations to sponsor a child or a family in need during their holiday season. To sponsor a child or family, the community is asked to complete the online registration by the close of business on Wed. 12/3/25.  Toys, gift cards, or other seasonal items are being accepted through December 10^th.  

In past years this sponsorship opportunity falls short of the total need in Town.  The Human Services Department, including Youth Services and the Senior Center, coordinate a shopping opportunity for select families to pick out toys, gift cards, and other gifts.  Toys and gifts for all ages, including gift cards, are also being collected for this program, spearheaded by the Mansfield Resident State Troopers Office.  Last year 150 families received support through sponsorships or the shopping experience.   Donations can be dropped at the Town Hall, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield Community Center, and both the Senior Center and the Human Services Department.  The Resident Troopers Office will have a cruiser (or two if needed) to stuff full of toys at the Winter Welcome in Betsy Paterson Square on December 6 from 4:30 to 7. 

Other seasonal programs include Seasonal Assistance, which residents applied for in November.

Season of Giving Campaign.  For residents who are able to make donations, they can choose from one of four programs the department supports.  The Betsy Hamill Memorial Campership Fund provides camp scholarships to Mansfield youth in need thanks to generous donations from members of the community.  Another option is the Back-to-School Program, which helps families by providing school supplies and assistance to purchase other necessities in late summer.  A donation earmarked for general Community Assistance helps low-income households with basic needs, emergency support, energy assistance, food security, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Food security is another focus of the department that provides food resources in a variety of ways, including a summer meal program for those children who qualify for free and reduced lunches during the school year, Monthly meal kits, an onsite pantry, and mobilizing CT FoodShare’s mobile food pantry.  

“We are continually looking to find new and innovative ways to provide food to those in need,” says Ms St. Louis.  “Our food pantry has seen a 300% increase in usage over the past six months. The recent outpouring of support with food donations to our pantry and checks has been heartwarming, given the instability of SNAP Benefits delivery in early November.  Access to food is the most basic need of all.”

With grant funding harder to access, and American Rescue Plan Act funding ending, Innovative fundraising and reliance on community support is required.  The Department hosted a Comedy Show Fundraiser at the Willimantic Elks Lodge on October 17^th, 2025 which was successful at raising $4,000 for the Financial Assistance program. About 200 families access this program in a year.

Plans are underway to host a PJ 5K fundraiser that will include the 5K run/walk and a one mile fun run on March 28, 2026.  The first $10,000 raised will go directly to providing camp scholarships to children whom otherwise would not have this opportunity, and the rest of the proceeds will go directly to the Financial Assistance programs.  “Mansfield does not have an established road race here, so we hope this will evolve into a major annual event raising money for our own families,” says Ms. St. Louis.

Those interested in donating can donate towards any of these programs or to find more information on all that we listed above can go to our webpage at www.mansfieldct.gov/humanservices or can reach out to the Human Services Office Directly by email: human.services@mansfieldct.org or by phone at 860-429-3315.  The department accepts food items, other necessities, monetary donations and donations of time through volunteering year round.  

The Taste of Mansfield and community partners including the Mansfield Agriculture Committee and Economic Development Commission honored the recipients of the fourth annual Taste of Mansfield Champion Awards at a Community Dinner for more than 100 people held on Wednesday, November 19.  

The Taste of Mansfield Champion Awards program was initiated to recognize Mansfield producers, sellers, and communicators/educators who are leaders in connecting the community through local food and have a demonstrated record of promoting the Taste of Mansfield mission. The 2025 Taste of Mansfield Champion Award Winners are:

The public was invited to nominate, based on the following criteria, individuals, businesses or institutions that:

Dominic Shooks

Dominic Shooks is the proprietor of Shooks Apiaries located on Wormwood Hill Road in Mansfield.  He produces and markets local honey and other related products, at farmers markets throughout the region.

Dom has served as a resource to the Taste of Mansfield and the Town of Mansfield on many occasions, acting as an educator at local events, answering questions and sharing his observation hive with children and guests at the Community Center and Senior Center.  Dominic was the authoritative speaker at a beekeeping seminar hosted by the Mansfield Agriculture Committee, sharing his knowledge about the role of pollinators in our environment and agriculture. In addition to products including raw honey, raw creamed honey, beeswax, candles, and lip balm, Dominic produces delicious honey that sweetens plates across our town and broader community. His commitment to local foods as both a producer and an educator truly makes Dominic a Taste of Mansfield Champion

Robert Landolphi

Rob Landolphi has been contributing to the “community feel” of Mansfield for a long time, starting by opening a favorite drop-in cafe in Mansfield called The Sugar Shack.  Today, as Director of Culinary Development at UConn Dining Services, Rob influences the food culture of UConn by continually developing new menu items for UConn students and inspiring his staff. Rob spearheads the Culinary Olympics at UConn each year, a popular challenge that has brought UConn national recognition.

Rob also founded a summer cooking school, “UCann Cook", an experience for local youth providing basic culinary skills while also utilizing local ingredients sourced from a local garden. Additionally Rob has been a participant each year at Mansfield’s Celebrate Mansfield Festival. At the festival, Rob offers culinary demonstrations in front of a large audience, often utilizing local ingredients, and supplying recipes and tasty samples. Rob is also a nationally renowned author of three best-selling cookbooks containing gluten free recipes.  As an advocate and an educator, Rob deserves to be called a champion.

G.M. Thompson & Sons, Inc.

Thriving agriculture requires a solid infrastructure—those business resources that support farms and farming.   For nearly a century, G.M. Thompson & Sons has delivered feed, bedding and much more to production agriculture operations and homestead farms throughout this region. The Thompsons were involved in the store along the railroad tracks in the early 1900s, and again since the 1930s and incorporating in 1963.  From straw bales to salt licks, seed packets to chicken coops, Thompsons General Store has been a reliable resource to the Mansfield local agriculture community. And there’s no extra charge for the wisdom and advice these family members share, as well, on their blog on the website or in the aisles.  And don’t forget to check the bulletin board—an old-school marketplace for pet and animal lovers.

The store supports other local farm ventures, too, selling honey and syrup, and serving as a distribution spot for a local farm’s CSA when needed.  As the landmark in historic Mansfield Depot, G.M. Thompson & Sons is truly a proven champion for local farms and farmers.

Mayor Toni Moran, Mansfield Downtown Partnership Executive Director Steven Ferrigno, and Dwight Codr, Chair of the Mansfield Economic Development Commission introduced the winners and presented their plaques.

Former Champions also attended the dinner including Mansfield resident Chelsea Cherrier, Education Coordinator of CLiCK, retired UConn Dining Services Executive Director Dennis Pierce, and Chef Maraiah Popeleski-Tilley of Mansfield Schools Food Services.  Under the Chef’s leadership, the schools’ Field to Tray staff sourced the local ingredients and prepared the dinners using school meal-approved recipes.  

The menu included a starter of Butternut Squash Soup, and guests chose from one of two dinner options: Glazed Chicken Drumstick, Roasted Radish Medley, Kimchi-Style Pickled Cabbage, and Brown Rice or Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce, Braised Fennel, and Focaccia bread.

The dinner concluded with a dessert of local Apple Crisp.  Most of the products used in the menu were grown locally at Cobblestone Farm, Cloverleigh Farm, The Good Farm, Karabin Farms, and Mountain Dairy.   Serving E.O. Smith High School, Mansfield Elementary School, and Mansfield Middle School, the Field to Tray vision is to Increase participation in the schools’ food service program by serving high quality meals which are supported by the use of local ingredients and scratch-cooked recipes that are crafted by a team of well-trained school food professionals

The Town of Mansfield has been recognized for achieving Sustainable CT Gold certification.  

Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, announced this spring’s list of certified communities.  

Mansfield met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious Gold-level certification.   

“Recognition by Sustainable CT is a significant milestone in Mansfield’s longstanding commitment to sustainability,” says Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth.  “This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community members who have consistently championed sustainable practices and bold ideas. We hope residents will not only be proud of this recognition, but, more importantly, proud of the meaningful impact these efforts will continue to have for generations who call Mansfield home into the future.”

In its application for Sustainable CT certification, Mansfield demonstrated significant achievements in thirteen sustainable impact areas ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing.  Mansfield has recently completed its Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and is updating its Plan of Conservation and Development, both of which involving extensive community input.  Sustainable CT noted Mansfield’s POCD as, “thorough and thoughtful in describing the town's plans for open space, and fulfills the requirement to prioritize acquisitions, enhance your local ecosystem, connect open space parcels, offer recreational benefits, and ensure long-term viability of your open space (including management policies".  The Town has actively updated regulations to expand open space protections, is tackling invasive species, and is undertaking a forestry plan. Mansfield also recycles food scraps at all three of its public schools, and initiated a program to collect unserved foods at the schools for delivery to the local soup kitchen

To achieve Gold certification, Mansfield was also required to achieve Climate Leader designation, completing a specifically identified suite of actions intended to control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.  Mansfield achieved this status earlier this year.  Mansfield Elementary School, completed in 2023, is the state’s first new net-zero public school and has been visited by many other towns and the University of Connecticut to see the school’s energy-generating operation and 21^st century learning design.  The community is also aggressive with solar installation, accessible EV charging stations, and with keeping close track of energy efficiency of its Town buildings and has incorporated a Complete Streets policy.

“I want to thank our Mansfield team for the investment in helping us apply for this certification,” says Lynn Stoddard, Chair of the Town of Mansfield’s 10-member Sustainability Committee.  “From the very first input meeting two years ago, through all the interviews and drafts, we appreciate the leadership and the tremendous time, expertise, and dedication our town staff and volunteers put into helping Mansfield achieve Sustainable CT Gold certification,” she adds.

“Congratulations to the Town of Mansfield,” said Jessica LeClair, executive director of Sustainable CT. “We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of our Gold certified communities. From elected officials and town staff to resident volunteers, these towns are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all.”

“Once again, our municipalities have successfully initiated and implemented projects that address climate resilience, energy efficiency, equity, land conservation, waste reduction, and economic development, among other important priorities,” said Nicole Chevalier, co-chair of Sustainable CT’s Board of Directors. “The work these towns do is critical to achieving the state’s ambitious environmental and climate objectives and we are incredibly proud of them.”

The program includes actions that help towns and cities build community connection, social equity, and long-term resilience.   It includes an action roadmap and support tools that are especially relevant as towns seek practices and resources to promote racial justice and respond to the on-going challenges of climate change and economic uncertainty.

Michael Purcaro, co-chair of Sustainable CT Board of Directors, sees profound changes taking place across the state. “By recognizing the natural environment as the foundation for the health and well-being of all people, our sustainable initiatives are driving real change in towns and cities across Connecticut,” said Purcaro. “We’re seeing improved efficiency in the delivery of government services, significant cost savings and a stronger sense of community. We congratulate our award recipients and commend them for their collective work to create a more vibrant state that provides opportunities for all to thrive.”

Sustainable CT has strong multi-year support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, Common Sense Fund, Connecticut Green Bank, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

Mansfield will be recognized at the Sustainable CT’s 2025 Awards Celebration on October 28 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam.

 Read the latest issue of News & Updates from the Mansfield Town Manager's office

To open the e-newsletter, just click on this link:  /DocumentCenter/View/25605/Oct-Nov-2025-Mansfield-Newsltr-Final

In this issue, you will read about:

• Details on registering and voting in the upcoming general election November 4
• The pedestrian safety improvements to Rte. 275/South Eagleville Road
• Mansfield achieves Gold Certification from Sustainable CT
• A Comedy Show to raise funds for Mansfield neighbors
• How to prepare for winter and DPW snowplowing
• New equipment at the Mansfield Community Center
• Local Government Academy kicks off its fifth year of sessions
• Plus more!

Review the Town of Mansfield's Policy on Undocumented Immigrants, find legal resources, and learn how to create a Connecticut Family Preparedness Plan, plus more!

Crews are working on the improvements along Rte.275/South Eagleville Road to optimize walkability and safety in this busy section of Town. Vehicles and pedestrians may be experiencing some traffic delays as this work is being performed, but the project will be largely completed this fall.

This section of South Eagleville Road has high vehicle and pedestrian traffic volumes and was the site of a recent pedestrian fatality. The proposed project includes extension of an off-street walkway from Maple Road to Separatist Road, which has already been awarded funding as part of a federal grant to eliminate gaps in the Downtown Storrs pedestrian network.

Additionally, the project includes Town staff's concept for creating a boulevard extending from 200 feet west of Maple Road to the intersection with Storrs Road. The proposed boulevard would include landscape medians, narrower travel lanes, shoulders, improved lighting and crossing signals, widening of the existing multi-use path, and addition of sidewalk from Storrs Road along the frontage of Mansfield Town Hall and Mansfield Community Center.  South Eagleville Road is the access point for several apartment complexes, including the new Eagleville Green affordable housing development.  With close proximity to the Mansfield Senior Center, and housing at Wright's Village and Juniper Hill, this section of Rte. 275 is the gateway to Downtown Storrs' services.

The proposed pedestrian improvements are intended to slow traffic and improve mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is also supporting these improvements.. The introduction of a boulevard will complement and support UConn’s redevelopment of the Mansfield Apartments site. The redevelopment contemplates structure(s) adding 800 to 850 beds, which will increase the need for safe pedestrian facilities for students accessing campus through Downtown Storrs.

Improved pedestrian safety and traffic calming measures on South Eagleville Road between Separatist Road and Storrs Road is an important part of the community's plan for greater walkability and bicycling access.  The concept includes:

1. Narrowing of travel lanes
2. Installation of a landscaped median to create a boulevard
3. Widening the existing walkway on the south side of the road to create a multi-use trail that accommodates both pedestrians and bicyclists
4. Extending the multi-use path to Separatist Road
5. Adding sidewalks to the north side of South Eagleville Road along the frontage of the municipal complex

 The project will be substantially completed in 2025, but finishing of paving and landscaping may extend into early summer 2026.

Here's the latest edition of News & Updates for August-September 2025, Mansfield's e-Newsletter from the Town Manager's office.

Download the e-newsletter here:  /DocumentCenter/View/24916/Aug-Sept-2025-Mansfield-Newsletter-Final

In this issue you will read about:

• Summer work with the Operations division of Department of Public Works
• Time to enroll for the 2025 Mansfield Local Government Academy
• Youth involved in summer service work
• Grant awarded to create forestry plan
• How to become involved with the Celebrate Mansfield Festival
• Senior Center to celebrate 50 years in September
• AND MUCH MORE!

Here's the June-July 2025 issue of News & Updates from the Mansfield Town Manager's Office

To view the latest June-July issue of Mansfield e-Newsletter, click on this link:  /DocumentCenter/View/24570/June-July-2025-Mansfield-Newsletter-Final

In this issue you will read about:

• The Memorial Day parade and ceremony
• Mansfield's Recognition as a Climate Leader by Sustainable CT
• Why paving your driveway requires a permit
• June Pride month events
• Upcoming Mansfield Hollow Park Lake Master Planning

AND MUCH MORE!

Read about what's happening around the Town of Mansfield.

Here's the April-May 2025 issue of News & Updates, the Town of Mansfield's e-Newsletter:  /DocumentCenter/View/23334/April-May-2025--Mansfield-e-Newsletter-Final

In this issue you will read about:

• The Town Manager's proposed budget for 2025/26 and key dates for your input
• How to provide input on the Town's 10-year strategic plan, Mansfield Tomorrow
• Earth Day activities for April 26, and new initiatives around Sustainability
• The Low-Cost Rabies Clinic in June
• VitalChek, a new online service for requesting vital records
• And much more!

February-March 2025 Issue of News & Updates published by the Town Manager's Office

To read the newsletter, click on this link:  /DocumentCenter/View/22577/Feb-Mar-2025-Mansfield-NewsletterF

In this issue, read about:

• Goals for the 2025/26 Budget
• Renovations begun on Old Town Hall
• Taste 2 Towns Restaurant Week
• Progress on the POCD
• How to rescue food from a catered event
• Completion of Hunting Lodge Road

And much more!

The Town of Mansfield hosted a Groundbreaking Ceremony on January 6 to begin renovations to the Old Town Hall.  The 1842 Old Town Hall and the 1935 Town Office Building (954 Storrs Road) on Spring Hill are leased by the Town to the Mansfield Historical Society which joined with the Town in this celebration.

Mayor Toni Moran and Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth were joined by State Representative Gregg Haddad and Mansfield Historical Society Program Chair Bruce Clouette in offering remarks at the groundbreaking.

In March of 2022, Representatives Gregg Haddad and Senator Mae Flexer announced to the Town and the Mansfield Historical Society Board that the State included $834,000 in bond funds to finance major restoration to the historic buildings, based on preliminary estimates for completing priority work as identified in a conditions assessment performed in 2017.  Chief among the items being addressed, longstanding drainage issues have contributed to water damage that poses a risk to the integrity of the building as well as the collections stored in some areas. Funding from the State was a huge boost to the Town and the volunteer-run Historical Society, which performs important work of preserving historic collections.

The Town of Mansfield’s Facilities Department has worked to obtain current estimates and select contractors for the needed repairs and improvements.  The Mansfield Town Council committed additional funding of $1.004 million toward the project over and above the State funding. Renovation will begin this winter on drainage and site work, followed by crucial structural repairs and improvements to building accessibility.  Sarazin Construction is the general contractor on the project.

The Historical Society’s facility has been closed to the public for tours and visits in preparation of this work occurring, but they have continued with virtual presentations, and off-site programs and exhibits, including at the Mansfield Town Hall and Mansfield Elementary School.  In recent months the Historical Society has recruited volunteers to help them move their collections to safe spaces so renovation can begin, many of whom attended the groundbreaking ceremony.