HDC Seeks White House Protection

At its May meeting last evening, the Historic District Commission passed a resolution to petition the Town Council to include the Shakespeare Theater administration building (a/k/a the White House) in the Historic District in order to help protect it from demolition.

It is not entirely clear whether the Town Council has jurisdiction to do that, or whether including the Elm Street property in the Historic District (whose present southern boundary is Ferry Blvd.) would help to protect it. But it's a meaningful first step in organizing support to protect and (it is hope) rehabilitate Stratford's last "Grand Mansion."

Justice Prevails!

About 40 to 50 neighbors turned out Tuesday night when the Board of Zoning Appeals heard the Berquists' petition to rezone their property at 2048 Elm Street to allow for construction of a new home. Just one (Brian Jennings) testified in favor of the petition, while at least 15 testified in opposition -- most arguing that new construction would gravely alter the character of Academy Hill.
And the winner is...The BZA voted 5-0 to deny the petition!
Thanks to all who took the time to come and testify on behalf of preserving the character of our wonderful neighborhood. This is indeed a significant victory.

Berquist Petition Rescheduled

Please plan to attend the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting TOMORROW, 7 P.M. IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS at Town Hall. The Berquists' (2048 Elm Street) petition for a zoning variance would allow a new house to be built at the intersection of Elm Street and Academy Hill Terrace -- which would destry the architectural and historic character of our neighborhood.

The petition was originally scheduled to be heard at the April BZA meeting, but the Berquists (or their lawyer) elected to wait a month in the hope that the 40 or so neighbors who showed up to testify against them would not make the effort twice. Let's prove them wrong!