It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Stony Creek Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in North Branford, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Five stars is not enough to recommend the service Always Best Care provides!! Our situation”
“A sincere, heartfelt "thank you" to Sky and Ruth and the team at ABC. ”
“Outstanding organization and staff! I have had the privilege to work with Cynthia Montano”
“I would like to say how wonderful Carol May is with my uncle. She”
“I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that we so much appreciate”
“I’m leaving a five star review for Nellie. She is the most caring caregiver I”
“I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking to set up home care for”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with , very prompt and responsive. ”
“We had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care. Cynthia was an answer to our”
“I am so appreciative for the time, patience, and insight that Cynthia Montano provided to”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot and things”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is”
“We are very happy with my sister's companion, Anne Sumner, and the services that Always”
“Tosha, There are no words accurately quantify my family’s appreciation for you. You are undoubtedly”
“I am a current client of this provider His caregiver is wonderful. She helps keep him”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped us the most by always calling”
“I am a current client of this provider When my caregiver was sick or going on”
“We are 3 weeks into working with this agency for homecare for my dad. There”
“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional.”
“I am a current client of this provider He is very difficult, but he is getting”
“Cynthia Montano is the amazing from Always Best Care. Cynthia has helped my parents and”
“I just want to thank ABC agency for allowing us our angel giver which is”
“This has to be the best job in the world, I know this to be true.”
“Five stars is not enough to recommend the service Always Best Care provides!! Our situation was quite desperate when I contacted them to provide a live in care giver for my mother in law. Denise, more than understood our situation when I called. I contacted ABC earlier in the day and by evening, she was at my mother in law’s home and matched us with a wonderful care giver! Rosina immediately bonded with my mother in law!! The professionalism and compassion Rosina showed was beyond measure. She never left her side and kept us well informed as my mother in law was unfortunately and quickly approaching end of life…..Rosina even stayed with us through the process as my mother in law left her home one last time…….Much Appreciation from The Cotrona Family!!”
“A sincere, heartfelt "thank you" to Sky and Ruth and the team at ABC. Sky and Ruth were amazing, patient, kind, and caring with my father during a very difficult time at the end of his life. I know my dad appreciated it, and the entire family says a big "THANK YOU" for the tremendous care that you provided. Having your help made things so much easier on my mother and the family.”
“Outstanding organization and staff! I have had the privilege to work with Cynthia Montano and to witness the care, attention and professionalism she provides to her clients. Cynthia represents her company with pride and truly provides services to her clients with their needs above all else. Anyone in need of services for their loved one will be fortunate, pleased and grateful to work with Cynthia Montano and Always Best Care.”
“I would like to say how wonderful Carol May is with my uncle. She is very caring and understanding with my 94 year old single uncle. Not an easy job , but she is able to help him in so many ways. Carol is very reliable, trust worthy, and compassionate. We are lucky to have her! I would also like to give Tia in the office a huge compliment! She is really on her game if an issue comes up she is on top of things. It is hard to find good help, she foresee problems and handles things efficiently. Our experience has been very positive!”
“I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that we so much appreciate Yolanda. She comes to our home weekly for light cleaning and she is a breath of fresh air. Every Friday she brightens our home with her presence. Yolanda also does a wonderful job taking care Of our home. Please let her know how much we appreciate her. Brad Nelson”
“I’m leaving a five star review for Nellie. She is the most caring caregiver I have ever worked with my husband is disabled and she is so kind and treats him and both of us like family. She makes sure he eats properly cleans, and spend special time with my husband. You are very, very lucky to have such a great worker I know because I work with other agencies for my mother and you can’t find someone who cares for someone like Nellie does. She should be recognized and rewarded for her efforts. She is never late never calls and is always positive and friendly. I look forward to seeing her every day and consider her family, thank you Beth and Scott Albertson”
“I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking to set up home care for their loved ones. Within 1 hour of initial contact, Denise was at my home to gain an understanding of my needs. The very next day, Sharon began working with me and I couldn't be more pleased. Sharon is friendly and helpful and I will miss her now that I no longer need home care services. If you are looking for a home care agency that assures skilled aides and good communication and oversight, look no further than Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with , very prompt and responsive. Angela , my mom's home health aid has been so patient and caring - just what we were hoping and looking for! Would highly recommend!!”
“We had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care. Cynthia was an answer to our prayers ????”
“I am so appreciative for the time, patience, and insight that Cynthia Montano provided to my brother and me in helping us transition our mother from independent to assisted living. Cynthia educated us about the various “models” of assisted living communities in an effort to ascertain the appropriate level of support required for our mom. She was sensitive to finances and lifestyle preference. Cynthia has a network of relationships among assisted living facilities, and always did hands on research before presenting us with options to tour. She is truly a professional. Cynthia has generously made herself available to brainstorm, as we begin to think about eventual next steps. Thank you, Cynthia.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot and things I can't do, they help me. I like that they are prompt and always on time.”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is for her patient and for the entire family. Self directed.”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is for her patient and for the entire family. Self directed.”
“We are very happy with my sister's companion, Anne Sumner, and the services that Always Best Care provides!”
“Tosha, There are no words accurately quantify my family’s appreciation for you. You are undoubtedly the kindest, caring, compassionate competent care giver there is. You’ve treated my father and my whole family with a loving heart. We will forever be grateful for making this difficult time easier. We love having you a part of our family.”
“I am a current client of this provider His caregiver is wonderful. She helps keep him from being depressed and she's always asking if he took his medications. I would like to see more consistent communication.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped us the most by always calling and checking in on us. I like that they're always able to find someone for us.”
“I am a current client of this provider When my caregiver was sick or going on vacation, they reached out to me. I like their caregivers they send.”
“We are 3 weeks into working with this agency for homecare for my dad. There were a few bumps in the road, but we have hit the jackpot with two of our caregivers. Melissa Pericas and Jordene have been amazing! My mother has been struggling with having strangers in her home and letting someone else take care of her husband, but these two lovely women have melded into the family and put her completely at ease. They are both very experienced and are doing and amazing job. My mom is able to put the caregiving into their capable hands and focus on being his wife and spend valuable time with him. These ladies both deserve 5 stars!! I rated the agency with 4 stars because we had some scheduling issues in the beginning and had one caregiver that was problematic, but he was removed from our schedule as soon as I reported the issue.”
“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional. She quickly became a family member and friend.”
“I am a current client of this provider He is very difficult, but he is getting better. He is happier than he has ever been. I like that they are very responsive.”
“Cynthia Montano is the amazing from Always Best Care. Cynthia has helped my parents and us with this transition process. She has been wonderful explaining everything. If we had questions or just needed to talk about what is going on with the parents she was there to help. She goes above and beyond. She has help us tremendously. I feel blessed for having Cynthia during this time. Our family would like to say thank you for everything. We couldn't have done it without her.”
“I just want to thank ABC agency for allowing us our angel giver which is what we call her. Shay is a life saver without her I'll be running like a chicken with my head cut off. She has stepped in and saved the day numerous times between changing her schedule to work with ours, to even making sure Steve visits his wife grave. We appreciate her please don't take her from us steve would be devastated. She's amazing”
“This has to be the best job in the world, I know this to be true. Because each moment of my day, is spent loving & caring for People and working with people like Linda & Sasha is such a great experience. What a great communication skilled agency AlwaysBestCare is. I love it here and I hope to be here for a long long time????”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting North Farms Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Nataz or visit Historical Tree, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in North Branford, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in North Branford, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in North Branford, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
North Branford, CT (February 6, 2025) – A head-on collision in North Branford on Wednesday night left four children injured and sent one vehicle crashing into a nearby house, according to local authorities. The accident occurred around 11:04 p.m. at the intersection of Clintonville Rd and Pistapaug Rd, prompting multiple 911 calls.When emergency responders arrived, they found two heavily damaged vehicles, with one having veered off the road, flipped over, and collided with a residence on Clintonville Rd. Fire crews worked...
North Branford, CT (February 6, 2025) – A head-on collision in North Branford on Wednesday night left four children injured and sent one vehicle crashing into a nearby house, according to local authorities. The accident occurred around 11:04 p.m. at the intersection of Clintonville Rd and Pistapaug Rd, prompting multiple 911 calls.
When emergency responders arrived, they found two heavily damaged vehicles, with one having veered off the road, flipped over, and collided with a residence on Clintonville Rd. Fire crews worked swiftly to extricate one of the drivers, who was identified as a minor.
Paramedics provided immediate care at the scene before transporting the four injured children to Yale Pediatrics for further evaluation. Thankfully, police have confirmed that the children's injuries are not life-threatening. A building official also inspected the house that was struck and deemed it safe for the residents to remain inside.
The crash remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the cause of the collision. Our thoughts are with the injured children and their families, and we wish them a speedy recovery.
Head-on collisions, like the recent one in North Branford, are among the most dangerous types of accidents on Connecticut roads. These crashes often result in severe injuries due to the force of two vehicles colliding directly with one another. The intersection of Clintonville Rd and Pistapaug Rd, where this accident occurred, highlights the risks that can arise even in quieter, suburban areas, especially late at night when visibility and driver attentiveness may be reduced.
In Connecticut, common causes of head-on collisions include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and crossing over into oncoming traffic. When minors are involved, as seen in this crash, the risks can be even more concerning due to their limited driving experience. Additionally, when vehicles leave the roadway and strike homes or other structures, the danger extends beyond the drivers and passengers to residents and bystanders.
While local and state authorities continue to implement measures to improve road safety, such as better signage and traffic enforcement, drivers must stay vigilant. Maintaining proper speeds, avoiding distractions, and being cautious at intersections are critical steps to preventing serious accidents.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a head-on collision in Connecticut, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and understand your legal rights. Injuries from these types of crashes can have long-term impacts, making it essential to access the proper resources and support for recovery.
At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to providing timely information and connecting accident victims with the resources they need. From navigating medical care to dealing with insurance claims, we’re here to help you through every step of the recovery process. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Local Accident Reports for the guidance and assistance you deserve.
NORTH BRANFORD — Town residents may order an iced caramel macchiato or a caffe Americano a little closer to home when Starbucks comes to town at 286 Branford Road near the Central Plaza.The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the application last September for the 2,465-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru. It will also feature a large lobby and expansive patio, according to renderings.Last week, Starbucks applied for a building permit, according to Town Planner David Perkins, who said the town does not yet have a...
NORTH BRANFORD — Town residents may order an iced caramel macchiato or a caffe Americano a little closer to home when Starbucks comes to town at 286 Branford Road near the Central Plaza.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the application last September for the 2,465-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru. It will also feature a large lobby and expansive patio, according to renderings.
Last week, Starbucks applied for a building permit, according to Town Planner David Perkins, who said the town does not yet have a timeline for when construction would start.
Currently the nearest Starbucks are at 6 N. Main St. and 3 E. Industrial Road, both in Branford.
Town Manager Michael Downes said the town welcomes the national coffee chain.
“Starbucks has been doing an expansion in New Haven County and we're pleased that one of their new locations is going to be right here in North Branford,” Downes said.
In neighboring East Haven, a Starbucks was included in site plans for the proposed redevelopment of the former Seasons banquet hall, which was approved by the town in 2023. The plan included fast-food restaurants, a medical office and a self-storage facility. No construction has taken place at this time.
Drawings for that project showed Starbucks along with Five Guys and Chipotle Mexican Grill would be built at the commercial property, which sits near the East Haven-New Haven line on Foxon Road, also known as Route 80.
Downes said he is especially pleased to have the popular chain and its established business in to North Branford, as “Starbucks has a tested and established business."
“The location's ideal," he said. "It's adjacent to a plaza we're working to improve and promote patron traffic to.”
The PZC approved the application with the special condition for the building’s façade “to have a New England style,” and a retaining wall to display a “natural stone façade appearance.”
New sidewalks will continue down Route 139 about 60 feet to plaza entrance, according to the PZC approval.
“That whole Central Plaza area we're looking to improve and focus on," he said. "And this certainly is a good anchor point for that."
Downes said he hopes the Starbucks construction will spur more improvements to the aging Central Plaza shopping area.
“There's an important aspect to this, we're partnering with the businesses that are located there to try to address their needs and what they want out of being here,” he said.
The town is working with the property owner, JSMN Properties LLC, based in New Jersey, according to town records.
“We're definitely exploring ways we can improve that area and partner with them and the landlord to make that a greatly improved plaza for the businesses and the patrons,” Downes said.
Starbucks joins two Dunkin' Donuts in town, one at 1199 Foxon Road and the other in Northford center. There are a few establishments that also feature coffee prominently on their menu.
Among those are Poppy's Restaurant which serves coffee and breakfast; The Hidden Kitchen which has specialty coffees made with alcohol, in addition to fresh brewed coffee and tea; Sweet Poppy’s, a bake shop, offers fresh brewed coffees from Utica Coffee from New York as well as specialty teas and flavored coffees.
With South-Central Regional Council of Governments, People's Action for Clean Energy, town launches energy efficiency, heat pump program. Ellyn Santiago, Patch StaffNORTH BRANFORD, CT — HeatSmart North Branford is launching.The town is partnering with the South-Central Regional Council of Governments and grassroots environmental action group People’s Action for Clean Energy to launch HeatSmart, an ...
Ellyn Santiago, Patch Staff
NORTH BRANFORD, CT — HeatSmart North Branford is launching.
The town is partnering with the South-Central Regional Council of Governments and grassroots environmental action group People’s Action for Clean Energy to launch HeatSmart, an energy efficiency and heat pump outreach program.
"The Town of North Branford strongly encourages residents to take the first step towards saving money and energy," it's noted in a news release from the town. "This opportunity will empower our town to progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable future through increased energy efficiency, while saving residents money on their utility bills."
About the HeatSmart program
The HeatSmart program provides local community groups, nonprofit organizations and municipalities with resources to promote adoption of efficiency measures and educate residents on potential savings.
North Branford is working alongside Hamden, Woodbridge, and Meriden to build on the success of similar programs in Branford, East Haven, Guilford, North Haven and several other towns in the area.
The program is supported by North Branford Town Manager Michael Downes.
"At a time when utility bills have increased dramatically in the past several years," he said, adding, "We strongly encourage residents and business owners to take advantage of these low-cost assessments that can lead to serious savings on their utility bills.”"
HeatSmart North Branford connects residents with utility-authorized contractors who provide a Home Energy SolutionsSM assessment and service. The HES has a $75 fee, which is waived for qualifying income eligible customers. During this visit, technicians:
During the HES assessment, technicians provide written recommendations for deeper energy-saving measures such as insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling, water heating, windows, and appliances. The HES contractors can advise residents on available rebates for weatherization and heat pumps. Income-eligible residents often qualify for deeper discounts or may even receive services and equipment at no cost. The HES contractors will help determine whether residents are income eligible and facilitate obtaining the highest available incentives.
"We have seen time and time again that residents benefit from energy efficiency. PACE is proud to partner with multiple towns in our outreach and education program. Our goal is to have every home in Connecticut be comfortable, safe, and efficient,” says Bernie Pelletier from PACE.Residents will also help the community by participating in HeatSmart. Our contractors, New England Smart Energy and Home Comfort Practice, will donate $25 for each completed HES visit to the community food pantry, or non-profit of your town’s choosing).
Get more information and sign up today for HeatSmart by visiting HeatSmartCT.org/North Branford, calling New England Smart Energy at (203) 292-8088 (mention “HeatSmart”), or clicking the QR code below.
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The state Appellate Court has rejected a lawsuit by a North Branford citizens group seeking to block installation of a bulk propane storage facility in town, bringing an issue that has been pending for more than a decade a step closer to potential resolution.In the decision, which was made public Friday, a unanimous three-judge panel of the Appellate Court affirmed a ...
The state Appellate Court has rejected a lawsuit by a North Branford citizens group seeking to block installation of a bulk propane storage facility in town, bringing an issue that has been pending for more than a decade a step closer to potential resolution.
In the decision, which was made public Friday, a unanimous three-judge panel of the Appellate Court affirmed a trial judge’s decision to dismiss the suit — but on different grounds.
The Appellate Court ruled that citizens group had failed to allege facts in its complaint that would permit a conclusion that it had legal standing to file the suit, which challenged an amendment to the town’s zoning regulations allowing the propane facility.
The North Branford Citizens Against Bulk Propane Storage has several remaining options. One is to ask the state Supreme Court to hear a further appeal of the case.
But Peter C. White, the lawyer representing the group, said he is “not hopeful” that the state’s top court will agree to do so.
He suggested, however, that there may be other avenues the group can pursue. He said there was an issue as to whether the site plan for the facility complied with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements on propane storage.
White said a lot of people contributed to the citizens group, although it did not keep a membership list. More recently, he said, eight to 10 people have been involved in its decision making.
“A lot of people have gotten old or moved,” he said.
A company known as 2772 BPR LLC applied to North Branford’s Planning and Zoning Commission in May 2014 for the amendment to the zoning regulations. The company wanted to build two 30,000-gallon propane storage tanks on property at 40 Ciro Road.
“Trucks equipped with 10,000 gallon propane tanks would deliver propane to the facility, and smaller trucks would deliver propane from the facility to residential and commercial customers,” the decision says, reciting allegations from the complaint. “To get to the facility, the trucks would have to travel along Foxon Road, a heavily trafficked commuter route.”
At that time, the property at 40 Ciro Road belonged to Donald Fucci, who was a member of the Town Council, the citizens group’s complaint says.
The complaint alleges that Fucci and Anthony Candelora, then the town’s mayor, attended a “closed hearing” of the Planning and Zoning Commission to lobby for the change in the zoning regulations.
In June 2014, the complaint says, Fucci and Candelora “used their influence to replace two serving members of Planning & Zoning Commission who had voiced their objections and concerns to the change in the zoning regulations.”
In August 2014, the commission, “with the new members, approved the change in the regulation,” the complaint continues.
The complaint contends that Fucci acted to advance his personal financial interests.
In their formal answer to the complaint, the town and the Planning and Zoning Commission denied all the allegations related to the conflict-of-interest claim.
Likewise, Fucci’s lawyer, Timothy J. Lee, said Monday, “We deny those allegations. It’s not true.”
Among other things, Lee denied the claim that Fucci and Candelora attended a “closed hearing” of the commission. He said it was a public hearing, “duly noticed” and open to any member of the public.
Bryan L. LeClerc, the lawyer representing the town and the commission, wrote in a brief filed with the Appellate Court, that Fucci “was not a member of the Commission. At best he was one of nine members of a Town Council appointing zoning commissioners.
“And, the vote challenged by the Plaintiff at the Commission passed by a margin of 5-0,” LeClerc continued. “Even if one were to exclude the votes of the two members referenced by the Plaintiff, the zone text amendment would have passed.”
The courts never ruled on the merits of the citizens group's suit.
Now-retired Judge Michael P. Kamp, who presided over the case in state Superior Court in New Haven, granted a motion to dismiss the suit on grounds that the group had failed to use all the “administrative remedies” available to it by failing to file a court appeal within 15 days of the commission’s action.
The Appellate Court agreed that the suit should be dismissed but based its decision on the conclusion that the citizens group lacked legal standing to sue because its complaint failed to allege specific interests on the part of any of its members different from those of the general public.
The citizens group’s suit is not the only thing that has delayed construction of the propane facility. The Planning and Zoning Commission in 2017 rejected the company’s plan for development of the site by a 3-2 vote, a decision ultimately reversed by the Appellate Court in 2021, according to the decision.
The new Appellate Court decision was written by Judge Robert W. Clark and joined by Judges Bethany J. Alvord and Dawne G. Westbrook.
NORTH BRANFORD — A serious vehicle crash in North Branford left a portion of Foxon Road, also known as Route 80, closed Friday evening, police said.Foxon Road was closed at its intersection with Totoket Road because of the crash, police said in a Facebook post, and an accident reconstructive team is working at the location."Please exercise caution and plan to use alternative routes. Barricades and road closur...
NORTH BRANFORD — A serious vehicle crash in North Branford left a portion of Foxon Road, also known as Route 80, closed Friday evening, police said.
Foxon Road was closed at its intersection with Totoket Road because of the crash, police said in a Facebook post, and an accident reconstructive team is working at the location.
"Please exercise caution and plan to use alternative routes. Barricades and road closures will be in place shortly," police said.
Jan 3, 2025
Hearst Fellow
Hana Ikramuddin is a Hearst Fellow in Connecticut. She spent the first part of her fellowship at the Houston Chronicle.
Raised in the Twin Cities, Hana majored in journalism and political science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
She has held internships with the Star Tribune, APM Reports and Sahan Journal. In her free time, she loves to cook, make chai and take care of her houseplants.
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Gov. Lamont on Monday said he was pleased that 50 percent of state judges are women.
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