Is the 'White House' on Death Row?

This week e-mails have been flying back and forth about the fate of the Shakespeare Theater administration building on Elm Street, a/k/a the 'White House'.

Councilman Matt Catalano (R-3) explains in a e-mail from earlier today:

The white house lost part of its roof and the fire marshall deemed the house unsafe. PW [the town's Department of Public Works] is to suspend all service to the building and cut utilities. The Mayor wants to tear the building down and that discussion is starting in earnest.

It's been mentioned a tear down/rebuild is an easier sell (to the mayor) but ultimately the [Town] Council has control. We have $1.3 million bonded that needs to go to salvage the building or build a new one, if we could trust that to happen. I'm leery. Either way we need to maintain that property for a "center for the arts" Shakespeare museum, admin office space.

There you have it. Your comments on what role OSNA ought to play in this would be most welcome.

Strength in Numbers

At least 40 neighbors showed up at Town Hall last night in opposition to the Berquists' (2048 Elm Street) petition for a zoning variance allowing a new house to be built at the intersection of Elm Street and Academy Hill Terrace -- an amazing turnout that speaks volumes about our collective commitment to preserving the architectural and historic character of our neighborhood.

One unforeseen turn of events: As the meeting was called to order, Board of Zoning Appeals Chairman Richard Fredette announced that because only four commissioners were in attendance, any petition that was voted on would need the affirmative votes of all four commissioners present (e.g., a unanimous vote) to pass. So he asked the assembled petitioners if they preferred to go forward at the April meeting (last night) or have their petitions continued to the May meeting.

Upon consultation with their attorney (whose identity was unknown to me), and seeing how many neighbors were present and prepared to testify against their petition, the Berquists elected to postpone until the BZA's May 3 meeting.

It is amazingly gratifying that so many turned out in support of our neighborhood. It is disappointing, however, that we will need to do it all over again in four weeks to keep the pressure on the commissioners. PLEASE -- if you cannot attend the May 3 meeting, please write a letter to the commissioners (names and addresses below) so your sentiments are officially entered into the public record.

I. Patrick T. Massey (R) 100 Bayview Blvd. Jan. 1, 2014
II. Richard F. Fredette (R) 1563 Stratford Ave. Jan. 1, 2014
III. Brian W. Dempsey (R) 318 Stonybrook Rd. Jan. 1, 2014
IV. Thomas E. McCabe (R) 520 Allyndale Dr. Jan. 1, 2012
V. James D. Shugrue (R) 25 Red Coach Dr. Jan. 1, 2012

Alternates - 3-Year Term of Office - Appointed by Council
Alexander Florek (U) 264 Victoria Lawn Jan. 1, 2013
Thomas A. Grega (R) 66 Chevvy St. Jan. 1, 2012

Save Academy Hill!

Tomorrow evening (April 5) the Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a petition by the Berquist family to subdivide the property at 2048 Elm Street to allow construction of a new home at the corner of Elm Street and Academy Hill terrace.

Many homeowners in the Historic District are alarmed by this development, which would dramatically affect the character of Academy Hill, the very heart of the “Old Stratford” from which our neighborhood association takes its name.

If 2048 Elm Street is not the jewel of Academy Hill, it is certainly among the Historic District’s most distinguished homes. As many of you know, this property has been on the market for many month. While we do not presume to know Mr. Berquist’s motives for seeking a zoning variance, it is evident that the ability to market the property as a potential “two for one” parcel would enhance its value.

No new construction has taken place on Academy Hill in more than half a century. If you believe, as I do, that a new house on a tiny (1,000-square-foot) lot would negatively impact the architectural and aesthetic character of Academy Hill, then I urge you to attend the April 5 hearing and enter your testimony into the public record. For more than 30 years, the Old Stratford Neighborhood Association has been a respected voice for the neighborhood that town officials take seriously. We have the ability to influence policy and maintain the character of our wonderful neighborhood – but only if we speak up.

I hope you will make time to attend the BZA hearing, which will take place at 7 p.m. April 5 in Council Chambers at Town Hall. If you can't make the meeting, please write a letter to the BZA to have your opinion entered into the public record.

OSNA PICNIC THIS SUNDAY!

Bring the family, bring a neighbor, bring a side dish or dessert (prizes for the best ones) -- but above all COME to the Old Stratford Neighborhood Association's annual autumn picnic. It's THIS SUNDAY (10/24). 4 p.m. on Academy Hill, directly behind the Christ Church Parish House (if the weather is inclement it will be in the parish house itself).

It's a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones. And all for the low low low price of $10 per family. (Plus you can join OSNA or renew your membership for just $20 for TWO years -- such a deal!

Kindly RSVP to Ann Jackson at 203-377-2302, and see you Sunday!

Mayor Weighs In on Keating

Mayor Harkins yesterday issue the following statement on the proposed redevelopment of the Keating Ford property. The letter was read at the beginning of last evening's Zoning Commission meeting. The meeting was attended by 25 people, and all who testified did so in opposition to the proposal.

The text:

Statement on Proposed Retail Development Application At Former Keating Ford Site

STRATFORD -- Mayor John A. Harkins today issued the following statement regarding the proposed retail development at the former Keating Ford site that is pending before the Zoning Commission:

Keating Ford is a prime site for economic development in Stratford, and I am ready and willing to assist any responsible investor with a plan for this site that will enhance our town. Conceptually, I am in favor of utilizing this property for retail development as a means of expanding our grand list and combating blight. I have concerns with the application that is currently pending before the Zoning Commission, though I believe they can be resolved amicably. The plans as they are currently drafted are aesthetically deficient and not designed to attract the quality of retail activity I would like to see as part of redevelopment in the South End. The request for variances on open space set asides, as well as buffer requirements between parking facilities and private residences are also troubling. The decision to approve or deny this application rests solely with the independently elected Zoning Commission. However as both a Stratford resident and Mayor, I strongly enc
ourage the Commission to work with the developer in a constructive manner to address these issues and ensure that this project is a benefit to the Town and in keeping with the character of our community while remaining financially viable for the developer.

Keating Ford: Round 2

The Zoning Commission hearing that so many of us attended on the proposal to turn Keating Ford into (perhaps) subsidized housing or a fast-food restaurant (see previous Keating Ford posts) has been invalidated for procedural reasons. That means none of our testimony (unanimously opposed) has actually been entered into the public record.

The Zoning Commission will reconvene tomorrow, Tuesday (9/21), at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. If you care about this issue please: 1) Plan to come; 2) plan to testify for the record; 3) call/e-mail friends and neighbors and ask THEM to testify for the record.

There is strength in numbers!

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.