EANA was represented at the ZBA public hearing of March 27 to speak in opposition to the variance requested by the owners of 156 East Avenue for placement of a business sign in front of their building. We did not support a change from the regulation for a 40 foot setback to a zero foot setback nor an increase in size to a 13 square foot sign.  That section of East Avenue is in the process of receiving a Village District designation.  Variances granted need to be especially carefully considered by the Land Use boards of the city.  ZBA decision after the hearing was for a lesser variance of a 15 foot setback and a smaller 10 square foot sign.  Since a number of the businesses along East Avenue have illegal signs there will be others coming before the ZBA asking for variances.  The decision at this hearing was a victory because it is an indication of future decisions on signage in this Village District.

EANA president met with City Scan Coordinator on March 28 to review past scans in EANA area and plans on how to address unresolved items. Met again on April 22 to discuss future scan possibilities.

$100,000 approved for Traffic Calming by Common Council in city budget for fiscal year starting July 1, 2003

EANA represented at Police Commission/Traffic Authority meeting on April 22 to provide information of commuter parking problems on/and in vicinity of Raymond Terrace.  The Commission will create a system whereby the residents' parking permits will be improved so that they do not get ticketed.  The signs will remain in place for now to deter commuter parking.  It was reported that Olmstead Place (a block further from the train station) currently has no signs and the residents are requesting signs because they have a major problem with commuter parking.

Zoning Commission tabled its decision after the public hearing on the 57 unit condominium development on Smith Street (south of Wall Street on the east bank of the Norwalk River). EANA represented at public hearing.

EANA's Andrews Pond Restoration Committee met with Alexis Cherichetti of the Conservation office at city hall to present our proposal.

Neighborhood Zoning concerns: a) 17 unit condominium development proposed for 134 East Avenue not yet back on Zoning Commission agenda. b) 57 unit condominium development on Smith St. that was tabled at last Zoning Commission meeting will probably pass once traffic concerns expressed by local residents are addressed.  Concerns regarding lost views from one private property to another could not be addressed per the Zoning Commission's interpretation on the zoning regulations. EANA consensus is in support of renewed attention to improvements to this area. c) Another car for sale parked on front lawn of realtor at Olmstead and East Avenue.  Aline Rochefort, Deputy  Zoning Inspector, had indicated that she would involve Corporation Counsel's office to see it repeated offenses by this business could be stopped. Will F/U with her. d) property with cars parked on sidewalk has been resolved through EANA contacts with Aline Rochefort. e) graffiti at Exit 16 needs to be addressed by DOT.  Will F/U

Wall St. Revitalization.  Cecil Group presentation for public input will be in the City Hall Community Room at 7:30 PM on April 30.  EANA following and adding input to process.

Wilson property on Strawberry Hill that was vacated by nursing home may be purchased by city for preschool.  EANA president spoke with Stuart Opdahl, Chief Operating Officer.  Plan was to F/U with EANA letter of support to mayor who had proposed the plan.  Preschool and special ed students planned.  Considerations that came up during discussion: plan would reduce the costs of sending the large number of special needs students out-of-district; Mainstreaming regulations may prevent special ed grades other than preschool to use this facility; additional attention needed regarding special ed needs for protecting them and the community. Fencing in outdoor recreation area may be required; abutting contractor's yard could create a danger to students. Truck traffic and possible air pollutants mentioned. EANA consensus favors the city's proposal. F/U with calls to neighbors in immediate vicinity of the property.

Power lines proposed.  Public Hearing scheduled on April 30 to request that lines be buried rather than overhead. EANA supports the Silvermine community in its request to the Siting Council to bury the lines.

Temporary summer generator proposed for SNEW. Public Hearing April 29 before zoning commission.  Discussion re possible air, noise and visual pollution.  East Norwalk had a temporary generator that wasn't used last summer.  No public hearing was called in that case.

5 Elmcrest Terrace. Historical Commission will have a public hearing in May regarding Norwalk Hospital plan to demolish historic building (along with the magnolia tree in front) to put in additional parking.  EANA supports saving the house if funding could be found. Tree cannot be moved as per expert that looked at it at request of the Norwalk Tree Alliance.

Andrews Pond Restoration Committee report.  Committee formed last fall (Co-chairs Laurel Lindstrom and Marie DeLeo, Diane Lauricella League of Women Voters of Norwalk Environment Co-chair).  Proposal presentation to Alexis Cherichetti on April 25.  Since Conservation Commission is a regulatory body she suggests getting our support from other city departments.  Mike Mocciae and Fred Bondi of Rec. & Parks and City Clerk/Grants Coordinator Pam Stark have been approached by EANA. Plan to make presentation to Mike, Pam and the Rec. & Parks committee.  Printed copy of the proposal given to the mayor.  Page with photos is on calmtraffic.org website.  Slide show presented at meeting.

Taylor Farm pond. Request to EANA president by Recreation & Parks Director Mike Mocciae to approach TTD re aerator placement.  City would pay for installation and maintenance if TTD pays for electricity. EANA has concerns and recommends environmental impact study prior to installing any equipment. Click here for email to Mike Mocciae.

City Scan.  Laurel Anderson offers availability of more scans for streets in our area.  EANA will continue to make use of City Scan as a tool. Click here to read letter of support from EANA. Sneakers on wires at entry to Andrews Field will be scanned since call by EANA to DPW didn't get results.

Mayor's Neighborhood Preservation Committee report. City Scan report. a) Partners Cafe on First Street still has difficult parking.  The angle parking creates a danger to traffic and pedestrians. b) Proposed stop sign at Fort Point at the railroad tracks not feasible as per DPW Traffic Analyst Frank Mauro. Scan reported problem of trucks running up on sidewalk and into hedge of homeowner.  Stop sign would require city to take large portion of property owner's land to create adequate turning space.

Advocates for Calm Traffic report. a) Speed bumps to go in later in May on Myrtle and Raymond.  $100,000 again passed in this year's budget for traffic calming so that other streets can get speed bumps.  Mayor Knopp's role in approval acknowledged by EANA president.  EANA offered thanks to the mayor. b) Commuter parking signs are to remain in place on Raymond Terrace.  The mayor will help make it easier for residents to receive stickers so they won't get ticketed. c) DOT proposal to open I-95 breakdown lanes to rush hour traffic opposed by EANA, as per meeting consensus.  Concerns re safety issues expressed. Hearings in Stamford and Darien have met similar public opposition.  Public hearings scheduled for Westport on April 29 and Norwalk May 6 at 6:30 PM in Community Room at City Hall.

East Avenue Village District. Zoning Commission Public hearing is scheduled for May 21 at 7:30 PM.  Specific of regulations will be determined by this commission.  EANA continues involved in the process.

East Norwalk Library Steering Committee public hearing was held on April 15. Public opposition to present plan. Library Committee, East Norwalk Improvement Association and TTD Commission will meet to plan future of library renovation proposal.