Public Nightclub and Other Planning Documents Available

The city Planning Department has made the public documents for this week's Planning and Zoning Commission, and Citizens Advisory Commission meetings conveniently available for viewing.

These include the material for the application to expand the Public nightclub, a suggested ordinance regarding sexually oriented business, and the city's consolidated plan (a plan written as part of the Community Development Block Grant process).

Michiel Wackers provided the following:

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Planning & Zoning Commission
Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 7:00PM, Council Chambers

Agenda

Public Hearing Notice

• 6.1- 512 Saybrook Road- Staff Comments
• 6.1- 512 Saybrook Road- Site Plan
• 6.1- 512 Saybrook Road- Subdivision Plan
• 6.2- 738 Saybrook Road- Staff Comments
• 6.2- 738 Saybrook Road- Existing Site
• 6.2- 738 Saybrook Road- Subdivision Plan
• 6.2- 738 Saybrook Road- Proposed Development Plan
• 6.3- 337-351 Main Street, Public Bar- Special Exception Modification- Staff Comments
• 8.2- Proposed Settlement- Poplar Estates
• 8.3- Proposed Sexual Oriented Business Ordinance
• 10.2- Zoning Enforcement Officer Report

Citizens' Advisory Committee
Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 5:00PM, Room B-20

Agenda

• Draft Consolidated Plan
• Citizens' Participation Plan Revision
• CDBG Expenditure Report January 2010

Mid-Winter Arts Events (Part 1)

Tuesday January 26:

The Russell Library "Anime Film Series" returns (by popular demand) to the Hubbard Room at 4 p.m. with a showing of "Princess Mononoke." The 1997 classic, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki,  is described thusly: the film "centers around a cursed prince who travels to the Far East in search of a cure. Soon, Prince Ashitaka finds himself caught in a battle between a mining village, Iron Town, and the forest denizens it’s threatening. Leading the animals is Princess Mononoke, a brave, gun-wielding human princess raised by wolves."  The screening is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 860-347-2528, extension 135.

Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington Street, is holding auditions on this day and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. for the Teen Repertory Company April performances of "The Oresteia", the trio of tragedies written by Aeschylus in 458 B.C. Interested actors (ages 14-20) must have attended 2 of the workshops held last week by OP.  Questions? - call 860-347-6143.  

Wednesday January 27:

The Buttonwood Tree presents a screening of "Baraka", the 1992 "non-narrative" film created and directed by David Fricke and featuring a soundtrack by Michael Stearns.  If you've seen the film "Koyaanisqatsi", you have an inkling of how a 'non-verbal" movie works. The Internet Movie Database offers the following plot summary: "Without words, cameras show us the world, with an emphasis not on "where," but on "what's there." It begins with morning, natural landscapes and people at prayer: volcanoes, water falls, veldts, and forests; several hundred monks do a monkey chant. Indigenous peoples apply body paint; whole villages dance. The film moves to destruction of nature via logging, blasting, and strip mining. Images of poverty, rapid urban life, and factories give way to war, concentration camps, and mass graves. Ancient ruins come into view, and then a sacred river where pilgrims bathe and funeral pyres burn." The screening, free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Buddhist Faith Fellowship and is part of its 2010 Film Festival. For more information, go to www.bffct.net.

Thursday January 28:

The Opening Reception for the new exhibition at the Davison Art Center takes place at 5 p.m.  The exhibition, titled "Imitation & Invention", features works from the DAC's permanent collection by artists such as Antonio Pollaiuolo, Andrea Mantegna, Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt van Rijn and Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, whose etching "The Genius of Castiglione" (circa 1648) is pictured to the left. Davison's Curator Claire Rogan will deliver the "Gallery Talk" at 5:30 p.m.  The exhibition will be on display through March 4 - gallery hours are 12noon - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, go to www.wesleyan.edu/dac. 

Doyle, Serra, and Lesser to Appear Tonight

State Senator Paul Doyle, and Representatives Joe Serra and Matt Lesser will be appearing tonight in Westfield to discuss the upcoming State Legislative session. They will be focusing on the impact of decisions in the Capitol on Middletown.

All members of the public are invited to attend.

Westfield Residents Association Quarterly Meeting

General WRA Business: 7:00 PM

Legislative Delegation: 7:30 PM

Fellowship Hall

3rd Congregational Church

94 Miner Street

Sewer Department to Request New Foreclosure Regulations

The WPCA (Water Pollution Control Authority) met last week in a special meeting, ostensibly to talk about purchasing software which will help the departments identify and catalogue backflow filters in businesses around the city.  These filters prevent independent water systems from sending water from these systems from flowing back into the public supply, and demand regular inspections.  Since the Water and Sewer Department can charge for these inspections, this $19,000 software system is expected to generate many times its purchase price in inspection fees.

The WPCA also took up the topic of procedure for foreclosure of property as a result of payments which are past due.  The proposed regulations, which must be approved by the Common Council indicate that the WPCA will continue to pursue foreclosure proceedings on all accounts past due prior to 2005.  They seek approval to pursue foreclosure on more recent accounts overdue in "more recent years provided that they are initiated by prioritizing the most aggregious (sic) accounts."

The WPCA will not present the Common Council with a proposed procedure for termination of services for non-payment until after further consideration.

From 1930: Checker Team at 'Y' Defeats Middletown

This article was published exactly 80 years ago today, appearing in the January 24, 1930 Hartford Courant. Checkers was not infrequently covered in the Courant, which even had a regular "Checkers Problem" column. The last article on a checker team in the Courant (at least according to the index of articles) was in 1975.

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From 1935: Jailed for Chicken Theft

This article is from exactly 75 years ago today, published in the January 24, 1935 Hartford Courant. I try to limit myself to one article per day for the 'this date in history' pieces, but there was no way for January 24th. I couldn't help myself, so you must endure both checkers and chicken today.

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Chicken thievery was a remarkably common topic for newspaper stories in the first 50 years of this century. Considering that today we can purchase a large chicken (live or dressed out) for about $5, I find the 3 and 6 month jail sentences remarkable. It speaks to the value of chickens in the depression.

I am curious what level of thievery would today net such a sentence.

Former Newseum Director Peter Pritchard Sees Downward Spiral for Dailies

Former editor of USA Today, and recently-retired director of the Newseum, Peter Pritchard will speak Tuesday evening at the Wadsworth Mansion in the first Party with a Purpose of 2009, sponsored by the Middlesex County Community Foundation. I spoke with Pritchard Saturday, and the entire interview will be featured on Eye on the Air, Friday January 29, WESU, 88.1 FM (wesu.org) from 1-2 PM.

Pritchard is not sanguine about the survival of daily print newspapers.  As a former editor, and longtime journalist, he sees a downward cycle in which loss of readership and advertising, creates loss of staff and coverage, which in turn results in lower readership and less advertising.

"The transition to digital delivery is just wrenching," Pritchard said.  "The problem is economics. They just can't get enough revenue from their digital products to replace the revenue from their print products.  That's the main problem and I don't see it getting better anytime soon."

Pritchard sees the loss of traditional sources of advertisng as being a major factor for local dailies.  He points to the merger of retail chains as being a loss, as fewer stores meant fewer ads.  In addition, the creation of Craigslist meant that a regular, and profitable revenue stream was gone.

"They lost unbelieveable amounts of revenue that they used to get from classified advertising," Pritchard said.   "At one point it was almost 40% of overall revenue for some newspapers.  They also have a problem because they never charged enough for the actual print edition.  As a result they never had enough revenue from circulation.  They should have started raising prices years ago."

Pritchard sees the result of web-based news sources, and the resulting loss of revenue as a tsunami that has touched virtually every newspaper in the country.

"Everybody is suffering to some degree.  It's hard to find a newspaper in this country that isn't smaller than it was ten years ago," Pritchard said.

Pritchard is quite certain that the hunger for information will not disappear.  He thinks we will be less likely to get that information from a general interest source like a daily newspaper, and instead find it in a variety of sources, some which will be linked to our partisan leanings.

"We could be heading for a future where there are a multitude of electronic sources, very little print on paper situations and people will get their news from all kinds of electronic distribution sources, and all kinds of views," Pritchard said.

To hear more of Peter Pritchard's thoughts on the demise of the newspaper, attend Party With A Purpose at the Wadsworth Mansion Tuesday, and listen to Eye on the Air, WESU-FM, Friday.

Free Taxes for Incomes Under $50K

Income under $50,000? SAVE $$$

Get your taxes done FREE!

Where: Downtown Middletown

When:  Jan 21 - April 10

                       Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5 – 8 pm

             Saturdays, 10 am - 3 pm

        * IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers.

* Quick refunds to bank account or special debit card.

* File even if you don’t owe taxes: you may qualify for

   money from the government (EITC or other).

Call 211

for the appointment you need

Sponsored by the Middlesex VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Coalition

Partners include Middlesex United Way and Middlesex Coalition for Children

What to bring to your tax appointment

·      Valid picture ID

·      Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer ID Numbers (ITIN) for you, your spouse and any dependents living with you born before Dec. 31, 2009

·      Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents

·      Income documentation including W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, etc. from all employers

·      Interest and dividend statements from banks or other financial institutions (Forms 1099)

·      Total paid for child care, if any. Bring the child care provider’s name, address and tax ID or Social Security number

·      Last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available

·      Current year’s tax package, if you received one

·      Education expenses and student loan information, if any.

·      Documentation of property tax payments (home, auto)

·      If you wish to itemize deductions you also need to bring a list of your medical, interest, charitable donations, miscellaneous expenses and a list of the taxes you paid.

·      If you took advantage of any of the special tax credits related to the Economic Recovery Act (first-time home buyer, purchase of a new car after Feb. 16, energy improvements, etc.), please bring all related documents (price paid, receipts, taxes, etc.)

·      If you run a small private business (day care, handyman, etc), documentation of income and expenses

·      If you are married filing jointly, bring your spouse!

PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING EVERYTHING!

Middlesex United Way 75th Anniversary

From the Middlesex United Way


WHAT:  Middlesex United Way 75^th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting

WHERE: The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, 55 Bridge Road, Haddam

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 26; breakfast, 8 a.m.; program, 8:30 a.m.

Middlesex United Way will launch its 75^th anniversary year Tuesday at its 2010 annual meeting. Middlesex United Way began as Middletown Community Chest on Feb. 6, 1935, morphed into the War Chest during times of war, later became the United Fund and finally became United Way.

Community Chests were established to answer a growing frustration of competing appeals for funds, demands for volunteer time, and the fragmentation of human services, a mission United Ways continue to carry on today. The original headquarters of Middletown Community Chest were located at Middletown Savings Bank, which is now Liberty Bank, and the first fundraising campaign raised nearly $52,000 for twelve original member agencies. Middletown Community Chest’s original member agencies, some of which remain Middlesex United Way partners today, will be honored Tuesday. They include: St. Luke’s Home, now known as St. Luke’s Eldercare Solutions; The Boys Scouts and the Girl Scouts; the YMCA; Middlesex Hospital; and The Salvation Army.

Middlesex United Way’s prestigious Community Service Award will be presented to former Middlesex United Way Executive Director Patti Anne Vassia of Haddam for more than 40 years of volunteer service to Middlesex County.  A longtime Middlesex United Way volunteer, Vassia is also a founder of the Middlesex County Community Foundation and served as the first female president of both YMCA of Connecticut and YMCA Camp Hazen in Chester.

About Middlesex United Way Today

Middlesex United Way is a locally based organization dedicated to strengthening lives, helping people and improving community conditions in Middlesex County. United Way is advancing the common good and is creating real, lasting change by focusing on the building blocks for a good life – education, income, health, and housing. United Way also funds a Volunteer Center, to support the volunteer needs of the community, and 2-1-1, a 24-hour, toll-free information and referral helpline.

Middlesex United Way serves the towns of Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

Why Be Involved? My First 2 Years on a City Commission

I am not an ambitious person, and I am not particularly interested in politics or government service. But, I am a person who cares deeply about the place where I live and work, and so when I was asked to consider joining Middletown's Conservation Commission I took on the challenge with little hesitation. It is not a very large commitment at just one meeting per month. The Conservation Commission is an advisory board that is enabled by state statute to research land use issues and to provide opinions to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency and the Common Council . Sitting on this Commission also provides the opportunity to assist the City with acquiring and preserving land as open space. I just completed the second year of my appointment, which means I have attended approximately 20 or so meetings. As the newest member of the Commission, it has taken some time to get accustomed to the pace and the manner in which things get accomplished. But in just two short years, I have been a participant in what has resulted in small and large victories alike. In addition to an impressive amount of land that we have successfully preserved, we have had small victories too like drawing over a dozen out of town hiking enthusiasts to our spring hiking event last year, and providing a voice during the revision process for the City's Plan of Conservation and Development.

Below are my thoughts on some basic questions that may arise in the mind of anyone who is curious about what it is like to sit on the Commission.

Is the work difficult? No, it is not. Mostly it requires a willingness to show up and to listen. Particpation in discussion is, of course, encouraged.

Is it frustrating? At times yes it can be. Despite this, there are obvious rewards. Most notably, working towards a common goal with a group of like-minded peers is one great feeling.

For me, what has been most rewarding about sitting on the Commission is getting to know all of the wonderful people that have thanklessly given their time and efforts towards conservation.

First, in memory of James Fortuna, who was a fixture of the commission, and a member for many years. His dedication to Middletown was always obvious. He was an exemplar of giving and public service who will be greatly missed.

Katchen Coley is a walking history book whose knowledge and list of contacts have no bounds. Her passionate advocacy and action on behalf of the environment have taken her from the State House in Hartford to Washington, D.C and beyond. Her energy has inspired many.

Jane Brawerman is unwavering in her convictions and her dedication to the work of the Commission.

Eric Mosher has spent countless hours donating his mapping and drafting skills to improve on and contribute to the production of our maps and trail guides.

Kate Miller has a powerful academic mind and is always able to thoroughly analyze every issue from simple to complex, and then articulately and eloquently present her thoughts to the Commission.

Michael Ennis is a character. His comedic one-liners aside, it is clear that he cares deeply about the environmental health of Middletown and has worked tirelessly for open space preservation.

Sheila Stoane is, well, no pun intended, a rock. The fearless leader of the Commission, we wish her speedy recovery and want to see her back at the next meeting. Her wisdom and strength keep the meetings in check without compromising her natural warmth.

Nancy Newman is a dynamo. Nancy is always very clear, concise and helpful. Her knowledge of every road and street, parcel of land, and nook and cranny throughout Middletown is impressive and essential to the Commission.

David O'Brien and Howard Reid are dependable and pensive people whose presence is much appreciated.

Stephen Ladd is an engineer with technical knowledge who has been an active and loyal member for many years.

Ellen Lukens is a hardworking member known for her thoughtfulness and diplomacy. She has dedicated much of her time to evaluating and securing new properties as well as successfully advocating for funding and state and federal grant money applications. Ellen was instrumental in Middletown's being selected to host the 2007 BioBlitz project.

In the Conservation Commission, nobody expects to receive attention or aspires to climb into politics. We are all there for one reason and that is because we believe in the process and the protection of our community for future generations. It's easy to have an opinion; almost everybody does. What takes it to the next level is turning an opinion into concrete actions. Service on local Commissions is one way to achieve this. To learn more about opportunities to serve, please visit the website of the Department of Planning, Conservation, and Development and click on “contact” in the lower left: http://www.middletownplanning.com/. You may also contact Matt Dodge via email at matt.dodge@cityofmiddletown.com or by telephone at (860) 344-3425

Conservation Commission (abbreviated) Meeting Notes 01/14/2010

The Conservation Commission meets on the second Thursday of every month. The January meeting was held on 1/14.

A member of the public, Janet Brooks, addressed the Commission regarding the New England National Scenic Trail project. The project has representatives from many towns along the Trail and is seeking more representatives for committees. An upcoming meeting is scheduled in March to inform municipal planners. The project website is www.newenglandnst.org and it is explained there that the National Scenic Trail is a 220-mile trail route that has been in existence for over half a century and was designated on March 30, 2009 as part of Public Law as a National Scenic Trail. The designation enables trail management and maintenance. Other organizations involved include the CT Forest and Parks Association, Appalachian Mountain Club, and the National Park Service. The trail begins (or ends, depending on perspective) right here in Middletown. The Commission agreed that this presents many potential positive opportunities for the City and that Middletown should have representation. Representatives must be appointed by the Mayor and a request to that end has since been communicated.

Catherine Johnson also visited the Commission to discuss the schedule for updates to the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and to determine a single point of contact from the Conservation Commission for streamlined dissemination of information. Ms. Johnson also graciously volunteered her mapping and drafting skills and time for collaborating with Commission member Eric Mosher who has been hard at work on updating Middletown's Trail Guide.

At this month's meeting I did not take the detailed notes that I normally do, but the minutes are available as always online at www.middletownplanning.com. I have also drafted a short essay about my first two years of service on the Conservation Commission which you can read in the next article up: Why Be Involved?

Robbins-Pianka Premieres at Sundance

Orson Robins-Pianka, a Middletown native, and graduate of Wesleyan University will be in the Yarrow Hotel Theater, in Park City Utah when the film he helped produce, and for which he was the director of photography debuts Friday night.

The film, Armless, a dark, dark comedy about a man with Bodily Integrity Identity Disorder, an actual psychological disorder in which the victim desires to have a limb amputated unnecessarily, was directed by Habib Azar.  The screeplay is written by Kyle Jarrow who has written an award-winning play by the same title.  The film is being featured in a new segment of the renowned festival called NEXT, which includes eight low or no-budget films selected for their innovative and original work.

Here's what Azar said about his collaboration with Robbins-Pianka in an interview for ION Cinema:

Can you discuss the collaborative process you had with your DP Orson Robbins-Pianka?
H.A: Orson was one of the only people on the crew who understood me and how I wanted to work. Like Sarah, Orson and I have worked together on every single project I’ve done since school. He was a great middleman between me and the crew, mediating my, ‘just hang a fucking light and let’s go!’ aesthetic with everyone else’s, ‘we need 2 hours to make this 15 second shot work.’ Knowing that he understood the value I put on story and character let me relax and listen to him when he told me that it was important to spend 2 hours figuring out the exact type of ND to put in each of the seven windows so the character looked good walking down the hallway for those 10 seconds of the movie. And he was always right.

Robbins-Pianka's entire family, including his mother, Barrie Robbins-Pianka, and his father, Martin Robbins-Pianka, flew out to Utah for the premiere.