Bard Bites the Dust

The Stratford Bard, the Elm City Newspapers' news 'weakly,' has published its last. Elm City Newspapers is itself owned by the Yardley, Pa.-based Journal Register Co. (JRC), whose flagship daily is the New Haven Register. Other local weeklies similarly shuttered include the Milford Weekly, Shelton Weekly, Orange Bulletin, West Haven News and Hamden Chronicle.

Many daily newspaper companies are feeling severe financial stress, as the number of U.S. dailies continues to decline, from 2,400 eighty years ago to less than 14,000 today. But the JRC has been particularly mismanaged. In 2003 the company took on a mountain of debt to buy a newspaper group in Michigan -- about five minutes before the U.S. auto industry fell off a cliff. According to today's Yahoo! Finance snapshot, the company is showing debts of $646 million on annual revenues (trailing 12 months) of $428 million. Not good, people! And it's stock (de-listed by the NY Stock Exchange when it fell too low last year) was trading for $0.004 -- less than HALF A CENT. To place in perspective: This very day, you can buy a can of Diet Coke, or 200 shares of JRC stock. Personally, I think the soda is a better investment.

I teach a college course on this stuff, so I do tend to get up on a high horse in pontificating about media stuff. But here's what it means: Now Stratford has just one weekly, the Stratford Star (itself owned by a chain), and like many suburban chain-owned weeklies they basically have about one real news person covering town government. Now, in a town of 50,000, how can one person cover a town government that continues to get larger and more complex and where there are many places for people in government to hide information from the media -- and, by extension, from us. Of course, there's also the Connecticut Post (chain-owned, needless to say), but they are experiencing their own 'issues.'

Here's the point (alert: pontification ahead): a half-century ago most newspapers in Connecticut were owned by families who live and did business in their hometowns. If you didn't like something the paper printed, you could probably confront the publisher in the supermarket, or church, or at the country club, and give him (it was 99% 'hims') a piece of your mind. Now, almost all of the papers are owned by out-of-town chains who don;t give a $%#@ about Stratford or anywhere else -- they just want to Hoover the ad dollars out of mom-and-pop businesses. and when there are fewer media choices, readers and advertisers BOTH suffer.

— Michael Bingham

...and a fun time was had by all!

Warm wishes ('cause it was cold out!)were the standard at the doors of our neighbors while the eanrstwhile members of the OSNA caroling group trudged through the snow and slipped past the ice on Sundays' Holiday mission. Smiles and laughs from the childen made the event worthwhile as 8 - 10 people moved about and enjoyed harmonizing (sometimes) together to make sure everyone had a little extra cheer this year.
After the frigid minstrels completed their route, we all headed down Elm Street to the Tait's home where food and grog were the mainstay for warming the evening in a festive setting in their waonderfuly decorated home- thank you Bob and Alese Tait and family. It just doesn't get any better than to spend an evening with friends and neighbors! Some new faces were present (welcome to the neighborhood) and some of the usuals were there, too. All in all, the conversation and the fellowship of a neighborhood was the highlight of the evening that can only be matched by the continued warm wave and "Happy Holidays" wishes as we pass our neighbors in the street.
Happy Holidays to all.

Party Like It's (Almost) 2009!

1 P.M. DECEMBER 21 — Yes, the caroling party is still on for 4 p.m. today — with one possible variation: If it's still raining cats & dogs at four, we will proceed directly to the Taits home at 1492 Elm Street (just north of the condos) for the party part of the event. We can always carol indoors, and no one gets pneumonia. O Come, All Ye Faithful!

Hark! How the Bells...

Yup — it's that time again. Time to lift our voices (such as they are) in song to celebrate the season and make new friends at OSNA's annual Holiday Caroling Party. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. this Sunday atop Academy Hill where we'll meet, distribute songbooks and (electric) candles, then proceed around the neighborhood bringing good cheer to one and all.

When we're all caroled out (around 5:15, most likely) we will beat a hasty retreat to the home of OSNA Treasurer Bob Tait and his lovely family at 1492 Elm Street for refreshments, fellowship and maybe the Taits will even invite us into their hot tub (probably not — but whatever).

Bundle up, and bring a friend!

Stratford Neighbors Worry About Crime

The Connecticut Post reports: Residents in the town's Academy Hill historic district are venting concerns about a rash of home and motor vehicle break-ins, vandalism, teenage gangs and strangers casing their neighborhood.

At a forum organized Tuesday night by the Old Stratford Neighborhood Association, about 75 neighborhood residents told police about their growing uneasiness about a rise in crime over the last six months.

The meeting was scheduled after OSNA President Michael Bingham and his wife Nancy Monk returned Nov. 29 from a Thanksgiving holiday out of town to find their historic Elm Street home ransacked with "virtually every portable item of value stolen," Bingham said.

"I would ask whether we can feel safe," said Jane Kirby, a Meadow Street resident who pointed out there has been a rise in the number of boarding houses in the area.

While police officials denied there has been a community crime wave, they advised residents takes measures to safeguard their security, such as locking doors, using burglary alarms and light sensors, calling police at the first sign of trouble, and reviving the Crime Watch program.

....

Some residents said they felt as though they were being blamed for their concerns about crime.
"I'm starting to feel a little annoyed,' said the Rev. Robert Stuhlmann, pastor of Christ Episcopal Church. "I'm getting the feeling that we're being told we're too stupid, that it's our fault. Well, many of us cannot afford elaborate alarm systems."

Ramos responded, "We're not blaming anyone. We're just trying to raise awareness that cooperation and safety measures are keys to preventing crime."

Mayor James R. Miron, however, told residents, "There is a level of personal responsibility. You want to doing everything you can to tell criminals they're not welcome in your neighborhood."

To read the full article, go to http://www.connpost.com/ci_11185918

So Much for 'No Crime Spree'

OSNA President Michael Bingham writes: Quite the irony that while 70 of us were sitting in Christ Church last evening listening to the police tell us that the increase in criminal activity in the neighborhood was mainly a figment of our imaginations, there were two house break-ins in the vicinity of White Street. During our meeting.

The Stratford P.D. sent its community affairs officer, Bobby Ramos, to represent the department and mollify worried neighbors. While Ramos was affable and quick on his feet, he seemed to know little about our neighborhood or the specifics of any of the recent crimes. Questions about the Harry Rosen House left him speechless. In fairness, Academy Hill is not his beat (he is assigned to the South End). I got the idea he didn't really even know anything about our break-in.

Ramos was quick to defend his department's response time to calls. But when Paul Joy called last week about the quick-moving teenage gangs moving through Broad and White Street yards, he said no one showed up for 15 minutes — hardly the urgency needed to apprehend fast-moving kids on foot (which they didn't).

Many of Ramos suggestions obviously have merit: lock your car, lock your house, install motion sensors, get an alarm system. But most neighbors I talked with were adamant about the need for increased neighborhood patrols and overall police visibility, as well as — yes, it's true — better response times to calls.

His best suggestion is one we can all agree with: If you see anything at all suspicious, call the police.

Full House at Crime Watch Meeting

Many thanks to all who attended the Crime Watch meeting last night. There were over 70 concerned neighbors in attendance, including Stratford's very own Mayor Miron.

As secretary of OSNA, I was disappointed to miss the meeting (conflicts with baby's bedtime are tough!), but am so proud to know that our neighborhood is taking a stand against this recent crime "epidemic." As a new mother, I feel safer knowing that all my neighbors are on the lookout for suspicious people and activity. A safe, quiet, warm neighborhood was one of the reasons we chose to move here two years ago.

I know Paul, Michael or Ann will post more about the meeting later today, but for now, here are some pictures from Paul and some tips for avoiding robberies this holiday season. Wishing you all the best for a safe and happy holiday!

Tips on Avoiding Robberies this Holiday Season

Police say people should be careful during the holidays to avoid tempting burglars and other thieves. Beth Stevenson, New Bern police spokeswoman, said homeowners should be careful in displaying expensive gifts and decorations. “It is enticing for would-be burglars,” Stevenson said.

She said people should not leave empty boxes that contained expensive items such as electronics or computers at curbside for pickup. Stevenson suggests breaking down the boxes and putting them in garbage bags or taking them to a recycling center.

Diane Miller, Havelock public information coordinator, also has some tips.

• Do not discourage their pooches from barking when strangers approach their home.
• Windows and doors should be locked when leaving home. “
• Ask neighbors to park their car at your house when you are away. Have them pickup your mail and newspaper.
• Keep bushes and trees trimmed so the landscape does not provide useful cover or hiding places for intruders.
• Disable or lock access to the garage.
• Report suspicious activity or people to local law enforcement.

For additional tips on crime prevention go to:
http://wcco.com/seenon/holiday.robbery.Christmas.2.372882.html

Man Held in Stratford Car Break-Ins

The Connecticut Post reports: A local man has been charged with burglarizing nearly a dozen cars in town Sunday.

Derek Tournas, 25, of Reeds Lane, was charged Sunday with five counts of third-degree burglary, five counts of fourth-degree larceny, four counts of sixth-degree larceny and one count each of third-degree larceny, resisting arrest and possession of burglary tools. He is being held in lieu of $46,500 bond.

The arrest follows a complaint to police shortly after 5 a.m. Sunday that a man was shining a flashlight into vehicles parked in driveways in the area of Sunflower Avenue and Salvia Street.

Click here to read the full article: http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_11170110

Theater Reopening Remains in Limbo

The Connecticut Post reports: Numerous speakers, including several members of the town's Arts Commission, urged the Town Council Monday night not to plan on raising the curtain at the long shuttered Shakespeare Theater just yet.

At least, they said, not under the current plan by Rhode Island theater producer Bill Hanney, owner of Theater By the Sea in Matunik.

The opponents told the council it should reject a request by Hanney for $600,000 in additional funds to the $2.5 million already allocated...

Read the entire story at: http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_11172625

Crime Watch Meeting Tonight @ 8pm

OSNA will be hosting a Crime Watch organizational meeting this evening, Tuesday, December 9 at 8:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church. Please join us to learn how to make our neighborhood safer.

Don't let our neighborhood be the preferred shopping place for thieves!

Meet Retired Officer Jack Cratty- President of Stratford Crime Watch, and Stratford Police Liaison Officer Bobby Ramos to discuss the latest issues and how we can all get involved. Refreshments will be provided.

Crime Watch says: Our recommendation to all citizens who see a crime in progress or notice suspicious activity is to observe and report from a place of safety. We strongly suggest that you not confront an offender unless you are in immediate danger. This applies to you and your neighbors. We do not want anyone to get hurt or injured trying to apprehend an offender or interfering with an incident other than to report the activity to the police. If you or your neighbors witness a crime in progress call 911 (emergency) or if suspicious or unusual behavior is observed, 385-4100 (non-emergency).

Arts Commission Urges Rejection of Add'l Theater Funds

The Stratford Star reports: Members of the Arts Commission and the nearly two dozen people who attended its public hearing Wednesday night are urging the Town Council not to bond extra money for a project speakers said lacks a plan, commitment and a love of the arts, among other shortcomings.

The Town Council is scheduled to vote Monday on bonding an additional $600,000 toward renovating the Shakespeare Theatre, in part to cover costs unanticipated by developer Bill Hanney because prevailing wages must be paid to workers on the project. The meeting starts at 8 p.m. in Council Chambers, after the public comment portion that starts at 6:45 p.m.

To read the full article, click here.

Little-Noticed Neighborhood Landmark Is, Um, Noticed

Read all about Connecticut's (supposedly) smallest public park that you totally didn't even know existed even though you've driven right by it, like, a gazillion times! The truth will set you free: http://www.connpost.com/ci_11156533

Tour Historic Homes

It's this Sunday — the second annual Historic Home Tour to benefit Sterling House Community Center. See some of our neighborhood's most distinguished homes in all their holiday finery! The event is noon to 3 p.m. Sunday (12/7), and tickets are just $25 if you buy them today (they'll be $30 day of event). Call Sterling House at 378-2606.

Lawsuit Looms over 12-step House

The Connecticut Post reports: About a dozen current and former residents of an East Broadway half-way house for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts clashed with neighbors this week at a public hearing over whether more than just the 15 house residents can attend 12-step meetings in a new barn on the property.

Residents of the Harry Rosen House and their sponsors made impassioned pleas to the Board of Zoning Appeals late Tuesday asking that the 12-step meetings be open to more than the 15 house residents allowed under BZA approval granted in September. They asked that as many as 35 sponsors, alumni and guests also be allowed at the meetings.

The board, however, voted 4-1 to deny the request without prejudice.

As result, Rosen House officials now plan to "file legal action in federal court under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Federal Fair Housing Act that I believe we will prevail on," said John Colleran, the lawyer representing the house at 859 East Broadway.

To read the full article, go to http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_11139693

OSNA organizes Crime Watch for the Historic District

Stratford Crime Watch President Jack Cratty and Officer Bobby Ramos - Police Department Liasion will hold a Crime Watch organizational meeting hosted by OSNA Tuesday, December 9 at 8:00PM at Christ Church on Main Street.

I attended the Crime Watch meeting at the police station last night and the buzz was all about the recent rash of crime in our neighborhood. Since the early part of October there have neen several break-in, numerous reports of strange persons trespassing at night in peoples yards, cars broken into, etc. Even last night a car was broken into at the Milford Bank parking lot, clearly visible only about 15 feet from Main Street!

Please, tell your neighbors and friends to attend this meeting (lock your house and car when you come!). A safe neighborhood won't happen unless we're all involved. If you are unable to attend but would like more information on this issue, please email me. We will be compiling a phone list for a calling tree and an email list for additional up to date info.

Crime Watch says:
Remember: Our recommendation to all citizens who see a crime in progress or notice suspicious activity is to observe and report from a place of safety. We strongly suggest that you not confront an offender unless you are in immediate danger. This applies to you and your neighbors. We do not want anyone to get hurt or injured trying to apprehend an offender or interfering with an incident other than to report the activity to the police. If you or your neighbors witness a crime in progress call 911 (emergency) or if suspicious or unusual behavior is observed, 385-4100 (non-emergency).

Red Alert! It’s a time for giving…. Not taking!

Lock up your doors, your cars and anything of value! If you worked for it; you purchased it; and you own it, it looks like they’ll steal it. Watch for a group (or groups) of kids in the neighborhood that don’t belong there.

I came home Monday night to find 2 Hispanic kids (I saw them clearly) coming out of my backyard and then the motion sensor light I installed went on, meaning they didn’t go into the yard they were coming out of it! Where they were coming from I don’t know- another yard or another street, it doesn’t matter. They shouldn’t have been in my backyard! When they saw me, they ran and met up with 6 -7 others who all ran up White Street and disappeared into the maze of backyards between Broad and Judson.

When police were summoned by me, my wife and the Griffins (White Street) they finally showed up about 15 minutes later. No sign of the kids even though I was following 2 of them I caught up to on East Broadway. I lost sight of them behind Colonial Plaza when I went to get the cops and let them know where they were.

This is on the heels of several robberies (totally unpublicized!) as well as the arrest of one person for trespassing on vacant property in the neighborhood!

Join me tonight, 12/3 at 7:00 pm, at the Crime Watch meeting at the Police station, 900 Longbrook, 2nd floor training room. Crime watch group or vigilantes- we need to start protecting or homes!


(Read more about the most recent break in at: http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_11121937 )

Public Forum on Shakespeare Theater: Wednesday, December 3

This Wednesday, December 3rd, at 7:30pm at Christ Episcopal Church, the Arts Commission will be holding a public forum concerning the Shakespeare Theater. The Commission will be discussing the issue of the request for more bonding and contract negotiations with the developer. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

ALERT: Major Neighborhood Crime

The 1745 Curtis home at 2134 Elm Street (otherwise known as the "leaning house" -- the red house on the southeast corner of Elm and Broad) was broken into Friday night (11/28-29). Virtually everything portable item of value was stolen: heirloom jewelry from three generations of Nancy Monk's family, more than $10,000 worth of musical instruments and many electronic items including computers, and XBox 360, cell phones, modems, a DVD plater, games, DVDs and more.

The thieves apparently knew that owners Nancy Monk and Michael Bingham were out of town, because they took their time ransacking the home, going through every drawer of every desk and bureau in the house. Entry was apparently gained by breaking down the back door.

The crime was discovered when the owners returned home about 1 p.m. Saturday.

The Bingham-Monks are offering a reward for information leading to recovery of the missing items or the apprehension of those who committed the crime.

The Elm Street crime follows close on the heels on previous attempted break-ins in the neighborhood (see previous posts below).

If you have any information about this crime please call Michael Bingham or Nancy Monk at 378-7725.

Behind Closed Doors

Mark you calendars NOW for the second annual Holiday House Tour, noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7. For the low low LOW price of $25, tour historic houses in our neighborhood and while doing benefit a great cause — Sterling House Community Center. Last year's tour — which included Koreen LaBrecque's FABULOUS Colonial at 2288 Main Street (you know — the yellow one) and the world-famous "leaning house" at Elm and Broad — was a resounding success, and the 2008 edition promises to be even better! Refreshments and hot Cocoa will be served. Tickets are available at Sterling House (378-2606) or from Nancy Monk (378-7725).

Rosen House Update

Neighbor Ed Goodrich offers this amplification on TOMORROW NIGHT'S key Board of Zoning Appeals hearing on the petition by the East Broadway halfway house to host public meetings, in violation of town zoning regs (see previous post):

The petition brought forth by the Harry Rosen House, LLC states that it wants the Board of Zoning Appeals to waive section 1.1 and 4.1 of the Zoning Regulations in order to allow weekly meetings in the "carriage house" for 15 residents and 35 non-residents for 12-step meetings on property located in an RS-4 residential district.

We want the board not only to deny this petition, but to affirm and adhere to its original decision of allowing only those who live there to be able to congregate.

Halfway House Alert

The controversial 859 East Broadway halfway house, the Harry Rosen House, has applied for a zoning variance to allow it to hold 12-step meetings of up to 50 people each week. The public hearing on its application will take place THIS THURSDAY, November 6, beginning at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. For those neighbors who don't know, the Rosen House is a residential facility for recovering substance-abusers. In 2006 an outbuilding (garage/barn) behind the main structure burned down. In applying for a building permit to rebuild, Rosen House founder Barrie Drazen promised that the replacement structure would be used for storage ONLY. Instead, it has been used for 12-step meetings, open to the public. Many neighbors have several problems with this. These include:

1) The apparently deliberate misleading of town officials and neighbors about the purpose of the rebuilt structure.

2) Rosen House residents are required to attend 12-step meetings each day. However, there are DAILY 12-step meetings within easy walking distance of 859 East Broadway, including at St. James, the Knights of Columbus, Christ Church and the First Congregational Church.

3) Public Safety Issue A — During meeting times so many cars are parked on East Broadway that it is impossible for northbound Elm Street traffic to safely turn left onto East Broadway.

4) Public Safety Issue B — A Rosen House resident is alleged to have been responsible for at least two recent attempted break-ins: one on east Broad Street, and one at the vacant Slater home at 2175 Elm Street (see Paul Joy's post, "Crime & Punishment," below).

We urge all concerned neighbors to attend this Thursday's meeting to let the Board of Zoning Appeals know where you stand on this critical neighborhood issue.

— Michael Bingham

Christ Church To Celebrate

Last year Christ Church — the parish — turned 300, making it the oldest Episcopal church in the diocese of Connecticut. This Saturday Christ Church — the building — turns 150. To celebrate, the church will host a special 5 p.m. service led by Bishop James Curry to rededicate the church building. (Remember: This is SATURDAY.) For the liturgically minded, there will be prayers from the 1789 Book of Common Prayer and a number of 19th-century hymns. Following the service there will be a dinner in the adjoining Parish House for the low, low, low price of $15 per person. They're still taking reservations; call 375-4447.

Christ Church has been a steadfast friend to OSNA and the neighborhood for many years, so please do come out to help Father Bob and many of your neighbors celebrate this important milestone in the life of the neighborhood.

Stratford Residents Left Without Facts

The Connecticut Post reported: The suspension and demotion of Stratford Police Union President Joseph McNeil doesn't answer any of Stratford residents' questions in the sorry case of information leaked from the personal file of a candidate for employment in the town's police department. As is often the case with government matters carried out secretly, the people of Stratford are left with a finding of "guilty" from Chief Administrative Officer Suzanne McCauley and continued protestations of "innocent" from McNeil and union leadership.

To read the full article, go to: http://www.connpost.com/ci_10787253

Belles of the Ball

The Perry House Foundation staged a fabuloso Harvest Ball Saturday night at the (truly unrecognizable, if only for a few hours) Baldwin Center. Ambrosia and adult elixers were divine, natch, and a live and silent auction raised mucho dinero for everyone's fave oldest house. OSNA member Faye Gerarden and Veep Ann Lindsay Jackson were the tireless organizers who made the evening unforgettable.



Neighborhood beauties in their finery (clockwise from upper left): Nancy Monk, the aforementioned Ann Lindsay Jackson, Berta Prevosti, Alicia Sraguada and Susan Wright Rooney.

Crime and Punishment

Most of us go to sleep at night feeling pretty safe and secure in our neighborhood. But no neighborhood is completely safe. Below is OSNA officer Paul Joy's account of an incident that took place last Friday evening (10/17) of which we should all be aware:

Last evening I returned home at 9 pm and went inside my house. As usual, I always look around on the way in, but didn't notice anything odd. I went back to my truck a few minutes later and noticed a bike laying in the grass in front of Rick Herschners' house. Rick is frequently away and it was odd to see a bike laying there when it was not 5 minutes earlier.

I phoned the police because something told me there was an issue with this. While waiting for them to arrive, a person came out of the bushes from the far side of the house (not the driveway side) and when question, he gave me some stupid answers and got on the bike and left. When riding away, he gave out a couple of loud whistles and kept moving.

When the police officer arrived, I gave a full report and description of the guy to him, and he said they'd check out the house. The single officer came out from the back of the house and immediately called for 'back-up', enlisting the aid of 3 other officers who showed up within seconds (it took two phone calls and a half hour for the first officer to arrive) They all started going over the outside of the house as well as each window and door looking for any entry. The back door was ajar but chained from the inside. They surmised that no one could have entered and said they'd patrol extra in the neighborhood that evening.

They left and I proceeded to leave a few minutes later to go to my store. When I turned on Elm Street, all the police cars were in front of the Slater's house and I could see flashlights inside. The same bike was out front of the house and no one was around. I waited to talk to the officers to identify the bike, when Mike Bingham arrived. The officers came out front and we saw them coming from around the corner with a guy matching the description I gave them, sans hat and coat (he must have ditched them to look different).

I identified him as the guy, they questioned him and closed up the house and left with him in the police car. Nothing appeared to have been stolen, but the cops suggested he may not have been alone and when he was whistling leaving Herschners' he may have been signaling to others.

Point of the e-mail: we have several empty houses in the neighborhood, and some people are not always home, leaving their houses dark. As a community group. I think it prudent to identify these houses and make sure we (meaning an immediate neighbor) have emergency numbers for these people. Lock up your cars at night and securely lock your houses and look for odd or suspicious activity.

With the economy growing worse and money so hard to hold onto, this may be a good time to have OSNA sponsor a community watch/awareness night. But regardless, pass this along and tell your friends and neighbors to 'lock it up'. I'm sure the police dept would help sponsor this.

A Scrumptious Supper

If you see some of your neighbors waddling around the streets tonight, don't be alarmed: they're just stuffed from tonight's OSNA potluck supper! A great time was had by all, and the food was scrumptious all around. From pot roast, to deviled eggs, and from chicken wings to lentil salad, everything was delicious. A big thank you to all who joined in the fun -- we're already saving room for next year's feast! An extra special thank you to Christ Church for kindly allowing us the use of their space.

Not Pot — PotLUCK

Join old friends and make new ones at Sunday's annual OSNA Fall Potluck Supper! It's 4 to 6:30 p.m. at good old Christ Church, 2000 Main Street (enter in rear of parish hall). Bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert and wow your neighbors with special family recipe. There will be prizes for best dish in each category. New neighbors are ESPECIALLY welcome! It's free to OSNA and just $10 per family for non-members (But everyone should be a member — it costs just $20 per family per year to belong. Such a deal! RSVP to Amanda Loban at StratfordNeighbors@gmail.com or call 345-9836.

Party Like It's 1929

Shakespeare Theater Repairs OK'd by Town Council

Today's Connecticut Post reported: "The Town Council on Monday approved a proposal 8-2 that allows the town to enter into a 'licensing agreement' with Rhode Island theater producer Bill Hanney, the latest operator chosen to try and renovate and reopen the theater, that permits the developer to put up between $200,000 and $250,000 of his own money to replace and repair the roof, make other repairs and paint the 50-year-old building."

Hanney has until January 15th to make the repairs.

To read the full article, go to http://www.connpost.com/ci_10594421?IADID=Search-www.connpost.com-www.connpost.com

New York Times: Stratford is "Beachy, With a Link to Olde England"

This week's NY Times Real Estate section included a profile on Stratford. Our very own neighborhood was described in this paragraph: "Stratford Center, the town’s oldest section, has large, well-kept Italianates, Second Empire style homes and saltboxes along Main, Elm and West Broad Streets. Many are no longer residences, but instead house law firms, funeral homes, counseling centers and the like."

Click here to read the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/realestate/28livi.html?_r=1&ei=5070&emc=eta1&oref=slogin

Hollywood Least

Okay, I just want to make sure we have this straight: The town wants to sell the former Army Engine Plant to Hector Natera, who is supposed to close on the property Oct. 14 for the low, low, low price of $10 million. At the same time, Natera and his attorney claim the "developer" doesn't have the dough to pay the $313,961 he owes his ex-wife, one Christine Bonito. The town says Natera is going to turn the Army Engine Plant into a film and multi-media production studio -- Hollywood East! On the other hand, the ex-wife says Natera is "a shady businessman who hides assets in numerous limited-liability companies and pretends not to have cash while driving a Mercedes."

Idea -- why not give him the Shakespeare Theater, too?! Click and enjoy: www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_10594608

From Hartford with Love

Widespread pandemonium may ensue, but probably won't, when that other Republican lady governor, Jodi Rell, visits the Albania of Fairfield County Wednesday to celebrate a really important natal anniversary — namely, the Merritt Parkway turning the big seven-oh (which means it has only eight year on the guv herself). Rell will be at the glamorous DOT maintenance facility on Ryders Lane at 4:30 for the festivities. Can't hardly wait!

Fun Run for the Tommy Fund 9/28

Our friend and neighbor Quinn Rooney and Family are sponsoring a team for a 5K family fun run/walk in New Haven this Sunday the 28th. The more, the merrier, and it benefits The Tommy Fund, an organization that supports children and families with cancer.

Here is the link to the brochure. My son David has gotten almost 20 kids from school to come; hope we can show neighborhood support too - and it's fun!!!

http://www.tommyfund.org/Portals/0/pdfs/Brochure%202008.pdf

-- Ann Jackson

The Choices: Larry, Curly, Moe

Beleaguered flyway Sikorsky Airport, which is owned by the city of Bridgeport but is situated in the town of Stratford (and exactly which brainiac dreamed up THAT scenario?) is on the auction block -- MAYBE! And according to today's ConnPost, the ownership choices boil down to an unHoly Trinity. Guess who? Just click through: http://www.connpost.com/ci_10503171

Locomotive Breath

One of the neighborhood’s, and the town’s, most significant infrastructure challenges is the lack of a parking facility for the railroad station, which leaves surrounding streets choked with parked cars — many not from Stratford — every weekday. It’s both a public-safety and quality-of-life issue that affects many OSNA members.

In response State Sen. Dan Debicella (R-21) and State Rep. John Harkins (R-120) have organized a public meeting this evening, 6:30 p.m. in the Lovell Room of the Stratford Public Library. Also attending will be a representative of the state’s Department of Transportation, which will discuss work ConnDOT is currently doing at the station.

Here’s the link to today's Stratford Star story: http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8777:meeting-thursday-to-focus-on-train-station&catid=186:local-news&Itemid=517

To avoid paying to park in the surface lot at the railroad station, Metro North commuters clog surrounding streets including Linden Avenue (pictured).

I Want My OSNA TV!

Extending an unbroken line that dates back to Benjamin Franklin (Poor Richard’s Almanac) and continues through Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite and Jon Stewart, OSNA TV goes live this weekend (weather and babies permitting) with anchorwoman extraordinaire Amanda Loban asking penetrating questions about weighty issues such as the future of the Shakespeare Theater, conjugal relations between the mayor and the Town Council and Sarah Palin’s shoes. A not-to-be-missed media moment!

Good Shepherd Discovers Stratford

Hollywood star Cybill Shepherd was in town yesterday to film a scene from the upcoming Wishing Well Pictures production Listen to Your Heart, slated for late 2009 release. The blonde comedienne, who burst onto the screen in the 1971 Peter Bogdanovich film The Last Picture Show and starred with Bruce Willis in the 1980s TV comedy Moonlighting, even got to meet a real celebrity while here in the Town for All Seasons — Hizzoner, Mayor James R. Miron.

Read all about it here: http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_10473560

Perry House Ball: Autumn at Gatsby's

The Perry House Foundation, Inc. invites members and friends of OSNA to experience the “Jazz Age” with the return of the Harvest Community Ball on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the Baldwin Center at 7:30 P.M.

Autumn at Gatsby’s guests will enjoy the music of the 1920’s with the return of Anthony Radice and Street Life. Anthony has added more brass and has a great sense of the music of the Roaring Twenties. Our fabulous caterer, Food For All Reasons of NOLA fame, will provide delicious hors d’oeuvres and entrees. We’ll forget about the Prohibition Era with an open bar and an on site “Speakeasy”. With an eye to the parties described in F.Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Joyce Baran and her team are hard at work with plans for transformation of the Baldwin Center. David Smith of Cablevision and WICC will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Shop till you drop at Sue Rooney and her committee’s Silent and Live Auction and forget about calories at the dessert bar provided by an award winning chef.

Cost is $100. per person and dress is Black Tie, Optional. Flapper dresses and 1920’s attire (including spats) are also welcome.

Anthony Radice and Joyce Baran will discuss music of the jazz age and the Autumn at Gatsby’s event on David Smith’s Exchange program on WICC on September 23, at 2:00 P.M

For more information please call Faye Gerarden at 378-2254 or the Perry House at 377-3779.

Stratford Woman To Challenge Debicella

A certain "community organizer" has been making headlines on the national political stage. But here at home another one is making waves as well. Democrat Janice Andersen of Stratford, 53, announced she would challenge incumbent State Sen. Dan Debicella (R-21), whose district includes Shelton, Monroe and Seymour in addition to Stratford.Andersen is deputy director of a Bridgeport-based non-profit known as RYASAP, which focuses on helping local youths and making communities safer. Sounds like "community organizer" to us. But at least Debicella's no lipsticked pit bull!

Real all about it here: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20108347&BRD=1637&PAG=461&dept_id=9180&rfi=6

Eyesore

More on Hard's Corner from the CT Post

BRIDGEPORT -- After 18 years at Hard's Corner, Ken Petrino locked the doors for good on Aug. 31 at the last directly owned Mobil gasoline station in Stratford.

His landlord, Exxon Mobil Corp., the world's largest oil company, wouldn't renew the lease.
Petrino said he made an offer to buy the station, but he and the company couldn't come to terms, so now the building at the corner of Main Street and Stratford Avenue is boarded up, which has angered some people in the neighborhood.

"It doesn't look good for us," said John Baggeas, owner of the Duchess Diner. "It looks like we're closing."

Baggeas said he's concerned that, in a tough economic climate, people see a boarded-up building and think the neighborhood is going downhill. Still, he had a lot of business for lunch Wednesday and couldn't spend a lot of time talking about his concerns before orders from the kitchen called him away. Another worker called the situation sad.

Beth Snyder, an Exxon spokeswoman, said the strategy is to not close the stations, but to sell them to distributors who will continue to operate them as Mobil or Exxon stations.

For more on this article, visit: http://www.connpost.com/ci_10431266

To read other Stratford news from national newspapers, see our "News for Neighbors" newsfeed in the right column.

Stars to Shine in Stratford

When the former Ciao restaurant recently folded, it left a new void in the storefronts of Stratford Center. Searching for a new tenant, the building owner enlisted the aid of Alden Joy, manager at Goody Bassett’s Ice Cream, to assist her in the quest. His efforts of listing the property with a description and photos quickly caught the eyes of an independent film company. Subsequent meetings and discussions ended up with a contract on the property to film portions of a new movie starring Cybil Shepard, Shirley Knight, Ernie Sabella and more. Filming starts on September 10th and runs to the 15th. It’s Stratford’s time to shine!

Take this opportunity to visit the local merchants and just look like you’re enjoying the day. Who knows, you may be cast as an extra or get a glimpse of a movie star!

About the movie, "Listen to Your Heart": Danny, a struggling New York City singer/songwriter, falls in love with a deaf girl that can't hear the music she inspires him to write. This is a story of how one man's life, through his music, touches not only her life, but the lives of many, for generations to come.

To read more about the upcoming film, go to: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1274296

PS: When the filming is over, watch for the new restaurant to open in the fall. The new owners look promising, and we can expect to see a well-done Italian-style family destination.

"Havoc at Council Meeting Over Shakespeare Theater"

STRATFORD -- Bill Hanney, the latest theater operator and producer chosen by the Town Council to try to renovate and reopen the long-shuttered Shakespeare theater, said he's never experienced more of a spectacle, even during a dramatic performance at his Rhode Island "Theater By The Sea" -- than during Monday night's council meeting at Town Hall.

After Hanney made an offer to the Town Council to temporarily pay about $150,000 for a new roof and paint job as part of a plan to reopen the once prestigious Elm Street showcase by next spring, Mayor James R. Miron and Councilman Gavin Forrester, D-3, became embroiled in a shouting and shoving match as other council members and Town Attorney Richard Buturla also heatedly debated the merits of Hanney's plan.

Click here to read more of the CT Post article: http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_10414914

The Vinyl Solution: Ann's POV

As some of you may remember, OSNA was brought back to life over a decade ago as way to reach neighbors to promote the expansion of the Historic District to it's present size. At that time I had sent out written information, as well as set up informational sessions with guest speakers from the HDC to explain rules and regulations in more detail. I was overwhelmed by the interest in preservation, and encouraged by some "old timers" to resurrect the once active and vibrant OSNA.

When that expansion took place, our efforts had established a regulatory power to prevent the insidious deterioration of the Historic character and wholeness of our neighborhood. Yes, it is true that we started protecting our "jewel" of a neighborhood late in life, after much damage had been done, but the historic fabric and character that this neighborhood maintains, to this day, outshines many a lower Fairfield County, or Eastern CT shoreline neighborhood.

To this end, I would have remained steadfast in the refusal to allow construction in ANY capacity (new, old, remodel) to set a precedent that could jeopardize any of our over 100 historically protected buildings - of which ALL are applicable - not just the "old" ones Remember, it is not only the structures individually that a HDC commits to protect, but the character of the neighborhood as a whole.

How many years is it reasonable to think that the HDC can remain unchallenged legally now from approving application for vinyl siding? How many years for new construction? How many years for any construction? And how much will those challenges (if the HDC does not capitulate) cost the taxpayers?

I believe that the guidelines from the Secretary of the Interior regarding the appropriateness of siding types are very clear in this case. And when appointed, our Historic District Commissioners take on the duty and obligation to maintain those standards. Please note carefully - we live in a federally designated and recognized district. This is not about house hugging or zealotry. Vinyl siding may indeed by an industry standard in New England, but NOT in a historic district.

I fear this was a definitive step backwards in the message we send to our town leaders, our residents and frankly, local developers about our level of the unwavering commitment we have for our Historic District.

-- Ann Lindsay Jackson

The Other View: The Vinyl Solution

A certain precedent was addressed Thursday evening in the Historic District meeting with regards to Francis Carol Place, the new street just off Judson Place behind the Knights of Columbus building. I say this ‘precedent’ was “addressed”, not “set”, because as was one of the Commissioners to approve the siding issue for a new development of houses (up to 5 in total) to be built on that property, we commissioners yet again, addressed previous HDC approvals as well as some new information in order to come to a decision.

The big discussion for many months now has been whether the issue of vinyl siding on these new structures is appropriate for their appearance in the Historic District. After months of deliberation, I and two other Commissioners voted yes for this project, while Michael Bingham was the nay vote. Kudos to Michael for standing for what he believes is correct. I believe differently in this instance.

As a Commission, we are given the responsibility to oversee the appropriateness of building projects from simple repairs to full out replacements and new construction within the District boundaries. As charged to us by our enabling legislation, the Commission shall consider: “…texture and material of the architectural style and pertinent features of other buildings and structures in the immediate neighborhood.”

1) 2 of the 3 newest homes build in our neighborhood (considered as full new construction) are sided with vinyl: 2288 Elm Street, built in 1997- clapboard; 125 Ferry Boulevard, built 1994- vinyl; 823 Broad Street, built 1981- vinyl.

2) According to our Chairman Tom Yemm, there is a distinct percentage of homes in the immediate area of Francis Carol Place that are vinyl sided for a variety of reasons. Therefore, another deciding point: this is not a significant change to the “style and pertinent features of other buildings” in the immediate neighborhood, regardless of how it affects the density of the type of siding in the immediate area. Should we not allow another wood-clapboard house because there are 8 in a row?

3) According to the US Census Bureau, 2007 report, 80% to 85% of the new construction in the Northeast uses vinyl siding. I was unable to find ANY statistics on the siding for new homes in Historic Districts.

4) In a publication from the National Parks Service, Technical Preservation Services, “Aluminum and Vinyl Siding on Historic Buildings”, John H. Meyers writes: “An historic building is a product of the cultural heritage of its region, the technology of its period, the skill of the builder and the materials used for its construction”. If the trend were simply for wood siding, would we see a stucco house at all in the District? If the trend were simply for stucco, would we see a brick building such as Sterling House in the district? If historically we only used thatch for roofs, would we have begun to use cedar shakes? If cedar shakes, then why slate? If slate, then why asphalt shingles. And so on. My point is these homes are being built in 2008- 2009 and the trend is for vinyl on new construction.

The Historic District Commission has been grappling with the issue of vinyl siding for many years now. My research shows this was not an incorrect decision on this project. Each and every home has its distinct character of the era, as well as the building materials available at the time it was built. INCLUDING the last 3 houses built in the district. That was also a factor in my decision, and one that I could not dispute.

I do not favor vinyl siding. I am thoroughly against it in remodeling work. I have personal experience with vinyl siding as a person in the building industry, and I have promoted the drawbacks of using vinyl for residing houses. For me, there will always be a drive to protect the neighborhood, and I still do. I am fully aware of the additional cost of owning an historic home. However, new construction is and has been different. It is a decision that has had many factors for me, and I know the future ramifications all too well.

This is “New” construction, not remodeling. For those of you who may think I personally have destroyed the Historic District and promoted the “Vinylization of the District”, I assure you, you’re wrong. Vinyl siding and windows, as a remodeling tool, are not acceptable to me, and I will continue to educate on the negatives of these items to those people who apply to the Commission for permission to use them.

To summarize: a decision was made, based on the facts available to us as commissioners. It will not change how we look at future remodeling projects that come before the Commission, but it will allow vinyl siding on these new houses in the neighborhood. This is not something I’m happy with, but it was the correct decision in this case.

-- Paul Joy

Big Box Score

For months I have been trying to get the Historic District Commission or any other arm of town government to act on the in-the-dead-of-night installation by AT&T of its giant, intrusive video ready access device (VRAD) cabinets – those giant boxes such as the one behind St. James right in front of the cemetery. My argument was that the boxes are so large (about five feet tall and four feet wide) that they are in fact structures, and ought not to be allowed in an historic district without a certificate of appropriateness from the HDC.

Well, it seems we have friends in Hartford we didn’t even know we had. On Friday, the state’s Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) issued a draft decision that the siting of the VRAD boxes in public rights-of-way and on private land requires the “prior notice and consent” of adjoining property owners and the host municipality PRIOR TO installation. Not sure if boxes already installed can remain in place, but in the meantime you can read the DPUC decision here: http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/DPUCinfo.nsf/6388afa2e804605f852565f7004e9e87/1bf42f7e0ae15184852574bb0047dac8?OpenDocument

-- Michael Bingham

The Vinyl Solution

Our neighborhood lost an important battle Thursday night, and it’s one you all should know about. The Historic District Commission (of which I am a member) approved by a 3-1 vote (I was the sole dissenter) a proposal by developer Ed Mackowski to build five new vinyl-sided houses in the subdivision on the newly named Frances Carol Place (off Judson Place, behind the Knights of Columbus). I think Mackowski is fundamentally a decent guy, and from the drawings we saw the homes will not be unattractive — your basic two-story “Colonials.” But I didn’t believe, and still don’t, that vinyl-clad houses are appropriate to one of the most distinguished historic districts in all of Connecticut.

This is really an elemental issue. The very existence of a historic district is controversial in our neighborhood, on a couple of levels. The benefit of historic preservation — that it buoys property values of the entire neighborhood — is an abstraction not grasped by all, and beyond that people don’t like to be told what they can and cannot do to their homes.The most common issue the HDC grapples with is windows, and every month at least one property-owner comes to us for permission to replace his/her old, draughty, inefficient wooden windows with new, much more efficient and above all CHEAPER vinyl windows. It is our job to say no. So we do, and then they hate us. Personally.

One of the things we HDC commissioners are reluctant to tell our neighbors, but maybe we shouldn’t be, is this: In terms of repairs and upkeep, it costs more to live in an historic district. There — I said it. In communities with really successful historic districts that enjoy broad public support — say, Westport or Litchfield — no one questions this fundamental truth: To maintain the historic character of an historic home is expensive. Like, duh. But wait, some people say — Stratford is not Litchfield or Westport. That’s true. But Stratford is changing, and that change isn’t directionless. Our neighborhood is home to many more white-collar, professional families than a generation ago, and demography drives change. Beyond that, what communities would we prefer to model on? Westport or West Haven? (Sorry West Haven!)

That was my argument, but three other HDC commissioners — Pat Pistey, of Pistey Funeral Home fame, Ann Miron, of mother-of-the-mayor fame, and fellow OSNA officer Paul Joy — were not persuaded. Paul pointed out that 80 percent of new houses built in the Northeast these days are vinyl-clad (but not in historic districts, Paul!). To my observation that the neighborhood would be better served if, instead of building five vinyl homes selling for about $300,000, Mackowski should build three beautiful, wooden homes and sell them for $500,000, Ann Miron said, “No one is going to pay $500,000 for a house behind the Knights of Columbus.”
But Ann — half our neighborhood is “behind the Knights of Columbus”!

So I lost the argument, and in my opinion we let you guys down. I urged Paul Joy to post arguing the majority view here on this site (which is the whole reason we started this), and I hope he does. But in any event it would be really valuable to hear our neighbors’ views on this issue. By all means, please e-mail us at StratfordNeighbors@gmail.com and tell us what you think!

-- Michael Bingham

Interstate Man of Mystery

Who is this mystery man, producer Bill Hanney, to whom your Town Council has apparently entrusted the fortunes of our beloved, falling-down Shakespeare Theater? On the plus side, he’s already earned his bones, sort of, as a jump-starter of shuttered theaters — his Theatre by the Sea in Matunuck, R.I. had been closed for nearly four years before he took the reins on June 26, 2007 and breathed new life into the 300-seat facility. On the minus side, he says he’s never seen a Shakespearean drama or comedy on stage, and he’s convinced a steady diet of productions of the Bard is commercial suicide. Want to find out more about Bill and the Theatre by the Sea? Visit www.theatrebythesea.com.

Too Hard a Corner?

When Ken Petrino opened Hards Corner Mobil in 1990, gas was less than $1 a gallon. It was $3.89 when he closed his doors for good on September 1, leaving an ugly, boarded-up gash in the middle of the neighborhood. We’re not sure what factors contributed to the closing — certainly Exxon Mobil isn’t exactly hurting financially — but the fact that he never invested in credit card-accepting pumps couldn’t have helped (so customers had to go into the store twice to buy gas with a credit card). Ken and partner Mike are moving the repair-shop part of the business, at least, to Airway Motors, 1504 Barnum Ave. (377-6370), next to Frankie’s Diner.

We have a sense that other Hards Corner businesses are doing okay, at least on the southwest (Pickle Barrel) and southeast (Jerry’s, Gaetano's) corners. We should all be interested in the future of the property, and we’ll try to find out who the real-estate agent is. Certainly OSNA members would be interested in bringing public pressure to bear to make sure to property doesn’t become, say, “Cosmo’s Adult Boutique.” Keep Hards Corner family- and kid-friendly!

Historic Homes Redux

Last December, Sterling House Community Center organized a one-day historic house tour featuring some of our neighborhood’s gems, including the well-known Koreen LaBrecque residence/law office on Main Street (you know, the yellow one), the Curtis homestead and, of course, Stratford’s oldest surviving home, the Perry House. The event was such a success that Sterling House has decided to do an encore, planned for Sunday, December 7. To learn more about the event, now in the “active planning” stage, call Judy Pitz at 378-2606.

History of OSNA

The Old Stratford neighborhood Association, OSNA, was founded in 1979 by Guy Hatfield and residents of the 2nd and 3rd districts concerned with preserving the quality of life in the community. Initially the group focussed on protecting the Shakespeare Theatre site from inappropriate development and ensuring the formation of a federally-recognized Historic District.

Twenty-five years later OSNA remains an important community resource. OSNA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving a sense of community by sponsoring group activities and providing members with the information, tools and administrative support necessary to address important local issues.

Although most of our members are residents of the Historic District, membership is open to any Stratford resident interested in improving the community. We actively reach out to and communicate with other neighborhood organizations, gathering information on topics that may be of interest to our membership.