Remembering Katharine Hepburn's "Summers in Stratford"

Who hasn't heard of the ledgendary actress Katharine Hepburn, but did you know that she spent 2 summers here in Stratford in 1957 and 1960 celebrating her craft by performing at the American Shakespeare Festival? Until recently, I did not, but the stories I have heard are a fascinating part of our history.

Now we have a chance to join in a lively talk Thursday February 16th at noon. Presented by author and filmmaker Michael J. Bielawa, this unique event will focus on Ms. Hepburn's stay in Stratford, thoughts on Shakespeare, and an intimate look at Kate's Cottage, the little waterfront cabin where she helped bring Shakespeare's works to life.

What: "Kate's Cottage: Katharine Hepburn's Summers in Stratford, with Michael J. Bielawa
When: Thursday, February 16th, noon
Where: Fairfield Museum & History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield
Details: $8; $5 for Museum members.

Bring your own lunch; lemonade and dessert provided. The short film "Along the Shores of Memory: The Katharine Hepburn Cottage will also be shown. For more details about this event and for directions, please visit: Fairfield Museum & History Center.

Contributed by Christine Rudney

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!

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