Saturday, September 08, 2007
World War II
This weekend, leading up to the Ken Burns day on Monday, there is a WWII encampment on the Green. I stopped by briefly this afternoon to check it out.
Garage Spider
I don't know what kind of spider this is, but she's sort of pretty. Every day she spins a web in the corner of the garage entryway. I have to remember to duck, but so long as the spider stays in the corner, she can stay in my garage.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
The Unexpected
This praying mantis was hanging out on the side of the Palace Theater at 1pm today. I'm not sure I've ever actually seen one "in the wild" before. I definitely would not have expected to see one downtown. A quick Google shows that this is the State Insect for Connecticut, so I guess there must be more of them in town.
Monday, August 27, 2007
WWII Exhibit
The Mattatuck Museum's exhibit about Waterbury and World War II opens this week with a reception on Thursday, 5:30-7:30. So far (installation is still in progress) it's looking like a good exhibit. Yes, I am biased... but so far the comments I've overheard from museum visitors have been great!
The exhibit, of course, ties in with the Ken Burns documentary. Burns will be in town on September 10th. Full information about the exhibit and related programs at the museum are online at the museum's website.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Getting a Facelift
The Soldiers' Monument on West Main Street at the Green got a makeover today. I don't know if you can tell from the crummy cameraphone photo above, but the bronze has deteriorated over the years, not just turning green but also corroding a bit. But now, just in time for the Ken Burns visit, it's being restored.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Train Travel Time
Update 2/1/2008: This seems to be my most consistently popular blog posts, if only because it's so darn hard to google for the train schedule! For the current train schedule, visit the MTA website.
Here's a little bit of history from the Waterbury American in 1941:
Today the train to NYC takes 2.5 hours, give or take ten minutes depending on which one you catch. In 1941, you still had to transfer in Bridgeport, so why did the trip take half an hour less sixty years ago? Did the trains run faster then? If so, that's certainly not what would have expected.
Also, for whatever reason, I've assumed that the train schedule was better in the past (that mythic era!). But in 1941, there were still only 8 trains a day from Waterbury to New York.
Maybe there were more trains in 1900. Or maybe it's only in this era that people like me want later trains from the city (as I've moaned about before, the last train back to Waterbury leaves Grand Central at 9:07pm -- so if I want to do anything in New York in the evening, I have to stay there overnight or drive part of the way -- and driving defeats the point of taking the train).
Here's a little bit of history from the Waterbury American in 1941:
Today the train to NYC takes 2.5 hours, give or take ten minutes depending on which one you catch. In 1941, you still had to transfer in Bridgeport, so why did the trip take half an hour less sixty years ago? Did the trains run faster then? If so, that's certainly not what would have expected.
Also, for whatever reason, I've assumed that the train schedule was better in the past (that mythic era!). But in 1941, there were still only 8 trains a day from Waterbury to New York.
Maybe there were more trains in 1900. Or maybe it's only in this era that people like me want later trains from the city (as I've moaned about before, the last train back to Waterbury leaves Grand Central at 9:07pm -- so if I want to do anything in New York in the evening, I have to stay there overnight or drive part of the way -- and driving defeats the point of taking the train).
Monday, August 06, 2007
Brass City Brew Fest
The Second Annual Brew Fest will be Saturday, September 15, 1-5pm.
This was a great event last year, except for the icy weather. It's being held about a month earlier this time, so we won't all be huddling in the sun for warmth.
Full info on the event website: www.brasscitybrewfest.com
Click here to go to my blog post (with pictures) from last year.
This was a great event last year, except for the icy weather. It's being held about a month earlier this time, so we won't all be huddling in the sun for warmth.
Full info on the event website: www.brasscitybrewfest.com
Click here to go to my blog post (with pictures) from last year.
Monday, July 30, 2007
City Services
I tried calling the Water Department this morning to find out why I've been billed for service from before I bought my house. The woman who answered the phone did a terrible job of explaining my bill to me. She kept quoting numbers that didn't match the numbers on my bill, and she couldn't clearly explain if I was being charged an estimated amount or an exact amount. She did explain that when I bought the house, I bought the water bill (although the seller made a payment to them at closing which was supposed to cover the expenses). I tried calling my attorney, but he couldn't figure out much either.
My house does have a remote water meter sensor attached to the front porch. In theory, the water bill is an accurate reflection of the water usage. The numbers on the meter inside, however, are a lot higher the numbers on the bill. This caused me to panic, because it seemed to suggest I might end up owing hundred of dollars for water used before I bought the house.
Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for one of the city-issued blue trash receptacles. My house used to have one, every other house on the street has one, but mine is gone. The orange recycling bin is also gone, but the refuse department was able to get me a new one immediately. For the blue trash bin, the best they could do was put me on "a list." This was several weeks ago. Not having a trash bin means I have to store the trash in the basement and bring it out in time for pickup on Monday mornings. Home Depot has bins that look compatible with Waterbury's trucks. Maybe tomorrow I'll call the refuse department again, ask how long of a wait there is for the blue bins, then ask if the HD bins will work. It's probably too much to hope that I could get a refund on my taxes for buying my own bin, but storing my trash in the basement isn't a lot of fun.
The phone line isn't a city service, but this seems like a good place to mention that it isn't working. The phone thinks it's in use and has been since sometime last night. AT&T says they'll send a repairman on Wednesday between 8am and 5pm (I don't have to be here). The problem seems odd to me, since anyone calling me will get a busy signal, even though I have call waiting. Tech mysteries.
My house does have a remote water meter sensor attached to the front porch. In theory, the water bill is an accurate reflection of the water usage. The numbers on the meter inside, however, are a lot higher the numbers on the bill. This caused me to panic, because it seemed to suggest I might end up owing hundred of dollars for water used before I bought the house.
Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for one of the city-issued blue trash receptacles. My house used to have one, every other house on the street has one, but mine is gone. The orange recycling bin is also gone, but the refuse department was able to get me a new one immediately. For the blue trash bin, the best they could do was put me on "a list." This was several weeks ago. Not having a trash bin means I have to store the trash in the basement and bring it out in time for pickup on Monday mornings. Home Depot has bins that look compatible with Waterbury's trucks. Maybe tomorrow I'll call the refuse department again, ask how long of a wait there is for the blue bins, then ask if the HD bins will work. It's probably too much to hope that I could get a refund on my taxes for buying my own bin, but storing my trash in the basement isn't a lot of fun.
The phone line isn't a city service, but this seems like a good place to mention that it isn't working. The phone thinks it's in use and has been since sometime last night. AT&T says they'll send a repairman on Wednesday between 8am and 5pm (I don't have to be here). The problem seems odd to me, since anyone calling me will get a busy signal, even though I have call waiting. Tech mysteries.
Back to School
Summer's almost over. Judging by the weather, I'd say that summer is in full swing with no end in sight, but a shopping trip last week for new sandals taught me otherwise. I had a hard time finding new sandals, because the stores are almost completely sold out. I strolled past swimsuits to see if maybe there was something better than what I currently have, but all that is left are the dregs, and even they are being crowded out by winter coats. Forget trying to by a new summer dress. There aren't any in sight. Just endless miles of back-to-school clothes. Worst of all are the stores that decide to do a Christmas in July sale. I'm thinking about visits to the beach, and the stores are trying to get me to buy Christmas ornaments.
I'm sure the seasonal changeover is a system that works for the merchants, but I can't help wishing that I could buy my clothes when I need them.
I'm sure the seasonal changeover is a system that works for the merchants, but I can't help wishing that I could buy my clothes when I need them.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Lucky Pennies
As I've been fixing up each room of my new house, I've noticed that each room, closet and hallway has a dusty old penny lying face up. In most rooms the penny is on the floor near the baseboard and would have been under the wall-to-wall carpeting the previous owner installed. There's also a penny on the molding over the front door.
I did some googling and learned that this is possibly a Catholic tradition. I found postings from people saying that this was something their Irish Catholic or Italian grandmother taught them. The basic idea (there were many variations) seems to be that you should leave a penny in each room to bring good luck for the next person to live there. Which is really very nice, doing something to bring good fortune to a stranger.
I wonder how long this has existed, and why pennies? Once, on a tour in Bath, England, I learned that the ancient Romans may have started the wishing well tradition--in their case making an offering to the gods by tossing coins into a well. What, then, is the origin of pennies in each room bringing good luck?
I think there must be a lot of superstitious things for the home. Crickets on the hearth, horseshoes over the doors, pennies in every room.
There is a store at the Brass Mill mall that sells mostly Chinese goods. I strolled through there a few weeks after buying my house and bought a bundle of white sage, because it had a label stating that burning the sage would dispel negative energy. It seemed a little bit like having a priest bless your new home. If nothing else, it smelled very nice.
My thanks to whomever it was who left the pennies. When it comes to luck, every little bit helps!
I did some googling and learned that this is possibly a Catholic tradition. I found postings from people saying that this was something their Irish Catholic or Italian grandmother taught them. The basic idea (there were many variations) seems to be that you should leave a penny in each room to bring good luck for the next person to live there. Which is really very nice, doing something to bring good fortune to a stranger.
I wonder how long this has existed, and why pennies? Once, on a tour in Bath, England, I learned that the ancient Romans may have started the wishing well tradition--in their case making an offering to the gods by tossing coins into a well. What, then, is the origin of pennies in each room bringing good luck?
I think there must be a lot of superstitious things for the home. Crickets on the hearth, horseshoes over the doors, pennies in every room.
There is a store at the Brass Mill mall that sells mostly Chinese goods. I strolled through there a few weeks after buying my house and bought a bundle of white sage, because it had a label stating that burning the sage would dispel negative energy. It seemed a little bit like having a priest bless your new home. If nothing else, it smelled very nice.
My thanks to whomever it was who left the pennies. When it comes to luck, every little bit helps!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Tabitha Again
The woman who has been using my phone number for her credit scams is still at it. Wachovia called me today with an important message for Tabitha. Her name nowadays is Tabitha Hollister. It really amazes me that she's been able to keep this going for five years (at least). She applies for credit using other peoples' phone numbers and a PO Boxes in nearby towns. Collection agencies have tried hunting her down, apparently without success. She's changed her name only a few times, but sticks with similar-sounding names.
I guess what amazes me now is the length of time she's able to use the name Tabitha Hollister with my phone number. Given the pervasiveness of computers, I would think that creditors share information, but I guess they don't.
When I recently purchased a washing machine at Sears, I was able to see the names and addresses their computer associates with my phone number. There were two other people from years gone by, but neither was Ms. Tabby.
I guess what amazes me now is the length of time she's able to use the name Tabitha Hollister with my phone number. Given the pervasiveness of computers, I would think that creditors share information, but I guess they don't.
When I recently purchased a washing machine at Sears, I was able to see the names and addresses their computer associates with my phone number. There were two other people from years gone by, but neither was Ms. Tabby.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Fear Factor Home Edition
When I bought my house a month ago, the garage was locked and the seller had lost the key. Today I finally worked up the courage to go in through the broken-out, boarded up window (and successfully unlocked the door). Half the window board had fallen on the ground sometime last year (I'm guessing), and when I lifted it up while cleaning the yard, I got a good look at the creepy crawlies living in my yard. I had seen the same creepy crawlies weeks earlier in the back yard. I've wimped out and swiped photos from websites instead of taking my own photos (I might remedy this in the future).
The first photo (swiped from the state DEP wildlife website) is of the one non-creepy crawly. Northern Redback salamanders. They're really kind of cute. They have a funny side-to-side way of running. Sort of a mix between running and slithering. I saw them when I picked up a tarp in the back yard.
The woodlouse (below) is the least creepy of the creepys. They are living under every rock, board and log. When I pulled off the last remaining board from the metal window frame I had to crawl through, there were woodlice (and cobwebs) which had to be brushed away.
Woodlice are the cattle of the bug world. They huddle together in large numbers and get picked off by extremely creepy crawly predators. Which is why climbing through a window possibly hiding the creepy crawly predators made me think of Fear Factor.
Here's a Dysdera crocata (woodlouse spider) doing the predator thing:
I couldn't find a single photo of the woodlouse spider that really captured the full extent of its creepiness. The above photo gives you a good sense of its color--bright red legs and head, shiny beige body. The below photo gives a better sense of the view I get of them, although the brown body is typically fatter, almost ready to explode, like a tick that's completely engorged. So nasty. Some people are allergic to its venom, although supposedly it rarely bites.
I couldn't find a photo of the creepiest crawly, so I used this photo (below) of a centipede found in Hawaii. The centipedes in my yard are bright red and just plain mean looking. They make this Hawaiian centipede look tame.
So there you have it. Waterbury's creepy crawlies, some of which can cause a fair amount of pain when they bite. All yard work will be done with gloves, heavy shoes and thick socks!
The first photo (swiped from the state DEP wildlife website) is of the one non-creepy crawly. Northern Redback salamanders. They're really kind of cute. They have a funny side-to-side way of running. Sort of a mix between running and slithering. I saw them when I picked up a tarp in the back yard.
The woodlouse (below) is the least creepy of the creepys. They are living under every rock, board and log. When I pulled off the last remaining board from the metal window frame I had to crawl through, there were woodlice (and cobwebs) which had to be brushed away.
Woodlice are the cattle of the bug world. They huddle together in large numbers and get picked off by extremely creepy crawly predators. Which is why climbing through a window possibly hiding the creepy crawly predators made me think of Fear Factor.
Here's a Dysdera crocata (woodlouse spider) doing the predator thing:
I couldn't find a single photo of the woodlouse spider that really captured the full extent of its creepiness. The above photo gives you a good sense of its color--bright red legs and head, shiny beige body. The below photo gives a better sense of the view I get of them, although the brown body is typically fatter, almost ready to explode, like a tick that's completely engorged. So nasty. Some people are allergic to its venom, although supposedly it rarely bites.
I couldn't find a photo of the creepiest crawly, so I used this photo (below) of a centipede found in Hawaii. The centipedes in my yard are bright red and just plain mean looking. They make this Hawaiian centipede look tame.
So there you have it. Waterbury's creepy crawlies, some of which can cause a fair amount of pain when they bite. All yard work will be done with gloves, heavy shoes and thick socks!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Farmer's Market on the Green
The Farmer's Market on the Waterbury Green, an event organized by Main Street Waterbury volunteers, returned today. It's held every Thursday, 11am to 3pm, until mid-October.
A new feature this year - a different chef each week will grill up recipes using ingredients for sale that day at the market. This week was Rich Yost from Bay Leaf Gourmet.
Olive oils. Sadly, the organic bread maker didn't show this week. The fresh fish vendor was sick, so he didn't show either. Next time.
The live green pepper and eggplant. You never know what path volunteering will lead you down....
Joe Geary, representing the City, with Main Street Waterbury's Carl Rosa hiding behind him, and the Market Maestro, Marianne Vandenburg, to his left.
After the speeches, Market-goers got to enjoy the music of Carnegie Clapp.
A new feature this year - a different chef each week will grill up recipes using ingredients for sale that day at the market. This week was Rich Yost from Bay Leaf Gourmet.
Olive oils. Sadly, the organic bread maker didn't show this week. The fresh fish vendor was sick, so he didn't show either. Next time.
The live green pepper and eggplant. You never know what path volunteering will lead you down....
Joe Geary, representing the City, with Main Street Waterbury's Carl Rosa hiding behind him, and the Market Maestro, Marianne Vandenburg, to his left.
After the speeches, Market-goers got to enjoy the music of Carnegie Clapp.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Shaw's
One of the big news items this weekend was the announcement that Shaw's will be closing. Shaw's is an extremely conveniently-located and always-busy grocery store. The corporation claims that the store is "under performing," whatever that's supposed to mean.
Today while I was at Shaw's, the PA system ran a commercial that started by criticizing the way other supermarkets have been closing their fish departments, then cheerily assured shoppers that Shaw's will never close their fish department. Ha-ha! Very funny.
I haven't heard anything about what will replace Shaw's. Certainly I hope for another grocery store. I kind of hope we can get a Whole Foods store, even though they don't carry some of my staple foods--but they do have so many other good things you can't find anywhere else, and it would be a lot more convenient than driving to West Hartford.
Today while I was at Shaw's, the PA system ran a commercial that started by criticizing the way other supermarkets have been closing their fish departments, then cheerily assured shoppers that Shaw's will never close their fish department. Ha-ha! Very funny.
I haven't heard anything about what will replace Shaw's. Certainly I hope for another grocery store. I kind of hope we can get a Whole Foods store, even though they don't carry some of my staple foods--but they do have so many other good things you can't find anywhere else, and it would be a lot more convenient than driving to West Hartford.
Home Depot en Espanol
The other day the self-checkout machines at Home Depot had a glitch that defaulted their spoken language to Spanish, even if you selected English. The woman monitoring that section immediately came over and overrode the machine for me, apologizing for the inconvenience. I really didn't mind at all. I can cope with a register in Espanol--numbers are numbers.
Just as I was finishing my transaction, a man (white) started using the register next to mine and became furious when the machine started speaking Spanish to him. He absolutely could not cope with it. Nearly 25% of this city are native speakers of Spanish, 40% in the downtown area (where Home Depot is located), and this man freaks out when the register speaks Spanish.
Maybe he's from the suburbs.
Just as I was finishing my transaction, a man (white) started using the register next to mine and became furious when the machine started speaking Spanish to him. He absolutely could not cope with it. Nearly 25% of this city are native speakers of Spanish, 40% in the downtown area (where Home Depot is located), and this man freaks out when the register speaks Spanish.
Maybe he's from the suburbs.
Friday, June 22, 2007
My New Neighborhood
One week ago, I moved into my first home (very exciting!). It's one of the historic Scovill Row homes, built during World War I to help ease the housing crisis of 1916. It needs a lot of cosmetic work, but it's a great house.
Several people I know have responded very poorly to the idea that I would move to this neighborhood (in the North End, off Walnut and Oak Streets, just below Long Hill). They've insisted that this is a bad, dangerous neighborhood. So far (thankfully), I have no idea why they think that. Yes, there are several large apartment buildings that have been abandoned for years. Yes, at some point in time a previous occupant of my house added bars to the first floor windows and fortified the back doors.
The people who live in this neighborhood appear to all be elderly or families with young children. In the afternoon and evening, there are dozens of children running around the neighborhood. The only dogs I've seen are small--a beagle and little yap-yap dogs (last I checked, the bad neighborhoods have lots of Rottweilers and pit bulls, and I haven't seen or heard any sign of them here). There are maybe three cats who saunter down the sidewalk like they own it. I saw a possum one night and fireflies another night.
I haven't heard any noise after 11:30pm or before 8:30am. I haven't seen any prostitutes or johns, drug dealers or junkies.
Within 24 hours of moving in, I was welcomed to the neighborhood by a very gracious lady who lives across the street. Everyone else I've encountered has been friendly.
To all of you who think this is a bad neighborhood, think again. It might be a little run down in parts, but it seems like a pretty good neighborhood to me!
Several people I know have responded very poorly to the idea that I would move to this neighborhood (in the North End, off Walnut and Oak Streets, just below Long Hill). They've insisted that this is a bad, dangerous neighborhood. So far (thankfully), I have no idea why they think that. Yes, there are several large apartment buildings that have been abandoned for years. Yes, at some point in time a previous occupant of my house added bars to the first floor windows and fortified the back doors.
The people who live in this neighborhood appear to all be elderly or families with young children. In the afternoon and evening, there are dozens of children running around the neighborhood. The only dogs I've seen are small--a beagle and little yap-yap dogs (last I checked, the bad neighborhoods have lots of Rottweilers and pit bulls, and I haven't seen or heard any sign of them here). There are maybe three cats who saunter down the sidewalk like they own it. I saw a possum one night and fireflies another night.
I haven't heard any noise after 11:30pm or before 8:30am. I haven't seen any prostitutes or johns, drug dealers or junkies.
Within 24 hours of moving in, I was welcomed to the neighborhood by a very gracious lady who lives across the street. Everyone else I've encountered has been friendly.
To all of you who think this is a bad neighborhood, think again. It might be a little run down in parts, but it seems like a pretty good neighborhood to me!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Downtown Tag Sale
Saturday, June 16, 9am-1pm
I think they are expecting 65+ vendors, who will set up tables, etc. on Bank Street, South Main Street and Exchange Place. Lots of crafters, some jewelry makers, and, of course, an assortment of old stuff!
I think they are expecting 65+ vendors, who will set up tables, etc. on Bank Street, South Main Street and Exchange Place. Lots of crafters, some jewelry makers, and, of course, an assortment of old stuff!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
First Thursday at Mattatuck Museum
I took a short break from work this evening to enjoy First Thursday at the Mattatuck Museum. Tonight it was held in the courtyard--beautiful weather, beautiful art, beautiful music!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Rotella Magnet School
Belated congratulations to Rotella Interdistrict Magnet School, recent recipient of the Ronald Simpson Deserved Merit Award, the highest honor given to magnet schools in the country.
Waterbury's magnet schools seem to be really great all around, and definitely seem to be better than regular schools. It's great that we have one of the best schools in the country. Maybe someday all of Waterbury's schoolchildren will be able to attend schools of that caliber.
Waterbury's magnet schools seem to be really great all around, and definitely seem to be better than regular schools. It's great that we have one of the best schools in the country. Maybe someday all of Waterbury's schoolchildren will be able to attend schools of that caliber.
Victory for City Hall
After long months of wrangling, the Board of Aldermen finally voted to move forward with the Option 4 renovation of our Cass Gilbert-designed City Hall building. Hooray! Option 4 calls for the complete restoration of the building--I can't wait to see how beautiful it will look when the project is completed!
I've been a little irritated that DePillo refused to allow Option 5 to pass, since it would have saved taxpayers millions of dollars over the next several years.
Option 5 would have funded the construction of a new fire house, allowing the current one to be renovated for office space. This would have allowed to city to move out of rented office space, and allowed for the consolidation of the Education Department in the Chase Building, which would then allow the city to get grant funding for the renovation/restoration of that structure.
I'm sure DePillo will yammer on about how he saved taxpayer's money by threatening to block Option 5 with a referendum, but as far as I'm concerned, he has cost us money. Eventually, the city will have to find some other way to stop renting office space, so I won't get too riled up about it.
Ultimately, I think all of Waterbury should be proud of what has been accomplished. The Town Hall building in Watertown has been languishing under scaffolding for years. Other towns and cities in the state have also been unable to move forward with the renovation of their main buildings. But here in Waterbury, we're going to get the project done.
I've been a little irritated that DePillo refused to allow Option 5 to pass, since it would have saved taxpayers millions of dollars over the next several years.
Option 5 would have funded the construction of a new fire house, allowing the current one to be renovated for office space. This would have allowed to city to move out of rented office space, and allowed for the consolidation of the Education Department in the Chase Building, which would then allow the city to get grant funding for the renovation/restoration of that structure.
I'm sure DePillo will yammer on about how he saved taxpayer's money by threatening to block Option 5 with a referendum, but as far as I'm concerned, he has cost us money. Eventually, the city will have to find some other way to stop renting office space, so I won't get too riled up about it.
Ultimately, I think all of Waterbury should be proud of what has been accomplished. The Town Hall building in Watertown has been languishing under scaffolding for years. Other towns and cities in the state have also been unable to move forward with the renovation of their main buildings. But here in Waterbury, we're going to get the project done.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Palace Block Fest
Summer Launch '07 -- Sunday, June 3rd, 12-6pm
Music, Food & Brew on East Main Street
www.summerlaunch.com
Six hours of music in the afternoon, Blues Traveler in the evening at the Palace Theater.
Music, Food & Brew on East Main Street
www.summerlaunch.com
Six hours of music in the afternoon, Blues Traveler in the evening at the Palace Theater.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Main Street Waterbury Earns National Recognition
Main Street Waterbury Website
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Connecticut Main Street Center
Press Release
Waterbury & Winsted Named National Main Street Communities
(Hartford, CT - May 8, 2007) Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) announced that Waterbury and Winsted have been named 2007 National Main Street Communities by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Center. Friends of Main Street, Winsted and Main Street Waterbury, both nonprofit organizations, have been recognized for outstanding accomplishments toward the goal of revitalizing their historic downtowns.
National Main Street Program Accreditation is a partnership between Connecticut Main Street Center and the National Trust's Main Street Center to establish standards of performance for local Main Street programs and provides accreditation to those that meet the standards. The National Accreditation designation process evaluates established commercial district revitalization programs according to 10 performance standards. These standards provide benchmarks and guidelines on how Main Street organizations should be functioning and serve as incentives for improvement.
Connecticut Main Street Center
Connecticut Main Street Center, a statewide nonprofit corporation funded by The Connecticut Light and Power Company and the State of Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development, is dedicated to economic and community development within the context of historic preservation. CMSC is committed to bringing Connecticut's commercial districts back to life socially and economically by providing education and training, resources and technical assistance, and advocacy.
Since the Connecticut Main Street program began in 1995, participating communities have generated over $487 million in public and private reinvestment in their downtowns. Over the same time, 340 net new businesses have opened and 1,886 net new jobs have been created. For every $1 spent on a local Main Street program, $65.93 has been reinvested in Connecticut Main Street downtowns, making the Main Street initiative one of the most successful economic development programs in the country.
Website: http://www.ctmainstreet.org
Connecticut Main Street Center
Kimberley Parsons-Whitaker
Associate Director
email: kim@ctmainstreet.org
phone: 860-280-2556
May is National Preservation Month!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Connecticut Main Street Center
Press Release
Waterbury & Winsted Named National Main Street Communities
(Hartford, CT - May 8, 2007) Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) announced that Waterbury and Winsted have been named 2007 National Main Street Communities by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Center. Friends of Main Street, Winsted and Main Street Waterbury, both nonprofit organizations, have been recognized for outstanding accomplishments toward the goal of revitalizing their historic downtowns.
National Main Street Program Accreditation is a partnership between Connecticut Main Street Center and the National Trust's Main Street Center to establish standards of performance for local Main Street programs and provides accreditation to those that meet the standards. The National Accreditation designation process evaluates established commercial district revitalization programs according to 10 performance standards. These standards provide benchmarks and guidelines on how Main Street organizations should be functioning and serve as incentives for improvement.
Connecticut Main Street Center
Connecticut Main Street Center, a statewide nonprofit corporation funded by The Connecticut Light and Power Company and the State of Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development, is dedicated to economic and community development within the context of historic preservation. CMSC is committed to bringing Connecticut's commercial districts back to life socially and economically by providing education and training, resources and technical assistance, and advocacy.
Since the Connecticut Main Street program began in 1995, participating communities have generated over $487 million in public and private reinvestment in their downtowns. Over the same time, 340 net new businesses have opened and 1,886 net new jobs have been created. For every $1 spent on a local Main Street program, $65.93 has been reinvested in Connecticut Main Street downtowns, making the Main Street initiative one of the most successful economic development programs in the country.
Website: http://www.ctmainstreet.org
Connecticut Main Street Center
Kimberley Parsons-Whitaker
Associate Director
email: kim@ctmainstreet.org
phone: 860-280-2556
May is National Preservation Month!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Springtime Blooms
Waterbury is beautiful this time of year, with flowers and new greens everywhere. Lots of sunshine, blue skies, low humidity and temps in the 70s. For about two weeks now, I've been intending to walk or ride my bicycle through the city to get photographs of some of the more beautiful sites. Unfortunately, it looks like I won't have that kind of free time for another couple of weeks, by which point the flowers will be mostly gone.
Today, in lieu of a good walk/ride, I snapped a few photos from my car while running errands.
A flowering tree alongside the post office. All the cars spoil the view--the white minivan pulled in just before I took the photo, making the shot much less appealing than it was before.
Tulips on Grand Street. I like them, but I really wish they had chosen a different color combination. Red and yellow remind me of McDonald's. McTulips!
More McTulips (although the white tulips do help diminish the McEffect), and many dandelions, in front of the Victory House at Hamilton Park. The Victory House was positioned on the Green during WWII and was used for Bond Rallies; it served a similar purpose during WWI, when it was the Liberty House. I forget which war the cannon is from. If I had been walking instead of driving, I could have looked to see what the signage says.
The Courtyard Marriott does a nice job with their landscaping. A much better job than their neighbor across the street, Webster Bank, does. Webster has good community spirit, but they really need to get a new landscaper.
A gorgeous flowering tree near the Tower Grill on Freight Street.
Today, in lieu of a good walk/ride, I snapped a few photos from my car while running errands.
A flowering tree alongside the post office. All the cars spoil the view--the white minivan pulled in just before I took the photo, making the shot much less appealing than it was before.
Tulips on Grand Street. I like them, but I really wish they had chosen a different color combination. Red and yellow remind me of McDonald's. McTulips!
More McTulips (although the white tulips do help diminish the McEffect), and many dandelions, in front of the Victory House at Hamilton Park. The Victory House was positioned on the Green during WWII and was used for Bond Rallies; it served a similar purpose during WWI, when it was the Liberty House. I forget which war the cannon is from. If I had been walking instead of driving, I could have looked to see what the signage says.
The Courtyard Marriott does a nice job with their landscaping. A much better job than their neighbor across the street, Webster Bank, does. Webster has good community spirit, but they really need to get a new landscaper.
A gorgeous flowering tree near the Tower Grill on Freight Street.
Friday, May 04, 2007
It's About Time!
One of my biggest complaints about Waterbury has been the total lack of enforcement of driving regulations. When driving past Fulton Park, for example, I always keep to the speed limit because there are so many kids crossing the road. But whenever I keep to the speed limit in Waterbury, I end up with a driver behind me who becomes completely enraged and usually decides to pass me illegally and then go racing up the road at twice the speed limit. There also seems to be a tendency for Waterbury drivers to completely ignore stop signs and red lights.
The Waterbury police department has finally decided to crack down on speeders. According to today's paper, police have stopped 950 vehicles, issued 550 tickets and 250 verbal warnings. It also suggests that they are going to start going after the excessively loud cars (when I lived over on Willow Street, there was one car that drove by frequently that had speakers so loud they made everything rattle).
The downside to this police effort is that they will stop on Nov. 1st and then conduct a study to see if there were fewer crashes. Ugh. First off, I'd say most crashes in Waterbury are never reported. Second, in the past few years there have been a couple of rare fatal accidents that might never have happened if the drivers hadn't been speeding. Third, it's not just about crashes. There's a very serious quality of life issue involved. There are a lot of times when I don't feel safe walking in Waterbury, because I'm worried about getting run over by reckless drivers. Heck, I've had drivers yell at me for riding my bicycle on the side of the road, but that's the only legal place for me to ride.
I sincerely hope they decide to keep up the effort permanently.
Also, you can call the police superintendent's office at (203) 574-6906 to request traffic enforcement in your neighborhood.
The Waterbury police department has finally decided to crack down on speeders. According to today's paper, police have stopped 950 vehicles, issued 550 tickets and 250 verbal warnings. It also suggests that they are going to start going after the excessively loud cars (when I lived over on Willow Street, there was one car that drove by frequently that had speakers so loud they made everything rattle).
The downside to this police effort is that they will stop on Nov. 1st and then conduct a study to see if there were fewer crashes. Ugh. First off, I'd say most crashes in Waterbury are never reported. Second, in the past few years there have been a couple of rare fatal accidents that might never have happened if the drivers hadn't been speeding. Third, it's not just about crashes. There's a very serious quality of life issue involved. There are a lot of times when I don't feel safe walking in Waterbury, because I'm worried about getting run over by reckless drivers. Heck, I've had drivers yell at me for riding my bicycle on the side of the road, but that's the only legal place for me to ride.
I sincerely hope they decide to keep up the effort permanently.
Also, you can call the police superintendent's office at (203) 574-6906 to request traffic enforcement in your neighborhood.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Roz Russell
One of Waterbury's native celebrities is Rosalind Russell (1907-1976), who grew up on Willow Street and later went on to star in great movies including His Girl Friday (with Cary Grant) and Auntie Mame. Her last visit to Waterbury, for the premiere of her film The Girl Rush, ended with the catastrophic flood of 1955.
The Silas Bronson Library will be hosting a celebration of her 100th birthday on Monday, June 4 at 7pm. Mayor Jarjura will make a proclamation about "Rosalind Russell Day"; there will be a book talk & signing by Bernard F. Dick, author of recent publication Forever Mame: The Life of Rosalind Russell; and birthday cake.
The Silas Bronson Library will be hosting a celebration of her 100th birthday on Monday, June 4 at 7pm. Mayor Jarjura will make a proclamation about "Rosalind Russell Day"; there will be a book talk & signing by Bernard F. Dick, author of recent publication Forever Mame: The Life of Rosalind Russell; and birthday cake.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Campaign Season
Thanks to voters being afraid to let our city officials stay in office more than two years at a time, we've got another election this fall. Odds are most of our elected officials will be re-elected, which makes me wonder why switching to a four-year system was voted down two years ago.
Tremaglio recently announced that he's running again. He says he doesn't expect to win, but that his running will help save Waterbury's Republican party. What ego! The Republicans already have two viable candidates, D'Amelio and Odle. The party has already squabbled publicly, since some of them want to just throw all their support behind D'Amelio, avoiding any divisiveness with Odle supporters. By presenting himself as a third candidate, Tremaglio will just cause more divisiveness. Not to mention that Tremaglio is kind of sleazy, and possibly racist (two years ago, he was quoted several times as saying that "there is an element on the Green that scares people"--I've been told that "element" is a code word used by Waterbury racists when they would rather use the n-word).
I haven't seen anything about whether or not Larry DePillo will be running again. He had a letter to the editor published in today's paper that sounded a bit like campaigning--praising a police officer for removing rocks from the middle of the road. DePillo seemed to think this was going above and beyond the call of duty. I suspect that removing debris from the roadway in order to prevent an accident is probably required of all police officers.
I had the impression that Karen Mulcahy was going to join DePillo's party and become their candidate, but she has announced that she's running again as Democrat. I don't think she'll do as well this time, although maybe she'll be picking up DePillo's votes. Two years ago, her campaign was based on a specific hot topic. For most of the past two years, she's been invisible in local politics. Her recent appearances have not been inspiring--just speeches designed to scare voters, without any specifics. I supported her last time, but I definitely won't support her this time. She seems bitter and ineffectual.
Vance has decided against running for mayor, but will still run for re-election as alderman. Jarjura will, of course, be running again and will almost certainly win again. Last time he won with 7,900 votes. He should be able to do that again this time (although you never know what might happen between now and November!).
Tremaglio recently announced that he's running again. He says he doesn't expect to win, but that his running will help save Waterbury's Republican party. What ego! The Republicans already have two viable candidates, D'Amelio and Odle. The party has already squabbled publicly, since some of them want to just throw all their support behind D'Amelio, avoiding any divisiveness with Odle supporters. By presenting himself as a third candidate, Tremaglio will just cause more divisiveness. Not to mention that Tremaglio is kind of sleazy, and possibly racist (two years ago, he was quoted several times as saying that "there is an element on the Green that scares people"--I've been told that "element" is a code word used by Waterbury racists when they would rather use the n-word).
I haven't seen anything about whether or not Larry DePillo will be running again. He had a letter to the editor published in today's paper that sounded a bit like campaigning--praising a police officer for removing rocks from the middle of the road. DePillo seemed to think this was going above and beyond the call of duty. I suspect that removing debris from the roadway in order to prevent an accident is probably required of all police officers.
I had the impression that Karen Mulcahy was going to join DePillo's party and become their candidate, but she has announced that she's running again as Democrat. I don't think she'll do as well this time, although maybe she'll be picking up DePillo's votes. Two years ago, her campaign was based on a specific hot topic. For most of the past two years, she's been invisible in local politics. Her recent appearances have not been inspiring--just speeches designed to scare voters, without any specifics. I supported her last time, but I definitely won't support her this time. She seems bitter and ineffectual.
Vance has decided against running for mayor, but will still run for re-election as alderman. Jarjura will, of course, be running again and will almost certainly win again. Last time he won with 7,900 votes. He should be able to do that again this time (although you never know what might happen between now and November!).
Monday, April 23, 2007
It's That Time!
We've had some beautiful weather the past few days. Sunny, in the 70s, and just the right humidity level. Last night stayed warm enough for me to leave the windows open. I love waking up to fresh air.
Today the weather is supposed to go too far--predictions are for 85 degrees overall in the state. Downtown Waterbury might very well get up to 90. I think it's in a sort of basin formed by the surrounding hills, which I guess is what makes it always significantly warmer than the surrounding area.
When this weather pattern started, everyone's mood improved. We went from weeks of cold, dark and rain to warmth and sun. The first few nights sounded like the entire city was celebrating, opening windows, playing music, breaking out the grills and generally having a good time.
After tomorrow, the weather is supposed to go back to normal temps, getting up into only the 60s during the day. But that will still be better than cold, dark and rainy!
Today the weather is supposed to go too far--predictions are for 85 degrees overall in the state. Downtown Waterbury might very well get up to 90. I think it's in a sort of basin formed by the surrounding hills, which I guess is what makes it always significantly warmer than the surrounding area.
When this weather pattern started, everyone's mood improved. We went from weeks of cold, dark and rain to warmth and sun. The first few nights sounded like the entire city was celebrating, opening windows, playing music, breaking out the grills and generally having a good time.
After tomorrow, the weather is supposed to go back to normal temps, getting up into only the 60s during the day. But that will still be better than cold, dark and rainy!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Graffiti & Litter
One of my biggest gripes about Waterbury is the litter and decay. There are a lot of properties that are either abandoned or have absentee landlords and messy tenants. The abandoned properties are the worst. They become dumping grounds almost overnight. I used to live next to two empty lots on Willow Street. The grass and weeds were usually so overgrown you couldn't see most of the trash that was everywhere. The owners of the lots hadn't paid taxes on them in years, and no one could buy the lots, because the back taxes owed were tied up in the TaxServe nightmare.
There are also properties that I assume are city owned--like the Welton Street School--which are just as abandoned and blighted as anything else. And there are untold miles of sidewalk that have deteriorated so much that they are unusable.
Last year there was a rash of graffiti that really angered city officials. It wasn't the content of the graffiti that angered them, it was just the existence of the graffiti. I didn't like the way the city handled the problem. Or, more accurately, I didn't like the way the city thought the graffiti was a bigger problem than the litter and decay.
There was a "litter summit" this past weekend. I'm hoping that the city will finally get their act together, get the city cleaned up, and keep it clean.
When visitors to the city see streets filled with litter and fences that are half falling down and rusted, they automatically assume that they are in a dangerous place. A well-maintained property inspires confidence and a feeling of safety. (Fixing up the City Hall building is tied into this--our shabby looking City Hall reflects the shabbiness of the city as a whole.)
Personally, I like some of the graffiti that's appeared lately (and I can't help but notice that most of the graffiti is showing up on properties that already look like hell). I'd like to see a little more creativity though. We've got two or three dedicated graffiti artists, and I know that there's a thing about leaving your tag, but it would be great if they came up with some new designs.
I've only got a couple examples of the graffiti photographed right now. If I ever get a little free time during the day, I'm going to do a drive through the city and snap some photos. One of my favorites is over near Waterville. It reads (in hot pink) "Peso no homo." Hot pink. There's a story there.
There are also properties that I assume are city owned--like the Welton Street School--which are just as abandoned and blighted as anything else. And there are untold miles of sidewalk that have deteriorated so much that they are unusable.
Last year there was a rash of graffiti that really angered city officials. It wasn't the content of the graffiti that angered them, it was just the existence of the graffiti. I didn't like the way the city handled the problem. Or, more accurately, I didn't like the way the city thought the graffiti was a bigger problem than the litter and decay.
There was a "litter summit" this past weekend. I'm hoping that the city will finally get their act together, get the city cleaned up, and keep it clean.
When visitors to the city see streets filled with litter and fences that are half falling down and rusted, they automatically assume that they are in a dangerous place. A well-maintained property inspires confidence and a feeling of safety. (Fixing up the City Hall building is tied into this--our shabby looking City Hall reflects the shabbiness of the city as a whole.)
Personally, I like some of the graffiti that's appeared lately (and I can't help but notice that most of the graffiti is showing up on properties that already look like hell). I'd like to see a little more creativity though. We've got two or three dedicated graffiti artists, and I know that there's a thing about leaving your tag, but it would be great if they came up with some new designs.
I've only got a couple examples of the graffiti photographed right now. If I ever get a little free time during the day, I'm going to do a drive through the city and snap some photos. One of my favorites is over near Waterville. It reads (in hot pink) "Peso no homo." Hot pink. There's a story there.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Pizza Places
Last week there were a couple of days when I was too busy to make dinner, and I had a craving for a calzone. It's been a while since I last had a calzone, so I forgot what my opinions are about local calzones. There are probably dozens of pizza places in Waterbury (we really don't need any more Italian restaurants!), and I can't claim to have tried them all, but here are my thoughts on the ones I have tried (now that my memory has been refreshed).
Dominick & Pia's (on Spring Street, across from UConn-Waterbury) has the best pizza. Their dough is delicious, their sauce is spectacular, and the pizza box is tied shut with string by a little old Italian lady.
Louie's Pizza (on East Main Street, across from UConn-Waterbury) has good chef salads and good pizza, but while I do like their pizza, it's not particularly memorable.
Zachary's (on East Main Street, across from the WAMS magnet school) has the best Greek salads, but I do not like the dough they use for their pizzas and calzones. It seems too processed, almost waxy or spongy. I do like, however, their cheese mix for the calzones--more mozzarella than ricotta.
The calzones from Rocky's (in Bunker Hill) have really good dough, and they're really large, but they use a little too much ricotta for my tastes.
The absolute best calzones I've ever had were at the Pizza Cafe (on West Main Street, near the intersection of Willow and Meadow Streets).
One of my other favorite craving foods is a meatball grinder. I have yet to find a place in Waterbury that makes a really great meatball grinder (although I haven't searched very hard). There's a place in Florence, Massachusetts that I used to eat at thirteen years ago. Their meatball grinders were perfection. The bread was toasted and they added grilled green peppers and onions. Someday I hope to find an equally good meatball grinder in Waterbury.
Dominick & Pia's (on Spring Street, across from UConn-Waterbury) has the best pizza. Their dough is delicious, their sauce is spectacular, and the pizza box is tied shut with string by a little old Italian lady.
Louie's Pizza (on East Main Street, across from UConn-Waterbury) has good chef salads and good pizza, but while I do like their pizza, it's not particularly memorable.
Zachary's (on East Main Street, across from the WAMS magnet school) has the best Greek salads, but I do not like the dough they use for their pizzas and calzones. It seems too processed, almost waxy or spongy. I do like, however, their cheese mix for the calzones--more mozzarella than ricotta.
The calzones from Rocky's (in Bunker Hill) have really good dough, and they're really large, but they use a little too much ricotta for my tastes.
The absolute best calzones I've ever had were at the Pizza Cafe (on West Main Street, near the intersection of Willow and Meadow Streets).
One of my other favorite craving foods is a meatball grinder. I have yet to find a place in Waterbury that makes a really great meatball grinder (although I haven't searched very hard). There's a place in Florence, Massachusetts that I used to eat at thirteen years ago. Their meatball grinders were perfection. The bread was toasted and they added grilled green peppers and onions. Someday I hope to find an equally good meatball grinder in Waterbury.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Cass Gilbert Events
There are two events this month bringing attention to Waterbury's Cass Gilbert buildings. The first will be held at the Mattatuck Museum on Saturday, April 21st. The second will be held at the Mattatuck Museum on Thursday, April 26.
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Cass Gilbert and Waterbury City Hall: Presentation and Tour
Saturday, April 21
Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center (144 West Main St.)
8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Speakers followed by lunch and tour of the downtown Cass Gilbert buildings.
Speakers:
Barbara S. Christen, Ph.D.
Co-editor, Cass Gilbert Life and Work
Speaking on the architectural significance of the building
Alan J. Plattus, Ph.D.
Professor of Architecture and Urbanism, Yale School of Architecture
Founder, Yale Urban Design Workshop
Speaking on the benefits of preservation.
John Michaels
Chairman & CEO, Michaels Jewelers
Speaking on the cost of preserving City Hall
The event is free. An optional lunch is available for $10 at the museum cafe, and must be ordered in advance. (There will be an order form to send in with payment in the event brochure that will be available around town shortly. Or you can call the museum at 203-753-0381. )
Organized by: Connecticut Community Foundation, Connecticut Historical Commission, Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Street Waterbury , Mattatuck Museum , Northwest Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Industrialists' Design: Grand Street, Waterbury
Mattatuck Museum--History Bites
144 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06702.
Phone: 203-753-0381.
History Bites continues at the Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center with Raechel Guest, historian speaking on "Industrialists' Design: Grand Street, Waterbury" on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at noon. View the development of Waterbury's elegant gateway. Grand Street helped to beautify Waterbury, from the visions of industrialists Henry S. Chase and John H. Whittemore to the designs of nationally renowned architects. Reservations requested, but not required. Suggested donation $2
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Cass Gilbert and Waterbury City Hall: Presentation and Tour
Saturday, April 21
Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center (144 West Main St.)
8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Speakers followed by lunch and tour of the downtown Cass Gilbert buildings.
Speakers:
Barbara S. Christen, Ph.D.
Co-editor, Cass Gilbert Life and Work
Speaking on the architectural significance of the building
Alan J. Plattus, Ph.D.
Professor of Architecture and Urbanism, Yale School of Architecture
Founder, Yale Urban Design Workshop
Speaking on the benefits of preservation.
John Michaels
Chairman & CEO, Michaels Jewelers
Speaking on the cost of preserving City Hall
The event is free. An optional lunch is available for $10 at the museum cafe, and must be ordered in advance. (There will be an order form to send in with payment in the event brochure that will be available around town shortly. Or you can call the museum at 203-753-0381. )
Organized by: Connecticut Community Foundation, Connecticut Historical Commission, Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Street Waterbury , Mattatuck Museum , Northwest Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau
-------------
Industrialists' Design: Grand Street, Waterbury
Mattatuck Museum--History Bites
144 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06702.
Phone: 203-753-0381.
History Bites continues at the Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center with Raechel Guest, historian speaking on "Industrialists' Design: Grand Street, Waterbury" on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at noon. View the development of Waterbury's elegant gateway. Grand Street helped to beautify Waterbury, from the visions of industrialists Henry S. Chase and John H. Whittemore to the designs of nationally renowned architects. Reservations requested, but not required. Suggested donation $2
Politicking over City Hall
I made the mistake of watching channel 13. Larry DePillo and Karen Mulcahy are busy scaring up future votes. It's enough to make me sick to my stomach. They are casting aspersions about the current administration (specifically the Democrats) being corrupt and trying to swindle the taxpayers. I think it's great that someone is keeping close tabs on city government, but I think it's disgusting that they are doing it for their own personal reasons while claiming to be protecting the taxpayers. They are allowing political grievances and agendas to guide them, rather than genuine concern for the common good. Worse of all, they are using a tone of voice that causes the listener to react on an emotional level, rather than on a rational level. They are frightening viewers into reactive voting. This is politics at its worst.
Their current bone of contention is the proposal to build a new firehouse on Field Street, which would allow the existing firehouse to be converted for additional office space. DePillo and Mulcahy are insisting that no additional office space is needed, but the city is currently renting buildings around downtown because there isn't enough space. I suspect there are many good reasons for building a new firehouse. Pros and cons should be weighed carefully and thoughtfully. Slinging mud and whining about not being able to speak at a public hearing for more than five minutes when you get to speak weekly on television and you are in regular communication with the Board of Aldermen is just immature and irresponsible. This is why neither DePillo nor Mulcahy have been able to win mayoral elections.
It sounds to me like they are going to fight the new firehouse all the way to another referendum. This will probably end up pushing the project back another year. Costs are anticipated to rise 8% each year. The referendum costs $40,000. The cost of renting space for City Hall at Sovereign Bank is $396,000 per year. Currently, the estimated cost savings of not building the new firehouse is $3,267,561. Waiting another year will cost $3,305,433.
DePillo and Mulcahy, assuming they force a referendum (as suggested by Independent Party chairman Mike Telesca at the public hearing last week), will actually be costing the taxpayers a minimum of $37,872.
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An hour later... Dave Corbett's show is wonderful. He is clearly and carefully showing the ways in which DePillo and Telesca are misleading the public. I hope the people who watch DePillo also watch Corbett.
Their current bone of contention is the proposal to build a new firehouse on Field Street, which would allow the existing firehouse to be converted for additional office space. DePillo and Mulcahy are insisting that no additional office space is needed, but the city is currently renting buildings around downtown because there isn't enough space. I suspect there are many good reasons for building a new firehouse. Pros and cons should be weighed carefully and thoughtfully. Slinging mud and whining about not being able to speak at a public hearing for more than five minutes when you get to speak weekly on television and you are in regular communication with the Board of Aldermen is just immature and irresponsible. This is why neither DePillo nor Mulcahy have been able to win mayoral elections.
It sounds to me like they are going to fight the new firehouse all the way to another referendum. This will probably end up pushing the project back another year. Costs are anticipated to rise 8% each year. The referendum costs $40,000. The cost of renting space for City Hall at Sovereign Bank is $396,000 per year. Currently, the estimated cost savings of not building the new firehouse is $3,267,561. Waiting another year will cost $3,305,433.
DePillo and Mulcahy, assuming they force a referendum (as suggested by Independent Party chairman Mike Telesca at the public hearing last week), will actually be costing the taxpayers a minimum of $37,872.
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An hour later... Dave Corbett's show is wonderful. He is clearly and carefully showing the ways in which DePillo and Telesca are misleading the public. I hope the people who watch DePillo also watch Corbett.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
The Big Read
Tonight was the kick-off event for The Big Read in Waterbury. You can't tell from the photos, but the Silas Bronson Library was packed with people. I arrived a couple minutes before it started, so I had to sit in the aisle. But at least there were still seats left--a couple dozen late-comers were stuck standing in the stacks.
When I got to the library, the mayor and the chief of police (both of whom read excerpts from To Kill a Mockingbird) were standing on the sidewalk giving directions to someplace in Wolcott to a woman in a very large SUV with out-of-state plates. It made me giggle. I wondered if she had any idea who was giving her directions. It's such the quintessential small town image--the mayor stopping to give directions to out-of-towners.
The Big Read calendar of events is online at www.mattatuckmuseum.org/bigread/.
When I got to the library, the mayor and the chief of police (both of whom read excerpts from To Kill a Mockingbird) were standing on the sidewalk giving directions to someplace in Wolcott to a woman in a very large SUV with out-of-state plates. It made me giggle. I wondered if she had any idea who was giving her directions. It's such the quintessential small town image--the mayor stopping to give directions to out-of-towners.
The Big Read calendar of events is online at www.mattatuckmuseum.org/bigread/.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Tabitha again
I just received another phone call for Tabitha Allister (better known as Tabitha Mary Allister). This time it was Wachovia's debt collection people. It seems she opened an account, and then overdrew the account, and then disappeared.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Tonight's Public Hearing
There was a public hearing in the Aldermanic Chamber tonight. Hardly anyone showed up. Maybe 52 people (as pointed out by Nick Augelli). The hearing was an opportunity for the taxpayers of Waterbury to have their say about the plans to renovate City Hall. Does the poor attendance mean that nobody cares? When the project was on the ballot, thousands of people voted on the topic. Fifty-two people showed up tonight. Some heard about it watching cable access. Personally, I believe the poor attendance was in large part the fault of the Republican-American. The big news in today's paper was tonight's public hearing in Naugatuck. No mention of the one here in Waterbury. They recently dropped Waterbury from their name; lately it has seemed more like the Naugatuck Republican-American. At least they remembered to send a reporter to cover the Waterbury hearing.
Most of the taxpayers who spoke tonight have spoken before on the subject. Some have spoken numerous times on the subject. Unfortunately, it sounds like the Independents want to waste more money with another referendum. A referendum costs $40,000 and a minimum of six months time. The longer it takes to get going with the project, the higher the costs are going to be. All aspects of the decision-making process have been open to the public. It seems like everyone agrees that we need to move forward with either Option 4 or Option 5 (view full details at http://www.nvdc.org/worxcms_published/news_page175.shtml).
The city taxpayers have had plenty of opportunities to let the aldermen know what they think. Now it's time for them to make a decision.
The hearing ended with a little bit of confusion. In 2005, the Board of Aldermen voted that public speaking at public hearings would be limited to 5 minutes per speaker. DePillo wanted to be able to speak for as long as he wanted. He wasn't willing to say how much time he wanted, but it sounded like a minimum of 15-30 minutes. He asked for more time when he got up to speak, after an hour of other speakers. Alderman Penerewski did a quick check of the rulebook and found that DePillo could be granted more time if the Board voted unanimously in favor. The vote was 6-4 in favor, so a majority, but not unanimous. Alderman Booker and several members of the public did not know what unanimous meant. I can understand the general public not knowing that word, but an Alderman should be familiar with the term, especially since he was on the Board of Aldermen when that rule was established.
Most of the taxpayers who spoke tonight have spoken before on the subject. Some have spoken numerous times on the subject. Unfortunately, it sounds like the Independents want to waste more money with another referendum. A referendum costs $40,000 and a minimum of six months time. The longer it takes to get going with the project, the higher the costs are going to be. All aspects of the decision-making process have been open to the public. It seems like everyone agrees that we need to move forward with either Option 4 or Option 5 (view full details at http://www.nvdc.org/worxcms_published/news_page175.shtml).
The city taxpayers have had plenty of opportunities to let the aldermen know what they think. Now it's time for them to make a decision.
The hearing ended with a little bit of confusion. In 2005, the Board of Aldermen voted that public speaking at public hearings would be limited to 5 minutes per speaker. DePillo wanted to be able to speak for as long as he wanted. He wasn't willing to say how much time he wanted, but it sounded like a minimum of 15-30 minutes. He asked for more time when he got up to speak, after an hour of other speakers. Alderman Penerewski did a quick check of the rulebook and found that DePillo could be granted more time if the Board voted unanimously in favor. The vote was 6-4 in favor, so a majority, but not unanimous. Alderman Booker and several members of the public did not know what unanimous meant. I can understand the general public not knowing that word, but an Alderman should be familiar with the term, especially since he was on the Board of Aldermen when that rule was established.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Nice Try
My neighborhood has a lot of stray cats. This winter my downstairs neighbors took in a young brown tabby cat, maybe 8 months old, who had clearly been out on the streets for a while and wasn't doing very well. It's more accurate to say that the cat decided to move in with them. He's very docile and even let them bathe him without too much fuss. He's doing well now, and has a small posse (two slightly younger, black cats who were completely feral when I saw them last year).
This big white tomcat has been out on the streets for a couple of years at least. Last year he refused to have anything to do with me, although the black cloth top of my car is his favorite sleeping spot. I know he sleeps there, because he leaves his white fur all over the black top.
Yesterday afternoon when I took out the trash, he was sitting outside my door in the stairwell. I expected him to run away, but he only went as far as the top step before turning to see if I might feed him. Sucker that I am, I went back inside and grabbed a handful of food for him. I set it down on the floor between us and backed away. He wolfed it down and asked for more. Giant sucker that I am, I went back inside and got another handful of food. I held it out slowly, and he almost ate it out of my hand. I think he would have, but I didn't want to risk getting bitten.
I took out the trash. I came back. He was still outside my door. I went to my desk and worked. I could hear my cat talking to him through the kitchen door for almost twenty minutes. Every now and then I would check, and he was still there, staring at the door, hoping I might let him in and give him more food. I'm not that big of a sucker. I know he made it through this winter on his own, and I'd guess he was on his own last winter too. If he wants to become a housecat, he has to go get himself neutered first.
It occurred to me later that he could be rabid. This is the first time he's ever come near me. In the past he always ran away as soon as he saw a person. Now he's all friendly and domesticated. If he's still alive and well and friendly in a few weeks, I'll consider taking care of him. But he still can't move in.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Shahi Zaika
I finally tried out the tandoori restaurant in East Gate Plaza. It was very good. The restaurant itself isn't fancy, just your basic furnishings, no ambiance (except, of course, for the large plasma tv showing the 2007 Cricket World Cup--you won't find that in any other restaurant around here). They do a buffet on weekends, and take-out any time (open daily 10am-10pm). The menu has a few goat specialties (I still have never eaten goat, but I am noticing it on more and more menus) and cow hoofs, as well as the more commonplace chicken and vegetarian dishes.
I think what I like about Shahi Zaika best is that it is "authentic," rather than the generic Indian restaurant you find in most cities (maybe because it's not strictly Indian-their dishes also include Pakistani and Bangladeshi). Granted, I really wish they had some of the dishes I frequently order, but the chicken tikka and the naan were really really good, and I certainly don't mind discovering some new dishes!
I think what I like about Shahi Zaika best is that it is "authentic," rather than the generic Indian restaurant you find in most cities (maybe because it's not strictly Indian-their dishes also include Pakistani and Bangladeshi). Granted, I really wish they had some of the dishes I frequently order, but the chicken tikka and the naan were really really good, and I certainly don't mind discovering some new dishes!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Footprints
I share a three-bay garage with my neighbors. I usually keep my door closed, while they keep their door open, which allows critters into the garage. This afternoon, when I opened the door, this is what I found:
There was just a dusting of snow inside the garage. First I noticed the cat pawprints. Then I realized the other markings were bird footprints. Inside the garage. Side by side, as if the cat and the bird went for a stroll together.
There was just a dusting of snow inside the garage. First I noticed the cat pawprints. Then I realized the other markings were bird footprints. Inside the garage. Side by side, as if the cat and the bird went for a stroll together.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Santopietro
Former Waterbury Mayor Joseph Santopietro spent six years in federal prison in the 1990s for corruption charges. Since then, there have been numerous people in Waterbury who refused to believe he was guilty, saying that he was a "nice boy" who took the fall for a buddy, and that he never did anything wrong. A couple years ago, he expressed interest in possibly running for mayor again, as a way of showing that he was truly sorry for his wrong-doings as mayor. Fortunately that never went anywhere.
Today he pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy while he worked as a consultant for Diversified Waste Disposal in Danbury. The gist of the crime (from WTNH.com) involves trash haulers selecting routes for one another and agreeing not to compete with one another (meaning that if you live in a certain area, you can use only one company, and meaning that if you want to start up your own trash hauling business, you're out of luck).
So much for being just a "nice boy" led astray by the wrong associates.
Today he pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy while he worked as a consultant for Diversified Waste Disposal in Danbury. The gist of the crime (from WTNH.com) involves trash haulers selecting routes for one another and agreeing not to compete with one another (meaning that if you live in a certain area, you can use only one company, and meaning that if you want to start up your own trash hauling business, you're out of luck).
So much for being just a "nice boy" led astray by the wrong associates.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Laundry Life
I do my laundry at Great American Laundry (I think that's what it's called) on Manor Avenue. When I lived in Naugatuck, the laundromat I went to was much smaller, with rows of machines along two walls, a soda machine, and a radio and an assortment of magazines for entertainment. Great American has a soda machine; a candy machine; small vending machines with candy, gum, toys; at least six televisions; and maybe half a dozen video games. The photo below shows the Mr. Claw machine near the window. I was sitting reading a book (have to bring your own reading materials to this laundromat), and Mr. Claw kept calling out "Come win a prize!" in a clown voice. The claw moved whenever the machine spoke. Another machine, out of view in the photo, would occasionally declare joyously "There's no limit to what you can win!" One of the two would periodically chuckle loudly. Maybe it was more of a chortle.
I felt bad for the machines. They seemed so lonely, so desperate for someone to come play with them. Usually the laundromat at least has a few little kids who will fondle the game handles. Today there weren't any kids at all, so the machines had to sit alone.
I felt bad for the machines. They seemed so lonely, so desperate for someone to come play with them. Usually the laundromat at least has a few little kids who will fondle the game handles. Today there weren't any kids at all, so the machines had to sit alone.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Night Noises
Last night, between 12:30 and 1:15 a.m., somebody's car alarm went off maybe a dozen times. It's not a noise I've heard in this neighborhood before. During the fourth or fifth time, I also heard a man's voice holler out "shut up!"
There was a weird sort of camaraderie. Normally there's not a lot of interaction between all the different apartments on the block. We didn't really do much interacting last night, but it did make me laugh to hear the guy yell right when I was getting annoyed enough to consider getting out of bed and complaining. It made me realize that there might be three dozen people in the immediate area all thinking pretty much the same thing.
The car alarm was the really annoying one that cycles through a variety of different types of irritating noises. When I bought my car a few years ago, my insurance company said that car alarms don't really do much to prevent theft. All they seem to do is make the neighbors angry and force the car owner to keep checking on the car.
There was a weird sort of camaraderie. Normally there's not a lot of interaction between all the different apartments on the block. We didn't really do much interacting last night, but it did make me laugh to hear the guy yell right when I was getting annoyed enough to consider getting out of bed and complaining. It made me realize that there might be three dozen people in the immediate area all thinking pretty much the same thing.
The car alarm was the really annoying one that cycles through a variety of different types of irritating noises. When I bought my car a few years ago, my insurance company said that car alarms don't really do much to prevent theft. All they seem to do is make the neighbors angry and force the car owner to keep checking on the car.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Suspicions Confirmed
I've spent the whole winter thinking that maybe there were two squirrels coming to the bird feeder. Today I finally saw them at the same time! One is slightly larger, with slightly more tufts of white fur on his ears. He's the one who knocks on the window when he's eaten the last of the sunflower seeds. Of course, I don't know if he is really a he. Could be a she.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
East Gate Plaza
The plaza that time forgot... well, not entirely, although it hasn't been refurbished in a couple of decades. If you don't know it's there, you'll probably never find it. The plaza is on Store Avenue, which doesn't get all that much traffic. It's also just off Meriden Road, but drivers on that road will never see it.
Here's the typical view from Meriden Road. No sign (literally and figuratively) of the plaza at all:
If you peer down Store Avenue, you might just barely catch sight of the plaza's sign. See it?
Here's the same image, zoomed and cropped.
And the plaza itself. Kind of sad looking, but it's doing much better than Colonial Plaza, which has fantastic visibility.
Some of the East Gate Plaza businesses have been there for eons: the Barleycorn Irish Cafe and the East Gate Restaurant (good diner breakfast) have maybe always been there. Richie's Comic Cabana moved there a few years ago. I used to shop at Richie's old location before Legends of Superheros opened. Richie's (at the old location) was the stereotypical comic book store--cramped, dark with dark wood panel walls, and operated by an unfriendly, slovenly fat man. I haven't been to the new store, so it could be different. And he's been in business for decades, so he must be doing something right.
The newcomers at the Plaza include Bismillah Grocery (Pakistan, Indian, Bangladesh) and Shahi Zaika Restaurant (curry, nan, kabab, nihari and tandoor specialist). I think Shahi Zaika opened a year ago. Quick googling shows that it used to be called Bukhara Palace. For the past ten years, I've been moaning about the lack of Indian restaurants in Waterbury. How did I miss this? Well, probably because it's in East Gate Plaza. It took me two years to remember that Richie's had moved there. Out of sight, out of mind.
Coming soon to this blog: a review of Shahi Zaika!
Here's the typical view from Meriden Road. No sign (literally and figuratively) of the plaza at all:
If you peer down Store Avenue, you might just barely catch sight of the plaza's sign. See it?
Here's the same image, zoomed and cropped.
And the plaza itself. Kind of sad looking, but it's doing much better than Colonial Plaza, which has fantastic visibility.
Some of the East Gate Plaza businesses have been there for eons: the Barleycorn Irish Cafe and the East Gate Restaurant (good diner breakfast) have maybe always been there. Richie's Comic Cabana moved there a few years ago. I used to shop at Richie's old location before Legends of Superheros opened. Richie's (at the old location) was the stereotypical comic book store--cramped, dark with dark wood panel walls, and operated by an unfriendly, slovenly fat man. I haven't been to the new store, so it could be different. And he's been in business for decades, so he must be doing something right.
The newcomers at the Plaza include Bismillah Grocery (Pakistan, Indian, Bangladesh) and Shahi Zaika Restaurant (curry, nan, kabab, nihari and tandoor specialist). I think Shahi Zaika opened a year ago. Quick googling shows that it used to be called Bukhara Palace. For the past ten years, I've been moaning about the lack of Indian restaurants in Waterbury. How did I miss this? Well, probably because it's in East Gate Plaza. It took me two years to remember that Richie's had moved there. Out of sight, out of mind.
Coming soon to this blog: a review of Shahi Zaika!
Monday, March 05, 2007
City Hall and Pearl Lake Road
These were the two hot topics during the public speaking portion of tonight's Board of Aldermen meeting. Hopefully the plans to renovate City Hall can start moving forward this summer. The longer it takes to get started, the more money it's going to cost.
I don't know all the details of the plans for Pearl Lake Road, but it sounds like the plans are to turn this residential road into a highway. Most of the residents complained that the plans do not include sidewalks. This is one of the big problems (in my opinion) with Waterbury's city planning over the past several decades. There is no consideration given for pedestrians. The city needs to be pedestrian-friendly and pedestrian-safe. Speed limits need to be enforced. Neighboring towns have banded together to enhance their ability to enforce speed limits. Waterbury doesn't do anything to enforce the speed limit, and most drivers become very hostile if the car in front of them is doing "only" 30 in a 25 zone.
Sorry for being repetitive. I know I've ranted about this before!
I don't know all the details of the plans for Pearl Lake Road, but it sounds like the plans are to turn this residential road into a highway. Most of the residents complained that the plans do not include sidewalks. This is one of the big problems (in my opinion) with Waterbury's city planning over the past several decades. There is no consideration given for pedestrians. The city needs to be pedestrian-friendly and pedestrian-safe. Speed limits need to be enforced. Neighboring towns have banded together to enhance their ability to enforce speed limits. Waterbury doesn't do anything to enforce the speed limit, and most drivers become very hostile if the car in front of them is doing "only" 30 in a 25 zone.
Sorry for being repetitive. I know I've ranted about this before!
Mill Rate Goes Down, Taxes Go Up
For years everyone has been moaning about Waterbury's high mill rate, while a few people have pointed out that housing is more affordable here than anywhere nearby. Yesterday's news article makes it sound like the city is ready to make some changes.
The good news is that they want to lower the mill rate to 39.5, which is on level with other places around the state and is far less likely to scare off potential buyers. The bad news is that assessed values will be changed to reflect recent market trends. So, for example, if they do a random sampling of houses sold in the past six months and determine that the houses were sold on average for 40% more than their previous valuation, everyone's property value will be increased by 40% (at least, that's how I understand it). The mill rate is then applied to 70% of the property value.
There are going to be a lot of upset building owners when this goes through. One of Waterbury's selling points has been the affordability of housing. I'm sure there are people in the city government who wish that they could bring in as much per house in taxes as the surrounding towns do, but the reality is that most people in Waterbury can't afford to own a home in those towns. Housing in Waterbury has to stay affordable. It's one of the last affordable places in the state.
The good news is that they want to lower the mill rate to 39.5, which is on level with other places around the state and is far less likely to scare off potential buyers. The bad news is that assessed values will be changed to reflect recent market trends. So, for example, if they do a random sampling of houses sold in the past six months and determine that the houses were sold on average for 40% more than their previous valuation, everyone's property value will be increased by 40% (at least, that's how I understand it). The mill rate is then applied to 70% of the property value.
There are going to be a lot of upset building owners when this goes through. One of Waterbury's selling points has been the affordability of housing. I'm sure there are people in the city government who wish that they could bring in as much per house in taxes as the surrounding towns do, but the reality is that most people in Waterbury can't afford to own a home in those towns. Housing in Waterbury has to stay affordable. It's one of the last affordable places in the state.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Spring is in the air
It's a balmy 52 degrees. The birds are singing, the snow is melting, and the guy across the street has the bass cranked up so loud in his car speakers my apartment windows are rattling.
The signs of Spring aren't the same as they used to be.
The signs of Spring aren't the same as they used to be.
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