Center School Update

by David Chess, MD
Stratford Forward

Two of the four developers who responded to the Town’s Request for Proposals for the Center School Redevelopment Project (RFP #2022-1) have been invited back for second interviews.  In soliciting bids for the property this year, the town asked developers specifically to include underground parking in their designs, and said the town would be open to a cost-share agreement to finance the concept.

At this time, the two developers will present modified versions of their original proposals, incorporating the requests of the Center School Property Selection Committee.  An update posted to the town’s website identified the two proposals as Romano Brothers Builders and Spirit Investment Partners/Kaali-Nagy Properties (Sutton Place).

Spirit Investment Partners is part of a team that includes the New Canaan-based Kaali-Nagy Company, which is currently in the process of developing a former Christ Episcopal Church property on Main Street into an apartment complex.

Spirit’s $40 million proposal, called “Sutton Place,” included a four-story, 162-unit apartment complex with a pool, community gardens, dog run and public park and a purchase price of $750,000.

In the proposal Sutton Avenue is lined with four small homes that reinforce the single-family character of that street. The 4-story multifamily building is set back 80 feet from the street, has a traditional wrap around porch that further reduces the scale of that building, and provides a welcoming transitional space. 198 parking spaces are located below grade, both under the building and under a fully landscaped amenity courtyard for the residents. The area around the building is treated as a park providing green space for the community.

The plans include 21 studio apartments with $1,700 rents, 96 $1,900 one-bedrooms, 41 $2,400 two-bedrooms, four $3,500 rental homes fronting Sutton Avenue for a total of 162 units containing 211 beds.

Parking is provided for the Board of Education generally at its present location. No curb cuts are proposed from East Broadway so as to not impact the adjoining historic buildings. While the entrance to the building is currently situated along Sutton Avenue, we are open to discussing other concepts.

In order to finance the cost of the garage, pegged at about $6.5 million, the proposal also asked for a 14-year tax abatement, which was estimated to total roughly the same cost. The abatement would run out in 2038.

Further phases of the development could include a community arts center, developer Damian Kaali-Nagy said.

Romano proposed paying $2.1 million for the property and building a total of 142 units — 20 $2,900 two-bedroom townhouses, 14 $1,800 studio apartments, 92 $2,000 one-bedrooms and 16 $2,450 two-bedrooms. The townhouses and a public park would front Sutton Avenue and the apartments would be in a four-story building behind.

Romano’s $27.2-million development plans showed 176 parking spaces, with 82 of them below the apartment building. More underground parking could be provided, but that would mean a lower purchase price.

The presentations will be videotaped and posted to the Town website.

Stand Down for Veterans

From the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)

September 22nd – September 24th

STAND DOWN 2021 will begin with a kickoff ceremony on September 22nd, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. which will be broadcast live via social media from the CT DVA Auditorium at our Rocky Hill Campus.

Wednesday, September 22nd and Thursday September 23rd, there will be online webinars on a variety of Veteran programs, services and benefits conducted by the DVA, Federal VA, State & Federal agencies, and community providers.

On Friday September 24th there will be five regional Stand Down locations in Bridgeport, Danbury, Danielson, Norwich, and Rocky Hill. Veterans attending anyone of these locations will have access to a variety of in-person services, personal need items, vaccinations, legal services, medical screenings and meals to go provided by the DVA, Federal VA, Veteran Organizations, many other State & Federal agencies, and community providers.

Please register for the regional location closest to you.

Free bus transportation from designated locations will be provided courtesy of the CT Department of Transportation.

Bridgeport: Port 5 National Association of Navy Veterans, 69 Brewster Street

Danbury: Danbury War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive

Danielson: 742 Upper Maple Street

Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue

Rocky Hill: CT Department Of Veterans Affairs Rocky Hill Campus 287 West Street

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way agencies and organizations operate, the DVA continues our commitment to serving Connecticut’s Veterans by providing this “one stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based non-profits through online webinars and at five regional sites across the State.

We hope this approach to Stand Down will help more Veterans across Connecticut connect with the programs and benefits they have earned.

Registration:

The presentations offered on Wednesday & Thursday September 22nd & 23rd, will be approximately 1 hour long and will provide a comprehensive overview on various topics:

  • State Veterans Programs & Services
  • Federal VA Benefits
  • Social Services
  • Housing, Employment & Education etc.

If you are interested in attending the informational sessions, please select when registering. Prior to the presentations you will receive an email with presentation descriptions and directions on how to connect with the sessions you wish to attend.

For more information and to register go to:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stand-down-2021-tickets-158109274095

 

 

State of Connecticut Insurance Department

Consumer Tips for Filing Storm Claims

The Connecticut Insurance Department offers the following guidelines for filing storm claims:

Immediately Following the Disaster

Make temporary repairs or arrange for a qualified professional to do so.

Take photos of the damage and remove personal property if your home cannot be secured. Do not dispose of property until an insurance adjuster has reviewed it for your claim. Many policies include reimbursement for storage costs incurred until your home is repaired.

If you can still live in the home, talk with your agent about critical repairs that need to be made. Whether you make the repairs or hire someone, save the receipts for your claim.

If you need to find other lodging, keep records of expenses and all receipts. Homeowners and renter’s insurance generally provide limited coverage for expenses like: meals, rent, utility installation and transportation.

Reporting Your Claim

Most insurance companies have a time requirement for filing a claim. The process will go faster if you can locate a copy of your policy and home inventory.

Call the company or visit a mobile claims center to start your claim. If you need help locating your company or agent, contact the Connecticut Insurance Department at 800-203-3447 or use our online contact options.

You will be asked to list all items destroyed, damaged or missing. If you do not have a home inventory, begin making a list of items going room by room from memory and include as much detail as possible.

If your car is damaged while in your garage/carport, it is covered by your automobile policy—not your homeowners policy. If you are insured by two separate companies for these coverages you must file a claim with both companies.

From Your Company

Your insurance company will send an insurance adjuster to survey the damage at no cost to you. Public adjusters may offer the same services, but you would be responsible for any related fees. Check to be sure they are licensed with the state insurance department.

Do not feel rushed or pushed to agree on a settlement. If there are disagreements, try to resolve them with your insurer. If you cannot reach an agreement, the Connecticut Insurance Department can help you decide if arbitration or mediation is an option.

Your full claim may come in multiple payments. The first will likely be an emergency advance and may include additional living expenses. The payment for your personal property and any additional living expenses will be made out to you. Payments for the structure may be payable to you and your lien holder if there is a mortgage on your home.

Making Repairs

Beware of scams! Fraudulent individuals often take advantage of the chaos following a disaster. Check with the state Department of Consumer Protection to make sure contractors are properly licensed and/or registered and get references before hiring a contractor to make repairs. Always insist on a written estimate before repairs begin and do not sign any contracts before the adjuster has examined the damage.

Do not pay a contractor the full amount up front or sign over your insurance settlement payment. A contractor should expect to be paid a percentage when the contract is signed and the remainder when the work is completed.

If the contractor finds hidden damage that was not discovered in the original assessment by the adjuster, contact your insurance company to resolve the difference.

Additional Information

Flood and earthquake damage are not covered in a typical homeowners or renter’s policy. If you have a separate flood or earthquake policy, contact the company that wrote the additional policy to file your claim.

Even after settling your claim, if you think of items that were not in your initial loss list, contact your insurance company. Unless the company has paid the entire limit for the coverage of those types of items, it is possible the company will make an additional payment.

If your damages exceed the amount of your coverage, federal agencies will occasionally provide grants or low-interest loans to assist with recovery following major disasters.

More Information

If you have any questions about the coverages in your policy, or if you need help with a problem regarding your claim following a disaster at your home, contact the Connecticut Insurance Department at 800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900 or go to the “Be Prepared” page on our Web site.

Henri Damage Claims

by State Representative Ben McGorty, 122nd District

If you suffered any losses due to Tropical Storm Henri this week, time is of the essence to ensuring your insurance claim is filed and processed swiftly.

The Insurance Commissioner is encouraging residents who experienced damage from the storm to:

  • Take photos of the damage and remove personal property if your home cannot be secured.
  • Do not dispose of property until an insurance adjuster has reviewed it for your claim.
  • Call the company or visit a mobile claims center to start your claim.

If you need help locating your company or agent, contact the Connecticut Insurance Department at 800-203-3447 or online.

If your car is damaged while in your garage/carport, it is covered by your automobile policy—not your homeowners policy. If you are insured by two separate companies for these coverages you must file a claim with both companies.

If you can still live in the home, talk with your agent about critical repairs that need to be made. Whether you make the repairs or hire someone, save the receipts for your claim.

If you need to find other lodging, keep records of expenses and all receipts.

Homeowners and renter’s insurance generally provide limited coverage for expenses like meals, rent, utility installation and transportation.

Reporting Your Claim

Most insurance companies have a time requirement for filing a claim. The process will go faster if you can locate a copy of your policy and home inventory.

Call the company or visit a mobile claims center to start your claim.

You will be asked to list all items destroyed, damaged or missing. If you do not have a home inventory, begin making a list of items going room by room from memory and include as much detail as possible.

If you have difficulty reaching your insurer, have a claim dispute or have questions on any insurance-related topic you can reach me by:

Phone (800) 203-3447 or (860) 297-3900

Or online:  ben.mcgorty@housegop.ct.gov

 

 

Center School Redevelopment – 2nd Round of Interviews

Don’t’ Forget!

Two of the four developers who responded to the Town’s Request for Proposals for the Center School Redevelopment Project (RFP #2022-1) have been invited back for second interviews.

At this time, the two developers will present modified versions of their original proposals, incorporating the requests of the Center School Property Selection Committee.

The presentations will take place in Town Hall Council Chambers on Tuesday, August 31st. Romano Brothers Builders will present at 9:00 a.m. and Spirit Investment Partners/Kaali-Nagy Properties will present at 10:30 a.m.

The presentations will be videotaped and posted to the Town website.

Hilltop Drive Neighborhood

Let’s Rock This Block

By Councilman Bill O’Brien
Written by Bill O’Brien with thanks to Mimi Nelson
The Hilltop neighborhood is located off Cutspring Road.

“Dear Neighbors, the big day is arriving quickly. I am so excited. The Police Department gave us their approval, so we’re ready to go. As Lauren noted in the flyer, Let’s Rock This Block!” This message from block party organizer Mimi Nelsen was sent out on July 13th.

Saturday the 17th at 3:00 pm was the Big Day. Dark clouds threatened to drench the festivities, but not the turnout of friends and new neighbors from the Hilltop Drive neighborhood. Fortunately, only some light rain fell later in the afternoon. Arriving on Hilltop at the corner of Whippoorwill, a line of pinwheels on both sides of the median divider welcomed attendees.

A food and an ice cream truck were available for anyone wishing to purchase food. Different stations offered treats for kids, watermelon for all, and adult beverages for the older crowd.

As a participant in previous block parties in other parts of town, the “big day” lived up to its name outdoing any I’ve attended. Seeing friends after the months of Covid isolation and meeting many new neighbors was the best part of this rocking party.

Some emails following the event described its impact on the neighborhood with the following sample of comments. “You and the neighbors ROCK Mimi. We had a wonderful time/thank you”. “Best time ever on Hilltop today. Thank you all!” “My family and I really enjoyed yesterday.”

Mimi wrote the next day, “Dear Rockers, we did it and it was fabulous. I loved the fact that everyone became engaged in the activities. So many of you commented on how nice it was to learn the names of the people in the neighborhood.”

Not only did the big day “Rock the Block”, it also helped create a closed Facebook page and motivated Mimi to plan another event for October 2nd.

This exciting and successful community event is a small glimpse into neighborhoods that make Stratford a wonderful town for all our residents. May this event inspire others to organize parties that rock their blocks.

Why No One Goes to Town Meetings?

by Timothy Bristol

Dear Stratford Resident,

How many of us have attended a Town Council meeting in Stratford recently? I can’t imagine it’s many of us. Town Council meetings aren’t exactly must-see, but Stratford’s meeting seems particularly empty. Now, part of this may be due to Covid, or the late hour of the meetings themselves, but Some of this does seem to be by design.

The majority in the Town Council don’t seem to want the public at these meetings and have done everything in their power to limit public involvement. The scripted nature of the meetings is designed to make them as short as possible. I’ve clocked in at least one meeting at under 20 minutes from start to finish. They have also taken the only public interaction portion of the meeting and held it a solid hour and a half before the real Town Council meeting starts.

If you want to make a public comment to the town council, you must sign up at 6:30, a full hour and a half before the actual meeting, and public comment starts at 6:45, if you do not make that fifteen-minute window then better luck next time. This is obviously designed by the majority in the Town Council to limit public comment and disenfranchise those who want to air grievances at town meetings. But that is not all.

If you make the sign-up period and get to speak to whichever Council Members decide to show up to the public comments, and you speak for the allotted 3 minutes. The council members who are there can’t interact or respond to your comments. Something I find most disappointing. The Republican majority in the Council have put themselves in a bubble. It’s basically the equivalent of sticking their heads in the sand. This is not how to gain the trust of the public, or how to create participation from the public.

Town Council Meetings should be a forum for the public to interact with the council in an official setting. Instead, we the public get a pre-scripted show by the Republican majority, where they all get to play a part while limiting public involvement and the democratic minority. This is not how meetings should be run.

Public comment should be a part of the meeting agenda, during the actual meetings, not an hour and a half before the meeting. I encourage you to go to the public comments at the next Town Council meeting and demand more transparency.

Floral Park Neighborhood Designation and Housing Strategies of Stratford

Town of Stratford Planning Commission

Monday, August 23rd

The Town of Stratford Planning Commission conduced a special meeting on Monday, August 23rd on-line. The major focus of the meeting was for the Planning Commission to act on a petition to amend the Town Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) to adopt The Housing Strategies of Stratford document. The Housing Strategies document has already been approved by the Town Council, MetroGOG had been given the required 35-65 day notice in advance (and had replied with a letter of support). All legal notices were posted as duly required by state statutes.

Harold Watson, Chairman of the Commission, stated that the Planning Commission fully supports this document. The motion was passed unanimously.

The Commission also passed a motion referred by the Water Pollution Control Authority for sewer extensions to: 320 Bayberry Street, 170 Oronoque Lane, 246 Hilltop Drive, as well as 3945 and 3965 Main Street. The motion passed and was sent to the WPCA with a favorable recommendation.

Mr. Watson accepted a motion by Joseph Gerics to amend the bylaws of The Greenway/Complete Streets Committee to allow four alternates (Karen Rodia, Stacie Tavaras, John Staley, and Mr. Gerics to become full members as positions become available. This was unanimously passed.

The final item of the night was the Floral Park Neighborhood Designation that had been referred to Planning from the Town Council.

The proposed neighborhood designation request came from Floral Park area residents, including Sabrina Matis (136 floral Way) and Patricia Clark Sperling (186 Holmes Street).

After a lengthy discussion Mr. Watson then accepted a motion by Mr. Boyd to approve the subject petition and send to the Town Council with a favorable recommendation designating the Floral Park neighborhood boundaries as follows: All of the residential parcels generally bounded by Sherwood Place to the West, Stratford Avenue to the North, Main Street to the East, and South Avenue to the South.

Susmitha Attota, Town Planner, stated that she will write a letter of recommendation to the Town Council based on the Planning Commission’s discussion and vote on this item, as well as stating the concerns expressed by the two Commissioners who voted against this neighborhood designation request. (John Staley and Joseph Gerics)

An Executive Summary of the 2021-2026 Housing Strategies that was adopted into the POCD follow. To read the entire summary go to:
http://www.townofstratford.com/filestorage/39879/40023/119557/119872/Executive_Summary_022621.pdf

Executive Summary: 2021-26 Housing Strategies for Stratford

This is an executive summary of the “Housing Strategies” report prepared by the Stratford Housing Partnership in 2021. The complete report is available on the Housing Partnership webpage on the Town website.

Goal: 
Seek to provide for a variety of housing choices in Stratford
for people and households of all ages and characteristics.

Basic Concepts
1. People need housing.
2. People need housing that meets their circumstances and needs.
3. People need housing to be available when they want or need it.
4. Census data shows that housing needs are diverse and changing.
5. Housing needs in Stratford have been recognized for some time.
6. Stratford should refine its housing policies to address present and future needs.

Community Input
The Housing Partnership conducted surveys of different groups in Stratford as part of preparing the report. Survey information is available on the Housing Partnership webpage on the Town website. In this executive summary, the level of agreement with different strategies is presented in the following format for three survey groups:
• Stratford residents (Residents) with 1,048 participants.
• Members of the Stratford Housing Partnership (SHP) with 9 participants.
• Members of Town boards and commissions (BC) with 73 participants.

When is Housing Considered Affordable?
Housing is considered affordable when people spend less than 30 percent of their income on it.

The issue of “affordability” becomes more significant for persons and families earning less than 80 percent of the median income.

According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the median household income in 2020 for the Stratford area was $98,000.

Then, when broken down by household size, the 80% threshold equates to about:
Household Size 80% of AMI

Annual Income
1 -person HH $55,000
2 -person HH $63,000
3-person HH $71,000
4-person HH $78,000
5+ person HH $85,000

Letter to the Editor: Stephanie Philips

Dear Supporters and Friends,

I genuinely thank the many folks who have reaffirmed their friendship and support for me. As you may know, I did not pursue a primary against the Stratford Democratic Town Committee (SDTC) nominee Immacula Cann for Stratford’s Mayoral election. This decision does not come easily; I, like you, love our town and fear what it has become. Republicans have been in power in Stratford for over ten years. In this time, we have seen our taxes increase for most residents, our debt obligation skyrocket, economic stagnation, diminishing educational standards, and a divide between those who have and those who don’t.

As a candidate for elected office, you would expect significant factors are your platform, credentials, integrity, local accomplishments, and town experience. Political wisdom is that town-wide name recognition is also beneficial. In a fair process, the chairperson is neutral, and the candidates prevail on the strength of their attributes. Unfortunately, during our Democratic nominating process, we did not see that.

Instead, we saw the DTC chairperson email a last-minute character assassination (the day before the endorsement meeting) of lies and false associations to swing enough endorsement support in collusion with the Cann mayoral campaign members. I was deeply hurt to be blindsided by these 11th-hour accusations in a complaint before the endorsement vote to ensure Immacula Cann was the Democratic candidate for Mayor. The timing was not suspect; it was intentional. The use of dirty politics under the pretense that someone else is responsible for finding the truth when the damage is done is unforgivable.

However, forcing a primary will only result in further negative attacks leaving the winner weaker financially and maligned. That is not the campaign I want to run nor the kind of person I am, and certainly not the politics I support.

Rather than using the opportunity to unify the party more, this new SDTC leadership has sowed division and distrust within its ranks. The Democratic Committee is visibly divided; good people have left or considering resigning. Per the CT Post, the “Cann campaign said they’re ignoring the infighting.” However, the Cann negative campaign caused the infighting, they proved they would do anything to win, and Democrats can become dispensable.

It is no longer the Committee that I know nor the leadership I can continue to follow. Therefore, I have resigned my affiliation with this current Stratford Democratic Town Committee. I am working proactively with the SEEC to clear my name. Unfortunately, it can take up to a year for the State Election Enforcement Commission to release its findings.

Nevertheless, I do plan to support some of the endorsed Democratic candidates. But to be clear, I will continue to love my Democratic Party, and I love Stratford above all. Ultimately, my decision is based on my principles, not to engage in the negativity and infighting some candidates encouraged. This decision is what’s best for my family, friends, and supporters. Accordingly, I will continue to help my community as a volunteer to make our town better.

I love Stratford. But there are much better ways for me to serve with integrity and respect for everyone. Thank you to my friends and supporters for their faith and support during my candidacy.

Stephanie Philips
former Democratic Candidate for Mayor

Where Am I? Who Am I?

Stratford the Beautiful

Crier Contest

The Crier has launched a weekly photo quiz to acquaint readers with the many beautiful parts of our town. Crier photographers will publish photos of Stratford’s gems and ask readers to identify the location. First right response will be honored with a free ice cream cone from Goody Bassett, a Stratford Mecca for ice cream lovers.

Email your “guess” to: editor@stratfordcrier.com

This week we feature a 1932 marker honoring Captain John Carpenter.

Can you identify the location of this marker and tell us something about the Captain?
We have a winner!!! Congratulations to Lynn Siegler, winner of last week’s photo quiz
Lynn was the first to identify the war memorial at the Main Street end of West Broad Green.

An ice cream cone awaits you Lynn at Goody Bassett!

The memorial was commissioned by Stratford’s selectmen following WWI in which 630 Stratford men and women served and 13 lost their lives. Sculptor Willard Paddock of Kent was chosen to create the monument and Kate Steichen served as his model.

Visit this monument and look at the details. A seated female is holding a shield decorated with an eagle. The shield is protecting a dove, a universal symbol of peace.

In her lap, oak leaves and stars symbolize the Stratford residents who lost their lives in combat. A sword originally held in her right hand was later removed as it was thought it was not in line with the theme of peace.

The monument was dedicated on May 24, 1931. State Rep. Raymond Baldwin officiated and Gov. Wilbur Cross addressed the crowd.

Sources: Lewis Knapp’s In Pursuit of Paradise and Connecticut Post, May 20, 2008. Special thanks to Dave Wright.

Ice cream cone awaits at Goody Bassett for the first one to identify the location of this week’s marker. Send submissions to: editor@stratfordcrier.com.