This month’s well-attended Neighborhood Meeting on on June 9th combined three districts. Moderator Erin McLaughlin, Manager of Community Development, explained that this was designed to give these districts a stronger sense of town community by learning what issues are common to all three. (In attendance were: Councillor Jean Collier from District 1; Councillor Lisa Carroll Fabian from District 7; and State Representative Kaitlyn Shake. Councillor Chris Green from District 2 was unable to attend. See below for the listing of all June meetings.)
Jimmy Capra, Director of Economic Development, spoke to the several major projects currently in various stages of progress: the former Army Engine Plant; the Stratford Train Station and surrounding area; Main Street – Paradise Green; and Stratford Square (adjacent to the LA Fitness gym). All these plans have the goal of expanding the commercial tax base by creating desirable destinations in the form of more family and upscale restaurants, additional small businesses with walkability, and larger stores such as Aldi’s, which will be opening within 9 – 12 months following the groundbreaking ceremony in September.
Mayor Chess addressed the subjects of property taxes and of housing. He pointed out that the taxes received from increased businesses will serve to reduce the mill rate for homeowners—something very much on everyone’s mind these days following the revaluations.
Concerns were expressed about the number of apartment complexes springing up around town, and the potential increase of children and the problems which that can create for the school budget. Mayor Chess said that school enrollment is down as is the population in general, and that only five percent of apartment dwellers have children. He stated information presented in literature which had been passed out that “compared to single-family homes, apartment communities generate significantly more tax revenue per acre , supporting municipal services and long-term financial sustainability with minimal impact on schools and other services”. The literature also gave the estimated tax revenue upon completion of planned apartment buildings, with five of them coming in at close to $500,000 per year.
The Mayor also discussed the ways in which his administration is working to identify excessive expenditures and reduce costs, citing that 80% of the budget is employment—salaries, pensions, insurance, etc.
There were many comments and questions from the attendees on a broad range of concerns, such as traffic, parking signage, soil remediation, youngsters on e-bikes—all of which were taken seriously and with mutual respect. If an answer was not immediately available, Erin urged the questioner to contact her office in order to provide one.
The Mayor’s newsletter is comprehensive and often goes in depth about issues that matter to Stratford residents. In addition to his newsletter that goes out one or two times a week, these neighborhood meetings allow all Stratford residents to share their insights, thoughts and ideas about the current and future state of Stratford. Stratford has much to offer, and so do you!
