Devil in the Details

About 50 neighbors showed up for last evening's Zoning Commission meeting to hear details of the proposed redevelopment of the former Keating Ford property.

There weren't many to be had, but what attendees heard was unsettling, to say the least.

Speaking on behalf of property owner the Armando Genga Limited Partnership, developer Nicholas Owen asked the commissioners for blanket approval for one of two proposals -- to be chosen by the developer at a later date:

1. A 34,000-square-foot shopping center with a restaurant, possibly a drive-through;

2. An apartment complex including 129 units of "affordable housing" (we know what that means).

Needless to say, this did not go over well. Moreover, when pressed for details about what kinds of tenants might occupy the strip mall, Owen offered nothing -- "We're not talking to anyone right now," he said.

Most infuriatingly, Owen said, "The demographics of Stratford are just not conducive to high-end" projects such as hotels or nice restaurants.

Really?

Pressed by commissioners about his proposal's lack of specifics, Owen said, "Mr. Genga's approach is to get [town] approvals now and wait until the economy turns around to see which way to go."

Following Owen's presentation, citizens were invited to comment for or against the proposal.

There were no comments in favor. About 11 citizens spoke in opposition, including OSNA's president and vice president, Town Councilman Matt Catalano (R-3), Ed Goodrich, several people named George Mulligan, and others. In addition the Zoning Commission accepted two written pieces of testimony from neighbors, both in vehement opposition.

The tenor of the objections? Homeowners in and near the Historic District do not want any more junk development -- nail salons, fast-foot eateries, dollar stores. How about extending the "village" concept that has begun to achieve traction in Stratford Center to Hard's Corner, with higher-end, more family-friendly uses like ice-cream parlors, flower or gift shops, boutiques, cafés, bookstores -- God knows Stratford could use another bookstore since the Whistle Stop closed.

The Zoning Commission took no action on the Genga proposal, so there is still time for neighbor input. Here are your zoning commissioners -- talk to them and let them know how you feel. They listen!

I.	Robert Connolly (R)	1165 Stratford Road
II.	Robert Galello (D)	2220 Main Street
III.	James Sheridan (D)	118 Freeman Avenue
IV.	Christopher Silhavey, Chairman (R)	111 Hickory Woods Ln
V.	Michael F. Henrick (R)	165 Brookbend Dr.
Alternate Members – Appointed by Town Council, 3-year term
	Ronald J. Hojdich (D)	260 Post Oak Rd.
	Adam Bonoff (R)	115 Blueberry Ln.
	Ronald Moreau (R)	279 California St.