Call Center Company in Bridgeport, CT

The move is part of a broader effort to enhance digital infrastructure in Fairfield County.

Alfred Branch, Patch Staff

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Comcast is expanding its network to bring high-speed internet services to nearly 62,000 homes and businesses in Bridgeport, part of a broader effort to enhance digital infrastructure in Fairfield County.

The project marks the first time Comcast’s Xfinity and Comcast Business services will be available in Bridgeport, offering residential and commercial customers access to internet, mobile, entertainment, and security services. Construction is underway and expected to be completed in 2027, the company said.

Residents can check the availability of services and construction updates by visiting Xfinity.com/mytown and entering their address.

The Bridgeport expansion is part of Comcast’s continued investment in the region. The company has recently extended services to nearby communities, including:

“Comcast is proud to further invest in Connecticut with our fiber expansion in Bridgeport,” said Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s New England Region. “By continuing to expand our gigabit-speed network in Fairfield County, Comcast is providing residents and businesses a new option for fast, reliable internet and mobile services.”

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The company said the Bridgeport network will offer gigabit-speed internet with 99.9 percent reliability and built-in cybersecurity features. Comcast’s national network currently serves more than 64 million homes and businesses, including critical institutions such as hospitals, schools, and emergency services.

Residential customers will be able to access Comcast’s Xfinity-branded offerings, which include internet, television, mobile, phone, and home security services. Comcast Business will provide commercial customers with connectivity, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed service solutions.

In addition to infrastructure investment, Comcast highlighted its community outreach efforts, including the Internet Essentials program, which provides low-cost broadband service and computers to eligible households. Over the past three years, the company said it has contributed more than $12 million in cash and in-kind support to nonprofits across Connecticut, aimed at expanding digital access and literacy.

The program equips EMS providers with training and supplies.

Alfred Branch, Patch Staff

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport Hospital has introduced a new prehospital blood transfusion program that enables paramedics in select regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies to administer blood transfusions directly in ambulances. Hospital officials say the initiative is the first of its kind in the region.

The program equips EMS providers with training and supplies to deliver transfusions to patients experiencing severe blood loss before they reach the hospital.

“When assessing and treating bleeding patients, every second matters,” said Dr. Doug Latham, EMS medical director at Bridgeport Hospital. “The ability to transfuse blood prior to arriving at the hospital improves patient outcomes by addressing hemorrhagic shock during the most critical time.”

Paramedics authorized to participate must complete a hospital-led training program and undergo annual recertification. The hospital’s blood bank will provide participating EMS teams, as available, with one unit of group O-positive low-titer whole blood or red blood cells. The blood will be stored in a temperature-monitored unit onboard the ambulance.

“This program allows us to extend care beyond the hospital and reflects the strong partnerships between the hospital and local EMS agencies,” said Bridgeport Hospital President Anne Diamond.

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The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with EMS agencies including Bridgeport AMR, Trumbull EMS and Stratford EMS. Officials say the program aims to improve outcomes for trauma and critically ill patients by delivering advanced care in the field.

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SHELTON — Zoning officials have issued a temporary cease-and-desist notice for any further work on property at the corner of Bridgeport Avenue and Long Hill Cross Road.

Crown Point Associates — owned by the Botti family — has plans before the Planning and Zoning Commission to turn the long-undeveloped area once owned by the Wells family into a hotel, restaurants and retail.

P&Z has yet to rule on the plans, but that did not stop the developer from clear-cutting much of the nearly 18-acre site, even stump grinding and grading, without any approvals, according to city Zoning Enforcement Officer Ron Baia.

Commission Chair Virginia Harger confirmed the cease-and-desist order is in place, adding any decision on the plans will also be delayed in the wake of the developer’s actions.

The commission discussed the situation at its meeting May 14, saying the developer must create a soil- and erosion-control plan to help stabilize the ground in wetlands.

“There is no excuse for this. ... We can’t reward bad behavior,” Commissioner Jimmy Tickey said.

Jim Botti said there was a “misunderstanding” and “apologized and accepted responsibility.” But he says he has a permit allowing the work that has been done since it dealt specifically with the sewer connection work, all of which required tree removal, stump grinding and soil grading.

“I met with (Water Pollution Control Authority officials) on-site, and was told I was good to move forward with the work,” Botti said.

Baia said Crown Point Associates did receive permit approval from the Inland Wetlands Commission. Still, the actions on-site were not permitted until the Planning and Zoning Commission gave its blessing.

“They had permission to work on the sewer line ... not for the rest of what was happening on-site,” Baia said. “No more work is allowed until the Planning and Zoning Commission acts.”

Botti said the wetlands permit he received had no stipulations except to return to the commission if the Planning and Zoning commissioners’ approval calls for any changes to the plans.

Baia said removal of a tree along the brook, which flows through the property and downstream into Wells Hollow Farm, led to brownish, black water running into the Wells land. The brook provides water to farm animals at nearby Wells Hollow Farm.

Botti said his wetlands expert stated that the work done was not responsible for that water issue.

Work on a 50- to 60-foot right-of-way owned by the state of Connecticut was also in dispute.

Botti said he has sent $221,000, the agreed-upon sale price, to the state and believed the deal was done.

State Department of Transportation officials confirmed an agreement to sell the land to Botti is in place, but the final sale will not be completed for weeks, if not months. Josh Morgan, representing the CT DOT, said he has seen video of work being performed on what is still state property, but any actions taken will be by city officials.

The plans show that Woodspring Suites, a 123-room hotel, will anchor the site, which will also include Texas Roadhouse and Dairy Queen, which will have a drive-thru. The project calls for 640 parking spaces with three access points off Bridgeport Avenue.

Woodspring Suites has dozens of hotels in 40 states and the District of Columbia. There is one other in Connecticut, in Newington.

Botti’s Crown Point Associates owns the neighboring Crown Point Center, which has six buildings and 60,000 square feet of space off Bridgeport Avenue. Tenants include Wendy’s, Dunkin', Common Grounds, The UPS Store, a Subway sandwich shop, a T-Mobile store, a nail salon and a pizza restaurant.

Botti was also the developer behind many other Bridgeport Avenue projects, such as the King Point shopping plaza, a restaurant and bank complex at 828 Bridgeport Ave., and founder of nearby Fountain Square, which is now under new ownership.

BRIDGEPORT, CT — John J. Ramos II, principal of Interdistrict Discovery Magnet School in Bridgeport, has been named the 2024–2025 Outstanding First-Year Principal by the Connecticut Association of Schools, Bridgeport Public Schools announced.

The award recognizes first-year principals who demonstrate strong leadership and a meaningful impact on their school communities. Ramos, in his first year at Discovery Magnet, has been credited with enhancing the school’s culture of inclusivity, academic achievement and family involvement.

During the year, Ramos implemented several new initiatives, including the creation of Collaborative Governance Committees, “College Takeover Days,” and expanded partnerships with community organizations. These efforts aimed to elevate student voice and encourage collaborative decision-making.

School officials said Ramos’s leadership was especially notable during challenging periods, including a community tragedy and broader concerns about school safety. His calm and compassionate approach helped foster trust among students, staff and families.

“John has embraced the Discovery Magnet community with heart and purpose,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “This recognition reflects his impact and the values we uphold in Bridgeport.”

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In response to the award, Ramos said he was honored by the recognition and praised the efforts of the school’s staff.

“This year has presented its share of challenges, yet our school community has come together with unwavering support for our students, families, and one another,” Ramos said in a statement.

Before joining Discovery Magnet, Ramos served as assistant principal in Stratford and school counseling coordinator at Harding High School. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership and is active in statewide educational and community groups.