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Police Are Stopping Kids on E-Bikes in Unionville. The Rules Are a Year Old and Stricter Than Parents Think.

Farmington police are stopping juveniles on e-bikes in Unionville, and the town told the council new state rules arrive October 1.

Jack Beckett·Sep 11, 2026

$Farmington Mercury graphic. A navy Farmington Government flag sits above a heavy condensed headline reading The rules are a year old, the last words in blue. Below it: police have been stopping kids on e-bikes in Unionville; the law they are enforcing took effect on October 1, 2025 and is stricter than most parents think; a second October 1 arrives this year and changes almost none of it. A stat strip reads helmet required at every age on an e-bike, 16 the minimum age to ride a class 3, 0 trails open to class 3 statewide, and October 1 2025 when it all took effect. On a navy panel to the right, headed Two October firsts, two cards. Public Act 25-159, in force for a year: helmet required at every age for rider or passenger and an infraction unlike on a regular bike; no one under 16 may ride a class 3; class 3 barred from every bike and multi-use trail in the state; a bike modified to go faster stops being an e-bike. Public Act 26-24, what actually arrives: a motor of exactly 750 watts becomes a legal e-bike, the e-scooter weight limit rises from 100 to 110 pounds, and a horsepower cap is struck from another definition. A closing italic line reads: no helmet rule, no age, nothing about where you can ride.$

The State Plans to Close Route 10 for Two Weeks Next Summer. Farmington Is Still Waiting on a Date.

The state expects to close Route 10 through Farmington for about two weeks next summer to replace a culvert built in 1924.

Jack Beckett·Sep 10, 2026

Farmington Mercury graphic. A navy Farmington Government flag sits above a heavy condensed headline reading Route 10 closes for two weeks, with No date yet in blue. Below it: the state expects a full closure next summer to replace the culvert under Main Street near Tunxis Street; Public Works told the council the department thinks they're going to be out there, and that the town is still waiting on a final schedule. A stat strip reads about 2 weeks of full closure, July or early August after school lets out, 1924 the year Bridge 02110 was built, and 0 detour routes published. On a navy panel to the right, headed What the town has not said, four dashed amber boxes: the date, marked no final schedule; whether people on foot can get through, marked not promised; any detour route, marked none given; anything on the town's construction page, marked not posted. A closing italic line notes what the town has said: message boards at each end, an Everbridge alert, and a free sidewalk and crosswalk out of it.

The Town Gave Them a Day Each. They Had Already Built Something.

Today is Oliver Mangham Day in Farmington. Tomorrow is Liam Morrell Day. The Town Council named both on Tuesday night, for the newest Eagle Scouts out of Troop 170: one rebuilt the bullpens and…

Jack Beckett·Sep 10, 2026

Farmington Mercury graphic. A navy Farmington Government flag sits above a heavy condensed headline reading The town gave them a day each, the last words in blue. Below it: They had already built something. One removed a 60-foot bog bridge on the Mountain Spring Nature Trail and put up a 125-foot one. The other rebuilt the bullpens and fields at his high school. A stat strip along the bottom reads 2 Eagle Scouts of Troop 170, 60 feet of bog bridge removed, 125 feet built in its place, 2 General Assembly citations. On a navy panel to the right, the two Town Council proclamations of September 8 are set out in amber-barred cards: Wednesday September 9 as Oliver Mangham Day, for durable bullpen and practice areas with new pitching mounds and rubbers for home and visiting teams at St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol; and Thursday September 10 as Liam Morrell Day, credited with planning, designing, securing permits for and constructing a new bog bridge on the Mountain Spring Nature Trail.

Farmington Counted Its Sidewalks. The $18 Million Repair Bill Isn't the Town's.

The Ad Hoc Sidewalk Committee told the Town Council there are 48 miles of sidewalk in Farmington, 11 percent of it rated D or F, and about $18 million to repair all of it.

Jack Beckett·Sep 9, 2026

Farmington Mercury graphic headlined It answered everything but the question. Beside it, a scorecard of the Ad Hoc Sidewalk Committee's findings: 48 miles of sidewalk, serving about a third of the community, 11 percent rated D or F, about $18 million to repair, the owner pays, not unusual in Connecticut. The final row, should the town take it on, is a blank line marked paused until the survey.

Farmington Asks What You'll Pay For in October. What You'll Owe Arrives in July.

Farmington's resident survey opens in early October and asks what people are willing to pay for. The first tax bills built on the town's new property assessments arrive nine months later.

Jack Beckett·Sep 3, 2026

Farmington Mercury graphic headlined Asked in October. Billed in July. Beside it, calendars for October 2026 and July 2027, identical grids with the first of each month circled.

Farmington's New Website Costs Less Than Budgeted. Keeping It Costs Four Times as Much.

The Farmington Town Council unanimously hired CivicPlus to rebuild the town's website for $61,690.98, about $13,300 under budget.

Jack Beckett·Jul 31, 2026

A Farmington Town Council graphic announces a town website reboot with a laptop showing FarmingtonCT.gov, a phone service request screen, and an approved website redesign contract.

Farmington Seats a Building Committee for a $30 Million Fire Station Overhaul

Farmington's newly seated Fire Station Building Committee held its first meeting Friday, taking control of a Town Council-scoped plan to build two new fire stations and renovate the historic Village…

Jack Beckett·Jul 20, 2026

An infographic titled "Fire Station Plan Begins" describes the Farmington Building Committee's plan to build two fire stations, renovate one, and seek a 2027 referendum for a $30 million to $35 million project.

Farmington Council Extends Town Manager's Contract to 2030, Adds $15,000 Bonus

Farmington's Town Council reviewed Town Manager Kathleen Blonski behind closed doors on June 23, then returned to open session and unanimously extended her contract through June 30, 2030, raised her…

Jack Beckett·Jun 27, 2026

Farmington Mercury, Government

Three Farmington Boards Have a Say in the Truck Stop. Only Two Actually Decide It.

Three Farmington bodies weigh in on the fate of the Noble Energy truck stop, but the elected Town Council, the one residents keep asking to stop it, doesn't actually decide.

Jack Beckett·Jun 13, 2026

The Noble Energy travel center and warehouse site at 8261 Fienemann Road in Farmington, near Batterson Park Pond

Farmington Town Council Comes Out Against the Truck Stop

Farmington's Town Council issued two unanimous negative referrals June 9, opposing the Noble Energy truck stop at 8261 Fienemann Road and a separate National Land Holdings residential project, even…

Jack Beckett·Jun 12, 2026

Farmington Town Council opposing the Noble Energy truck stop on Fienemann Road

Tim Kelly's Next Fire-Station Question: How Old Is the Volunteer Force?

At the May 26 Farmington Town Council meeting, Westview resident Tim Kelly asked the council for an inventory of the town's current volunteer-firefighter ranks by decade — twenties, thirties…

Jack Beckett·May 29, 2026

Farmington Mercury — Government

Tinty Park Stays a Park: Legal Opinion Closes Farmington's Cemetery Question

A legal opinion delivered to the Farmington Town Council on May 26 concludes that using the Don Tinty parcel for cemetery purposes would violate the 2004 deed covenant, and that the town has no legal…

Jack Beckett·May 28, 2026

Farmington Mercury — Government

Farmington Council Sets May 26 Discussion, June 9 Vote on Meadow Road Sidewalk

Town Manager Kathleen Blonski told the Farmington Town Council on May 12 that the Meadow Road sidewalk project will return as an agenda item at the council's May 26 meeting, with a potential vote at…

Jack Beckett·May 18, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Farmington Sets Mill Rate at 27.36

The Town Council voted unanimously to set the property tax rate at 27.36 mills for fiscal year 2026–27 and to divide an unexpected $1.7 million state aid grant — half for current taxpayers, half in…

Jack Beckett·May 15, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

A Cemetery Proposal for Don Tinty Park Resurfaces in Farmington

A 2004 deed gave Donald Tinty Family Park to Farmington as a public park. On May 12, the Town Council took up — and a dozen residents came to oppose — whether part of it should become the town's next…

Jack Beckett·May 14, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Farmington Advances a $30–35 Million Fire-Station Overhaul

The Farmington Town Council voted unanimously on May 12 to advance a $30-to-$35-million plan to replace two of the town's three volunteer fire stations and renovate the third, seating a new building…

Jack Beckett·May 14, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Unionville Historic Commission Sets Five Priorities for 2026, Welcomes New Liaison Bill Beckert

Nine months after a wave of departures left the Unionville Historic District and Properties Commission with three empty seats, two alternate seats remain vacant.

Jack Beckett·May 8, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Farmington's Budget Referendum Closes With 950 Ballots Cast and a 5.08 Percent Turnout

Farmington's annual budget referendum closed at 8 p.m. Thursday with 950 of the town's 18,707 registered voters casting ballots — a turnout of 5.08 percent.

Jack Beckett·Apr 30, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Budget & Referendum: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, What the town spends, what it borrows, and what it puts to a vote.

Farmington Council Defers Meadow Road Sidewalk Vote, Asks for Redesign

After a 90-minute public hearing, the Town Council declined to vote on the south-side alignment and asked Town Engineer Russ Arnold to redesign the project as a south-side / north-side split crossing…

Jack Beckett·Apr 30, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Town Hall Annex Hosts Meadow Road Sidewalk Public Hearing Tuesday Night at 7:05

A public hearing on the proposed Meadow Road Sidewalk Project will be held Tuesday, April 28, at 7:05 p.m. in the Town Hall Annex Council Chambers, 1 Monteith Drive.

Jack Beckett·Apr 27, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Development: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, Projects proposed, approved, contested and built.

Farmington Votes Thursday: Polls Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Across Four Locations

Farmington's annual budget referendum is Thursday, April 30. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. across four locations.

Jack Beckett·Apr 27, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Farmington Votes April 30: Polling Places and Absentee Ballot Rules

Farmington's $143 million operating budget and $18.3 million in bond questions go to voters Thursday, April 30. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Jack Beckett·Apr 22, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Budget & Referendum: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, What the town spends, what it borrows, and what it puts to a vote.

Farmington Sets April 30 Referendum on $143M Budget and $18.3M in Bonds

Town Meeting voters referred a 4.74% spending plan and two bond questions to the ballot. The average homeowner would pay $281.20 more in taxes.

Jack Beckett·Apr 21, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Farmington Annual Town Meeting Is Monday Night. Here's What Happens Next.

Farmington's Annual Town Meeting is Monday, April 20, at 7 PM at Farmington High School. Here's the full budget timeline through the April 30 referendum — and what happens if it doesn't pass.

Jack Beckett·Apr 15, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Budget & Referendum: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, What the town spends, what it borrows, and what it puts to a vote.

Farmington Passes $143M Budget for 2026-27

Farmington's Town Council approved a $143.2M budget for FY 2026-27, setting a 27.55 mill rate and locking in $564K in regional dispatch savings.

Jack Beckett·Apr 9, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Budget & Referendum: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, What the town spends, what it borrows, and what it puts to a vote.

Farmington's New Town Hall Gets a Ribbon Cutting Date: May 14. There Will Be Tours, Food Trucks, and Souvenir Bricks.

Farmington's Ad Hoc 1928 Building Committee set May 14 for the ribbon cutting of the town's new Town Hall — the renovated 1928 high school.

Jack Beckett·Mar 25, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Carrier Group Wins Two-Year Extension and Three Model Homes for Morea Road Subdivision. The Vote Was Unanimous. Again.

The Farmington TPZ unanimously approved a two-year extension and three model homes for Carrier Group's contested 25-lot Morea Road subdivision.

Jack Beckett·Mar 24, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Farmington’s WPCA Confronts Frozen Scum Lines, Float Switches, and a 3% Rate Hike Like It’s Totally Normal

Frozen pipes, float drama, and a 3% sewer bump—Farmington’s WPCA keeps it classy. Thanks, Farmington Storage , for the Museum air. 🏛️💨

Jack Beckett·Feb 16, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Public Works: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, Roads, water, sewer, refuse and the machinery that keeps the town running.

Farmington P&Z Approves Big Y Supermarket, Country Club Expansion & Towing Lot in 4-Hour Meeting

Farmington’s Planning & Zoning Commission approved three major projects in a 4-hour marathon meeting: a Big Y supermarket, country club lounge expansion, and towing lot improvements.

Jack Beckett·Feb 11, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Planning & Zoning: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, What may be built in Farmington, where, and under whose conditions.

Farmington Bike Advisory Committee Debates Trail Safety, School Access, Signage Costs, and Grants

Farmington’s Bike Advisory Committee weighed trail safety, school access, signage costs, wetlands constraints, speed etiquette, and grant timelines—one careful step at a time.

Jack Beckett·Jan 27, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Wetlands & Conservation: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, Applications, hearings and the long arguments about where the water goes.

Farmington Town Council Opens 2026 With Wells Drive Road Dispute, Fund-Balance Target Change, and Major Contract Votes

Farmington’s council opened 2026 with rules, a Wells Drive road dispute, a fund-balance target shift, and major votes on tech, lighting, and a police generator.

Jack Beckett·Jan 16, 2026

Farmington Police Daily Arrest Report

Farmington Town Council Opens 2026 With Wells Drive and Policy Surprises

Farmington Town Council's January 2026 meeting sets tone for new year with infrastructure and policy decisions.

Jack Beckett·Jan 10, 2026

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Farmington HDC Approves 44 Colton Street Door Replacement, Elects Officers

The Commission’s work Tuesday night was procedural, precise, and refreshingly drama-free. In Farmington, that counts as a feature, not a bug.

Jack Beckett·Dec 19, 2025

Farmington Police Daily Arrest Report

Farmington Council Honors First Female Eagle Scout, Backs School Repairs and Golf Cart Upgrade

Farmington’s Town Council honored its first female Eagle Scout, awarded a Human Rights prize, advanced school repairs, expanded golf carts at Westwoods, and set dates for Hanukkah, graduation, and a…

Jack Beckett·Dec 11, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Education: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, Schools, students, and the decisions made about both.

Farmington Council Honors Eagle Scouts, Thanks Veterans, and Faces School Budget Questions

Farmington’s Nov. 10, 2025 council meeting honored two Eagle Scouts, marked Veterans Day, heard sharp school funding concerns, and reviewed bonds, building projects, and upcoming zoning and parking…

Jack Beckett·Nov 16, 2025

Farmington Police Daily Arrest Report

Full Ballot Released for Farmington’s November 4 Election

Farmington’s Nov. 4 municipal ballot lists 40 candidates across town offices—from Probate Judge to Constable—with voting 6 a.m.–8 p.m. and early voting through Nov. 2.

Jack Beckett·Nov 3, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Elections: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, Ballots, referenda, candidates and the count.

Farmington Historic District Commission Approves Church Renovations, Debates Memorial Cross Placement

Historic District Commission Juggles Church Signs, Windows, and a Wandering Cross A wooden memorial cross needs a home. A church signpost leans to one side. And 41 windows wait for replacement.

Jack Beckett·Oct 24, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Historic District: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The buildings Farmington has decided to keep, and what may be done to them.

Farmington’s 2025 Ballot, Deconstructed: Every Office, Every Candidate, Every Deadline

Farmington’s Nov. 4 ballot, race by race: every office, candidate, and voting detail—plus how district seats work and where to vote early—sourced to official state and party materials.

Jack Beckett·Oct 23, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Planning & Zoning: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, What may be built in Farmington, where, and under whose conditions.

Wells Acres Residents Demand Road Reconstruction After Seven Years as Farmington Council Approves $773K in Other Projects

Civil engineer Joanne White presented 7 years of evidence demanding Wells Acres road reconstruction. Farmington Council then approved major contracts totaling over $773,000. Two-week deadline issued.

Jack Beckett·Oct 19, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Public Works: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, Roads, water, sewer, refuse and the machinery that keeps the town running.

Tim Kelly And The Five-Minute Mic: Debt, Data, And Why Public Comment Still Matters In Farmington

Tim Kelly And The Five-Minute Mic: Debt, Data, And Why Public Comment Still Matters In Farmington If you sit through Farmington Town Council meetings, you know the pattern: the chair opens public…

Jack Beckett·Oct 18, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Budget & Referendum: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, What the town spends, what it borrows, and what it puts to a vote.

Farmington TPZ: ADU Approved on Penfield, Accessibility Expansion on Robbin, Historic Barn Work and New Garage on Mountain Spring; Nov. 12 Hearings Set

Farmington’s TPZ approved a 720 sf ADU, an accessibility-driven expansion on Robbin Road, and a new four-car garage with historic barn restoration on Mountain Spring. New hearings set for Nov. 12.

Jack Beckett·Oct 8, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Planning & Zoning: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, What may be built in Farmington, where, and under whose conditions.

Farmington–Avon Plan America 250 Celebration: Fireworks, Music, and a Shared Budget at 99 Thompson Road

Farmington weighs an America 250 celebration with Avon: fireworks, music, food trucks, and history tents—plus a budget split and a field big enough to keep the fields, well, playable.

Jack Beckett·Sep 24, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Public Works: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, Roads, water, sewer, refuse and the machinery that keeps the town running.

1928 Committee: Cupola Complete, Windows 80%, New Ductwork Approved; Sept. 23 Meeting And Site Tour Set

Cupola complete, windows at 80%, new ductwork approved, and contingency steady. Sept. 9 meeting canceled; Sept. 23 at 4:30 p.m. set—then a hard-hat tour. Elevator slips; budget doesn’t. Suggested

Jack Beckett·Aug 31, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Public Works: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, Roads, water, sewer, refuse and the machinery that keeps the town running.

Farmington Committees Tackle Sidewalk Disputes and $1.8M Building Costs

Farmington’s Sidewalk Committee weighs Meadow Road disputes while the 1928 Building Committee signs off on $1.9M in repairs, from cupola rot to ductwork fixes.

Jack Beckett·Aug 26, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Historic District: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The buildings Farmington has decided to keep, and what may be done to them.

Farmington CT Jobs: Administrative Clerk, Assessment Clerk II, Firefighter/EMT, Crossing Guard, Golf Course Roles, and More — How To Apply, Pay, Deadlines

Farmington is hiring across offices, streets, greens, and firehouses—with clear pay, deadlines, and how to apply. Plus volunteer seats and contacts to get you in the room.

Jack Beckett·Aug 13, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Farmington Weighs Surveying Residents on Meadow Road Sidewalk Project

Farmington’s Ad Hoc Sidewalk Committee debates surveying Meadow Road residents after a grant-funded sidewalk project prompts mixed responses.

Jack Beckett·Aug 6, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Public Works: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, Roads, water, sewer, refuse and the machinery that keeps the town running.

Six Jobs and a Dozen Boards: Where to Work—or Volunteer—in Farmington, CT

Farmington posts six jobs—from $16-an-hour tee‑time wrangler to $81k firefighter—and a smorgasbord of board seats. Applications close on August 15 for two top roles.

Jack Beckett·Jul 29, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Government: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The Town Council, the boards and the commissions that decide what Farmington does and what it costs.

Farmington TPZ OKs U‑Haul Fleet at Farmington Storage, Approves Ridgeline Septic Fix

Farmington Zoning Approves Trucks at 155 Scott Swamp; Septic System Repair in Ridgeline Zone Also Gets Green Light By Jack Beckett | July 24, 2025 | The Farmington Mercury FARMINGTON, CT — It was a…

Jack Beckett·Jul 24, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Planning & Zoning: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, What may be built in Farmington, where, and under whose conditions.

Farmington Wetlands Panel Approves Cemetery Road Shift, Garage Build, Scout Benches; Hill‑Stead Path Heads for Site Walk

July 16, Inland Wetlands Commission okays cemetery road shift, private garage, and Scout benches while Hill‑Stead’s historic walkway awaits a September site walk.

Jack Beckett·Jul 19, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Wetlands & Conservation: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, Applications, hearings and the long arguments about where the water goes.

Unionville OKs New Shaker Door, Adopts UConn Oral-History Tool, Faces Commissioner Exodus

Unionville Historic District Commission approves a new Shaker-style fiberglass door at 48 Cottage Street and votes to join UConn’s free “Their Story” oral-history platform.

Jack Beckett·Jul 14, 2025

The Farmington Mercury section plate for Historic District: the masthead, the section name set in the publication's display type, and a short summary reading, The buildings Farmington has decided to keep, and what may be done to them.