It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane!
Is there any part of Stratford that the City of Bridgeport won’t try and steal? I understand that Mr. Kaolian would just love to see a busy mid-sized airport spring up in the middle of Lordship. Sadly, for Mr. Kaolian, the hard part will not be stealing more land, it will be $160/barrel and more for Jet A. These prices will make commercial aircraft operation economically impossible at Sikorksy Memorial Airport. Even at $18/barrel there wasn’t a single airline that was able to operate profitably. In a few years, the only thing flying at the airport may well be piping plovers.
Lot complicates Stratford beach
RICHARD WEIZEL
Article Last Updated: 06/10/2008 12:14:19 AM EDT
STRATFORD — On the same night Mayor James R. Miron presented a tentative agreement to the Town Council to sell Long Beach West to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for $10 million, opponents said they have found new evidence Stratford may not even own a key parcel of land that abuts the property and could kill the deal.Meanwhile, residents who packed council chambers Monday night, heatedly debated whether the town should sell the 35-acre peninsula to the federal agency, as 24 speakers were about evenly divided.
The meeting became contentious on several occasions.
When several people raised placards such as “Save Long Beach West, No Sale” and “We Maintained Our Beach For 350 Years — They Don’t Make Beaches Any More,” Town Council Chairman Mike Henrick, R-10, sternly told residents to lower them.
Henrick also raised the ire of several residents who shouted he was “way out of line” and “showed disrespect” after cutting off longtime former state Sen. George “Doc” Gunther, an ardent opponent who exceeded his four-minute time limit in urging the council not to sell Long Beach West. Geeze, Mike! What were you thinking? You treated Doc Gunther like a regular citizen? The nerve!
Morgan Kaolian, director of Long Island Sound America, Inc., told the council he has learned Stratford does not own land that serves as the only town access to the narrow beach peninsula.
Kaolian maintains he found a deed showing the Long Beach parking lot area, which has been maintained by Stratford for decades, is actually part of Sikorsky Memorial Airport, owned by the city of Bridgeport.”A few days ago, Nicholas Mainero, former airport manager, informed me of the fact the Long Beach parking lot likely belongs to the airport,” Kaolian told the council. “Mr. Mainero was manager at the time a great deal of acreage was purchased for the purpose of [creating] a clear zone, the instrument runway at Sikorsky Memorial Airport.
Kaolian said after checking land records for deeds and maps, he discovered that the parcel being used for the parking lot appears to be part of a “Clear Zone to Runway Six.” Appears to be? Didn’t the White-Out dry yet, Morgan?
“This means there could be a serious problem in that there has been a proposal by U.S. Fish and Wildlife to build a comfort station, two educational kiosks and a rehab of the existing parking lot on Long Beach,” Kaolian said. “I am disturbed that unless rightful ownership is resolved, use of the parking lot and other areas could prohibit full use of Long Beach, adjacent to Long Beach West,” said Kaolian.
Miron and Town Attorney Richard Buturla said while they believe Stratford does own the parcel, they first learned of the issue Monday and are conducting a full title search to clarify ownership. Call your ex-partner, Jim. You’ve appointed him to do all title searches anyway for the Town. Might as well make him work a little.
“Even if we don’t own it, that would not preclude sale of Long Beach West,” Miron said.
Miron said any funds from the sale would be used to establish a special trust fund, so only interest on the principal could be used for town projects. The trust fund must gain council approval.
But Council Majority Leader Michael Julian, R-1, whose district includes Long Beach West, said Monday “there’s a lot that has to be clarified, including this new information, before we can consider whether to sell Long Beach West.
Marcia Stewart, president of Stratford Protect Your Environment, presented a nearly 500-signature petition by those favoring the sale. Now we come to the main point. This heroine of Stratford has worked tirelessly for no one but the citizens of Stratford. On it’s face, if Marcia says it’s the right thing to do you automatically have to wonder why we’re not doing it already. The only thing to be nervous about is when Miron agrees with her. You know he has an angle there somewhere.
Supporters said the sale would help the town by requiring the federal agency to remove about 45 vacant cottages and build a boardwalk for public access. The agency would also ensure protection of the peninsula’s environment and wildlife, including the endangered piping plover bird species.
“The town doesn’t have the resources or ability to protect Long Beach West, and sale of the property to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would ensure it is maintained forever,” said Richard Heiden, another PYE leader.
But opponents say the sale price is far too low and that the sale would actually restrict public access, particularly because of the piping plover. They also contend federal funds may never materialize.
Fred Biebel, a former town councilman who has served as a national leader in the Republican Party, advised the council to carefully consider its decision. “Five years from now, or 50 years from now, this body does not want to be known as the council that sold any Stratford beach property that is so much a part of the town’s legacy,” Biebel said. “I believe you should hold a referendum on this to let the people decide.”
Long Beach West abuts Bridgeport’s much larger Pleasure Beach, which the federal agency is also trying to acquire.
Filed under: Stratford Political Theater | 72 Comments
Citizens Comments
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Stratford Politics 
I was unable to attend this Town Council Meeting.
Generally I support Marcia Stewart and am a member of PYE.
In a prior Town Council Meeting Public Forum, I reminded the Town Council
that there have been much higher offers than $ 10,000,000 in the past and
also that Marcia does NOT care about the money Stratford can get, but
cares about PROTECTING YOUR ENVIRONMENT.
Marcia is a tree hugger’s tree hugger = compliment.
Later Marcia agreed with what I had stated in the Public Forum!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Every Stratford issue has supporters and detractors.
The time warp which Stratford lives in, is not a completely bad thing,
as it has mostly avoided beoming YuppiEVILle, such as Westport and
Fairfield, which have similar Historic and Environmental assets.
If we are to sell a primo asset …
1) Why not maximize our CASH FLOW to lower debt and make some
substances purchases of needed eauipment?
2) Have a reverter provision, where Stratford can reobtain LBW. IF
it was deemed desireable by the Public?
The devil is in the details of any agreement and George has a great point that with any contract a reverter provision by established whereby the Town and either re-acquire the property by the Fish & Wildlife’s failure to grant public access or if it is deemed desirable in the future to re-acquire. The public hearings will be a great opportunity to bring out such suggestions once a deal is finally on the table for the Council to review.
Gavin
Gavin,
I just posted ($500,000 post) that you never give compliments or credit.
I gotta eat my blog!
Oh, I fell off my chair when I saw the compliment, and being the lard I am,
it took me 10 minutes to climb back up! (Actually I am llying about that)
But wait! There’s more! Bridgeport still wants to steal the other side of the Airport from Stratford.
You read it in The Post:
Capitol chicanery puts local interests over safety
KEN DIXON
Article Last Updated: 06/13/2008 08:56:51 PM EDT
In years covering the state Capitol’s misfires and machinations, I’d never seen a furry, flying, stealth rat, until this week, when state Rep. Terry Backer, D-Stratford, virtually assured his re-election with the folks back home.
I’ve witnessed rodentia of many sizes and shapes, the annual result of lawmakers honoring special interests by quietly inserting clauses in bills to benefit constituents, their hometowns, even specific, though unnamed, corporations.
A few years ago, then-Senate President Pro Tem Kevin Sullivan even placed a sweet, tasty rat that was written specifically to benefit the company that supplied candy and salty, hydrogenated snacks in Capitol vending machines.
On the annual budget day in the General Assembly, the late Rep. Dick Belden, R-Shelton, was revered for plucking skuzzy rodents by the scruffs of their necks from the shadowy lines of arcane legislative legalese and holding them up for all to see.
The furry culprits were almost always the work of majority Democrats.
But I think Belden would have enjoyed Backer’s aerial rat maneuver at the expense of the city of Bridgeport.
Nestled in section 16 of the 31-section Department of Transportation bill, Backer gave Stratford another year of breathing room on the controversial planned expansion of the Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Airport’s main landing strip, until at least April 15, 2009.
“If, on that date, no agreement has been reached between Stratford and Bridgeport regarding the disposition of Sikorsky Memorial Airport, the Department of Transportation shall conduct at least one public hearing in Stratford and one public hearing in Bridgeport concerning the proposed realignment of Route 113,” says the legislation, which passed the House and Senate on May 7 and was signed into law 20 days later.
Backer, speaking in the Capitol during last week’s special session, said negotiations over the possible runway expansion bogged down because of a bird of a different feather: the former Bridgeport Mayor John M. Fabrizi.
“As a lame duck, Mayor Fabrizi wasn’t able to negotiate this,” Backer said. “With that in mind and the fact that there are two mayors with time to talk about it, I worked the two transportation chairs, who agreed it was tough to have sincere negotiations under those conditions.”
He said that while he didn’t trumpet his achievement — made with assistance from Republicans including Rep. John Harkins, R-Stratford, whose district abuts the airport, and Sen. Dan Debicella, R-Shelton, whose district includes part of Stratford — the evidence was there in black and white for the discerning reader.
Harkins said the proposal would realign Main Street east into his district and local officials and the DOT should take their time to review and plan.
Debicella said the DOT was talking about a state takeover of the airport, so another year is definitely needed.
“It was the right thing to do even though it was tucked into a large omnibus bill,” Debicella said. “This has been a problem between Stratford and Bridgeport for years and all this does is give them a chance to work something out. I think it should be left to the local folks.”
While it’s Bridgeport’s airport, the 71-year-old, 800-acre airstrip is situated in Stratford, where local Lordship residents fear an expansion means more noisy aircraft beyond the 220 or so parked there.
“It’s up to them to read the bill,” Backer said of his gambit, recalling the battle back in 2007 in which Rep. Bob Keeley, D-Bridgeport, attempted to expedite the realignment of Main Street to allow a safety zone for planes taking off and landing.
Backer said 20 airlines around the country have gone out of business in the last few months because of the escalating cost of fuel as the entire industry changes.
“Most of these little airports are going to get very little use,” Backer said. “To make major investments are a waste of funds. I think the playing field has shifted.”
Keeley, the powerful co-chairman of the legislative Finance Committee’s bonding subcommittee, admitted that the session ended without him realizing the negotiation deadline had been put back a year, but called Backer’s achievement “behind-the-scenes” deal making.
“Congratulations to a NIMBY movement to put off what could be a tremendous regional asset and economic engine for the whole Fairfield County/New Haven County areas,” Keeley said. “This airport needs to be operated as an airport and expanded. Any movement to the contrary is only going to hurt Milford, Stratford, Bridgeport, Monroe, Fairfield, the entire area.”
Keeley said that as chairman of the bonding subcommittee, he’s prepared to work toward gaining millions of dollars in long-term state support.
And now for my favorite part:
“Everybody should be ashamed of themselves for not letting this issue come to the forefront,” Keeley said. “Even though there’s a lot of gamesmanship going on and they might delay this another year, they’re not going to stop this from being an airport. It’s going to happen. And we’re going to expand this airport if I have anything to do say about it.”
Don’t you love it when a politician’s ego comes shining through? As if they don’t get to exercise it enough. We can all just go pound sand up our…well, any way…it’s not important that we actually live here, as long as Keeley gets his way.
Mayor Bill Finch said after the legislative hijacking that “it’s typical” of a late-session ploy, but offered Backer some props.
“Terry is doing a good job representing his district, but the issue is much bigger than Lordship,” Finch said. “The safety of the public is at stake.”
Finch noted that under the plan, the paved, 4,800-foot runway would remain the same length, but 300 to 1,000 yards of gravel would be added to extend the safety area for landings and take-offs.
“Parochial interests are trumping public safety, and that’s always unfortunate,” Finch said, adding that he and Stratford Mayor James R. Miron, who did not return a call for comment on this column, have sat down once.
Didn’t return your call? Did you call his office? That was silly, he’s never there.
“We really didn’t talk in any substantive way,” Finch said. “We’re open to anything. The city attorneys from both towns have had discussions and one meeting. We’re pursuing options on all fronts.”
Oh well, as long as attorneys are involved, there is no possibility of any deal.
In 1994, people on a charter plane from Atlantic City ran out of luck when their craft overshot the runway and crashed into a blast fence along Main Street.
Eight died where the sophisticated safety zone would be constructed, if and when safety can be put above local interests.
A little editorializing there, Ken? Maybe if the tower had been manned or the pilot flew the 16 miles to New Haven or maybe, just maybe, shouldn’t have attempted to land in zero visibility. The runway could be 10 miles long. If you land on the last 600 feet you’re going to crash.
By the way…NICE WORK, TERRY!
Jeze,
Is this airport thing in Saturday’s CT. POST?
Has anyone spoken to Marcia?
Is this why the purchase of the Airport, by Stratford, has been on the
Town Council agenda for over 1 year, and then went into executive
session in the April or May Meeting?
Which came first, laying foundation in Town Council Agendas for the
purchase of the Airport or the CT. authorization, which will assist the
desire by some to buy the airport to prevent the changes?
–
I was told by a member of the Democrats that the Airport has radar.
It was news to a former Sikorsky Airport air traffic controller.
All it would take to have radar, is a couple of phone lines, monitors,
and a little other equipment, as they could get feeds from multiple
sites, much like doppler radar.
—
Oh, I looked last night for the Constitutional questions and back and forth
with Freedom. I could not find it? Jeze, where is it please?
1george1
What does jez haveto do with my lack of response to you comments?
Please don’t take this the wrong way.
I finished Con Law many years ago, as such I no longer have to debate hypotheticals. In addition, I cannot see any fact pattern that would relate to the blog from your postings, nor any that make a real constitutional claim.
Also, there is nothing that could be gained from articulating my opinions, as all constitutional issues are expensive to litigate, take lifetimes in court, and most of the time do not end in the result the claimant believes is just, as in most of your cases. The segue from ‘Corruption of the Blood” to the Mirons gave me a laugh, but that’s about it.
If you want my opinions on Avco, Raymark, Airport, Miron, the TC, Stratford Shakespeare Theater, or anything that has a resemblance to the issues in Stratford, I will give it a go. Other than that, I don’t have time for far fetched theories based on perceived constitutional issues and conspiracies.
Also, a reverter provision is nice on paper, but with the USG, and the authority to make and enforce environmental law, they could declare the property protected, and defeat the clause, and there is nothing that Stratford could do.
Freedom,
I did not put my response to you on Constitutional issues, on the George blog,
but under your response to me. I can not find the sequence.
Do you know where they are?
Your above reply relates to those blogs. In the above you responded that you
could not work with my theories about
“Corruption of the Blood,”
“Attainder,”
“JUST Concent of the governed.”
“Rule of Law vs. Inalienable Rights,”
ONE OTHER ITEM.
I do not know if ANY answer I gave was going to satisfy your legal expertise.
One simple fact is that Lawyers, Politicians, and the Courts have one agenda
which is normally to limit the Rights of the Masses, by defining those limits.
In this poli – sci ambiance, Enlighted Self Interest is far away from the stages
of Human social compacts, proposed by the Marqis Du Condorcet or even Marx.
George,
It’s here: https://stratfordcharter.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/georges-page/
Bookmark it.
Freedom is going to start billing you in 6 word increments.
Jeze,
I was looking for the exchange between Freedomof speech and
myself about CONSTITUTION and LEGAL THEORY:
Corruption of the Blood;
Act of Attainder;
JUST CONCENT of the Governed;
Rule of Law vs. Inalienable & Enlightened self interest.
It was no under George’s page, but we responded to each other
about the Mirons.
I looked through the entire strings and did not see the exchange!
I was asked to remind everyone of the T-Berry & Rosenberg WICC
show Monday @ 9:00 pm. I doubt if I will listen, but it may me must
listening for the anti Miron crew?
I thought I would share a comment I made on Long Beach West. Hope you find it interesting.
Offering More from Forest to Shore is the new and, supposed, improved slogan for Stratford, yet, I am at a loss as to how we can continue to proclaim these words when all the shore is not ours to use, and now a large, important, and historic waterfront area, known as Long Beach West, may be sold off leaving future generations of Stratford residents unable to enjoy this magnificent beach area.
I am greatly dismayed about the potential sale of Long Beach West. I am an environmentalist, and strongly believe that we should protect and manage the environment for all living creatures; but, having said that, I am first, and foremost, a realist.
I believe that selling our legacy for the alleged purpose of protecting the environment is a disservice to the people of Stratford, and, more importantly, to the future generations of Stratford. It is unclear to me how Stratford will benefit by giving up this spectacular piece of property.
It is more important to realize that the Fish and Wildlife Service’s primary, and quite frankly, only mission is protection of fish and wildlife. They do not create recreational opportunities for citizens.
I would be more supportive of this sale if we were selling it, together with Pleasure Beach to the National Park Service, at least then, I know everyone would have access to the property.
I am not convinced that the sale of Long Beach West to Fish and Wildlife will make the property more accessible to our citizens., Nor am I convinced that Bridgeport will sell their piece of Pleasure Beach to Fish and Wildlife.
By Stratford taking the “deal” from Fish and Wildlife first, we have only served to increase the value of Bridgeport’s portion of the property, with no benefit to Stratford. This is an intolerable position. If a deal is to be put together, than both Bridgeport and Stratford must come to the table together, and together develop plan to either, (1) sell the property to the appropriate federal agency, which will ensure that all of us can use this property, or (2) create an economic opportunity for both our communities.
I am tired of other communities benefiting from our missteps.
During a recent public hearing a speaker said “the beach was there before me and will be there after me”. I agree. Long Beach West, like so many of our wonderful natural resources, is part of the legacy of Stratford. We should not take thirty pieces of silver today simply to gather some cash, and deprive our children and our grandchildren of, what should be, their heritage and, most importantly, their future.
There are many unanswered questions and as taxpayers of the federal, state and local government, I believe we need to understand more about the intentions of Fish and Wildlife and the Mayor’s office before we simply buy into this sale.
Stratford has done a good job of protecting our natural resources and our quality of life in regards to those resources. I believe this sale is a mistake and not in the best interests of Stratford.
We have very little open space left in town and turning a big piece of it over to an authority that will, in all probability, restrict our access to, what should be our land, is simply not in Stratford’s best interest.
This magnificent waterfront property, with beautiful beaches sand dunes and views that are second to none, is a place where we should be able to go and relax, enjoy our family time, read a book, or simply take in the beauty of nature. A wooden walk way a few feet wide, traversing through a small part of the property, is not what I call access, and simply does not allow for Stratford’s citizens to enjoy what is rightfully ours.
Remember, we do not leave our children this world, we merely borrow it from them. If we sell what is rightfully theirs today, what will they have tomorrow.
I urge the members of the Council to resist the temptation to pick up a few dollars today, but to lose one of the last vestiges of Stratford’s magnificent waterfront forever.
We can do better with this property, and, for the sake of future Stratford generations, we must do better.
I strongly urge the Council to reject this offer and work to create a Long Beach West that all of Stratford will want to use and that we can be proud to call Stratford’s.
Jonathan Best
Jon ~
I am sorry I wasn’t there to hear that. I would’ve stood clapped and yahoo’d as loud as I could. I 100% agree!!!!
I agree 100% with you Jon.
I read your comments in the CT Post. Also in the CT Post was an opposing view from the Mayor’s un-official spokesman Jason Santi.
Jez, I think that Heather and Ashley are earning their money writing content for Jason.
I agree too…a little.
I agree that we should know more about the deal.
If we are guaranteed access (which we don’t have now) and are able to enjoy the beach while the U.S. Government is responsible for maintenance and patrolling it, then I am in favor of selling it.
If only piping plovers are allowed on the beach, then it’s just stupid.
Maybe I’ve been at this too long, but I don’t think either the Council or mayor has the ability to act for our benefit.
Jon I read your live letter in the CT post with interest an I would like to comment upon your article.
You make the assumption that any sale would prevent the citizens of Stratford from being able to enjoy the “magnificent beach area”. So tell me just how many people do you think are enjoying the beach area presently. There is no access – no public facilities – burned out cottages and vacant dwellings that have the potential to be occupied by vagrants and vandals – not the kind of pristine environment I would want any child to be exposed to. While the beach itself might be magnificent the access to it is not so lets stop kidding ourselves that droves of Stratford residents are utilizing the beachfront presently.
In your article you claim to be a realist, than you must have considered the fact that the Town does not have the funds or the staff to maintain that property, or to provide rapid access for emergency services or even routine police patrols, and as such accepts the burden of liability should a tragic event occur out there? Being a realist you must have calculated the cost of clean up (estimated to be 100,000’s of dollars) and the cost of maintaining services to the area (Public Works – Security) so are you proposing that those costs be passed on to the taxpayer? Should we increase the Parks Department budget to include additional staff to keep the beach looking “magnificent” – the Recreation budget to include additional life guards and staffing- the Police Budget to include patrols – all at what cost to the Taxpayer?
You mention creating recreational opportunities for our citizens – do you have any examples? Are we talking about camping or swimming – if so then I guess you will need to provide funding to provide supervision and lifeguards. And incase you have not visited the NWRS web site here are some of the “opportunities” that they provide.
June 2-June 21 – Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (North Dakota) holds its Birding Festival from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., including guided tours and a Prairie Wildflowers Walk. Learn about piping plover recovery and enjoy activities specifically geared toward youngsters.
July 13 – Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (New Jersey) invites outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to learn to identify some of the 70 butterfly species on the refuge. “Discovery Den” activities focus on the amazing world of dragonflies and butterflies.
August 10 – Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (New Jersey) holds its “Second Sunday . . . with Friends, Dragonflies.” The program will be followed by a guided walk into the normally closed Management Area. The Friends Bookstore and Gift Shop will be open, starting at 11 a.m.
August 22-24 – Nulhegan Basin Division of Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge will be part of the 17th Annual North Country Moose Festival in Bennington, Vermont. The festival has become wildly popular. After all, who doesn’t love moose?
August 31 – Audubon National Wildlife Refuge (North Dakota) has planned a family afternoon with its “Greenwings Day,” when people can learn about hunting, fishing, wildlife conservation and new outdoor skills. Kids will receive door prizes.
You mention selling the property top the National Park Service but unfortunately they have not stepped up to the plate and shown any interest in purchasing the property, or even for that matter, expressed any interest in providing public access to the location. If it becomes a National Park then of course it will not just be Stratford Residents that will be able to enjoy.
I see you have also ventured into the potential of developing the property for economic opportunities. When you were on the Economic Development Commission what economic opportunities did the commission outline for the usage of the property? I believe the State has already said they will not allow sewer lines to be installed so the economic potential is minimal at best from passive recreation.
Jon – Stratford has done a good job protecting our natural resources and quality of life to those resources? We used to have a Forest Ranger and a well maintained visitor area at Roosevelt Forest – been there lately? The dilapidated cottages and debris left out there on both the Bridgeport side and the Stratford side, ATV tracks, and other remnants are not what I constitute as doing a good job of protecting our resources.
Jon are you aware that the Conservation and Open Space Commission has a program to acquire funds to purchase parcels to return to the stock of Open Space? Are you also aware that no matter who ends up owning the property that any endangered species, such as the piping plover, will always be protected and certain areas will always be restricted during nesting season from public access?
As a Councilman I don’t look at $10 Million as just “picking up a few dollars”. If you consider that amount of money as pocket change than do I have some swampland I would love to sell you lol. I also don’t look upon it as a way to pick up funds to spend on frivolous pet projects either. The council is reviewing a proposal and contract and, if we decide to move forward with any potential sale, a complete public hearing will take place and the terms of the final agreement will be made readily available for all to see. There have been many instances of land being transferred to either Federal or State Government with great success, Sherwood Island State Park comes to mine immediately, as does Hammonasset State Park. Without seeing the details to any sale I can understand hesitancy on the part of the general public, but to strike down a proposed sale without waiting for the details to emerge does not allow for a proper vetting of any proposal, and seems more like a knee jerk political reaction to gain attention – oh that’s right – you do have an “exploratory committee” established to run for Mayor, my bad.
In closing I have not made the determination to either sell or not sell the property as I am currently reviewing the agreeement and I am sure I will have questions as a result of my review of the document and will listen to ALL points of view at the public hearing if and when it gets to that stage.
Jon I read your live letter in the CT post with interest an I would like to comment upon your article.
You make the assumption that any sale would prevent the citizens of Stratford from being able to enjoy the “magnificent beach area”. So tell me just how many people do you think are enjoying the beach area presently. There is no access – no public facilities – burned out cottages and vacant dwellings that have the potential to be occupied by vagrants and vandals – not the kind of pristine environment I would want any child to be exposed to. While the beach itself might be magnificent the access to it is not so lets stop kidding ourselves that droves of Stratford residents are utilizing the beachfront presently.
In your article you claim to be a realist, than you must have considered the fact that the Town does not have the funds or the staff to maintain that property, or to provide rapid access for emergency services or even routine police patrols, and as such accepts the burden of liability should a tragic event occur out there? Being a realist you must have calculated the cost of clean up (estimated to be 100,000’s of dollars) and the cost of maintaining services to the area (Public Works – Security) so are you proposing that those costs be passed on to the taxpayer? Should we increase the Parks Department budget to include additional staff to keep the beach looking “magnificent” – the Recreation budget to include additional life guards and staffing- the Police Budget to include patrols – all at what cost to the Taxpayer?
You mention creating recreational opportunities for our citizens – do you have any examples? Are we talking about camping or swimming – if so then I guess you will need to provide funding to provide supervision and lifeguards. And incase you have not visited the NWRS web site here are some of the “opportunities” that they provide.
June 2-June 21 – Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (North Dakota) holds its Birding Festival from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., including guided tours and a Prairie Wildflowers Walk. Learn about piping plover recovery and enjoy activities specifically geared toward youngsters.
July 13 – Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (New Jersey) invites outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to learn to identify some of the 70 butterfly species on the refuge. “Discovery Den” activities focus on the amazing world of dragonflies and butterflies.
August 10 – Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (New Jersey) holds its “Second Sunday . . . with Friends, Dragonflies.” The program will be followed by a guided walk into the normally closed Management Area. The Friends Bookstore and Gift Shop will be open, starting at 11 a.m.
August 22-24 – Nulhegan Basin Division of Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge will be part of the 17th Annual North Country Moose Festival in Bennington, Vermont. The festival has become wildly popular. After all, who doesn’t love moose?
August 31 – Audubon National Wildlife Refuge (North Dakota) has planned a family afternoon with its “Greenwings Day,” when people can learn about hunting, fishing, wildlife conservation and new outdoor skills. Kids will receive door prizes.
You mention selling the property top the National Park Service but unfortunately they have not stepped up to the plate and shown any interest in purchasing the property, or even for that matter, expressed any interest in providing public access to the location. If it becomes a National Park then of course it will not just be Stratford Residents that will be able to enjoy.
I see you have also ventured into the potential of developing the property for economic opportunities. When you were on the Economic Development Commission what economic opportunities did the commission outline for the usage of the property? I believe the State has already said they will not allow sewer lines to be installed so the economic potential is minimal at best from passive recreation.
Jon – Stratford has done a good job protecting our natural resources and quality of life to those resources? We used to have a Forest Ranger and a well maintained visitor area at Roosevelt Forest – been there lately? The dilapidated cottages and debris left out there on both the Bridgeport side and the Stratford side, ATV tracks, and other remnants are not what I constitute as doing a good job of protecting our resources.
Jon are you aware that the Conservation and Open Space Commission has a program to acquire funds to purchase parcels to return to the stock of Open Space? Are you also aware that no matter who ends up owning the property that any endangered species, such as the piping plover, will always be protected and certain areas will always be restricted during nesting season from public access?
As a Councilman I don’t look at $10 Million as just “picking up a few dollars”. If you consider that amount of money as pocket change than do I have some swampland I would love to sell you lol. I also don’t look upon it as a way to pick up funds to spend on frivolous pet projects either. The council is reviewing a proposal and contract and, if we decide to move forward with any potential sale, a complete public hearing will take place and the terms of the final agreement will be made readily available for all to see. There have been many instances of land being transferred to either Federal or State Government with great success, Sherwood Island State Park comes to mine immediately, as does Hammonasset State Park. Without seeing the details to any sale I can understand hesitancy on the part of the general public, but to strike down a proposed sale without waiting for the details to emerge does not allow for a proper vetting of any proposal, and seems more like a knee jerk political reaction to gain attention – oh that’s right – you do have an “exploratory committee” established to run for Mayor, my bad.
In closing I have not made the determination to either sell or not sell the property as I am currently reviewing the agreeement and I am sure I will have questions as a result of my review of the document and will listen to ALL points of view at the public hearing if and when if gets to that stage.
Gavin,
Piping plover and butterfly watching is not the kind of access opponents of the sale are looking for.
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that people want to enjoy sitting on the beach, swimming, volleyball, etc.
Yes, we don’t have any access now and getting access is going to cost money and resources. Fine. But at least we have a say in getting that money and resources together and doing as much as we can with that property. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but as long as we own it, we can have a say in the future of Long Beach.
Once its sold, its totally out of our hands….sounds just like SAEP.
Mike the SAEP was instrumental during WWII and was a viable employer in Stratford for years. We had an economic benefit for decades so I am not going scream bloody murder that the Army owns the property now and will be selling sometime soon as an example of property lost.
What you are proposing will take significant funds and involve the expansion of LBW beyond the current beach and lifeguard services. We have all of that at Short Beach currently and there are many times it appears under utilized. We have access to Long Beach now and there are few people down there. How much more beach and recreation does 50,000 people need if we have one full service facility now not at capacity and one with everything but volleyball at Long Beach? I could see if we were bursting at the seams elbow to elbow with lines of people waiting to use the volleyball courts at Short Beach but that is just not the case.
And why is it that no one seems to take any issue with the fact that we have Russian Beach as a “private beach” for Lordship Residents only. Where is the cry for public access to that, to quote Jon Best, “magnificent waterfront” or for that matter, the beachfront by the cottages between Marnick’s and Long Beach? Both are certainly more accessible – can provide the same thing – but everyone seems focused on a remote strip of land, owned by two municipalities, with little or no access and viewed as the recreational savior of Stratford.
Mike from what I see the options are threefold. One – don’t sell the property – let the cottages rot and don’t spend a dime and run the risk that someday – someone like the estate of that windsurfer that tragically passed away a few years ago – will sue the town because we can provide rapid public safety responses. Two – Don’t sell the property and raise taxes to pay for the removal of the cottages and recreational development of the property (unlikely since what most people can agree on is that taxes are still too high after one of the lowest percentage increases in history). Or Three – sell to F&W and get a contact that will provide for some access (maybe not volleyball courts) and let the Federal Government stop spending billions in Iraq and spend some money at home making our freedoms a bit more enjoyable.
Wow… heartstrings versus logic… sounds like my house when we’re trying to plan our vacations!!!
PS… is anyone else PRAYING for a mayoral election whereby our choices would be either Forrestor or Best?!?!?!? Can I legally donate to/work for both candidates???
I’m going to say that Jez is not praying for that.
Mike,
I’m holding out for Pat Sperling.
One of these days, Sudds will get her drunk enough……
Sudds do you think either one of us could win a primary lol.
“Or Three – sell to F&W and get a contact that will provide for some access (maybe not volleyball courts) and let the Federal Government stop spending billions in Iraq and spend some money at home making our freedoms a bit more enjoyable.”
THIS makes the most sense. Clear, concise and correct. Open accessible land forever. No condos, no airport encroachment. I love it.
Now if only Miron wasn’t involved, I would feel great about it. For some reason I get the feeling there’s going to be a huge legal fee paid to Berchem, Moses & Devlin to negotiate this contract. Miron never does something for nothing.
WOW! Go out to town on business and things get good! Sorry I did not respond right away, but I cannot resist. Let me start:
“Mike from what I see the options are threefold. One – don’t sell the property – let the cottages rot and don’t spend a dime and run the risk that someday – someone like the estate of that windsurfer that tragically passed away a few years ago – will sue the town because we can provide rapid public safety responses. Two – Don’t sell the property and raise taxes to pay for the removal of the cottages and recreational development of the property (unlikely since what most people can agree on is that taxes are still too high after one of the lowest percentage increases in history). Or Three – sell to F&W and get a contact that will provide for some access (maybe not volleyball courts) and let the Federal Government stop spending billions in Iraq and spend some money at home making our freedoms a bit more enjoyable.”
Unfortunately, Gavin you epitomize the typical, can’t think “out of the box” politician. You have come up with three “options” that are obvious to all. I do not believe these are the only options. (btw, thanks for showing your opposition to the war and the men and women serving in Iraq. The freedoms we enjoy are because of the brave men and women in our armed forces.)
Russian Beach and the beach front between Marnicks and Long Beach West was lost to the people years ago, probably by short sighted politicians who failed to see beyond their nose, or who didn’t have the ability to think outside the box. It is what it is and these beaches will remain lost to ALL the people of Stratford forever. But, I ask, are you advocating that because we lost this waterfront property years ago, that is now OK with you that Stratford lose Long Beach West as well? I certainly hope not!
How about these options:
1. Stratford can develop its waterfront and provide access for its citizens. Would it cost money, yes, but aren’t these the types of things we pay taxes to support?
2. Stratford can partner with Bridgeport, and rather than fighting, work together to develop all of Pleasure Beach and Long Beach West for both our communities.
3. How about if Stratford and Bridgeport partner with the state of Connecticut, yes, it is Connecticut’s waterfront as well.
4. Here’s an idea, a public/private partnership to develop OUR waterfront. A partnership that would allow Stratford (and yes Bridgeport) taxpayers the ability to access and use our waterfront, while creating economic development opportunities for our communities.
5. The use of Long Beach West for educational uses. The aquaculture school is a resounding success. Can that area be used as a base of operations for the school and as living, breathing classroom?
You seemed concerned about spending money, yet you had no problem supporting money for a dog park (by the way, I would love to take my dog there, can you tell me where in Stratford it is located?), or for an animal shelter, (again, where is that located?) when we could have partnered with Bridgeport or Shelton, and created a first class regional animal shelter. Now you plan to place the dog shelter in a residential community that has used that open space for a neighborhood children’s play area for years.
You speak of wasting money.
How much have we spent cleaning the weeds from Longbrook Park? It is still an issue, isn’t it?.
Gavin, how much did it cost the taxpayers to move the “show trailer” to the front of the Fire House and back again for the Memorial Day parade, and yet not a single “dignitary” including you, used it?
I would suggest you stop pontificating and start doing something. After all, you are the only Council member with both feet planted firmly on both sides of the aisle.
I agree that the cottages should have been removed years ago when they were vacated. When the fire occurred a few months back, we should have left the bulldozer out there and taken them down and hauled the debris away.
By the way I am pretty sure the pavilion on the Pleasure Beach side of the island had some type of waste disposal. I remember going there an using bathrooms. Where did the waste go?
Further you never asked the group the Council put together on Long Beach West for guidance or input. A great deal of work was done by this group, and their work was never considered by anyone in town Government.. Have you read the report? I have, there is a great deal of useful and cogent information that would be useful to the Council in making this decision. Unfortunately, many of the decisions regarding the sale of Long Beach West are being made in a vacuum and this is regrettable.
You gave a long list of one or two day events that Fish and Wildlife have held around the country. You fail to mention situations such as waterfront property on Lake Sunapee, which was taken over by the USFW and which they allowed to fall into such disrepair that a private trust had to be set up to ensure the historic building on the property didn’t collapse.
On the converse side of recreational opportunities I would suggest you look at Jacob Riis Park in New York City. The National Park Service runs it and is a great member of the Rockaway community. Did you ever talk with the National Park Service or because they did not come to us this is out of the question. Maybe we should try.
How often do we see people in the McKinney refuge. It is difficult to get to and not easily traversed by people.
Again, Fish and Wildlife is concerned with, —wait for it …
…Fish and Wildlife. They are not concerned with human access.
Yes, Gavin, this requires out of the box thinking, and yes, I know, government, especially in Stratford, has always lived by the axiom, “But we have always done it that way”.
It’s time to look at new options and new ways of doing things.
Unlike you Gavin, I readily admit I don’t have all the answers. But I do know this, there are a lot of ways do things, some good, some bad, some costly, some less costly, but in the end, the decisions that are made must be decisions that are first, and foremost, in the best interests of our town as a whole.
Finally Gavin, you said
“In closing I have not made the determination to either sell or not sell the property as I am currently reviewing the agreeement (sic) and I am sure I will have questions as a result of my review of the document and will listen to ALL points of view at the public hearing if and when if gets to that stage”.
By the sounds of your statement that only three options exists, and the way in which you set forth those options, I would say you have made up your mind and will be asking for a certified check from the government.
But hey, I don’t have all the answers.
I thought I was pretty clear on why I felt the way I did but I will clarify for the last time on this issue. I appreciate your and others input and comments on this topic. Thanks
Jonathan Best
Mr. Best,
Not to get in the middle of this wonderful discussion between you and Mr. Forrester but:
“(btw, thanks for showing your opposition to the war and the men and women serving in Iraq. The freedoms we enjoy are because of the brave men and women in our armed forces.)”
Opposing the war in Iraq and wanting our troops home and safe is not the same as not supporting our troops.
Geez let’s not get started on Iraq…Dumstein will show up and start spamming us again.
I agree with Jon Best that there are other options.
I bet there are grants out there that would help us clean up the beach, provide access to it, and do what’s necessary to make it a town beach.
Too bad an experienced grant writer doesn’t work here anymore.
June 18, 2008
Warning: this loses focus from strickly Stratford issues, but addresses
point made by Jeze:
“Opposing the war in Iraq and wanting our troops home and safe is not the same as not supporting our troops.”
Good detailed disagreement between Jon and Gavin.
Gavin forgot that in an earlier blog he thought that my suggestion for a
REVERTER CLAUSE was a Great idea. Easy to overlook a 4th option.
I think Gavin wins this point based on the DEVILS being in the DETAILS,
on whether to sell or not to sell.
I think Jon’s point of Selling to the Parks Department, rather than Fish
and Wild life is a HUGE idea. Perhaps splitting the property?
I find Jon’s contention VERY interesting that selling to F & W increases
the Value of Bridgeport’s section of Pleasure Beach.
Especially in light of the PENDING SALE of the (money losing) AIRPORT
from Bridgeport to Stratford, finally OFF the TABLE.
Especially in light of the FBI interest in AVCO.
Especially in light of the CT. / FEDS cunctatorial tactics.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IRAQ WAR?
IRAQ is an amagram of RA IQ.
Rumsfeld, Cheney, and friends in the War College have been active
in messing up IRAN / IRAQ / AFGHANISTAN since after the Nixon Days
and after the end of the SO VIETnam War.
If one checks the Web Site of the War College, they refer to the KEENAN
CHAIR. It was a plan to check USSR expansionism via encirclement.
If one compares the Military involvement of the USA, subsequent to the
end of WW II, we are NON VIOLENT in Eastern / Western Europe, with the
exception of the former Yugoslavia, and MILITARY OPS have ringed USSR.
1/2 Way around the world, Military action can NOT function without OIL!
BERLIN Air Lift > RAF/USAF go from AZAZEL to ANGELS of Mercy
KOREA > JAPAN Staging Area. UN Galvanization. Marshall Plan industrial
revitalization causal act. Still sword of Diogenes to Japan!
TAIWAN > American Gangsta HEROIN + WilliamSPORT cheats.
HONG KONG > Entry into CHINA MARKET & cheap LABOR
INDOCHINA > Became North & SO. VIETnam War = Opiating the USA masses.
A calulated offset to the Anglo/Sino Opium War, which Marx used for theory.
LAOS = Chaos
CAMBODIA = Killing fields
THAILAND = from King & I to ??
BURMA road > Leaders Became Dictator puppets
TIBET > Conquored by China
INDIA /\ PAKISTAN > England OUT – INDIA & CHINA are the two most populated
countries in the World and Cheap Labor has raised Standard of Living to a
point they are Valuable MARKETS for the TRILATERAL Commission Triangle trade!
AFGHANISTAN > Beat England and USSR. CIA had AL QAEDA beaten in 3 months,
but let them off the ropes, because the Military War College and Reagan / Bush
/ Clinton White House smurfs need LONG WARS for Psychic gradification.
IRAN / IRAQ have natual emnity. IRAN is Moslem, but NOT ARAB. War College
keeps the pot stirred as alternative and cover story, UNTIL they eventually
betray ISRAEL. Guarenteed, only a matter of time and through cutouts!
Eqypt allowed peace due to Biblical and Mason/Shriner/Jewish/Christian/
Catholic ICON psychological steering. Iraq = Babylonian Captivity!
Lebanon spelled backwards = NON ABLE. A paradise has been despoiled by death!
Palestein = Translates to White Stone (symbol of innocence for Roman juries)
BLACK STONE is the core of BRITISH LAW.
Syria & occupied / puppet Saudi Arabia got tail kicked in rigged Wars with Israel.
Israel actions make the Christian / Catholic kings and crusades look good, where
many Jewish people question policy.
The Anglo American War College benefits from instability related to obdurious
and cuntatorial stances and designed DISPROPORTIONATE reprisals of the Israel government, since there are over 20 to 1 Arabs to Israelis.
Palestinians compare Israelis to Nazi, Inquisition, Greek – McAbee, Pharoah
masters, which haunts the Mensch among the majority!
Turkey > former Ottoman Empire, which oppressed and controlled the Arab
Moslem areas. Kemal Attaturk was a Mason. Turkey lost empire in WW I.
The ARAB OIL and the EUROPEAN COLONIES were the probable OBJECTIVES
for creating WW I & WW II. Including the creation & rise of Hitler.
Ethiopia / Somalia > reminders of Mussolini WW II, like counter acts of
cause of WW I in the assassination of a Prince in what became Yugoslavia.
Cuba > What is HE CUBA to me or me to HECUBA? (Shakespeare)
Cuba can see ASTROnaut Missle launches from Cape Kennedy.
Stationed in Cuba > Marine Motto: Semper Fidelis
……………………….Name of Cuban Leader FIDEL cASTROnaut
Koren War – Subsequent national capital SEOUL.
Bible: What good does it serve a man to CONQUOR the WORLD and lose his
SeOUL?
Remarkable coincidence or planned future Wars?
KOREAN WAR to KOReAN WARS.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I know Jeze, I did not use George’s spot. (Blog0
However, I agree with you above blog that supporting the troops
is materially different that being against an UNJUST WAR(s)!
Based on Jon & Gavin’s humanitarian service to people via EMS …
I strongly think they would AGREE with YOUR POSITION.
George,
You don’t have to take advantage of every single opening, you know.
Jon it’s you my friend that are sound more and more like the typical candidate who likes to throw out soundbites with no real answers or solutions. Yes I named the three most obvious options because those are the current options being discussed. Would you rather I suggest we join with Bridgeport in a joint venture to petition the DEP and EPA to allow us to build a hotel/casino complex with a marina so we can turn Pleasure Beach into Foxwoods South? Could it happen – probably not – it’s is on the table now as an option – no – so rather than deal with the current options as presented we jump back to political buzz words like “thinking out of the box”.
Now can you please tell me how I showd my opposition to the war and the men and women serving in Iraq? Where in the world have you ever seen me attend any anti-war rallies or make any political statements against our troups? This is another typical Carl Rove tactic of attempting to smear someone that has a differing politcal view of that of your own by making up false statements. I, along with a majority of other Americans, think the war was a mistake but have never had anything but praise for our troops.
Jon how can you loose access to something that has relatively little access to start with? Where are the droves of people lineed up to get out to the Stratford side of Long Beach West? They can walk out there now but the Long Beach Parking Lot is never full. I am all for providing access to the property and am not yet convinced that F & W will not provide it.
All of the options you have listed will require tax dollars to accomplish. With all due respect to Mike Reynolds the Federal Government is cutting back on Grants and Earmarks to municipalities due to budget constraints as is the State of CT cutting back so the likely hood that enought grants funds will be made available is not promissing.
Let me address your “options list” one at a time.
1) No Jon your tax dollars go to support existing programs not an expansion of those program, unless that is, you are suggesting bonding to make the necessary clean up at Long Beach West and you are proposing that if you are elected Mayor you will earmark additional funds to support the activities on LBW. If your not going to raise taxes to accomplish this then please enlighten me as to which programs or activities you will be eliminating to fund this endevor.
2) Yes we can partner with Bridgeport and develop but in which direction – preservation – recreation – commercial? There are limits as to what we can do with the property placed upon us by State & Federal Regulations, so again, what’s your plan.
3) Ok partner in what regard – are you proposing that both municipalities approach the State and develop what? Are we back to spending funds to re-built the bridge which was previously defeated?
4) Same questions as before – how to you propose that Bpt & Stfd create economic development on LWB when we can’t build anything due to State restrictions. What economic development did you propose when you were on the EDC several years ago?
5) As I pointed out F & W will use the property for educational used and PYE already does use the property for exactly the same purpose.
Ah yes the Dog Park, that whopping $10,000 that was once earmarked by a 10- 0 vote of the Town Council (you remeber those 6 other Republicans on the council don’t you – the ones that voted for the same funds) for the project, that has since been removed, since Parks and Rec have been unable to find a suitable location for it.
Jon are you saying that you don’t support the construction of a new Animal Shelter? Has the fact that our current facility does not meet state standards escape you? I didn’t see you at the meeting last night regarding the proposed location so I’ll assume that since you are questioning the council’s appropriation that you are against the shelter. The Mayor – yes that’s right the guy your running against – already suggested partnering with Bpt and Shelton and that was systematically shot down because of the increased travel time it would take to respond to service calls. It was reported that over 60% of the calls for animal control come from that part of Stratford south from Barnum Avenue so finding a suitable place to construct the facility in that general area would not only reduce response time but also save on mileage (we do have an energy crisis on our hands remember?)
Once again Jon I love the political rhetoric that you use. “YOU PLAN TO PLACE THE DOG SHELTER” lol. Jon I’m not the Mayor – but I am getting the impression that you are more concerned with running against me that you are Mayor Miron. You are trying to take his plans to locate the shelter and make them my plans when it has already been written on the blog how that parcel was located and that it is in no way MY plan. See again I went to the meeting last evening with an open mind, neither for or against, and I am now less likely to support the plan after listening to the residents of the area express their concerns.
Oh and for the record I never said that if we invest Stratford Taxpayer Dollars at LBW that it would be a waste of money. I questioned the timing of such during such difficult economic times and point blank asked you if you were in favor of such a proposal, and in typical fashion, can’t get a answer to the question but rather get attacked for not support the troops.
Jon your lack of knowledge about issues astounds me. What “weeds” are we cleaning at Longbrook Park? We are speaking of a major capital improvement to the park so should I assume you are against that as well? We have overcome the algea problem with minimal expense to the delight of those that visit the park. What accomplishments do you have on your resume for Stratford residents?
LOL- the show trailer – oh come on Jon you can do better than that. The Mayor selected the placement of the trailer and it is placed on the street every year so there is no additional cost to setting it up one year to the other from one location to the next. The fact that the trailer is placed so early in the parade makes it impractical for dignitaries to use it if in fact they are going to march the parade. I attended the ceremony and did not walk the parade due to a family obligation. I have walked the parade the previous 4 year and I am glad you missed me.
You have a problem with a councilmember working with both sides of the isle? Gee I always thought we are elected to work for the betterment of Stratford and not to be political hacks that only spout party rhetoric.
Jon the council has the report from the LBW task force that those members took several months to review and adopt so what more do you want me to ask of them? Yes I have read the report. Those dedicated volunteers studied the issue – issued a report – questions of asked back when Jon Crudo was the Council Chairman – so what additional questions would you like me to ask them 3 + years later that is not included in their report?
I would be more than happy to talk to the National Park Service – or anyone else for that matter – who is interested in the preservation of our natural resources and providing access to the general public for it’s usage.
Jon I don’t claim to have all the answers but it’s great politics for you to suggest that I do and you don’t lol. Because I don’t agree with your live letter doesn’t mean I am going to vote for the sale. I’m reviewing the contract that we were recently given and after formulating some questions as a result it will depend on the answers that I receive.
Sudds – you might get your wish afterall lol.
Gavin B. Forrester III
3rd District Stratford Town Council Representative.
Jeze,
You would be surprized at how many openings I chose not to fill.
What I wrote goes against what most Americans would choose to believe,
about how our foreign policy really works, and the people who use and
abuse other peoples children and other peoples money.
Jeze, could you / would you take the time to read what I blogged on my
view of American Military action as it relates to the Website of the USA
War College and the KEENAN Long wire, which is the State Department
and War Department basis for foreign policy, which is the EXCLUSIVE
PURVIEW of those TWO Departments in conjunction with the White
House and the Legislative Intelligence Committees.
==================================================================
It looks like Jon is able to trigger reactions for Gavin.
Both Jon and Gavin have long term town experience and I think their
exchanges on this blog are INFORMATIVE.
I have PRAISED and CRITICIZED both.
I have agreed and disagreed with positions of both.
At least their positions have substance.
One can agree or disagree about merit or lack of.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have gotten the impression that Mike Reynolds is an active or retired
Police Officer. I am not looking to ID or out him.
Whereas I criticized some of his comments / blogs, he does seem to know
the police / courts procedures.
I am trying to give credit where it appears to be deserved, regarding
Mike Reyolds.
George,
“It looks like Jon is able to trigger reactions for Gavin.”
I dunno, George. It seems to me neither one is on each other’s birthday list.
Gavin has not told me cause for issues with Jon.
Calzone also seems to have issues with Jon.
Jon told me he thought Gavin had issues with his wife Donna & EMS.
It appears Gavin has issues with Jon.
Personally, Jon is easier to like than Gavin.
Calzone is also more likeable than Gavin.
While each has abilities, I am more impressed with Gavin’s overall.
Yet, I can never pinpoint / predict where Gavin will be / support.
As a matter of practice, the Mirons are more predictable even when
they take positions opposite of where one would expect them.
I gained some respect for Jon in a recent conversation about the
Willinger involvment in AVCO. What he did not know, is that the
exact same comments were made to others, about a year before,
which I did not know, until I compared notes.
In Stratford, so many people wind up going back to having relationships
with Norm and his CHEER leaders or Burturla / Berchem and their USA
Fed sponsors, who hand picked them in 1987.
I have no issues with Jon or even for Donna personally. We don’t always agree on issue but they are very pleasant people who donate of themselves to make Stratford’s Community a better place to live. And George yes I have been told I am too serious so sometimes that turns people off, i’ll work on that lol.
Gavin
PYE is holding an informational forum about the sale of Long Beach West at St. Joseph’s Church in Lordship on 25 June @ 7PM.
I suggest all those who want actual information or have proposals attend this meeting.
PYE is also looking for volunteers to keep Forrester and Best from duking it out in the lobby.
😉
What’s PYE???
Sudds,
Honestly…do you live in Stratford at all?
PYE = Protect Your Environment (Marcia Stewart, president)
Yes, but my parents have a house on the beach in another town… so I’ve never actually been to a Stratford beach!!!
PS… thanks!!!
Every time I think about this I am reminded of the movie “It’s a wonderful life”. George Bailey (the poor honest guy) walks into Mr. Potter’s (let’s say he looks like Jim Miron) office. Potter makes George the best offer he’s ever had. They begin to shake hands and suddenly poor George Bailey realizes something HAS to be wrong with this deal.
I can’t explain it, but I get that feeling every time Miron pushes this deal.
You read it in the Post:
Miron says Long Beach sale in danger
RICHARD WEIZEL
Article Last Updated: 06/26/2008 12:43:59 AM EDT
STRATFORD — Democratic Mayor James R. Miron on Wednesday warned about 50 supporters of his proposal to sell Long Beach West to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the plan could die because of politically motivated Town Council members who want to undermine his efforts.
“Some [council members] may want to see this fail because when I ran for mayor I was the only one who supported this plan and you know what happens next year, there is another election.”
First we’ve heard about it Jim. I remember the debates between you and Dom and Jon. I can’t remember you EVER saying we should sell it to Fish & Wildlife 3 years ago. Must be that backstabber Forrester, I’ll bet.
“Next year”?
How does this guy think that ANYONE would vote for him, other than his family. It must be his enormous approval rating, huh?
But, back to reality:
We have Marcia Stewart as well as the Trust for Public Land, Audubon Connecticut and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the one side and Morgan Kaolian and the airport people on the other. Mr. Kaolian has never been a friend of Stratford nor Lordship.
Common sense should tell you that selling the land is the right thing to do. But then there is Miron….it just makes you think something must be wrong.
I was at the meeting last night and raised some issues.
There were 2 Power Point Presentations:
1) A gentleman from the Audubon Society made a brief presentation about
the beach, property, and birds. He had a lady also associated with the
Audubon Society there. There were 2 other “bird activists on a Panel.
2) A lady from a TRUST will act to BUY LBW and then sell it to F & W, within
a 5 YEAR PERIOD. (HUGE RED FLAG!, for me)
3) One of the 2 tables include the F & W ranger dress in costume, I mean
his uniform. The other table had James Miron, the Mayor.
No sign of Terry Backer.
Bishop / Father Kopka was the host.
Actively helping the Bishop / Father with the screen is the Mayor’s new
BFF Jason (prolific letter writer) Santi.
Marcia, new grandma of twins, Stewart was the host.
Walter Runkis, was the moderator.
They started with writen questions from the audience.
I got in the last writen question, while the others were being answered.
BASED ON THE HISTORY OF STRATFORD WITH PREFERRED VENDERS NOT
BEING ABLE TO PERFORM TO CONTRACT, WHAT GUARENTEE WILL THERE
BE THAT NO DEVELOPER WILL BE ABLE TO BUY L.B.W., IF THE TRUST FAILS
TO RAISE MONEY OR PERFORM TO BE ABLE TO BUY L.B.W.?
~~~~
Walter did not read my examples:
1) AVCO > Team Stratford # 1 Hockman, # 2 Monti Posillico, & # 3 Area 51
2) Shakespeare > S.F.T. > K. K. P. > Newest attempts
~~~~
I followed up questioning the lady from the TRUST, who said there is a
YELLOW BOOK for APPRAISAL, used by the Feds, State, and Town to make
sure Taxpayer’s do NOT over pay for acquiring Property.
I also followed up about the fact that there have been much higher offers
than $ 10,000,000 for L. B.W. and if the TRUST was setting a BASE PRICE
for a DEVELOPER to acquire L.B.W. at an artificially LOWER BASE PRICE?
Both the Mayor and the lady from the Trust fell into the trap!
(Point of the Question)
If the TRUST fails to perform to contract withi 5 years of signing, the
contract is dead, the price is moot, and the Town Retains the LAND.
The Town still retaining L. B. W. after 5 years was exactly the point of
my writen question which Walter Runkunis read!
When the TRUST lady stated the price was a dead issue and open for
any negotiation, my reply was THANK YOU, NOW IT IS ON RECORD.
The Mayor passed the buck to the Town Council on decision making
on whatever happens to the L. B. W., and a major point was what to
do with the cottages? DEP will not allow them to (officially) be burned
down and used for training the FIRE Dept.
The Mayor also said the Town Council would make decisions in the event
the TRUST failed to perform to contract!
(which Burturla will use to build billable hours?)
(Burturla negotiated with K. K. P. for 9 months and they fail to raise
$ x,xxx,xxx in their chosen deadline of 90 days)
I had raised issues that no one sees or studies the contract.
This forced the mayor to state a contract was Public knowledge and PYE
would likely be watching closely. (Unlike most situations PYE watches!)
I later stated:
1. GENERALLY I am IN FAVOR of the SALE.
2. I am NOT a BIRD WATCHER, however when I was a kid flocks were Thousands
or hundreds of birds, now flocks are dozens of Birds.
3. I recognize the value of the Great Salt Marsh, especially as it related to what
happened to New Orleans with changes in their buffer swamp lands.
4. I favor a reverter clause so that every 20 years the people of Stratford could
reobtain the land if they chose.
5. I favor a higher price than $ 10 million, since the cottage owners offered
$ 9,000,000 for a portion of the property and there was an offer of $ 45 million
whereas it would have added a fraction of a mil to Town Revenues (at a cost?)
Towards the end, the MAYOR took the position that he could not imagine why
anyone would be against the Sale because it was a win-win-win situation.
Walter reluctantly recognized me in that I pointed out:
1. About 1/2 of the people I talk to FAVOR a sale and 1/2 were AGAINST a sale.
2. Those against the sale point out the LAND is LOST FOREVER. This is why
I favor having a every 20 year Reverter clause to be able to reaquire the land.
More than satisfying the arguement, it also insures F & W performance.
3. The other point people against the Sale worry about was that money was
going to go into certain peoples pockets!
The Mayor stated if anyone tried to steal money, they would go to jail and
the Town Council was going to place the money from the Sale into Trusts.
I chose not to labor the point, which was caught on camera and among the
people of PYE.
My last hand raise was to point out:
1. The Town Website had phone numbers and e-mails of Town Councilors.
2. Each Power Point could be loaded on to the Town Web site, with the Mayor
OKing the position.
I stayed to the locking of the doors. Before that:
One person apporached me confused and asked me to explain my position.
One person knew the players I was referring to, and was ahead of me on issues.
One of the panel appreciated my questions, which at first stunned that person!
One person thought my points were too appropriate.
Another person knew I would support PYE, but also knew I had conditional
support
INTERESTING that Tony Schirillo came near me before the Meeting to state
it looked like a good turnout, for a nice summer night. There may have been
50 – 60 people. Just after that, around 7:00 + pm, more people came and it
may have been attended by 90 – 120 people, which is a decent turnout.
PYE does have a core of studious and enthusiastic people.
Like JEZE, I am uncomfortable supporting a position supported by the Mayor
and his friends.
Difference from me and many of the attendees, is looking at motives, history,
and projecting war gamed outcomes.
The good news is that several people know a LOT more about the behind
the scenes situations that I expected to see and hear in this venue.
Can someone please provide a Cliff’s Notes version of George’s post??? 😛
Sudds,
I’m not sure what George means most of the time. Even George might share my uncertainty…
But apparently Miron is setting up the Council for the blame if the deal doesn’t go through.
We already know that backstabber Forrester is in favor , so he must be singling out Julian and O’Neal.
(O’Neal? Really? Has O’Neal ever voted against a Miron position? It must be tough on O’Neal, living in Bridgeport and having to chose sides between the airport and the 2nd district).
Jeze,
While Gavin confuses me on some positions, when I raise issues to him
personally or to his e-mail he replies in a knowledgeable manner.
O’Neal set up the hearing about the Animal Shelter, forcing Jim Miron
from his plan of using the Town property “he discovered.”
Alvin also seconded Fredette for Registrar, then voted for Marcone.
George knows what George means and what George BELIEVES:
George consistently has posted everything is on a time table,
and in order to
make sure things go the way certain people plan,
they have to put certain people in place,
eliminate the Public’s right to initiative / referendum
make sure there are delays
create cover stories and smoke screens
make sure they are getting paid VERY WELL nad BRIBE the right people.
You read it in the Bard:
In a prepared statement he handed out at one of the public meetings on the issue, Kaolian said:
“We believe that to take any part or parcel of a beach or park and turn it over completely to an agency that has proven to choose wildlife first and people last, is not acceptable,” said Kaolian. “People want to share and live with wildlife. The reciprocal of this is not part of the USFWS’ rules.”
What Kaolian believes is that if it is sold he will never be able to build a runway or place high intensity approach lights on the land.
Yet another chance to get the facts:
Public hearings set on Long Beach
STAFF REPORTS
Article Last Updated: 07/10/2008 08:19:15 AM EDT
STRATFORD A pair of public hearings have been scheduled on a proposal to sell the so-called Long Beach West area to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in order to both better protect it for wildlife and also to provide access for people.
Long Beach West the neck of land between the Long Beach parking lot and Bridgeport’s Pleasure Beach has been difficult for people to visit since Bridgeport’s Seaview Avenue bridge became inoperable in 1996. Proponents of the sale say that the sale would make possible easier access to the area.
The sale is being encouraged by the Trust for Public Land and a coalition of nonprofit conservation organizations, including the Audubon Society, whose members say that the parcel is “globally significant” in providing habitat for migrating bird and other wildlife and plants.
Also behind the sale is Mayor James R. Miron, who is attempting to marshal support for the sale, a move that he said would guarantee access and also make it possible to tear down the beach’s abandoned ramshackle cottages and build a boardwalk from the Long Beach parking lot.
I can’t expalin it, but I would feel much better about this deal if Miron wasn’t in favor. It’s just not like him to do something that has no benefit for Rich Buturla or himself.
The hearings will take place Tuesday, July 15 in the Stratford High School auditorium, and on Tuesday, July 22 in the Birdseye Municipal Complex, Room 110. Both will take place from 7 to 9 p.m.
Both sessions will include a brief presentation on the facts of the proposed sale, followed by a question-and-answer period.
Conservation groups are also seeking a sale of Bridgeport’s Pleasure Beach
to the Fish & Wildlife Service, although that idea is being pursued separately by Bridgeport officials.
Stratford’s Long Beach, together with Bridgeport’s Pleasure Beach, comprise a two-mile barrier beach that shelters the Great Meadows Marsh unit of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. At 80 acres combined, Long Beach and Pleasure Beach represent 20 percent of Connecticut’s remaining undeveloped coastline and includes sand dunes, tidal wetlands, and sand flats. The area widely recognized as a haven for birds and wildlife also provides invaluable access to Long Island Sound at the heart of a densely populated area, according to Melissa Spear, Connecticut State Director for the Trust for Public Land.
I got $5 that says that Morgan Kaolian magically finds another relic stating that the town canNOT sell Long Beach West???
Am I the only one who would like to see these magicaly appearing documents carbon-dated???
Sudds,
Kaolian does own Aeropix and has all that photography equipment. Are you giving odds?
“I can’t expalin it, but I would feel much better about this deal if
Miron wasn’t in favor. It’s just not like him to do something that
has no benefit for Rich Buturla or himself.”
This is exactly how I feel.
Marcia Stewart admits she would give the property away, as long as
it goes toward the enviromental protection.
I am a member of PYE, but I could not distinguish a piping pLOVER
from BOSS TWEEDy Bird.
However, when I was a kid, bird flocks filled the skies with hundreds
or thousands of birds, per flock, much like the Plains Buffalo filled
the Plains. Now a flock can be a few to dozens. Something is amiss?
I would also like a REVERTER CLAUSE, to allow Stratford to BUY back
the property, just in case the F & W do not do as desired.
Lastly, selling to the TRUST, instead of directly and immediately to the
F & W is a huge RED FLAG!!!!!
Will the TRUST be sabotaged or be a SHELL / FRONT like
Team Stratford # 1 / # 2 / # 3 & counting
S. F. T. / K. K. P. / Hanney & friends by the sea
Remember kids… gambling is illegal!!!
That being said… current odds
Petition stating that no one wants it sold: 1-2
Document recently “found” stating that the town does not have authority to sell the land: 1-1
Proof that the cottages there contain asbestos, and that tearing them down would create a hazard: 2-1
Photo of Piping Plovers “getting’ jiggy” thus showing that any activity on the land would disrupt them: 4-1
Proof that a Native Americans once did a #2 in the reeds, thus making it a separate tribal nation: 7-1
Some other rigamorole that no one could have even imagined before the meeting: 1-1
Sudds,
“Proof that a Native Americans once did a #2 in the reeds, thus making it a separate tribal nation: 7-1”
Being 1/16th Cherokee I’m putting $5 on this one. Hmm…a casino wouldn’t be a bad idea…
“Marcia Stewart admits she would give the property away, as long as
it goes toward the enviromental protection.”
If that’s true then that’s irresponsible environmentalism getting in the way of common sense.
I’ve always heard George and Jeze sing the praises of Marcia Stewart. Great. She does alot for the environment. But just giving away Long Beach West in the name of the environment is insane.
So give away Long Beach West. Can we give the feds the contaminated creek near Housatonic Ave? How about Short Beach, let’s give that up so the birds have more room to nest. After all we’re just getting in the way of the wildlife.
And Marcia let’s give the feds Roosevelt Forest. We don’t need it and we’d just get in the way of the birds in there too. We darn pesky humans. We have a lot of nerve for being here.
Sorry for a mild case of a George type rant but environmentalists can take it too far sometimes.
Mike,
Relax…
Marcia also has a sense of humor. I’m guessing she was thinking about Kaolian and that airport when she said that. She has fought that airport harder and longer than anyone.
Come to think of it, I’d give it away too before I saw that airport expanded by Bridgeport. Somewhat like Marcia, I think 1500 endangered families are more important than that airport.
What’s wrong with expanding the airport?
Sure I’ve got no beef with it since I don’t live in Lordship.
Of course with this economy airlines aren’t about to put money into routes from Stratford, just look at Tweed. With Westchester/White Plains and Bradley there really isn’t a need for a larger airport in southern CT.
But then again when I moved to Stratford 10 years ago I knew there was an airport there and with an airport comes plane noise. That’s why I didn’t move there.
Everyone in Lordship who complains about plane noise needs their head examined. You moved next to an airport. You didn’t think there would be plane noise? Really?
The airport has only been there since 1911. No reason to think planes would use it.
Mike,
It’s a bit more complex than that.
First of all, the airport in no way benefits Stratford. Stratford has never received a dime from Bridgeport. Yet they want to appropriate more land from Stratford (for free, of course). The FAA won’t underwrite (i.e., do it for free) any runway improvements unless and until the runway extends beyond 5,000 ft. Extending the runway beyond 5,000 ft will allow insurance companies and the FAA to authorize take offs/landings of much larger aircraft. This changes the nature of air traffic drastically.
In the 27 years I’ve been here, no airline, not a single one, has been able to operate profitably. In addition, there are eight (count ’em, 8!) airports within 90 miles. We need another one? When I moved here, yes, there was an “airport”. Once in a while (at least once a month) you might even see a plane.
So…the option is to lower the value of 1500 homes in return for….what?
Personally I think the airport is just the right size….for a golf course.
Don’t get me wrong. I agree that it doesn’t make financial sense either for the airlines or Stratford.
I get annoyed by the Lordship residents who complain about the airport. You moved there, did you expect that no planes would use the airport?
I guess its a catch-22. Airlines won’t fly there because the runways are too short but the effort to expand the runways isn’t being forced because no airlines will fly there.
I would be ecstatic if a few major airlines flew out of Stratford but I know I’m in the minority.
“So…the option is to lower the value of 1500 homes in return for….what?”
You mean the values of the homes that Lordship residents want as high as possible when it comes time to sell their home but want their values as low as possible when its tax time? You mean those values?
I’m with Mike on this one!!!
If it saves me a drive to NYC every month… I’m 100% FOR IT!!!
I grew up about 300 yards from the runway at Tweed-New Haven… and guess what people… when you buy a home next to an airport… THEY HAVE AIRPLANES!!!
When people in Lordship bought their homes they really could NOT have been dumb enough to think that the airport was just going to fold, could they ❓ ❓ ❓
“You mean the values of the homes that Lordship residents want as high as possible when it comes time to sell their home but want their values as low as possible when its tax time? You mean those values?”
Yes Mike… THOSE homes! You know… the ones sitting at the end of the runway but don’t want to hear airplanes!!!
“You know… the ones sitting at the end of the runway but don’t want to hear airplanes!!!”
I know those Bose noise cancelling headphones are fantastic.
Sudds,
Figures….it IS all about your comfort after all. Screw anyone else, right? As long as you are not inconvenienced. As long as you are not fired. As long as you don’t have to stand in the rain. As long as your child doesn’t have to go to Stratford schools. As long as your property values remain high.
I know all about airplane noise. I lived 2.5 miles from the end of runway 22L at JFK.
Mike,
When the value of 1500 homes goes down, your property taxes will go up. It isn’t about the “noise” it’s also about the gentle smell of Jet A wafting through the air and soot on your clothes and in your lungs. And by the way, during the last revaluation the taxes on most Lordship homes at least doubled, some tripled. You’re welcome.
“Figures….it IS all about your comfort after all. Screw anyone else, right? As long as you are not inconvenienced. As long as you are not fired. As long as you don’t have to stand in the rain. As long as your child doesn’t have to go to Stratford schools. As long as your property values remain high.”
EXACTLY!!! It’s about time you starting learning the proper philosophic approach!!!
PS… I’ll let it slide THIS TIME… but you DID leave off the one about getting the tree planted in front of my house!!!
“When the value of 1500 homes goes down, your property taxes will go up. It isn’t about the “noise” it’s also about the gentle smell of Jet A wafting through the air and soot on your clothes and in your lungs. And by the way, during the last revaluation the taxes on most Lordship homes at least doubled, some tripled. You’re welcome.”
First, I love the smell of Jet A but that’s me. Reminds me of my days in the military.
Second, when in the history of mankind and George Mulligan have property taxes gone down? Propery values drop, your taxes go up. Property values go up, your taxes go up.
Third, don’t cry for the Lordship residents about last revaluation. My “mansion” in the 3rd district nearly doubled my taxes. You don’t buy a waterfront home and not think you’re going to get hammered by taxes. At least someone with an ounce of common sense. Next thing our neighbors in Lordship will be complaining about is the capital gains taxes they’re going to have to pay when they sell their little “fixer uppers”.
Mike,
Marcia would give away LBW. I am NOT for that.
I favor getting $ 20 to $ 40 million for the property, not $ 10
I am not in favor of development. I don’t want Bpt / developers grabbing
the land, when the TRUST fails to deliver its’ part of the bargain.
I would like to have a reverter clause in case your kids want to BUY
back LBW.
I pointed out the cottage owners offered $ 9 million for a fraction
of the property the F & W want to buy of LBW
There was also an offer to BUY the cottage property for $ 40 – $ 45
million AND pay property Taxes ON LBW.
However, Burturla and friends have had the purchase of the AIRPORT
on the Town Council Agenda for over 1 year, and came out of Executive
Session 2 or 3 months ago.
Amazing how LBW, the AIRPORT, Shakespeare, Raymark Toxin Law, Avallon
Bay, and the Contract Plating property are all perculating at the same time?
Yet, despite not realizing what I previously posted many times, it is OK,
because Mike created and based a good argument, predicated on what
he saw today.
Mike, in the History of mankind, property taxes went down during the
depression and in 1990, AFTER the Stock Market crash and homes
were selling for 50 % or less than evaluation in the summer of 1987.
Mike if you are politically connected, certain North End McMansions
are assessed at 150 % of a Lordship Cape, with 1/4 the actual living space
and 1/6th the property of certain properties.
But it is good to know you can vote for or against me, or ignore me when
I run for office in the 3rd District or Town wide. I was thrilled with 5.3 %
of the Vote for the 3rd District. (only 38 out of 711 votes?)
Most importantly, when I made a fool out of myself about going public on
my beliefs about people being murdered > the RATE of DEATHS dropped
dramatically, after posting on the PW Blog and having my website.
I could care less about getting any votes.
If it cost me $ 1,000 to keep family and friends / family from dying = bargain.
If the same $ 1,000 helps make people aware about issues to better their
lives and make their decision for their own benefit= bargain.
Mike, since you were in the military, I thank you for your service.
You don’t like me. I don’t like you. But I respect your service and right to
your beliefs, especially when you state a position with reason.
Neither of us cares if the other believes our positions. Yet, you are starting
to understand some of the dynamics and some fo the players. Good for you.
Mike,
“First, I love the smell of Jet A but that’s me. Reminds me of my days in the military.”
Maybe you can pick up a can of Jet A fragrance in an airport gift shop? They sell “new car” smell, why not Jet A for retired military?
“You don’t buy a waterfront home and not think you’re going to get hammered by taxes.”
Umm…only a handful of homes are actually waterfront.
“Next thing our neighbors in Lordship will be complaining about is the capital gains taxes they’re going to have to pay when they sell their little “fixer uppers”.”
That is not unique to Lordship. It is a blight everywhere. But when you have 5% mortgages that’s what you do. I remember 15% mortgages and they were a deal at the time. But as I said in another article, bids are out for another revaluation company. Most Stratford residents will see a significant drop in the market value of their homes this time. That only means that the mil rate will rise significantly. It’s called “coming and going”.
The bottom line is that the airport provides no benefit to Stratford in any way whatsoever. It doesn’t provide jobs, it doesn’t provide revenue and it occupies land that could be used for something else.
It’s kind of a moot point. At $160 for a barrel of Jet A, I doubt any airline (if there is more than one left in 3 years) is going to invest in a minor market like this. Continental used to have a wonderful service to Newark. A 22 minute flight and you could connect to anywhere. They could only manage to attract 4 or 5 passengers on the flights. And that was when oil was cheap.
Sudds,
“EXACTLY!!! It’s about time you starting learning the proper philosophic approach!!!”
I truly hope your wife is Catholic. It’s a real miracle she still talks to you and it will make it so much easier for her during the beatification and sainthood process.
“PS… I’ll let it slide THIS TIME… but you DID leave off the one about getting the tree planted in front of my house!!!”
I wasn’t going to mention your little stump, but if you insist….
“Amazing how LBW, the AIRPORT, Shakespeare, Raymark Toxin Law, Avalon Bay, and the Contract Plating property are all perculating at the same time?”
Hmm, do I sense there could be some serious backroom/hidden negotiating and backwashing, scratching and favors happening with Bridgeport and others…..?
Sudds / Jeze….. You two are like an old married couple. Play nice today, okay? :z –>
Pat,
You get it!
Sorry mom! 😦
“I am not in favor of development. I don’t want Bpt / developers grabbing
the land, when the TRUST fails to deliver its’ part of the bargain.”
George… do you REALLY think that the tree huggers at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are going to let the property go once they get their hands around it???
I’d be more concerned about them sealing off he land to humans because of some stupid bird!!!
“I truly hope your wife is Catholic. It’s a real miracle she still talks to you and it will make it so much easier for her during the beatification and sainthood process.”
Oh god yes (no pun intended)… she’s on the express shuttle to the pearly gates!!!
Sudds,
“I’d be more concerned about them sealing off he land to humans because of some stupid bird!!!’
Sealing off the land? You have to swim to it now! How much more sealed off could it be?
I wouldn’t put it past the tree-huggers at U.S. Fish and Wildlife to shoot trespassers on site!!!
Hi Pat and Cyclops,
My on going posts about intentional delays, to put things on a time table
have finally been acknowledged.
Interesting Bridgeport and Stratford are blighted for about 25 years, with
poor support from D. C. and Hartford, while surrounding towns have the
economic development and intelligent budgeting / negotiations.
Gotta check a certain Milford Law Firm Web site…
naw…
conspiracy NUT.
Interesting that some people play rough over money and not wanting
to go to Jail….
You read it in the Post:
$27 million airport upgrade takes off
By ROB VARNON
Staff writer
Article Last Updated: 09/19/2008 12:26:03 AM EDT
STRATFORD — Despite an economy that appears to be spinning out of control, aircraft management firm Volo Aviation LLC broke ground Thursday on a $27 million project to bring Sikorsky Memorial Airport into the 21st century….
…The municipalities have also clashed over control of the airport because Bridgeport owns it, but it is located inside of Stratford, which does not get rent or taxes from it. Volo agreed to pay Stratford about $200,000 a year in lieu of taxes….
And, of course, there is the 2 cents from Mayor Moron:
Stratford Mayor James R. Miron agreed this was a significant project for his town and the region.
Miron said the investment in the airport during a period of such economic uncertainty is a clear sign of the confidence the business community has in his town.
Now for some simple math. $200,000 of a $27 Million project is a rate of less than 0.8%.
Who do we call in Town Hall to pay 0.8% in lieu of property taxes on our homes?
the moron!