Monthly archives: July 2007

 

 

A Quiet Revolution

  • By: Cindy

Unless you are the “Man Who Fell to Earth” all of you know by now that our Planning and Zoning voted to allow a zone text change to the 400 acre Interchange Zone located near I-691 which will now allow mixed use–i.e. residential and commercial. The vote was 7-2 with Planning and Zoning members Tim Slocum and Paul Ranando casting the two no votes. However, the P and Z did vote by an 8-1 margin, with Richard Levy abstaining, to conduct a “fiscal impact study” i.e. what sort of impact a lifestyle center and/or residential would have on the community as far as public safety, and the grand list.

The Commissioners did agree that they would take each application that would be brought in front of them regarding this mixed use on its own merit. Each applicant would be given serious consideration and much thought and study. Nothing would be cookie cutter.

I was able to attend Monday nights meeting. To be honest, I was really surprised at the lack of attendance in comparison to the past few months. I wonder what happened to all these people, especially the ones who spoke against the proposal. Now I had forgotten that in 1985 when I first moved into Cheshire, a similar proposal for just a mall, was passed by the Planning and Zoning, but nothing ever came of it and the zone change expired after a five year period. I can’t remember if there was a big hullabaloo over that issue either. But, after Monday night, I guess it is all water under the bridge.

I know the few people that were in attendance that did not want the residential were quietly disappointed. These people who stood their ground were against the residential only because of concerns of what type of impact it would have on the school system. I know some people were concerned that if the zone text change took place to include residential that the town might have to deal with Section 8 housing applications. This all remains to be seen. Apparently now, the talk is of not just apartments, but high rise condominiums. I can’t wait to hear all the complaining about traffic backups on Rt. 10 near the I-691 corridor and West Johnson Avenue and Peck Lane. My question: where were all of you Monday, July 9th? And I bet one of my voluptuous endowments that you will hearing complaint after complaint from people who live in the housing near the Lifestyle Center that it is “too noisy and the lights are too bright.”

I have to commend Tim Slocum and Paul Ranando who kept trying to have the residential portion of the zone text change removed. This amendment was defeated by a 7-2 vote. I was surprised that Mr. Dawson went for the Zone Text change and the housing.
I really thought he was old fashioned Cheshire–I was wrong.

Mr. Dawson said he liked it up in Canton-which would be a similar Lifestyle Center to what is being proposed by W/S Development, which as you know, owns and operates the Canton development.

Now we all have to wait and see if W/S Development will put in an application. I am sure they will. Their representatives attended the meeting on Monday. I know one person that was very pleased with the P and Z vote was Justin Adinolfi, our former Town Council person. Justin was heard clapping very loudly after the vote. To me it doesn’t matter what a persons take is on a subject. I base my likes or dislikes of a person on how they treat myself and my family.

I like Justin Adinolfi because he has respect for myself and my family.

Speaking of Town Council members, besides Justin Adinolfi, I did see present Town Council members Michael Ecke, Dave Orsini, Tom Ruocco , my boy Tim White, and former Councilor Steve Carroll in attendance.

What can the people who were against this proposed zone text change and the people who were concerned with the environment do? All is not lost. You must hold the Planning and Zoning to task. You must insist they scrutinize every application and do not just stamp “approved” on everything. You must attend the meetings. I know it is hard, they are at night and you are tired from a days work but you must show up physically. It will be interesting to see what we really will be looking at after the smoke clears.

I for one am still going ahead with my proposal to restore the old Ball and Socket Factory as part of the West Main Street revitalization. Also, the promoting of the Watch Factory Shoppes.

UPDATE ON MY DECISION TO RUN FOR THE TOWN COUNCIL:

I don’t know yet. I lot of people who run this town don’t like me so it might be counterproductive. I will keep you posted. I also am awaiting an answer from my pals at the CPD on the statistics from the July 4th holiday traffic enforcement. Also, if you read the local papers, you read about the two idiots that tried to rob the Cheshire Welcome Inn and ended up turning into the Cheshire Police Department Parking lot in an attempt to get away. They turned into the CPD lot because they thought it was a “street.” My message to them: if you ever decide, which I hope you do not, to commit a robbery, at least use the money to purchase a GPS system so at least you know where the hell you are going!! I heard my love Officer Wright was in on the apprehension. Oh I hope he did not injure his face!! Goodbye for now.

 

Somebody's Watching Me

  • By: Cindy

I know many of you are wondering how the Underground Town Hall got its name. Well, apparently so is the government. On Saturday, July 7, 2007, I noticed dozens and dozens of hits from the same IP address. It was surveillance of my website.

I could not figure it out until I happened to be watching the news and realized that July 7 was the anniversary of the London Underground bombing. I have lost so much track of time that I don’t remember if it was last year or the year before. Now I know why everything on my website was scrutinized: Every photo, every word I wrote, every video posted—everything. It is probably because of the word “Underground.” This is so repulsive, I don’t even have the words for it. Does George Bush think everyone is a criminal or a subversive. Does he know what the First Amendment says-the amendment over 3,000 men and women have died for over in Iraq protecting? What is going on now McCarthyism? The real meaning of the Underground Town Hall? Here it is:

Approximately four years ago, I was watching a Town Council meeting when a local resident whose name I will keep anonymous, because God knows he might be investigated, was speaking and asking questions. I saw him and thought he would be a good springboard for my idea of doing a cable television show, which I always wanted to do. I did not start out wanting to do political or newsy shows, I dabbled with many different ideas, a cooking show, home improvement, etc. But when I saw this resident, the idea just clicked. I got one of my children to do the camera work and editing on our computer and the shows were aired on Public Access. The shows I did were shows of interest to the community: for example, I did a talk show with the local resident, we discussed town issues–oh my God so subversive!! My next show was on the Rules and Regulations of Traffic Signs; How to Fight a Traffic Ticket; Dangerous Intersections and the Pool; and How to Plan for Your Retirement–I am probably on the FBI’s most wanted list for that one!!

When I was trying to decide on a name for the show, I jokingly told a friend that my husband and I always felt we were the “underground” town hall, because many people would call us and tell us about town issues or how they felt, or tip us off to things going on in the town government. Believe it or not—Arlington and Reston Virginia and 500 Highland Avenue–that is the REAL reason for the name “Underground” Town Hall. I don’t know if I should be flattered or scared or both. Whatever.

Speaking of scared–the moment of truth has come for the town of Cheshire. On Monday at 7:30 in the Cheshire Town Hall Town Council Chambers, 84 South Main Street, Cheshire, Ct., (I am giving the entire address in case some “agents” want to show up to conduct surveillance), the Planning and Zoning will decide to either allow a zone text change which would allow mixed use and possibly housing, to the Interchange Zone located near 691 (are you getting that 007)? The Plan and Zoning will also decide on amendments to the Town’s Plan of Development. ALL PEOPLE SHOULD ATTEND!!

Ok that is all for now, and if some of you get a postcard from me with the return address of “Bulgaria” you know what happened. P.S. The Gov’t is closing Guantanamo Bay.

 

A Few Thoughts

  • By: Cindy

It is hard for me to write everyday on this website, (I am still not calling it a blog) because of my schedule, but I will try to update as much as possible with a variety of topics.

I guess the topic of the pool has come up again because of the recent consultant report. As many of you are aware, in 2005, my husband and I did a show that aired on Public Access Channel 15 entitled “Dangerous Intersections and the Pool.” In that show we offered ideas to make the pool more useful,  i.e. , a sign on Rt. 10 that says “Community Pool” with an arrow pointing to its location. I have noticed there is a sign advertising the pool in the Parks and Recreation billboard adjacent to the high school, but if you are not familiar with the town you would not know where the pool is located. Sometimes I think this town must be involved in the witness protection program, because they are so “secretive” about certain things. The powers that be finally went for the “snack bar” option which is a good thing. I for one really love the pool. I don’t get to go as much as I would like because believe it or not, I am shy about going out in public, but my recent assertiveness training class is helping me to overcome this fear.

The pool needs to be “advertised” on Channel 14 ALL THE TIME, like they advertise Vinny Carr’s Dance Party. A few years ago, myself and several others offered to get memberships from area businesses, but we never could work anything out with the town. Then, an organization entitled “Friends of the Cheshire Community Pool” came along, which I supported, but unfortunately, the person who started the organization had trouble getting people to attend the meetings.

Many people I have spoken to over the years indicated they liked the pool, especially in the summer. It is really nice. I bring many people there from many different communities and they are really impressed as they should be. However, the people I spoke to said one of the down sides in going to the pool is that it seemed to be always taken up with swim lessons or swim meets. Of course, this is how the pool makes money so I don’t have an answer for that one.

I had suggested possibly having a smaller community go in with us in supporting the pool, like possibly Prospect. But that was just an idea. The Parks and Recreation does have Flick and Float night, where one can watch a movie while relaxing in the pool. That is a great idea. The Dollar Days was also a good idea. I still think the Cheshire Community Pool should have a dinner/swim night for the adults in our community. That would be fun. As far as heating the pool, I think the idea for solar panels is good and also possibly exploring geothermal energy as another alternative.

I have received feedback from many of you regarding the ongoing sign postings. I know I will have more “streets” on the list within the next few days so keep in touch with the website.

Also a few people wanted to know what the law is regarding local law enforcement jurisdiction on state roads. This is in response to the person who contacted me about motor vehicle incident several days ago the 691 exit ramp in Cheshire. To refresh, the person who contacted me stated that he was nearly run off the road by a motor vehicle as he attempted to turn left onto Rt. 10 from the 691 exit ramp. The person claimed that when he contacted the local police, they told him to contact the state police.

I am not sure if our local police department has jurisdiction on Rt. 10 even though I have seem them from time to time pulling over motorists. The Town of Cheshire Public Works does not plow Rt. 10 in the winter. They leave that up to the state Dept. of Transportation. I know if there is an accident, the CPD comes out and I have seen them parked on that exit ramp enforcing traffic rules. I always thought the local police in any town has authority over the part of the state road or highway that goes through the portion of that local town. I hope to get an answer by next week from our local police.

 

Team Roadway Wins Big

  • By: Cindy

Roadway Express, which is located on West Johnson Avenue in Cheshire recently competed in the Truck “Rodeo” a few weeks ago in Somers. I was able to obtain a photo of the winners (and there were many), proudly holding their trophies. I hopefully will spell everyone’s name right. If not, I know they will make we aware.

Team

From the bottom left: Ted Nadolski, judge; Larry Hoskins-4 axle-2nd Place and Rookie of the Year; Mike Bortnick-tanker-1st Place; Ben Zandrony.

Middle Row: Bill Cormier-3 axle-2nd Place; Ted Michaud-sleeper-3rd Place.

Top Row: Chad LaPierre-5 axle-4th Place; “Rebel” Melton-flatbed-2nd Place; Jay Healy-straight truck-2nd Place. Not in photo: Dennis Strait-twins-5th place.

My thanks to Mike Bortnick for the photo.

 

Sign Update

  • By: Cindy

I know—I said I would not talk about this sign issue anymore after I spoke about it “for the last time” a few weeks ago.

But I am constantly receiving information from the public about signs posted on telephone polls, especially this “lost dog” sign that has been posted since December 2006 that no-one in authority seems to notice  and are still up despite the state statute that prohibits these postings  and the enforcement by the local police department.

The Undergroundtownhall wishes to thank local resident Paul Marison for his diligence in compiling this information.  Mr. Marison took time out and went to two locations in Cheshire and reported the “lost dog” sign still posted on the following poles. NOTE: these are just on two streets in town:

MOSS FARM ROAD:

Pole 3007 opposite 299 Moss Farm Road; Pole 3013 436 Moss Farm Road; Pole 3017 opposite corner Moss Farm and Alpine Drive; Pole 1044 near 698 Moss Farm Road; Pole 1053 just past Moss Farm and Devonwood Drive; Pole 1042 before 926 Moss Farm Road and Pole 3005 near 255 Moss Farm Road.

JARVIS STREET:

Pole 148 at the corner of Jarvis and Peck Lane; Pole 1014 near 580 Jarvis Street; Polce 6135 near 738 Jarvis Street; Pole 5292 opposite 813 Jarvis Street; Pole 816 before Jarvis and Moss Farm Road; Pole 1306 after Jarvis and Moss Farm Road; Pole 812 opposite 1155 Jarvis Street; Pole 529 past 813 Jarvis Street; Pole 2905 near 725 Jarvis Street and Polce 1013 near 579 Jarvis Street.

Mr. Marison, who told the Undergroundtownhall that he is also upset with the “obvious selective enforcement going on in this town,” vows that he will travel every street in town in search of these signs. Our thanks to him for his efforts. The bottom line: the law has to apply to EVERYONE EQUALLY.

IN OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: The Undergroundtownhall will be investigating a situation that occurred Monday night around 10 p.m. on Rt 10 near the I-691 exit ramp. According to the person who contacted the Undergroundtownhall from Meriden, this person was exiting the ramp and went to turn left when this person was, in their own words, “driven off the road.” by a local delivery vehicle.

According to this person, who I will not name in public, initials only (E.C.) , when they tried to file a complaint, the officer allegedly told this person to go call the state police, and that “maybe you weren’t in the right lane in the first place .”

The person, told the Undergroundtownhall they were shaken by the ordeal and also concerned for their young children who were in the car at the time of this incident and became visibly upset. The person also stated they did obtain the license plate number. I will let all of you know the outcome shortly. This sort of reminds me of the “coffee shop” incident where that person stated to the press that she was also “talked out” of making a complaint.