Public Works Committee discussed storm drain/flooding problems on Olmstead Place on June 3. EANA in contact with residents involved.  Will follow.

EANA's Andrews Park Restoration Committee presented proposal at the Mayor's Neighborhood Preservation Committee meeting on June 4.  Click here

Joint meeting on June 5 of the Third Taxing District Commission, the East Norwalk Improvement Association and the East Norwalk Library Steering Committee.  Public present. EANA following.

ZBA public hearing for variance on constructing 2nd building at 94 East Avenue on June 5.  EANA opposed

City Tax Sale to be held June 23 at City Hall at 5 PM. One of several properties up for auction is  #44. Property assessed on Oct. 1, 2001, presently in the name of LEA MANOR HEALTH CARE CENTER, C/O PAULINE GAMER, to satisfy taxes, interest and other charges of $55,034. Property described as 73 STRAWBERRY HILL AVENUE, parcel ID#5-1-51-0, and more fully described in the Norwalk Land Records, Vol. 1476 Page 346. http://www.norwalkct.org/TaxBill/TaxSale.htm Afore-mentioned property removed from sale prior to sale date

Letter to editor published in all three local newspapers, in appreciation of speed bumps. Click Here to view

Laurel Lindstrom will attend a workshop on July 15 that explores pros and cons of becoming a 501C3. 

A substantial number of members of the public, including EANA members, were at the public hearing to speak in opposition to the current plan.  The large size of the proposed building for the site, the close proximity to the Norwalk River and the clearing of trees were given as reasons to revise the plan. The zoning commission voted to approve the application without changes.

Tony Rossi will call the state DOT re graffiti on concrete sound barrier at Exit 16 of I-95

Tony has contacted Aline Rochefort (Deputy Zoning Inspector) re regulations governing and legalities of disability access ramps to buildings.  She says no regulations exist re distance from the  street

Laurel presented request EANA received from Olmstead Place member to address the problem of cars-for-sale on the property at the corner of East Avenue and Olmstead Place.  EANA members have put in several complaints to Zoning (for on property violations) and Police (for on street violations).  Two months ago Laurel spoke with Aline in Zoning re addressing the repeat nature of the violations. Aline said she would speak to Simon Sumberg, assistant Corporation Counsel.  Laurel will follow-up.  Plan to write a letters to Corp. Counsel and the Police.

 Laurel reports that the Zoning Commission has approved the Village District and has contacted Mike Greene, P&Z director.  Their office is still processing the final document and will have copies available this week.  

Lengthy discussion.  All agree that the closing has created an inconvenience and loss of service to East Norwalk residents.  The local seniors, in particular, find it difficult to travel to the other postal sites.  The ample parking and easy access made this site ideal. No mention was made of any service problem issues at the Rite Aid location.  Laurel will pursue by further contacting local officials (TTD Chairman David Brown, Councilman Fred Bondi, Councilman Kevin Poruban and Mayor Knopp) and write a letter to the Postmaster of Norwalk to encourage re-opening the postal site in East Norwalk.  Click here to view letter sent.

Laurel presented the differences between the Zoning definition of Village that pertains to upper East Avenue and the actual Village that exists on lower East Avenue.   Discussion on:  the history of this oldest section of Norwalk; demographics; restoring and building on what exists; and creating and expanding community activities that will intensify the Village.  Further thought and discussion to follow. 

It was removed from the list in the week prior to the auction

Tony Rossi reports that he phoned the Norwalk Public Schools and spoke with the office of Stewart Opdahl of Operations.  Tony says that he was told that the City is going to purchase the property for special ed/preschool.  EANA wrote a letter to the mayor earlier this year supporting this plan.   Click here to view letter sent.

Laurel reported that there were representatives from all the pertinent city departments and agencies present for the  presentation.  Generally received well.  Responded to question:  EANA has no plan to interfere with NHS band practice or the storage of the band equipment. Will follow-up with further discussion with those involved with the band.

See number 7 above re NHS band issue

Committee members, Laurel Lindstrom and Diane Lauricella, met with Richard Linnartz, Acting Director of Public Works, on June 11

Planning for a meeting with a few of the neighbors in close proximity to Andrews Field that have approached committee members about the project.

Laurel spoke with Michael Greene, P&Z Director, who says that he supports our proposal to restore the wetlands.  He suggests that we get topographic maps that were taken prior to when the land was filled to show that there was a pond there, and not just wetlands.  Area residents have provided testimony to us that a pond existed.  We have heard stories about skating on the pond in winter and of a plane crashing and sinking in the pond.  He also says that he has suggested before, and is supportive of the part of our proposal that suggests educational programs. 

Kathleen Morrow suggests that we contact the Seaport Association through Fred Bondi to find out more about educational programs re wetlands.

Committee will present to the Recreation & Parks Committee of the Common Council on July 16.

Laurel is waiting to hear back from Laurel Anderson re if a letter is still planned from City Scan to be sent to EANA members and area residents.  The EANA mailing list will be provided for this purpose.  EANA letter to be included in mailing.

Final draft to be presented by Cecil Group in July.  Public meeting will be scheduled by group.  EANA looking forward to developments regarding revitalization in Wall Street area.

Laurel submitted 'Letter to Editor'  and had copies of published letter that appeared in the Hour and the Advocate on June 18 and in the Citizen-News on June 20.  Click Here to view letter.

Laurel contacted Deputy Police Chief Mark Palmer last week re city's intention to create a committee to work on traffic issues at NHS after EANA neighbors identified problems.  He will speak with the mayor this week to find out when the committee will convene.  New speed limit signs are in place on Strawberry Hill Avenue that light up when a vehicle approaches that is traveling above the posted 25 mile per hour speed limit. 

Problem was discussed during the Traffic Summit a year ago

Problem was presented by David Brown, Chair of Third Taxing District Commission, at April EANA meeting after he received complaints from Olmstead Place residents that the problem had not been resolved.  Mayor knopp was present at that EANA meeting as a resident of East Norwalk (Fifth Street), not representing the city as the mayor.

Laurel had received complaints from Olmstead Place members that said that the Police and DPW had been contacted but there hadn't been any progress toward implementing any of the ideas put forward.  After discussion from those present it was decided that Laurel would contact the Olmstead Place members and then send a letter to the mayor, copied to Police Chief Rilling and Acting Director of Public Works, Dick Linnartz.  The letter would outline the problem and ask for resolution.  Click here to view letter sent.

At a meeting of EANA last fall discussion had arisen re intersections that are blocked on East Avenue during events such as the Oyster Festival and the Boat Show.  Egress onto East Avenue was difficult for local residents on the days of the events.  The EANA member, Anthony Halim, that had presented the problem asked that EANA write a letter to the Police Chief prior to this year's events.  Those present at today's meeting discussed the issue.  Consensus was that the events were a pride and a positive aspect of the community.  Living close to the beach has more positives than negatives.  The inconvenience that occurs on a few days a year was seen as a minor inconvenience.   Decision was to not write a letter.

Laurel will contact the person that still has the sign that was used by the company that maintained the site before giving it up.  We can have the sign free.  Laurel will contact the sign maker to get a price on placing our association's name on the sign. 

Tony has a truck and will pick up the sign.

Laurel, Tony and Marie DeLeo have agreed to maintain the location.  Plans to engage others in project.

Laurel will send letter from EANA and check of $25 for individual membership in NPT. Click here to view letter sent.

Awaiting statements of intention from various parties involved.

East Norwalk Improvement Association had special meeting to discuss issue.  Laurel reports that after discussion a decision was made by the board to issue a written statement to the TTD regarding the library renovation plan.  Statement, once written and presented to the TTD Commission will be public information.  

Closed meeting of a few residents held at City Hall to discuss issue.  No one at EANA meeting was invited to, or attended, the meeting so no report could be given.

Meeting agenda unknown at this time