Landscape Photo Quiz + News Updates

Can you identify the locations where the photographs above were taken? Find out, and see other landscape photos by Chris Graham here. Thank you, Chris, for sharing your work with the Jonah Center environmental network.

NRG Power Plant Update:
Our campaign to resist the installation of a new combustion turbine at the NRG power plant on River Road appears to be making an impact. Middletown’s Economic Development Commission, at its meeting on March 9, voted unanimously to recommend that the tax agreement with NRG be terminated. A resolution to that effect is expected to be on the agenda of the Common Council on April 5. Check here to confirm that the agenda item is included and to obtain the WebEx meeting information when it is posted a few days prior to the meeting. Click here for more information on the issue.

Boathouse Update:
Plans for a new boathouse on Middletown’s riverfront are progressing. DiBattisto Associates Consulting Engineers recently presented renderings of a proposed new boathouse for Middletown High School rowing. The current boathouse for MHS would remain and be refurbished for community rowing. See rendering and read more here.

Complete Streets News:
Bike-ped advocates are making progress in Portland, Durham, Meriden, and Middletown. More improvements to infrastructure will soon appear. Streets, after all, are the largest public spaces. In addition to motor vehicles, they should accomodate "active transportation" -- moving by muscle power. When people are walking, riding a bicycle, or using a scooter or skateboard, they are more likely to meet, speak, and find a sense of belonging.

Read updates that Complete Streets committees are celebrating here. Congratulations to all the grassroots activists and volunteers who exercised patience, attended many meetings, and did the hard work required to make it happen.

Buy Local, Save the Planet With Healthy PlanEat:
Local, sustainably grown food has been available all winter. Visit the Healthy PlanEat website to see the latest offerings. Orders made Mondays through Thursdays by 11 p.m. may be picked up on Saturdays from 1-2 p.m. on the South Green in Middletown. Current offerings include micro greens, mushrooms, eggs, meat, dairy, cheese, sea kelp and oysters. Vegetables will be available in the upcoming months.

Opinion — Raise the Gas Tax by Erik Assadourian:
Read Erik’s thoughtful reflection on this hot-button issue here.

Environmental Bills Before the Connecticut Legislature:
Because the onset of the pandemic a year ago derailed last year’s legislative session, the Connecticut General Assembly is especially busy this year. Of special interest and importance to the Jonah Center network are bills on adopting the governor’s climate goals, the Transportation Climate Initiative, climate adaptation, an update to the bottle bill, municipal waste, and environmental justice. Visit the CT League of Conservation Voters website to learn more about proposed legislation.

Thank You To Our Donors:
The Jonah Center has had a busy and productive year since the pandemic began. The Replace Our Trees campaign and action regarding the NRG power plant have been the most successful and prominent. Our Annual Appeal is winding down, thanks to our regular contributors. But we still hope to receive contributions from newsletter readers who have not given in the past. You may express your support for our networking, communication, education, and advocacy work by sending a check to: The Jonah Center, PO Box 854, Middletown CT 06457. Or you may give online here. Your support is very important! Thank you.