Report on Redevelopment

The Redevelopment Agency met last night -- that's the citizen committee, appointed by the mayor, which is in charge of the official redevelopment projects of the City.

There are two primary projects we are working on.

There's nothing new to report about the Miller & Bridge neighborhood, which I wrote about here and here. Relief for this neighborhood will have to wait until the City can convince the State (through our legislators) to supply the approx. $3 million to implement either Plan A or Plan B. And now you'll just have to click on my old posts to see what those options are.


The other issue is the North End home-ownership initiative. The developers are Nehemiah Housing of Middletown and Broad Park Development Corp of Hartford -- I'll call this partnership "N-BP". The plan is for N-BP to create 17 home-ownership condos on Ferry, Green & Rapallo by doing rehab on a few historic houses, and demolishing two others and building new construction. The condos would be sold to people who fit certain income categories, and not on the open market (2 of the units would be developed by Habitat for Humanity). The City appointed N-BP as the developer on this project, which is intended to compliment the 96 subsidized rental apartments which have already been constructed on Ferry Street by the Richman Group.

It's been a long time in coming, but it seems that N-BP is getting closer to completing their financing for the project. I'll bore you with the details.

There are 5 sources of income for the $7 million project (this project costs more than $400,000 per unit.)
-There's a proposed grant from the state's Department of Economic Development, for about $3 million in HOME funds. It is in the final stages of approval and is supposed to be implemented within 90 days or so.
-There are proposed Housing Tax Credits from the State for about $500,000. The N-BP application for these credits was denied last August. They will have another opportunity to apply next August.
-The City has already committed $720,000 to the project. Most of that was done through the purchase of 2 properties, which the City gave to N-BP, along with the relocation of those tenants and various other items. The last 10% of the City's committment will be transfered to N-BP through Community Development Block Funding at the November Common Council meeting. I should note that CDBG funds come from the Federal government through HUD, and they are awarded to Middletown and other cities based on the number of low-income residents.
-The Federal Home Loan Bank in Boston is listed as a source for about $400,000,and a decision on this funding is expected in November.

-The developer is anticipating that these condos, when complete, will sell for about 2.5 million. Since those funds won't be realized until the end of the project, N-BP has applied to Liberty Bank for a construction loan, which is awaiting an "after-rehab" appraisal of the likely selling prices of the future condos, which is expected within the next 3 months.

Of these five sources, the City's portion is the only fully committed source, but the others are moving closer to reality and the next 3 months are critical to the future of this project. For cash-flow purposes, N-BP has also taken out some loans so that they could get to this point with the project, and those loans will be paid back through some of the above sources. N-BP has noted that if one of their funding sources ultimately denies them, they will look for other sources. (Note: all this data comes from the reports by Michael Taylor of Nehemiah during the Redevelopment meeting, and if I've got it wrong, I hope someone will correct me!)

One unusual event at the meeting last night was the appearance of four of the landlords in this neighborhood (in spite of all the publicly-financed properties, there are still some independent homes and small rental properties on these streets.) These landlords, with Connie Piacenta as their spokesperson, were making the rounds of various city committees concerning planning, health, safety and anywhere they could find an ear. They wanted to express their concerns about how long it is taking for the N-BP project to move forward, and about the condition of these buildings in the meantime. They also had a long list of issues about parking, garbage and the condition of the small City playground which has been vandalized. And they voiced concerns about the maintenance of the new Wharfside Commons (the Richman Group apartments).

Although the Redevelopment Agency is not in charge of some of the issues that they raised, I was very glad that they came and expressed their opinions so that we can monitor the situation more closely. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, and their approach of appearing before multiple committees is already working - they noted that some clean-up had already begun. As a volunteer on the Redevelopment Agency, it is always helpful to hear from citizens -- not just from the professional developers, City officials and other "regulars".

If you are still reading, then you must have an unusual tolerance for City business! Consider offering your services to the Mayor the next time an opening occurs on Redevelopment, or just come down, on the 3rd Tuesday of every month (time TBA) to watch the proceedings.

Candidate forum at town hall - Representative debate

The Greater Middletown League of Women Voters hosted a debate among candidates vying for each of the 4 different State representative districts in Middletown. All eight candidates appeared, and there was a good crowd in Council Chambers.

In opening statements, after making a case for their candidacy by offering qualifications, each candidate admitted that the problems in the economy would overshadow discussions, or shaped discussions of all issues. The questions from the audience, and the candidates' answers also were largely related to the economy:

• What is the most critical issue facing the state
  
• Be more specific about what services you will cut to balance the budget
  
• How can Connecticut help students pay for college if the credit markets restrict loans?
• What is your position on the status of the Connecticut juvenile training center (CJTC) in Middletown?

Jim O'Rourke (D)- 32nd District, Incumbent

JIm O'Rourke felt that at a time of economic need, it was important to create new initiatives, particularly green iniatives, and in fact, creating a department of Clean Energy. He proposed cutting spending and waste in the Department of Transportation, citing the $800M train repair facility in New Haven and the botched repair of I84.

He proposed using state funds to guarantee college loans if other sources of credit were not available to Connecticut residents.

O'Rourke stated that he fought against making the CJTS huge, preferring smaller facilities, but that Rowland era corruption led to the large facility we have now.

In his closing arguments he emphasized his diligence as a legislator, and his accomplishments that are real and relevant to the lives of the people he represents.

Scott Adamson (R) - 32 District, Challenger

On the contrary, Adamson indicated that growing government at a time of great economic need was exactly the wrong direction to take. He would eliminate fat in state departments, and would place term limits on legislators, whom he noted, received pensions after 10 years of part-time work. He would consolidate senior service centers near Norwalk, reform welfare and unemployment. He would not cut jails, education, or the court system.

He would turn to the Federal government to help students with college aid. He advocated for college opportunities such as correspondence courses for non-traditional students.
He deferred to the citizens of Middletown and would work with other representatives on the issue of the CJTF.

In his closing statement, he challenged listeners to ask whether they in a better position today as a result of the many years that Democrats have been in power in the State House.

Joe Serra (D) - 33rd District, Incumbent

Serra indicated he would attempt to cut budgets, but in ways which would not affect the public directly, as it might in public safety. He noted that stimulating Connecticut business through loans was a way to stimulate the entire economy. He noted that substantial cuts in the State budget could only be achieved by cutting budgets for education and for transportation. He suggested delaying some transportation projects for a few years.

He said that there are state programs available for college aid, but if they are not working we need to create new ones.

He pointed out the CJTF has been in Middletown since 1872, and urged residents to keep an eye on this $60M facility.

In his closing statements Serra emphasized how he has served constituents, helping them cut through state red tape and getting answers.

Catherine Johnson (R) - 33rd District, Challenger

Johnson has created a campaign around a renaissance in transit. Her theory is that creation of solid public transit will create jobs, save money, stimulate the economy, help communities and neighborhoods and offer a progressive use of land. According to Johnson, connecting people through transit is the key. Cities should not be pitted against cities in their efforts to attract businesses.

She proposed to cut subsidies for private automobile transportation, and to instead spend money on special education services.

She did not propose any state programs to help students with college costs, but instead encouraged ingenuity and perhaps a deferral of college for some students.

She lambasted the CJTF as one of the greatest tragedies, from its design through its construction and operation.

In her closing remarks, she again emphasized the need for sustainable practices in land use, that support and build neighborhood patterns.

Gail Hamm (D) - 34th District, Incumbent

Hamm urged the state to work on the basis of results based accountability - demonstrating the worth of a program through its outcomes. She also noted her work to reject an adjustment in the already-passed two year budget, in consideration of the times.

She questioned whether this is the right time to cut the state budget. She promised to look at all areas of the budget for cuts, but said that funds should not be cut to people who need help.

On college assistance, she said that the Federal government is doing a good job. She touted CHET, the tax-free state 529 fund for college expenses.

She was the only representative from Middletown to vote against the CJTF, and has been trying to stop any expansion.

In her closing remarks, she touted both her record of accomplishments and the leadership that she brings by virtue of her committee chairmanships.

David Bauer (R) - 34th District, Challenger

Bauer thought that the emphasis on spending was the wrong approach to the budget, and to economic woes. His approach is to concentrate on revenues - increasing them where possible, and to be honest about the deficit.

He said if spending had to be cut, it should be cut everywhere. He pointed to education as one area in particular that could be cut.

He said that student college aid and loans was better left to the federal government. He said the state legislature should work to stop costs from rising, and should reduce the high-paying patronage jobs in higher education.

He said that the CJTF was obviously not working, and blamed the incumbents in the State House for its failure.

In his closing remarks, Bauer said that government is not listening to the people. He railed against the closed loop of lobbyists and legislators, and said it was time for a change in the State House.

(Editor's note: In his closing remarks Bauer made a defining comment about his candidacy. He said that he wanted to end the closed relationship between legislators, lobbyists and state bureaucrats which isolates legislators from the people they represent. We failed to report on this statement, and so, we offer this addendum.)

Ray Kalinowski (R) - 100th district, Incumbent

Kalinowski urged spending controls, and a comprehensive energy policy. He noted that government cannot create prosperity, but that it can create an atmosphere, through spending controls, in which the economy can begin to heal.

He proposed short term cuts in the budget such as eliminating non-essential overtime, freezing hires of state employees, eliminating consultants. He said a tax amnesty would bring added income. In the long term he proposed streamlining state spending.

He proposed that the state provide funds to anybody who wants to pursue education, which he viewed as the best investment in our state.

He proposed turning the CJTF into a nurse training facility, and objected to the large number of state facilities that are located in Middletown.

In his closing remarks, he said that he believed in a free and open market, entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and personal responsibility.

Matt Lesser (D) - 100th district, Challenger

Lesser concurred that the economy was an important issue, especially in a state where seniors are forced to leave homes they've lived in all their lives because of increasing property tax. His approach is to address the issues of job loss, education and land use, all with an eye to a fragile economy.
He supported the Attorney General's call to divide the Department of Children and Families, and suggested that this would save costs. He suggested that the budgets for the Department of Social Services and for the Department of Transportation could be cut.

He suggested that the college tuition problem is a long-standing issue. He said the state should focus on keeping Connecticut college graduates in Connecticut after college.

On the subject of CJTF, he railed at the large number of state facilities located in Middletown. He said the PILOT (state payments in lieu of taxes) program needed to be reformed, pointing out that Middletown gets only 70 cents on the dollar for the costs of these state facilities.

In his closing statement, Lesser called for change in government at all levels, from the presidency to the 100th district representative.

Candidate forum at town hall - Senate candidates

Tonight's League of Woman Voters forum for candidates for state office took place at Middletown City Hall this evening. And while there was some agreement on important issues, like the economy, and some disagreement on methods and strategies for handling those issues, there were only a few sparks.

All candidates agreed that national economic problems, filtered down to the state and city, will be the biggest problem the legislature will handle in the next session

Below are candidate responses, by contest, beginning with the comments of incumbents.

Connecticut State Senate Candidates

Paul Doyle (D) - 9th district - incumbent

Doyle believe that the state needs to help municipalities with state aid, seek to increase energy efficiencies, and spark job growth in energy and green industries. Budget cuts must be made with a scalpel and not a axe. Doyle suggest looking at state agencies for efficiencies, including a close look at the Department of Social Services.

Doyle opposes a Constitutional Convention suggesting that it will lead to chaos, and inhibit useful legislation.

Doyle encouraged the use of CHFA and CHET, programs already in existence to extend student loans.

Healthcare is a national issue, that Doyle hopes the election of Barack Obama will help solve, but he blamed Governor Rell for blocking a bill sponsored by Democratic legislators to allow small businesses and individuals to enroll in the state health insurance program.

On the status of the Connecticut Juvenile Detention Center in Middletown, Doyle blamed the governor for claiming that she would close the center, and then refusing to do so. He is against expansion of programs at the Center.

In closing, Doyle indicated that the most pressing issues facing legislators would be budget, economy and alternative energy solutions. He also suggested that transit issues cannot be handled by municipalities alone and need state assistance. He ended with a plea for a cleaner campaign, indicating that his opponent had resorted to smears instead of dealing with issues.



Ralph Capenera (R) - 9th district challenger

Capenera favors no increase in taxes and absolute 3% cap for property taxes. He believes in a consolidation of state services, and a restriction on benefits for legislators, who are part-time employees.

Capenera favors a Constitutional Convention which, he says, "will put power back in the hands of people."

Capenera suggested low income housing loans for students after graduation to keep them in Connecticut.

Capenera agreed with Rell's veto of the state health insurance plan, and claimed that the plan broke down as a result of warnings from the state's insurer, Anthem, that rates would be raised considerably if the contract was extended to all state residents.

Capenera is also against expansion of the Connecticut Juvenile Detention Center, and emphasized that Middletown has more than its share of off-the-tax-rolls, state facilities.

Capenera vowed not to raise taxes, to enforce a 3% property tax cap and to reduce spending across the board. In answering his opponent's charge that Capenera was running a dirty campaign, he said that targeting an opponent's record did not constitute an attack.



Tim Lenox (R) - 13th district - challenger

Feels the economic problems at the state level reflect the economic problems at the federal level. The massive deficit is a huge problem. Lenox would restrict funds to big cities and look for a more equitable distribution to smaller towns.

Lenox favors a Constitutional Convention indicating that warnings of chaos have not been born out. In addition, he noted that representatives to the Convention would be appointed by legislators.

Lenox favor improving the business climate as an incentive to students to attend school in Connecticut and to remain after graduation.

Competition is the key to health care improvement for Lenox.

Lenox decided not to offer an opinion on the Connecticut Juvenile Detention Center.

Lenox vowed to attack waste in the budget, and to bolster the atmosphere for business to help improve the economy, and thereby the available funds for government.

Thomas Gaffey (D) - 13th district - incumbent

Gaffey feels that a forward looking policy will help address the economic problems, and that it is an appropriate time to invest in the infrastructure.

Gaffey too opposes a Constitutional Convention claiming that it will negatively affect the legislative projects, and make elections complex.

Gaffey seconded Doyle on extending existing student loan programs to help students in hard economic times when other loans are not available.

Gaffey indicated that the plan Governor Rell vetoed would have allowed a major ability for the state to negotiate with insurers to create a health plan that was affordable and available to all.

While Gaffey also blamed Rell for not keeping her word to close the Connecticut Juvenile Detention Center, he indicated that there should be other, more local solutions to problem youths.

Gaffey made a pledge to attack a regressive property tax system, and to hold the line on unneccessary spending, while cutting carefully. He also expressed an interest in improving mass transit, with a return of tolls at state borders.

In closing Gaffey too scolded Capenera for "despicable" ads which he claimed "voters are sick of." He encourage all candidates to focus on issues.

Roth a Huffpost regular

It appears that we can count on Wesleyan president Michael Roth to make regular appearances on the Huffington Post. His new column is entitled In Praise of Poise.

H/T Wesleying.

Another sidewalk sermon from David Schulz

Vote. Don't let the weasels steal another election.

Meet New Teachers & Old Friends

It's not too late to catch the second session of Parent-Teacher Conferences at Middletown High School. If you've got an MHS student, stop by the school on Tuesday morning from 7:30 to 9:30.

Everyone gathers in the cafeteria, and with a little maneuvering you can have a few private minutes with each of your child's teachers. As a bonus, you get to see all the parents who've been sharing this Middletown child-raising journey with you. I ran into people I haven't seen since youth soccer, or elementary school PTA, and I even recognized one face from our pre-natal birthing class 17 years ago. Happy hunting.

Update on NRG gas turbines

Follow-up to this morning's report in the Hartford Courant.

NRG spokesman Ray Long said that the gas turbines to be installed at the NRG site on River Road are four small, state-of-the-art natural gas burning turbines (LM6000's - GE technology based on jet engines). These turbines can also burn low sulfur fuel oil, if necessary. According to Long, these turbines burn natural gas cleanly and efficiently with "low" CO2 and Nitrous Oxide emissions.

The turbines are water-cooled and will use water drawn from existing wells on the NRG site. The turbines will only run during demand at peak capacity (as determined by the grid-regulating entity known as ISO).

Power generated by these turbines will leave the site on existing 345 kilowatt lines.

NRG would like to break ground next year, but construction is pending state DEP approval. Their goal is to have the plant operating by 2011 to improve electrical grid reliability.

League of Women Voters Candidates Forum

The Greater Middletown League of Women Voters is sponsoring a candidates forum on Tuesday, October 21st, at 7:00 PM, in the Council Chambers of Middletown City Hall. Joyce Rossitter, president of the League, told me that they expect all of the candidates running to represent Middletown in the Connecticut General Assembly to be there (for list, see the side bar on the top right of The Eye). Members of the audience can submit written questions to the candidates, on index cards available that night. Candidates will each give two minutes of remarks and then have a minute to answer each question from the audience.

Unfortunately, we get very little coverage of these candidates in the local media, so many voters may not be informed about who the candidates are and why they think we should vote for them. This is an important opportunity for residents to see and hear from all of the candidates in one place. It is a great event to bring children, so that they can see politicians firsthand, without the filters of advertising and media presentation associated with candidates for state-wide and national offices. Students from Middletown High will be ushers for this event, and students from Mercy High will be manning tables for the League of Women Voters.

Local Scares on a Budget!

Tis' the season. Looking for inexpensive ways to welcome in Halloween? Look no further then CT. For that matter look no further than Middletown. Middletown boasts some terrific photo opportunities this time of year in some public places. Keep in mind trespassing laws, (gravestone rubbing is illegal and very damaging), and respect for the beliefs of others. However, the places listed below- are pretty dead quiet....

This first photo is from the graveyard near Connecticut Valley Hospital in south Middletown. Over 100 numbered graves can be found here, mostly those of patients from the 19th century. The landscape is home to quite a few century old oaks with intriguing scars. Take note of the great architecture of the older, fenced-off buildings of CVH towards the center of the campus, if you are into black & white photography, this can't be missed. Shots can be taken from your vehicle.

Central Middletown has great views to capture as well. The image to the right was taken in Indian Hill Cemetery-- and believe it or not on a bright sunny day. To create this image we used a technique called "high dynamic range image." Color correction brings out the luminance of shadows. There are many free widget applications that can be downloaded can re create this technique.

A scene from a horror movie? Not really. This shot was also taken at Indian Hill, through the window of one of the crypts. (photos , J.Drosdeck & M. Salafia 2008)

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Borrow vs Renting A Movie: If you are the type that isn't into the Saw series or mainstream slasher flicks, check out these finds at Russel Library for an offbeat scare. Check the foreign section!

My top 3 from the Library are:

1. Wendigo (American, Canadian)

2. A Tale of Two Sisters Janghwa, Hongryeon (Korean)

3. Ringu (Japanese)

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For thrills under $10:

Graveyard Express – East Haven, CT

Now through October 25, 2008

Dare to ride the haunted trolley and expect the unexpected. Location: Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River Street. Dates: October 17-18 and 24-25. Time: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $10 per person; $8 if in costume.

Information: 203-467-6927 or visit www.bera.org/

Lantern Tour – Suffield

October 24, 2008 to October 25, 2008

Stroll the town’s North Main Street by lamplight and learn about the history of the town’s center.

Location: Phelps-Hathaway House, Route 75. Time: 6:45 p.m. Cost: $5. Information: 860-668-0055 or visit www.ctlandmarks.org

Haunted History Lantern Tour – Hartford

October 24, 2008

Meet some of Hartford’s 19th century notables as you tour the cemetery by lantern light.

Location: Cedar Hill Cemetery,453 Fairfield Avenue Time: 7-9 p.m. 860-956-3311 or visit www.cedarhillcemetery.org

Spirits of Old Wethersfield House Tours -- Wethersfield

October 24, 2008 to October 25, 2008. During the guided candlelight tour of the three homes, visitors will learn about 19th-century mourning customs as a family attempts to cope with the loss of a loved one.. Keep your eyes and ears open as you tour the homes. Rumor has it they might actually be haunted. Location: Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, 211 Main Street. Time: 6:30-10 p.m. Cost: Adults, $10; children, $8 860-529-0612 ext. 12 or visit www.webb-deane-stevens.org/

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Free & Specifically For Children:

Kiwanis Club of Middletown: Annual Halloween Parade :will be held Monday, October 20, 2008 with a rain date set for Tuesday October 21st. The parade will form at Hoffer Park beginning at 6:15 p.m. and will start marching at 7:00 p.m.http://www.middletownkiwanis.org/middletown/

Park & Rec Sponsored Halloween Parade, Oct. 31, 1 to 4:30 p.m. (up to age 12), free to Middletown residents, downtown.

Social action meets climate change meets music

Evan Greer is a Boston singer/songwriter who is part of a political/musical collective called Riot Folk. He's traveling the country performing protest songs, and putting on workshops. He stops at Wesleyan University tomorrow for both.

More gas turbines on the river

It looks like the NRG power plant on the Connecticut River, which was listed as one of the "sooty-six" power plants for creating pollution by burning high-sulfur coal and oil, will not be mothballed, as once predicted, when the nearby Kleen Energy gas turbine plant is built.

According to the Hartford Courant, the DPUC has approved four additional gas turbine generators which will be built on the NRG site for production of electricity during peak usage periods.

The construction will be a huge tax benefit for Middletown.

The turbines will be gas-fired, and thereby clean-burning, but no figures are immediately available about how additional gas turbines on the river will affect water usage, or air quality.

Look for updates as more information becomes available.

A campaign idea from the Taft era

Catherine Johnson, Architect, and current member of Middletown's Planning and Zoning Board, is running for the state legislature.

While most candidates are satisfied with printing up hundreds of yard signs and distributing them to supporters on high traffic thoroughfares, Johnson was inspired by a photo she spotted in the excellent, A Pictorial History of Middletown by Liz Warner. In it, the Thomas McDonough Russell House on High Street (now Wesleyan's Center for African-American studies) is festooned with patriotic bunting for a visit, in 1909, from President William Howard Taft.

This is not the only photo in Warner's book which demonstrates the art of abundant bunting, but it was the one which inspired Johnson.

She recruited her mother, who is an experienced seamstress, to help fashion similar bunting to decorate the beautifully restored Victorian home of Marilyn and Oran Mills on Broad Street, just across from the Russell Library. The bunting is fashioned from surplus spandex (which hasn't been much in demand since David Lee Roth left Van Halen), and Johnson mounted the display of patriotic stretch fabric at some danger to her own life and limb, often dangling from a step ladder on the second floor porch.

The results were worth it (though the real value will be judged after the election), as the Victorian has been transformed into a campaign display from another era.