The Department of Banking News Bulletin

Bulletin # 1811
Week Ending November 6, 1998

This bulletin constitutes the only official notification you will receive from this office concerning any of the following applications. Any observations you may have are solicited. Any comments should be in writing to John P. Burke, Banking Commissioner, at the Connecticut Department of Banking, 260 Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103-1800 or via E-mail to john.burke@ct.gov. Written comments will be considered only if they are received within ten days from the date of this bulletin.

Section 36a-145 of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that each application for a branch, or for a limited branch at which loans will be made, be accompanied by a plan detailing how adequate services to meet the banking needs of all community residents will be provided. Plans are submitted when such applications are filed and are available for public inspection and comment at this Department for a period of 30 days. Questions concerning branch activity should be directed to the Bank Examination Division, (860) 240-8180.
Note: dates are listed in month/day/year format.

On November 4, 1998, Hudson United Bank, a commercial bank with its main office located in Union City, New Jersey, filed an application pursuant to Section 36a-412(a)(1) of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended by Public Act 98-177, for the merger of Lafayette American Bank, a Connecticut bank, with its main office located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with and into Hudson United Bank.

On November 4, 1998, Westbank Corporation, a bank holding company with its principal place of business in Massachusetts, filed an application pursuant to Sections 36a-184 and 36a-411 of the Connecticut General Statutes for the merger of Cargill Bancorp, Inc. with and into Westbank Corporation, thereby indirectly acquiring all of the voting stock of Cargill Bank.  In connection with the proposed transaction, Westbank Corporation also has filed a community reinvestment plan for Cargill Bank which is available for public inspection and comment at the Department of Banking for a period of 30 days.