Erin McLaughlin, Manager of Community Development for Stratford, led the District #2 session of Neighborhood Association Meetings, held at Christ Episcopal Church, 2000 Main Street on Tuesday, March 3rd. In attendance were some thirty or more residents from the district, as well as members of the Police Department, Mayor David Chess, Town Councilman Chris Greene, Board of Education Member Jill D’Angelo-Powers, State Senator Jason Perillo, and State Representative Kaitlyn Shake. These district-wide meetings are an opportunity for residents to air grievances and explore solutions with the people who can actually help solve some of the problems.
An array of issues were discussed, including concerns about street parking with all the new apartment complexes going up. It was felt that the plans don’t provide sufficient parking within the building’s grounds, causing tenants to park on public streets. Mayor Chess had to deliver the unfortunate fact that apartment parking is limited by a TOD (Transit Oriented Development) statute, which aims to reduce parking spaces and encourage walkable, mixed-use communities, and urges use of public transportation.
Traffic patterns and pedestrian safety were concerns in a variety of locations in the district. Ferry Blvd and Willow was mentioned several times for how difficult it is to cross Ferry Blvd at that intersection. Complaints about the underpass at Ferry Blvd included cars frequently running red lights, and also going the wrong way. The traffic light at the Longbrook Road and Barnum Cutoff were also criticized.
Street lighting in general was a topic, in which smart lights were suggested for safety and to reduce power usage. Smart streetlights adjust output according to automobile and pedestrian traffic. Ferry Blvd was again a subject, with its light pollution of constant bright white light all night long, which is wasteful and also harmful for humans, wild life and plant life. Apparently amber lights are not in that statute.
Countering streets and traffic concerns were the applause-filled kudos to the folks who braved the snow to keep our streets plowed and negotiable. Bravo! And thank you!
The Mayor said the public composting program was moving forward and will hopefully be in full operation by this summer. He also said he wants to create a volunteer program to help care for the parks in town. We have over forty parks, and the Parks Department is strapped to care for them as well as they would like. Contact the Mayor’s office if you’re interested in participating. Think of what a small group of volunteers has done for the Will Geer’s Shakespeare Garden on Elm Street.
These are just a sample of what was discussed, and we urge you to take part in your district’s Neighborhood Association Conversation. You’ll find it rewarding as you meet neighbors with the same concerns you have, and the same will to make changes for the better. Remember, nothing changes if nothing changes. You can be part of the change!
The next meeting for District #2 is April 16th. Location to be determined.
We’ll publish the new schedules of all district meetings, so keep an eye out for them!
