In the heart of Greenwich, Connecticut, the Town Council convened for a pivotal meeting on March 27, 2025, where community members voiced their concerns and aspirations regarding the town's budget. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as residents highlighted pressing issues that could shape the future of their neighborhoods.

Janet Stone McWiggen, a member of the Board of Selectmen, took to the floor to advocate for the completion of a vital sidewalk project. She painted a vivid picture of the current landscape, where many residents, including children, navigate busy roads without safe pedestrian pathways. McWiggen emphasized that 10% of visitors to local parks arrive on foot or by bike, underscoring the vulnerability of these individuals. She contrasted the bustling activity at Tod's Point and Byron Park with the limited foot traffic at other parks, illustrating the need for improved connectivity across the town. “How powerful would that be?” she asked, envisioning a future where all of Greenwich is seamlessly linked by safe sidewalks.

As the discussion progressed, McWiggen shifted her focus to the budget, urging the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) to adopt a holistic and sustainable approach. She expressed concern over potential cuts to essential services, particularly the town's leaf collection program, which she argued had become outdated. “We need to be unified in this message,” she stated, calling for transparency in the budget process to ensure that all departments could contribute to informed decision-making.

The meeting also spotlighted the pressing issue of waste management, with McWiggen identifying the Holly Hill transfer station as a critical area needing attention. She warned that without proactive planning, the town would face escalating waste disposal costs, a challenge that cannot be ignored any longer.

As the evening unfolded, it became clear that the residents of Greenwich are not just passive observers in the budget process; they are active participants, eager to shape the future of their community. The discussions at this meeting reflect a broader desire for collaboration and thoughtful planning, ensuring that the needs of all residents are met in the face of evolving challenges. The council's response to these concerns will undoubtedly influence the town's trajectory in the years to come.