Governor In Middletown Today For Riverfront Redevelopment Announcement

There'll be dueling Dans down by the river today.

Governor Dan Malloy and Mayor Dan Drew will hold a press conference at 11:30 a.m. at the gazebo next to the Mattabesett Canoe Club to make an announcement about Middletown's Riverfront Redevelopment plans. 

The city has been working on plans to redevelop the "South Cove" area of the river once the existing sewage treatment plant there has been dismantled.

In July, when the Middletown Riverfront Redevelopment Commission submitted its final plans, Mayor Drew told the Middletown Press he had begun "preliminary overtures" to the governor’s office to seek financial assistance, but "had a ways to go before delivering a formal application to the state."

P&Z Passes Controversial MX Zone Changes

The Planning & Zoning Commission passed extensive changes to the code governing the MX zone, opening the door for a planned development on Washington Street and perhaps much more throughout the city.

The Council Chamber was packed with people, many sitting on the floor or watching and listening as best they could on the TV in the City Hall lobby.

The Commission voted 6-0 in favor of text changes championed by the Centerplan Corporation, the Mayor and the Chamber of Commerce, but opposed by neighbors of the planned development and many other citizens.

The Middletown Press says the vote "end[s] weeks of debate", despite the fact that Ed McKeon, leader of the opposition, says neighbors will mount legal challenges to the change. But then, the Press didn't interview him or any of the other scores of concerned citizens who packed the Chamber.

The Patch and Wesleying blogs also covered the meeting, as did TV stations Fox 61 and Channel 3.

More to come later today on The Eye.

National Endowment for the Arts awards Our Town grants

Middletown, CT-- The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced 80 Our Town grant awards totaling $4.995 million and reaching 44 states and the District of Columbia.  Oddfellows Playhouse is one of the grantees and will receive $50,000 for the Design of a New Facility

Through Our Town funding, the NEA’s ambition is to support the idea of creative placemaking and projects that help radically transform communities.  In creative placemaking, partners from the private, public, nonprofits, and community groups work together to fundamentally reshape a community—physically, socially, and culturally around the arts. The grantee projects will improve quality of life, encourage creative activity, create community identity and a sense of place, and help revitalize local economies. 

Creative placemaking is an investment into the future successes of towns and cities in the United States.  This transformation will improve the quality of life for all citizens by revitalizing the local economy through job creation, increasing the livability of city or town, fostering private and public collaboration, reshaping the local landscape, and promoting the arts.

Oddfellows’ grant was requested for the design of a cultural facility, which is the first phase of a long-term project to purchase, renovate, and move the Playhouse to a new, larger facility in downtown Middletown.  As a strategy of creative placemaking, Oddfellows is designing a facility that will re-use a building that has been vacant and will be working with Northeast Collaborative Architects on this endeavor.  The design, and ultimately the renovation and the launch of programming after relocation, will not only strengthen the artistic excellence of Middletown, but also by the need to improve the quality of life for all citizens through job creation and social change

All Our Town grant awards were made to partnerships that consisted of a minimum of a not-for-profit organization and a local government entity. “Oddfellows is a key institution in CT that provides young people with a dynamic learning experience in the arts.  Middletown will continue to support Oddfellows as intensively as we can,” said Mayor Dan Drew. 

"Cities and towns are transformed when you bring the arts – both literally and figuratively – into the center of them,” said NEA Chairman Landesman. "From Teller, Alaska to Miami, Florida, communities are pursuing creative placemaking, making their neighborhoods more vibrant and robust by investing in the performing, visual, and literary arts. I am proud to be partnering with these 80 communities and their respective arts, civic, and elected leaders."

“Oddfellows is honored to be recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as a recipient of the Our Town grant.  We have a lot of work ahead of us, but this is a great step towards the successful completion of this endeavor.   We look forward to working with the arts organizations and artists that call Middletown home to build a stronger community.  This grant is not only for Oddfellows.  It is for all of Middletown,” said Executive Director Matthew Pugliese. 

Pugliese continued, “The NEA received 317 applications for Our Town.   The competition was very strong.  We are very appreciative of the work that the City of Middletown put into this project with us, as well as Northeast Collaborative Architects.  Oddfellows is incredibly proud to have received our first grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for this project.  ”

 For a complete listing of projects recommended for Our Town grant support, please visit the NEA web site at arts.gov. For more information on programs, to register for classes or to purchase tickets to performances, call Oddfellows at (860) 347-6143 or log onto www.oddfellows.org. 

Planning & Zoning May Updates

Middletown Planning, Conservation & Development Newsletter- May 18, 2012

 

 

MEETINGS OF THE WEEK

 

Citizens’ Advisory Committee

Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 6:00 PM, Room 111

- 2012 CDBG Application Funding Allocations- Council Update

- Draft 2012 Annual Action Plan

 

Planning and Zoning Commission

Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 7:00 PM, Council Chamber

PUBLIC HEARINGS (when scheduled)  

- Proposed Special Exception to construct a three-family townhouse at 764 South Main Street in the

Multi-Family (M) Zone.  Applicant/agent Ted Charton  SE2012-5

OLD BUSINESS

- Modification of a previously approved Special Exception to construct thirty-eight (38) multi-family

dwellings units to be known as Jackson Commons located at 51 Jackson Street.  Applicant/agent

Steven Rocco SE2008-2

NEW BUSINESS 

- Proposed Special Exception for a Child Day Care for 9 – 12 years of age on Autism Spectrum located

at 100 Riverview Center.  Applicant/Agent Ryan Woods Autism Foundation Inc.  SE2012-7  P.H.

TO BE SCHEDULED

- Proposed Zoning Code text amendment to add Section 13.03.07 sheds, playscapes and other detached

accessory  structures. A  copy  of  the  proposed  text  is  on  file  in  the Office  of  the  Town Clerk. 

Applicant/agent  City  of  Middletown/Planning  and  Zoning  Dept.    Z2012-6    P.H.  TO  BE

SCHEDULED

 

 

RECENT COMMISSION ACTIONS (Unofficial results)

 

Planning and Zoning Commission

Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 7:00 PM, Council Chamber

DENIED- Special Exception for construction of a three (3) family dwelling located in the Multi-Family (M) zone on 939 Saybrook Road.  Applicant/agent Sebastian Caminito  SE2012-3

NEGATIVE REPORT- G.S. 8-24 Review for a proposed dog park and hiking trail improvement project at the Tynan Memorial Park on Higby Road.  Applicant/agent City of Middletown

 

 

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wednesday, May 3, 2012, 7:00 PM, Council Chamber

DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE- An appeal of a Cease & Desist Order issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer for violation of Sections 10.00, 10.01, 10.02, 10.03.01, 32 & 60 located at 14 Frazier Avenue.  Applicant/agent Atty. Edward Czaczkes & Middlesex Housing Limited Partnership. ZBA2012-3

 

 

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency

Wednesday, May 2, 2012, 7:00 PM, Council Chamber

APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS- An application for excavation, filling, paving grading & building an industrial / warehouse within regulated area located at Anderson and Brush Hill Roads.Applicant/agent GHQ, Inc.   12-04

 

 

Planning and Zoning Commission

Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 7:00 PM, Council Chamber

PUBLIC HEARINGS            

APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS- Proposed Special Exception to construct a Bus Garage and Maintenance Facility in an IRA zone located at 80 Pease Avenue.  Applicant/agent Middletown Area Transit/Andy Chiaravallo    SE2012-2

APPROVED- Proposed Zoning Code text amendment to modify Section 32.02, to increase the minimum height in the (B-1) Central Business Zone to 35 feet.    A copy of the existing and proposed text is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.   Applicant/agent City of Middletown.  Z2012-1   

APPROVED- Proposed Zoning Code text amendment to add Section 32.05 for New Construction Requirements in the (B-1) Central Business Zone.    A copy of the existing and proposed text is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.  Applicant/agent City of Middletown.  Z2012-2   

APPROVED- Proposed Zoning Code text amendment to add Sections 33.06, 33.06.01, 33.06.02, 33.06.03, 33.06.04 and 33.07,Landscaping and Pedestrian Amenities in the (B-2) General Business Zone.    A copy of the existing and proposed text is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.   Applicant/agent City of Middletown.  Z2012-3.

APPROVED- Proposed Zoning Code  text amendment  to modify Sections 40.04.04, 40.04.15 and 40.04.19 by deleting parking  footnote.   A  copy of  the  existing  and proposed  text  is on  file  in  the Office of  the Town Clerk.   Applicant/agent City of Middletown. Z2012-4.

OLD BUSINESS

APPROVED- Request for a one (1) year extension of the Site Plan Approval for a construction of two (2) industrial buildings on the west side of Middle Street and south of Timber Ridge Road. Applicant/agent Members Only/Land Resource Consultants  SPR2007-31

NEW BUSINESS       

TABLED- Request for G.S. 8-24 Review for a proposed dog park and hiking trail improvement project at the Tynan Memorial Park on Higby Road.  Applicant/agent City of Middletown

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED MAY 9, 2012- Proposed Special Exception for construction of a three (3) family dwelling located in the Multi-Family (M) zone on 939 Saybrook Road.  Applicant/agent Sebastian Caminito  SE2012-3 

 

 

PERMIT ACTIVITY

 

                        2012 Apps       Review Time     Fees            2011 Apps       Review Time     Fees           

Year-to-Date            75              9 days          $3,726          220             11 days $20,615

--- Approved            52              10 days $2,210                         

------- Public Hearing  10              29 days $2,085

------- Site Plan Review        42              4 days          $125

--- Denied/Other        2               1 days          $0

--- Open                21              NA              $1,331.80

 

December                                                $               12              2 days          $310           

November                                                $               7               4 days          $0

October                                         $               19              9 days          $495   

September                                               $               21              4 days          $100   

August                                                  $               21              4 days          $8,505 

July                                                    $               28              3 days          $785   

June                                                    $               26              12 days $1,795 

May                                                     $               31              7 days          $1,445 

April                   13              2 days          $345            22              18 days $1,045

March                   42              5 days          $1,385          28              18 days $3,260 

February                9               6 days          $1,032          7               8 days          $370

January         11              15 days $805            7               19 days $720

 

 

 

You can find agendas, minutes and legal notices at www.middletownplanning.com

 

If you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please email your request to michiel.wackers@cityofmiddletown.com

Middletown Planning, Conservation & Development Newsletter- February 17, 2012

Middletown Planning, Conservation & Development Newsletter- February 17, 2012

“Complete Streets and Bikeway Master Plan” for Middletown

The Jonah Center for Earth and Art invites the public to a forum on Middletown’s efforts to develop a comprehensive and detailed plan to make our city safer and more conducive for walking and bicycling. The program will be held on Tuesday, February 28, at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Room at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 190 Court Street, in Middletown.

The forum will begin with 3 short presentations. Kari Sullivan from the Connecticut Department of Education will describe programs like “Safe Routes to School” and how walking contributes to public health. Local cyclist and biking educator Beth Emery will explain how both cyclists and motorists can make our streets safer for all who use them. Middletown Engineer Tom Nigosanti will be available with maps and information regarding improvements such as sidewalks, off-street trails, and bike lanes.

The proposed $1 million multi-use trail connecting downtown Middletown, Wesleyan University, and the Wesleyan Hills neighborhood will also be described, but it is not the primary focus of this program. Those in attendance will have an opportunity to indicate their preferred routes for walking or cycling by using orange or green markers on a Middletown street map.

This event is free and pre-registration is not necessary. For more information, contact John Hall at 860-398-3771 or visit www.thejonahcenter.org and click on “send us a message.”

MIDDLETOWN STATISTICS REPORT- FEBRUARY 2012

↓ Local Economy-.Unemployment dropped to 6.6% for December 2011, dropping 2.5% in 24 months. The short-term outlook for employment has deteriorated. Hiring notices in Middletown are down 63% compared to a year ago. In the region they are down 66%. The employment index is still in positive territory, signaling potential reduction in the unemployment rate. The post holiday season is typically weaker, but the first quarter of 2012, based on 30 days of information seem to indicate significant weakness and any gains can be undone.

↓ Housing- Foreclosures jumped 95% from the previous month, recent federal mortgage settlement may see increased foreclosures over the next few quarters. Building permits finish with the worst year since possibly the 1940s with only 26 single family permits issued. Down 88% since the peak in 2005. Housing values are stabilizing at historic trends.

↑ Web Presence- Middletown’s web presence decreased by 9% on search engine hits.

The entire report can be found at: http://www.middletownplanning.com/documents/MStatReport_Feb2012.pdf

MEETINGS OF THE WEEK

Conservation Commission

Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 7:00 PM, Room 208

- Trail Guide

- Commission Vacancies.

- Roadside Vegetation Management

- Open Space Referendum

- Public Relations

- Collective Impact Network

- Riverfront Redevelopment

- Majestic Oak Estates

- Tynan Dog Park proposal. Councilman Todd Berch Presenting

Planning and Zoning Commission

Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 7:00 PM, Council Chambers

New Business

- corner of Grand Street and Woodward Avenue - Special Exception to construct a two-family dwelling - Carl Morello

- 871-895 Washington Street - one (1) lot resubdivision - Gofsco, LLC/Homer Scoville

Commission Affairs

- Mini workshop on Planning and Zoning Legal Standards

- Proposed amendment to Article V Election of Officers & Liaisons, Section I Bylaws

RECENT COMMISSION ACTIONS (Unofficial results)

Economic Development Commission

Monday, February 13, 2012, 7:00 PM, Room 208

- Parking Garage Construction –update

- Parking Improvements-North End-update

- Remington Rand-new windows, tank pull, boiler house demolition, new tenants

APPROVED- Middletown United Fathers Reverend Douglas E. Lawrence Community Garden-Letter of Intent to Renew Lease

- Tax & Business Incentive Program Applications

- Joseph Mylchreest, Inc.-157 Mill Street

- Harding Development Group-210 South Main Street

- Final Presentation Brownfield Assessment Planning Study

- Proposed consolidation of Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency and Midstate Regional Planning Agency

Citizens Advisory Committee

Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 7:00 PM, room 208

NO MOTIONS- Public Hearing - 2011 Amendments- $40,000 Small Business Assistance; $ 1,332 Program Administration

NO MOTIONS- 2012 CDBG Applications

PERMIT ACTIVITY

2011 Apps Review Time Fees 2010 Apps

Year-to-Date 220 11 days $20,615 261

--- Approved 191 9 days $6,950

------- Public Hearing 20 41 days $5,540

------- Site Plan Review 171 6 days $1,250

--- Denied/Other 16 37 days $13,045

--- Open 12 NA $310

December 12 2 days $310 17

November 7 4 days $0 10

October 19 9 days $495 20

September 21 4 days $100 23

August 21 4 days $8,505 29

July 28 3 days $785 27

June 26 12 days $1,795 38

May 31 7 days $1,445 24

April 22 18 days $1,045 25

March 28 18 days $3,260 25

February 7 8 days $370 12

January 7 19 days $720 11