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ENNA meeting notice - Wed. March 12 at 7:30 PM

Dear Everyone:

The Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association is meeting this Wednesday, March 12 at 7:30 PM at City Hall in the 2nd floor lounge. You're invited to attend. 

We cover a wide-range of issues, including those neighborhood concerns introduced by anyone attending the meeting.

Please contact me if you are unable to attend but have an issue that you would like to have addressed.

The agenda for this month is posted on the ENNA website at http://eastnorwalk.org. Also posted on the website is the new 2008 Norwalk At Your Fingertips guide and the ENNA Fall/Winter newsletter.

Hope to hear from you soon,
Laurel

Laurel Lindstrom, president
Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association
Phone: (203) 855-7668
Website: http://eastnorwalk.org

Dear All,

The City of Norwalk Department of Recreation and Parks will be hosting a Public information session regarding the future master plan for Veteran’s Park to be held Wednesday, January 9, 2008 from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM in the Community Room in City Hall.

This is also the evening of our monthly ENNA meeting. So we will start our meeting in Room 333 at City Hall after the Vets Park meeting ends.

Hope to see you there.

Laurel

Laurel Lindstrom, President
Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association
Website: http://eastnorwalk.org

Dear Everyone:

On behalf of the Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association Board of Directors I want to wish you and your family a happy holiday season and a healthy and joyous new year.

As we come to the end of the year, it's a time to review our accomplishments from the past year and set goals for the future. The ENNA has had a full year with many accomplishments (outlined below in a note to you from our Treasurer).

With your help we can continue to provide valuable service to the neighborhoods of eastern Norwalk.

With Warmest Regards,
Laurel

Laurel Lindstrom, President
Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association
Phone: 855-7668
Website: http://eastnorwalk.org
 

Dear ENNA Member or Friend,

When you budget for your charitable giving this season, can you consider a membership fee of just $25 or a donation to The Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association?
 

Our board, our members and countless volunteers of the ENNA work hard all year on behalf of all our neighbors to maintain and improve our quality of life.  Here are just a few highlights of our efforts in 2007 and where your money goes:
 

ZONING: Successfully lobbied against the Planned Residential Development Cap increase that would have allowed condominiums at the former Fitch School site.
 

TRAFFIC CALMING: Vocal against projects that increase traffic on residential streets and speeding on main roads such as Strawberry Hill and East Avenues.
 

FLOODING:  Supported the funding of flood remediation projects for neighborhoods of eastern Norwalk.
 

DEVELOPMENT: Expanded property watch list to closely monitor future development plans impacting the area, notify residents of development issues and provided valuable input to the City of Norwalk Plan of Conservation and Development.
 

PRESERVATION:  Proactive on inappropriate commercial ventures and potential misuse of resources at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
 

BEAUTIFICATION: Organized and conducted spring and fall neighborhood clean-up days and sponsor area adopt-a-spot locations including year-round maintenance.
 

No officer, board member or anyone affiliated with the ENNA accepts a stipend or salary, and 100% of your contribution goes directly to funding the mission of the ENNA:

Remember:  Your donation or membership fee is tax deductible.  A thank-you letter for each contribution is mailed to you for your tax preparation purposes.

I invite you to visit us online at www.eastnorwalk.org to learn more about the ENNA and to see how you can keep up with the latest issues that affect your life here in the beautiful & historic Eastern Norwalk district. You’ll also find a link to our membership form and our contact information.

Diane Cece

Treasurer - ENNA

Please make your payment to: ENNA and mail to:  37 Olmstead Place Norwalk CT 06855

East Ave. road improvements meeting set for Sept. 20 at 7 PM

Hi All,

Hope everyone's enjoying the terrific last days of summer.

Here's a 'save the date' for you.

On Thursday, September 20 at 7 PM in the Community Room at City Hall Department of Public Works representatives are hosting a public roundtable discussion on the East Avenue road projects planned for the stretch of road from the railroad bridge at Fort Point north to Exit 16.

Hal Alvord and Dick Linnartz will present the issues they want to resolve and are there to listen to your input. They are in the very early stages of gathering data so this is the time to speak up and get your suggestions added to the mix.

Also, a reminder that our monthly meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 PM in Room 333 at City Hall. Agenda is posted on the ENNA website.

And for those of you who missed hearing - At its Sept 6 meeting the Zoning Committee of the Zoning Commission recommended that the full commission vote against the condos at the former Fitch School site. The Zoning Commission will vote at its next meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 PM. Thank you to all of you who attended the public hearing - and also the couple dozen who answered the call and came out to the committee meeting.  Turnout definitely affects how the vote goes. Also, even if it looks like the commission will vote down the condos on the 19th it would be a good idea to have neighbors present again.

See you on the 12th, the 19th and the 20th.

-Laurel

Laurel Lindstrom
Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association
Website: http://eastnorwalk.org

ENNA opposes former Fitch School PRD plan - public hearing Wed. at 7:30 PM

Dear All:

Based on the responses we've received from residents who live near the former Fitch School property located on Strawberry Hill Avenue, as well as our own deliberations, the Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association Board of Directors:
    1. Opposes amending zoning regulations to raise the cap on the
        number of Planned Residential Development (PRD) units permitted
        in B Residence zones: and
    2. Opposes approval by the Zoning Commission that would allow
        construction of the PRD that's proposed for this site.

While the impact on traffic, drainage, schools and infrastructure of the 29-unit PRD, may be similar to that resulting from the 18 detached houses on a cul-de-sac that could be built 'as of right', and while we applaud the inclusion of affordable housing in the PRD, the lack of connection to the larger neighborhood resulting from the proposed PRD is the deciding factor in the board's decision.

The planned PRD is viewed by the neighbors and by the ENNA Board as incompatible with their neighborhood, which is comprised of single family homes fronting on public rights of way. Residents know their neighbors, are aware of their comings and goings and are able to quickly identify intruders or people who may be there for other than "neighborly" purposes. Such neighborhoods are safer to live in and foster a spirit of cooperation.

By contrast, the units in the proposed PRD front on private interior roadways that will be infrequently visited by neighbors, its residents will be cut off from the rest of the neighborhood, creating a pocket of unobserved activity that decreases safety and neighborliness for everyone in the vicinity, including the PRD residents.

Starting two years ago when the PRD was first proposed, the ENNA has taken a leadership role informing and educating residents to the process, and has presented the pros and cons of the PRD as compared with a cul-de-sac of private homes. These discussions resulted in the drafting of a petition opposed to raising the cap on PRD units which the ENNA circulated, obtaining more than 100 signatures. Although residents have heard the arguments for and against, those who continue to contact us remain strongly opposed to the PRD.

As a board representing the neighborhood, and based on the merits of the case, we support the residents in their opposition to the planned PRD.

We also strongly encourage residents, those we've heard from and those we haven't - no matter what your stand is on the PRD, to attend and speak up at the Zoning Commission public hearing on this proposal that will take place Wednesday, August 15 at 7:30 PM at City Hall.

If you are unable to attend the hearing your comments to the Zoning Commission can be submitted in writing prior to 5 PM on August 15. Hand-delivering a letter to the Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall is the best way. But you can also email your comments to the Director of P&Z, Michael Greene, at mgreene@norwalkct.org.

As always, contact me if you have questions or concerns.

Best Regards,
Laurel

Laurel Lindstrom, President
Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association
Phone: 855-7668
Website: http://eastnorwalk.org

Hi Everyone,

The City has started bulky waste pickup in all neighborhoods. Bulk waste collection is for residents who receive City garbage collection. Bulk waste collection is designated by the day of the week your garbage in picked up.

Here's the schedule for Bulky Waste Collection:

Monday - Saturday, September 29, 2007
Tuesday- Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wednesday - Saturday, August 25, 2007
Thursday - Saturday, August 11, 2007
Friday - Saturday, October 13, 2007

General Information (Provided by the City of Norwalk):

Bulk waste consists of items like furniture, appliances, and other household items that are not part of typical weekly trash pickup.

Bulky waste service is offered to residential properties only (up to six units)

Items should be neatly and orderly placed curbside by 7 AM on the designated collection day (no more than 48 hours prior to the collection day) not next to a mailbox, fence or utility pole. Do not block the sidewalk or any portion of the street.

Amount of bulk waste is limited to 6 cubic yards per residential property (approximately the size of a couch and large chair with other small items placed on top or 6 feet long, 6 feet wide and 4 feet tall).

Bulk waste will only be collected from the residential unit where it is generated. Do not place items on a neighbor's bulk waste pile - this is considered illegal dumping.

Do not put out cardboard boxes, either empty or filled with other items.

Place like items together. For example, place metal items together, rugs together, etc. 

A bulk waste pile will be stickered or tagged and no items will be picked up if the bulk waste guidelines are not followed. For example, if a pile is suspected to contain hazardous waste or liquids the entire pile will not be removed.

Laurel Lindstrom, President
Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association
Phone: 855-7668
Website: http://eastnorwalk.org

Dear All,

Hope you had a happy 4th.

If you'd like a break from the BBQ, and want to get out of the sun for awhile, the next ENNA meeting is this Wednesday, July 11 at 7:30 PM at City Hall in Room 333. It's an opportunity for you to discuss neighborhood issues and to hear about what's going on in the neighborhood.

The meeting agenda is now posted on the ENNA website.

Hope to see you Wednesday,
Laurel

Laurel Lindstrom, President
Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association
Phone: 855-7668
Website: http://eastnorwalk.org

Dear All,

Happy First Day of Summer!

SUMMER NEWSLETTER:

Our summer newsletter is now posted on the ENNA website homepage at http://eastnorwalk.org. The ENNA Board Master Plan priorities that we presented to the Planning Commission last week are the focus of the newsletter.

EAST AVENUE:

Also last week the Common Council approved a third of the funding required for the road design work on East Ave. There is funding still required for the construction phase. The Request for Proposals (RFP) for that phase likely won't go out from the City for another couple of years since the State DOT isn't scheduled to start the railroad bridge work until 2010.  The ENNA board is arranging to meet with Public Works to review the project. I'll keep you up to date on anything new.

FORMER FITCH SCHOOL:

The proposal for a Planned Residential Development (PRD) at the former Fitch School property on Strawberry Hill Ave. was reviewed by the Planning Commission last week. The PRD was recommended by that Commission. But the Zoning Commission will take the final vote after holding a public hearing - tentatively scheduled for August. The Zoning Commission started its review of the 29-unit development last week and will continue the review at its next meeting in July. Please contact me if you have additional questions. Or contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 854-7780.

DEMOLITION NOTICES:

Many of you are asking about the demolition notices on the houses at 198 and 200 East Avenue next to the Dunkin Donuts.  I've been in contact with the owner and also the historical community about these properties. There is no immediate plan to take the houses down - and a 90 day delay on the demo has gone in. There may be a public hearing. I'll get the word out if there is.

The owner by right can demolish the houses but he may agree to keep them in place and just gut the interiors for re-use. If the houses do come down he assures me that whatever goes in their place would be architecturally in keeping with the historic character of East Norwalk.

Whatever happens it shouldn't come as a surprise and the owner sounds willing to listen to anyone who has suggestions.


WESTPORT AVE. UNDERGROUND POWER LINE PROJECT:

I've been meeting with CL&P, along with other community leaders, in preparation for the Middletown-to-Norwalk power line project that will be starting shortly. The focus of the meetings right now is the need to set up a 'tank farm' to allow trucks to empty water that has been collected as the trenches are dug. CL&P is looking to set up the tanks from July to November (or longer) just south of the Wall Street bridge on the east bank of the river. Since this location is within the Wall Street Revitalization area it would be better if it was placed at another location. Alternate sites are still being explored.

If you hear about issues, please contact me so that our association can follow-up on them.

Best Regards,
Laurel

Laurel Lindstrom, President
Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association
Phone: (203) 855-7668
Email: laurel.lindstrom@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://eastnorwalk.org

Hi All,

The Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association meets this Wednesday, June 13 at 7:30 PM at City Hall in Room 333. You're invited to join us. The agenda is posted on the ENNA website 'Home page' at http://eastnorwalk.org.

Also, go to the 'Documents' page on the website to view the list of ENNA Master Plan priorities that I presented to the Planning Commission at its Public Hearing on May 30.

Some items of interest coming up this week:

1. EAST AVENUE 'IMPROVEMENTS': After almost a decade on hold, Public Works is moving forward on designs for widening lower East Avenue (from Exit 16 to the railroad underpass) in conjunction with the work the State plans to do in 2010 on the railroad bridge. Important is that the work proposed by Public Works has not been approved and has not gone through public hearings as yet. The Common Council is set to vote this Tuesday on approving moving forward on the design work. Hal Alvord (Director of Public Works) says there will be public hearings later. I have a call in to Hal and hope to get more details. It may be better to have the Council hold off on approval on Tuesday - especially since the project calls for takings of portions of private property to accommodate the widening - until some questions are answered. After all, there's been years of delay. Delaying another month would not hurt, and it would definitely help if some basic questions from the public and from Council members get answered. For more information go to the ENNA website 'In the News' page to read an article that ran in last week's The Hour.

2. FORMER FITCH SCHOOL: The plan for a planned residential development (PRD) at this location is back. The Planning Commission's Land Use Committee will review it on Tuesday, and the Zoning Commission's Zoning Committee reviews it on Thursday. Both meetings begin at 7:30 PM and are open to the public (although the public can only listen and not speak). A public hearing will be scheduled - probably for July or August (which is not the best time for public turnout). This was a hot item when the ENNA invited residents to a presentation on the plan a couple of years ago. It is still likely to be a hot item. I'll keep you informed as I find out more. And anyone who wants to hear firsthand should attend the P&Z meetings this week - in particular the Thursday meeting since the Zoning Commission is the main approving body for this project.

For other items the ENNA is involved with - Veterans Park, CL&P plans, demolition postings, etc. - learn more by attending our meeting on Wednesday, or email or give me a call.

As always, we are looking for more of our members to get active in the association.

Hope to hear from you soon,
Laurel

Laurel Lindstrom, President
Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association
Phone: (203) 855-7668
Email: laurel.lindstrom@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://eastnorwalk.org

The Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association has organized two cleanups this spring – a Neighborhood Cleanup on April 21 and a Shoreline Cleanup on April 28. Both of these Saturday cleanups will run from 8:30 AM to 12 Noon. Gloves and plastic garbage bags will be available at the designated meeting locations for each cleanup. Also available will be fliers showing full-litter-bag drop off sites (no large items please) and a map of the suggested cleanup sites.

The Neighborhood Cleanup meeting location will be at City Hall in the parking area near Sunset Hill. Volunteers can fan out north and south on East Avenue as far as the train station and beyond – and to Strawberry Hill Ave.

The Shoreline Cleanup meeting location is at Veterans Park. Volunteers will focus on Veterans Park (where the ENNA will be joined by volunteers from the Norwalk River Watershed Association and a brownie troop from Fox Run School), Constitution Park – and Taylor Farm and Calf Pasture Beach, if there are sufficient volunteers.   

Although the ENNA will focus efforts on these locations, volunteers may have identified other areas that need to be cleaned within the ENNA area – and are encouraged to organize family and neighbors to use the time to clean those areas.  

For more information contact Laurel Lindstrom at (203) 855-7668 or go to http://eastnorwalk.org. The ENNA is a participant in the Keep Norwalk Beautiful campaign.
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Dear everyone,

The monthly ENNA meeting is this Wednesday, April 11 at 7:30 PM at City Hall in Room 333. The agenda is posted on the ENNA website home page (link below).

Also, newly posted on the website is our spring newsletter. You'll find details in the newsletter about our Spring Cleanups and a Parks Planning meeting.

ENNA Neighborhood Cleanup - Saturday, April 21, 8:30 AM to 12 Noon. Meet at City Hall.

ENNA Shoreline Cleanup - Saturday, April 28, 8:30 AM to 12 Noon.

Meet at Veterans Park.

Parks Planning Meeting - Wednesday, May 16, 7 PM – 8 PM.  At Mill Hill Museum on East Wall St. Recreation and Parks Committee of the Common Council agreed to hold meeting, at the request of the ENNA, for public throughout Norwalk to have input into what goes into our parks. Note: this is not a public hearing specific to the Vets Park minigolf plan - although it can still be brought up at the meeting.   

Let me know if you have questions. Also, for anyone who plans to participate in one or both of our Cleanups, please contact me in advance if you can volunteer to man our bag-and-glove-distribution-area for part of the Cleanup time.

Thanks,

Laurel

Laurel Lindstrom, President

Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association

Phone: (203) 855-7668

Email: laurel.lindstrom@sbcglobal.net

Website: http://eastnorwalk.org

Show support for flooding funds tomorrow at 7 PM

Dear Everyone,

Tomorrow night at the Capital Budget Public Hearing residents from Olmstead, Buckingham and Lockwood will be asking the Planning Commission to fund the improvements that they need to help alleviate flooding on their property and in their homes.

They are asking everyone who wants to lend support to attend.

The public hearing is Wednesday at 7 PM at City Hall in the first floor Community Room.

Click below for ' Capital Budget Summary' for the full list of City Dept. requests.
http://www.norwalkct.org/Budgets/20072008CapBud/TOC.htm

Best Regards,
Laurel

Laurel Lindstrom, president
Eastern Norwalk Neighborhood Association
Phone: (203) 855-7668
Email: laurel.lindstrom@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://eastnorwalk.org

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Main & Westport Ave. Corridor Study - Thurs. at 7:30 PM - Presentation

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ENNA next meets on Wed. the 11th at 7:30 PM

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Listening Forum - Governor's Priorities for Early Childhood Education

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ENNA Bulletin - Fitch Public Hearing Tuesday

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ENNA August Bulletin

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ENNA Summer newsletter is here

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ENNA - NHS improvements

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ENNA - Neighborhood Bulletin

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Happy Memorial Day

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Conservation denies Norden Place application

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1. Neighborhood Cleanup.  On Saturday morning ten ENNA volunteers each worked from 2 to 4 hours picking up litter on city streets near I-95 (East Avenue, Strawberry Hill Avenue, Beacon Street and a portion of Sunset Hill Avenue) resulting in 20 bags of trash and an assortment of other larger items such as tires and scrap metal.  Thank you to all who helped make the day a success!  If you were unable to make it to the Cleanup we just held, we have another Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, May 6 starting at 9 AM. Meet on East Avenue near the entry to the East Norwalk Train Station.
2. Traffic Calming for Strawberry Hill Avenue.  The ENNA held a SHA traffic forum, got 40 signatures on a petition and presented it to the City asking for more to be done to calm traffic on SHA, contacted Council members and spoke at a couple of public hearings this spring asking that $80,000 be approved for a traffic calming study and design for SHA.  We succeeded!  An item that would not have been approved by the City without ENNA involvement was approved. An article in the April 21 Norwalk Citizen-News best describes our role. The article is posted on the ENNA website on the 'In the News' page - and also included at the end of this email.
3. Liberty Square Improvements.  The ENNA received word earlier this year from the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency that we had been successful in our request for funding for studies and design for improvements to Liberty Square.  We will receive up to $30,000 if we provide matching funds.  So far we have succeeded in having the Third Taxing District (owner of Constitution Park within Liberty Square) approve $1,000 toward receipt of NRA matching funds and have received one cash donation. Since we need to provide the NRA with a minimum of $5,000 before a consultant can be hired, we have not been able to move forward as yet.  We hope to help preserve the wonderful historic shops and make the location a more attractive place for area residents to visit. All contributions are tax deductible. Please consider contributing. At this time there is no deadline for using the funds. But at some point the NRA may set one. It would be a shame to lose this funding because of lack of active support from the East Norwalk community.
4. Norden Place. The ENNA has been very involved in the proceedings related to the proposed condominium development. Right now the Conservation Commission is reviewing all the information from the public hearing and the developer's reports before making a decision whether or not to approve the 273 units.  That decision will likely be made at the May 9th meeting. I have been fortunate to have been able to attend a couple of one-day seminars this year about Connecticut Zoning and Land Use. It's helped considerably in my understanding of State Statutes that outline requirements for the Zoning Commission and the Conservation Commission - and what the courts are looking for i