February 12, 2026
.com
Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXX Iss. 7
Beacon Hill Project Approved; Sewer Hurdle Remains By Eric O'Connell Staff Writer
A new age-restricted community for residents 55 and older may be coming to Branford after the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved an application for construction of a new road serving 22 housing units off Rose Hill Road. The project, however, is contingent on the developer
securing sewer access. At a meeting Feb. 5, the commission approved construction of seven buildings housing 22 age-restricted units on Beacon Hill Road off Rose Hill Road near the East Haven border. The application was received in November, and the commission held two public hearings at which no members of the public spoke. The application was submitted by Paul
Santa Barbara, who also owns the property. Timmothy Lee, an attorney representing the applicant, told the commission that several years ago it approved a 10-lot open-space residential development for the site. The development was plotted but never built, and the proposed new street was never constructed. See Beacon Hill Project page 9
Amy Donegan is carrying a legacy of early childhood education, advocation, and education through play...............................................2
Into the Freeze Small boats sit surrounded by ice at Stony Creek Harbor in Branford on Feb. 8, 2026, including the Branford Fire Department’s Marine 5 in the background. The harbor froze during extreme cold, with temperatures dropping to 1 degree and wind chills well below zero. Connecticut has remained under a Severe Cold Weather Protocol since Jan. 23, the state’s longest consecutive activation since 2015.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Sound
T-birds Are Tourney Bound North Branford boys' basketball is taking it back to the state tournament..................................11
ONE Concert for Spring Orchestra New England (ONE) gives a prelude to spring with its BaroqueFest concert................................19
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