Brian Zahn
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Articles by Brian Zahn
Former New Haven dispatcher's co-workers bet on her baby's paternity, lawsuit claims
File photo of New Haven City Hall. A former New Haven emergency dispatcher has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging workplace harassment and discrimination. FILE PHOTO NEW HAVEN — A former New Haven police and fire dispatcher is suing the city for being wrongfully discharged from her job while also alleging that co-workers made monetary wagers on whether her supervisor was the father of her child, documents show. In a lawsuit filed on Sept.
CT elections commission finds New Haven registrar violated state law
New Haven City Hall, 165 Church St. New Haven, C.T. Helen Bennett / Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — A state commission found New Haven's Republican Registrar of Voters violated a state law that requires certain election officials to be registered to vote. During an Oct.
8 West Haven eateries cited for serious violations during August health inspections
West Haven City Hall, where the West Haven Health Department is located, photographed on August 13, 2024. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media WEST HAVEN — Eight restaurants or establishments serving food received serious health code violations from the city’s Health Department in August, according to inspection reports.
West Haven council urges library to maximize $1 million in ARPA funding
Six years after the West Haven Public Library vacated the Louis Piantino Allingtown Branch Library and the city sold it to a developer, the library's governing Village Improvement Association is considering building a new Allingtown library at 703 Boston Post Rd., seen here, and 89 Newbern St. However, it's unclear whether they can use $1 million in federal funds to do that.
New Haven issued 2,000+ traffic camera warnings. Now the fines begin
James Hillhouse High School in New Haven Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo NEW HAVEN — A 30-day warning period for violations detected by automated traffic cameras concluded Thursday, meaning speeding or running red lights in seven city locations will now lead to a $50 fine. New Haven issued 2,041 warning letters during the first 22 days of a 30-day warning period, according to the city’s Transportation, Traffic & Parking department.
State election commission advances complaint against West Haven council candidate
West Haven City Hall photographed on August 13, 2024. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media WEST HAVEN — The State Elections Enforcement Commission voted Wednesday to appoint a hearing officer to determine whether an at-large City Council candidate violated election law in last year's campaign.
New Haven aldermanic committee demands actions after hearing on school safety
Stains on ceiling tiles at James Hillhouse High School in New Haven. Jessica Simms/Hearst Connecticut Media In its letter, the committee made a list of eight demands to the school board to be carried out within 30 days and six additional demands to be addressed within 60 days. The letter requested an update on the school district's progress on its demands at its Oct. 28 meeting.
New Haven aldermanic committee demands actions after hearing on school safety
Stains on ceiling tiles at James Hillhouse High School in New Haven. Jessica Simms/Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — The Board of Alders Education Committee said in a letter Friday that leaders of the city's school district had "no concrete plan of action" at a recent public hearing on hazardous school building conditions. In its letter, the committee made a list of eight demands to the school board to be carried out within 30 days and six additional demands to be addressed within 60 days.
New Haven aldermanic committee demands actions after hearing on school safety Original
Stains on ceiling tiles at James Hillhouse High School in New Haven. Jessica Simms/Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — The Board of Alders Education Committee said in a letter Friday that leaders of the city's school district had "no concrete plan of action" at a recent public hearing on hazardous school building conditions. In its letter, the committee made a list of eight demands to the school board to be carried out within 30 days and six additional demands to be addressed within 60 days.
Four units in New Haven apartment building condemned over rodent infestation, official says
Four units of this building at 135 Edgewood Ave. in New Haven have been condemned, and residents relocated, following evidence of a rodent infestation, an official confirmed. Brian Zahn/Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — Four units and common areas of a six-unit apartment building have been condemned after New Haven housing inspectors found evidence of a rodent infestation during several inspections since last month, an official said.
New Haven mayor: $8.5 million deficit in 2026 budget means 'we can't take our foot off the gas'
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, right, with Acting Budget Director Ron Gizzi at an Oct. 8, 2026 press event. Brian Zahn/Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — The city had an $8.5 million deficit in the 2025-26 fiscal yearaccording to unaudited figures presented by Mayor Justin Elicker Thursday. Though the mayor said the city ended that fiscal year with a robust surplus, he warned of possible financial obstacles down the road.
Hamden extends contracts of police, fire chiefs through 2029
Hamden Memorial Town Hall at the intersection of Dixwell and Whitney Avenues Monday April 1, 2019 Hearst Connecticut Media file photo HAMDEN — The Legislative Council voted to extend the contracts of two of the town's top public safety officials by three years earlier this week. Police Chief Edward P.
Milford aldermen reject bid to end Flock cameras, then vote to pause them
MILFORD - The Board of Aldermen rejected a measure on further scaling back the use of Flock Safety surveillance cameras Monday evening, despite sustained community opposition and outrage. They did, however, vote to pause the cameras' usage pending a city technology committee's review. "It's premature to vote on this today," said Alderman Robert Pacelli before a 9-5 vote to reject a proposal to terminate the use of Flock Condor cameras.
New Haven alders approve borrowing $27 million for 2 men's wrongful incarceration settlement
New Haven City Hall Helen Bennett / Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — The Board of Alders voted to borrow $27 million to pay out a settlement to two city men who served nearly two decades in prison for a 1999 homicide they were later found not to have committed. The city negotiated a $30.5 million settlement with Vernon Horn and Marquis Jackson in August, or $15.25 million each. City insurance covers only the first $5 million of the settlement plus legal costs.
North Haven voters to decide on $19.8 million for road improvements Original
NORTH HAVEN — Residents will decide whether to use up to $19.8 million in bond appropriations for a variety of road upgrades, including pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements and paving. A vote on the projects will take place at an Oct. 20 town meeting. This comes after the North Haven Board of Selectmen approved five separate items related to road improvements at its Thursday meeting, including upgrades to Sackett Point Road, Church Street and Pool Road.
Milford aldermen face vote on scaling back Flock cameras amid public opposition Original
MILFORD — The Board of Aldermen is expected to take a vote on further scaling back the use of Flock Safety surveillance cameras Monday evening amid sustained community opposition and outrage. The Board of Aldermen will consider terminating its current use of Flock Safety's Condor cameras and placing a temporary moratorium on their use pending the completion of a comprehensive review. Flock Safety did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment Monday.
Amazon’s Connecticut drone delivery plan caught North Haven officials by surprise Original
The Amazon Fullfillment Center on Washington Avenue in North Haven photographed on September 30, 2024. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media “This is news to many legislators,” state Rep. Dave Yaccarino, R-North Haven, said Wednesday. “I think it’s a horrible idea.” Article continues below this ad At a May meeting, the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved an application from Amazon to operate a drone delivery program from North Haven’s 409 Washington Ave. warehouse location.
West Haven eyes sale of building that houses senior center, child development program
The Robert A. Johnson Community Center in West Haven at 201 Noble St. on Sept. 28, 2026. Brian Zahn/Hearst Connecticut Media WEST HAVEN — City officials are looking to sell a building that has served as a community center for seniors and a child development center for nearly 50 years. Last week, the city posted a request for proposals for the sale of the Robert A.
Stratford fire chief is retiring after 25 years. He may be headed to Hamden
Stratford Fire Chief Jermaine Atkinson, who has retired from the department and is seeking a job in Hamden, speaks during a news conference on Sept. 9, 2022. Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media STRATFORD — Fire Chief Jermaine Atkinson is retiring, but not planning to end his career. After a quarter century battling blazes in Stratford, four of which he spent as chief, Atkinson is awaiting final approval for a job in Hamden.
West Haven divided over whether $1 million can still fund long-awaited library
After the West Haven Public Library vacated the Louis Piantino Allingtown Branch Library and the city sold it to a developer, the library's governing Village Improvement Association is considering building a new Allingtown library at 703 Boston Post Road. But they might lose access to federal funds that would let them do that.
Connecticut braces for nor'easter: 48 hours of heavy rain, high winds and coastal flooding ahead Original
File photo: Rain falls in Danbury Wednesday, July 29, 2026 as a slow-moving storms makes its way into Connecticut. H. John Voorhees III/Hearst Connecticut Media As a powerful nor'easter heads up the East Coast, Connecticut officials are preparing for the storm to bring high winds and coastal flooding to the state. Eversource and United Illuminating, the state's two major power companies, each said they are bringing in additional personnel to help.
Can Connecticut's new 'noise cameras' finally make loud cars enforceable? One city is trying. Original
A large modified exhaust pipe is installed on a truck in Stamford, Conn. June 25, 2024. Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media Is it possible to make city streets safe from sound? When it comes to enforcing local noise ordinances and safeguarding residential neighborhoods from noise pollution, state lawmakers offered a unique opportunity to Connecticut municipalities in 2024.
Former Ralph Walker Ice Rink operator sues New Haven over contract award
The New Haven Police Dept. hockey team plays a scrimmage game against members of the New Haven Fire Department hockey team at Ralph Walker Ice Rink in New Haven, Conn., on Saturday Feb. 16, 2019. Hearst Connecticut Media, File Photo NEW HAVEN — The former operator of the city’s Ralph Walker Ice Rink sued the city for breach of contract and improper bidding after a different operator was selected to manage the city-owned rink. In a lawsuit filed Sept.
West Haven approves bird feeder ordinance with $100 daily fines
A gold finch (left) and a purple finch (right) rest on a bird feeder outside of The Audubon Shop in Madison on Oct. 10, 2010. Arnold Gold / New Haven Register WEST HAVEN — In fairy tales, attracting woodland creatures means enlisting helpers to clean a cottage. In West Haven, it could lead to the removal of your bird feeder and a potential fine.
Southern Connecticut State University students plan rally after classmate's ICE arrest Original
The Hilton C. Buley Library at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven photographed on September 8, 2026. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — Southern Connecticut State University student groups will host a rally to demand the release of a classmate arrested by federal immigration officials this month and to limit those officials' jurisdiction. On Sept.
North Haven police report nearly 12,000 speeding incidents in 5 days before cameras go live
Follow North Haven police report nearly 12,000 speeding incidents in 5 days before cameras go live Updated Thu, September 17, 2026 at 6:00 AM EDT North Haven Middle School, located at 55 Bailey Road. (Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media) NORTH HAVEN - Roughly 12,000 vehicles traveled above the posted speed limit on three town corridors near two schools during a five-day traffic study, according to town police.
North Haven police report nearly 12,000 speeding incidents in 5 days before cameras go live Original
NORTH HAVEN — Roughly 12,000 vehicles traveled above the posted speed limit on three town corridors near two schools during a five-day traffic study, according to town police.
Lighthouse Point Park to reopen Friday, a month after powerful storm caused major damage
The lighthouse at Lighhtouse Point Park in New Haven, Conn., Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Lighthouse Point Park suffered severe damage in an overnight storm last week.
Milford keeps Flock camera restrictions, rejects calls to remove surveillance system
MILFORD - The Board of Aldermen entered City Hall Monday evening beneath a message projected upon the building's roof: "Flock Out Of CT." However, the Board of Aldermen stood by a plan to pause and review the city's use of automated cameras, including Flock Safety cameras, instead of adopting a plan to immediately terminate them that was preferred by the some on the board.
Milford keeps Flock camera restrictions, rejects calls to remove surveillance system Original
MILFORD — The city's Board of Aldermen stood by a plan to pause and review its use of automated cameras, instead of a plan to immediately terminate them that was preferred by the board's minority, in a Monday evening meeting.
New Haven aims to study chronic flooding after parts of Edgewood Park 'never dried out' this summer
New Haven Parks Department employees perform work along the Edgewood Park walking trail on Sept. 10, 2026. Brian Zahn/Hearst Connecticut Media In this file photo, the Edgewood Avenue in Edgewood Park overpass in 2012. Peter Casolino / Hearst Connecticut Media file NEW HAVEN — Edgewood Park saw so much storm runoff that parts of it “never dried out this entire summer,” the city parks director said. That’s why it is so important to study flood mitigation there.
West Haven approves automated noise cameras to fine loud vehicles up to $100
Motorists enjoy the newly reopened Beach Street in West Haven, Conn., on Wednesday June 5, 2024. Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media WEST HAVEN — If a vehicle is loud enough to turn the city’s streets into an impromptu concert, drivers may soon learn about a special guest sitting in the balcony: automated cameras tracking violations of the noise ordinance.
New Haven seeks to borrow $27M to fund wrongful conviction settlements
Marquis Jackson, who served years in prison for a wrongful murder conviction before his exoneration in 2018, is photographed at his rental property in New Haven on July 17, 2025. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media New Haven City Hall Helen Bennett / Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — One month after the city announced two separate $15.25 million settlements with two men wrongfully incarcerated for a 1999 homicide, officials have officially requested to borrow $27 million to pay them.
New Haven attorney Alex Taubes launches 2027 mayoral bid against Justin Elicker
Former Bridgeport City Council member Jazmarie Melendez stands with her attorney, Alexander Taubes, during a hearing in state Superior Court in Bridgeport, Conn. May 7, 2026. Taubes recently announced that he is running for mayor of New Haven. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — Alex Taubes, a local attorney and longtime critic of the city's mayor, announced Tuesday that he would challenge Mayor Justin Elicker in the 2027 mayoral election.
West Haven seeks private partner to revive historic Quigley Stadium
The third base dugout, press box and bleachers at Quigley Stadium on Front Avenue in West Haven, Conn., Friday, March 28, 2025. West Haven resident Carrie Malangone has worked independently for years to achieve state historic status for the field and believes the most effective way to revitalize Quigley Stadium to fuller potential is through seeking grant funding. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media Quigley Stadium on Front Avenue in West Haven, Conn., Friday, March 28, 2025.
New Haven moves ahead with traffic cameras despite growing statewide backlash
A red light camera will go live at the Orange and Edwards streets intersection in New Haven on Sept. 15, 2026. Brian Zahn / Hearst Connecticut Media A red light camera will go live at the East Grand and Quinnipiac avenues intersection in New Haven on Sept. 15, 2026. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — City officials are moving forward with plans to activate seven automated traffic cameras across New Haven, despite a growing statewide skeptical movement that includes Gov. Ned Lamont.
West Haven amends ordinance to ban powered e-bikes on city's boardwalk
A view of the boardwalk running along Old Grove Park in West Haven, Conn. Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media A view of the boardwalk running along Old Grove Park in West Haven, Conn. Tuesday, October 24, 2023. A project to add sustainable, native vegetation and accessible while redoing walkways, fencing and seating along West Haven's boardwalk is moving on to the design phase. Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media WEST HAVEN — The Rev.
New Haven Police commissioners spare bus stop with low ridership after petition
A CT Transit bus passes a bus stop on Downing Street in New Haven on August 26, 2026. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media A No Parking sign posted next to a CT Transit bus stop on Downing Street in New Haven photographed on August 26, 2026. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — Riding a wave of community support, a rarely-usedbus stop in Fair Haven will remain in place for now.
East Lyme Republican Registrar withdraws resignation and will complete her term Original
EAST LYME — The Republican Registrar of Voters walked back a plan to resign from her role on Wednesday, less than one week after she informed the Town Clerk's office she'd be resigning Nov. 19. In a brief letter, Republican Registrar of Voters Mary Smith said she would finish her current term, which ends on Jan. 6, instead of resigning shortly after this year's general election. Smith did not respond to a request for comment Friday.
East Lyme Republican registrar withdraws resignation and will complete her term
EAST LYME - The Republican Registrar of Voters walked back a plan to resign from her role on Wednesday , less than one week after she informed the Town Clerk's office she'd be resigning Nov. 19. In a brief letter, Republican Registrar of Voters Mary Smith said she would finish her current term, which ends on Jan. 6, instead of resigning shortly after this year's general election. Smith did not respond to a request for comment Friday.
Milford adopts moratorium on most surveillance cameras over public outcry to ban Flock cameras Original
Milford residents line up to share their opposition to surveillance cameras at an Aug. 27, 2026 Board of Aldermen meeting. Brian Zahn/Hearst Connecticut Media Mayor Richard Smith proposed the two resolutions to the board — one that places a moratorium on the use and further installation of automated traffic cameras and one that limits the deployment of automated license plate reading cameras to the city's entry points.
College interns waited in police car while New Haven detective visited woman at hotel, complaint says
New Haven Police Department in New Haven, Conn., on Thursday November 6, 2025. A press conference was held to update the media about several recent high profile shootings. Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — A city detective drove two University of New Haven interns in a department vehicle to a North Haven hotel where he met up with a woman, an internal affairs investigation concluded using GPS data.
Milford aldermen expected to vote Thursday on limits to Flock, speed cameras Original
MILFORD — The Board of Aldermen will consider two resolutions that would decrease, but not completely eliminate, the city's use of automated surveillance cameras Thursday evening. The two resolutions, which appear on a special meeting agenda beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Parsons Government Center auditorium, address two different types of camera technology used in the city.
Milford mayor to to discuss city's use of automated traffic enforcement safety device Original
MILFORD — Milford Mayor Rich Smith announced he will host a press conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss Milford’s use of use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices. It was not immediately clear Wednesday morning whether Smith’s press conference would address the city’s controversial contract with Flock Safety — which officials have previously stressed is different from the automated traffic safety devices.
Embattled East Lyme Republican Registrar of Voters submits resignation after racial slur outburst
According to an emailed letter of resignation forwarded to the New Haven Register by the Town Clerk's office, Smith announced her resignation effective Nov. 19 and requested that her name be removed from the ballot in November's general election. A representative of the Secretary of the State's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Smith did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday morning.
New Haven made part of Chapel Street two-way. Crashes have dropped sharply since
A sign alerts motorists to two-way traffic on Chapel Street in New Haven, Conn., Thursday, April 23, 2026. The city converted two blocks of Chapel Street between College and York Streets, into two-way traffic. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media Vehicles travel on Chapel Street where a new two-way traffic pattern has opened between College and York Streets in New Haven, Conn., Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Police sergeant sues Hamden claiming she was denied promotion because of discrimination complaint
The Hamden Police Department in Hamden, Conn., Friday, February 13, 2026. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media HAMDEN — A town police sergeant who was denied a promotion to lieutenant filed a lawsuit, claiming it was done because she filed an earlier complaint claiming sex discrimination. Sgt. Angela Vey-Glass' lawsuit claims the police chief and chairman of the police commission interfered to deny her promotion.
Police sergeant sues Hamden claiming she was denied promotion because of discrimination complaint
The Hamden Police Department in a file photo. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media Sgt. Angela Vey-Glass' lawsuit claims the police chief and chairman of the Police Commission interfered to deny her promotion.
Election officials dismiss claim New Haven candidate traded meals for votes
Owners Sandra and Miguel Pittman outside their popular Sandra's Next Generation restaurant in New Haven, Conn. on Sunday, May 10, 2020. Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Ward 3 Alder Angel Hubbard, center, on Sept. 9, 2025. Brian Zahn/Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN — The State Elections Enforcement Commission voted unanimously to dismiss a New Haven alder's complaint that her opponent traded meals for votes during last year's municipal election.
East Lyme Republicans censure registrar accused of using racial slur Original
EAST LYME — Town Republicans voted Monday to censure Mary Smith, the Republican Registrar of Voters and a member of the town committee, after the town's Democratic registrar accused her of shouting a racial slur during a workplace argument.
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