April 24, 2025 Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXIX Iss. 17
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Branford Brings in New Town Planner By Pam Johnson Sound Senior Staff Writer
Transitioning of leadership in the Town Planner’s office was completed on April 14, the first day on the job for Branford’s new Town Planner, Michiel Wackers. A member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, Wackers returns to Connecticut after nearly nine years with the City of Cleveland, Ohio, where he most recently served as assistant director of community dDevelopment for over three years. Prior to working
with the City of Cleveland, Wackers served nearly 13 years with the City of Middletown (CT), including his leading role as director of planning, conservation, and development. Wackers joins Branford due to the retirement of former Town Planner Harry Smith. Smith served as Branford’s Town Planner for nearly 10 years during his 38 years in the profession. In his retirement announcement to the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC), Smith noted he came on board in June 2015 during a divisive time in town
planning history due to the proposed Costco development. “The very first thing I did was help to pull together the decision on the Costco master plan,” said Smith, speaking to the PZC at its Oct. 17, 2024, meeting. Smith thanked everyone in his department for their hard work and support through the years. He also thanked members of the PZC, present and past. See Branford page 4
Pick of the Bunch Brittany Rispoli and her husband, Vinny, compare flower selections at the Northford Community Church's annual Easter flower and bake sale on April 19. The church, which has grown to 80 members, will hold a Mother's Day flower sale from May 9 to 11. For more information about upcoming events, visit northfordcommunity.church.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Sound
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Rev. Thomas Blake is ready to lead at Trinity Episcopal...............................2
Competing Hard North Branford softball picked up two wins last week, and boys’ and girls’ outdoor track broke records and medaled in the Wildcat Relays.................................14
For the Love of Pizza In search of the best slice.....................................25