New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Mayor extends restrictions on Town Hall access
Order modified because of virus cases, risk
EAST HAVEN — Town officials again have extended the order limiting access to Town Hall, announcing Monday that as a result of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and the increasing risk, town offices will remain largely closed to the public through Dec. 7.
While access to Town Hall will be limited, there will be certain exceptions for essential services by appointment only, Mayor Joe Carfora said in a release.
As was the case when Carfora first announced the closure on Nov. 6 and when he extended it to Nov. 30 on Nov. 13, Town Hall access is remaining limited out of
“an abundance of caution,” Town Attorney Michael Luzzi said Monday.
This time, however, there are not any additional COVID cases beyond the total of six reported previously, said Luzzi and Michael Pascucilla, director of the East Shore District Health Department.
“We’re just trying to get our sealegs here,” said Luzzi. “It’s really just an abundance of caution for us.”
“A lot of town halls are doing that,” said Pascucilla. “They’re just playing it safe.”
Carfora announced the exension of the Town Hall limitations on the same day that the East Haven Public Schools system announced five additional positive COVID-19 results in town schools.
Superintendent Erica Forti said in a letter to parents and members of the school community that there were two new positive cases at East Haven High School and one each at Grove J. Tuttle Elementary School, Momauguin Elementary School and Overbrook Early Learning
Center.
The five affected people — all shown to be students on the district’s online COVID-19 tracker — have been instructed to isolate at home for 10 days. Their families have been advised to self-quarantine and get tested.
No schools closed as a result.
“To date, I can honestly say we have seen no inschool spread,” said Pascucilla. “In general, the schools, they’re holding their own. We’re just not seeing person-to-person spread in our schools.”
People with business to do with Town Hall are asked to do online, via the mail or by telephone whenever possible and request in-person appointments only when absolutely necessary. Town Clerk’s Office:
No in person title searches shall be allowed. Searches can be performed using the available on-line platform at www.searchiqs.com. Land record recordings and the filing of death certificates by funeral homes, will be done by appointment only. Contact the Town Clerk’s office at 203-468-3201.
For birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses (for insurance purposes only) and other copies, contact the Town Clerk’s office.
All other in-person services are temporarily suspended, including Notary Public and marriage license applications.
Rules regarding the transfer of paperwork for all circumstances and services will be monitored and directed by the town clerk, and should be strictly adhered to for everyone’s safety.
Tax Office: No in-person tax services will be provided. Tax payments can be processed online at www.townofeasthaven ct.org. The Tax Collector’s Office may be reached at 203-468-3307.
Building Department: Building permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis and by appointment only. The building department can be reached at 203-468-3216.
Assessor’s Office: The assessor’s office will be closed to the public. The Tax Assessor’s Office can be be reached at 203-4683233.
Planning & Zoning: Questions should be directed to the Zoning Office at 203-468-3357 or the Town Attorney’s Office at 203404-5155.