West Haven Asks UI to consider Bayer Site

In today's New Haven Register, there is an article that explains that West Haven officials have approached UI to look at the Bayer Site.

Ironically, I was just saying this to someone the other day. UI was looking at the West River Crossing site - but this might be an even better place for them to house their head quarters - 125 acres! If they come to town, earlier reports said it would be about $4M to us in taxes...

State and City officials look for Bayer Replacement

According to a Veteran's Day article in the New Haven Register:

State, regional and city officials will put their heads together to develop a strategy to replace Bayer HealthCare and its 1,000 jobs.

Interesting in the article is that 300-350 of the 1000 employees to be affected will be offered positions in New Jersey - that's a large amount of jobs that will be laid off.

According to all involved, they are hoping to find another biotech company (or two or three) to fill the 125 acre site.

More problems at the Tax office

The New Haven Register reports on more problems at the West Haven tax collector's office... Revenue Collection Clerk Kristy Gargiulo was suspended without pay for 5 days for removing what apparently she perceived as a large sum check (> $2 million) from the city vault without proper supervisor authorization back on November 1. Apparently, she had removed what turned out to be a copy of a check deposited back in 2005 to bring it to the attention of the mayor's office and the finance office, because she thought it was undeposited. Tax Collector Christopher V. Valente now wants her fired because he feels "I can’t trust her".

The article makes this sound like perhaps it is a witchhunt. The Mayor's office had a meeting on Nov 2 where it was determined that it was a copy of a check, not an actual check. On Nov 3, Valente "documented the issue with the police", but there is no formal investigation by the police on this matter. Not surprisingly, the Union which represents Ms. Gargiulo is filing a greivance.

More on Bayer - The Day

The Day had an interesting angle on the news about Bayer.

More about the Bayer move...

The Stamford Advocate article on the Bayer move gives a few different details than I've previously read:

Company spokeswoman Susan Yarin said most of the West Haven oncology research operations are expected to cease by the end of March 2007, with any remaining operations slated to end a few months later.

Other functions will end after that, with the entire site expected to close by early 2008.

Bayer is gone

Bayer will be consolidating operations, and will be out of West Haven by mid 2007, according to the Connecticut Post. Ugh. There goes $2.2 million in tax revenue..

(all, I'm sorry that I've had little time for blogging lately... I know there's a bunch of comments to moderate, etc. I'll try to get caught up soon.)

West Shore Fire District Blog

Thanks to WSFDFF, a new blog has been created called West Shore Fire District which will be devoted to explaining the workings of the West Shore Fire District.

We've gotten a bit off topic here on Lower West Haven Taxes; while the Fire Consolidation is one potential help to tax relief, it's only one segment of a broad spectrum of possible changes.

In my sleep-deprived state at the end of last week, I let some posts go through that I now regret, as they seem to have 'fanned the flames'. Many will notice that I have not posted their comments from this past weekend. In doing so, it's not because I'm trying to limit perspective - I'd say that there were equal numbers of posts on both sides of the issues that I haven't put through. Instead, I've decided that posts that are either inflamatory, attacks, or overly defensive aren't going to be posted. We should be discussing ideas, not attacking each other.

Additionally, for the Fire Consolidation Good/Bad areas, if the posts were discussing the ideas, I'd like to ask you to hold off on that post until we get to the Discussion post that I promised later this week. We're a few posts short in that area, though, and I'd like to see more in the Good/Bad first.

I have some other news topics that I'll soon be blogging about - while I welcome additional discussion about the fire consolidation under the appropriate topics, I really want to see both sides act with respect. There is no need to be outraged on either side here. While we are discussing topics that are near and dear to our hearts, we can still try to keep an open mind, and assume the best intentions in all posts, as opposed to thinking everything 'is fighting words'. Let's educate each other instead of being 'morally outraged'.

Short Break until next week

Hi All -

Just wanted to make certain that you all don't think that I've deserted you, but I'll have some limited availabity until next week. That little thing called work is going to take up a good portion of my time, and take me out of town for a bit.

I'll try to check in tomorrow (Friday) for a bit, if I can -- if not, keep the ideas on the Fire Districts coming, both for and against... and I'll roll up more of the thoughts.

Then, later next week we can get down to the work of discussing those ideas.

Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Bad.

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING:
We're trying something new. Please post comments to this blog entry as to why you think Consolidation would be a bad thing for West Haven. (I've also added some posts from others - my apologies if I haven't attributed these ideas properly.)

You'll notice that we've set up a separate blog post for "Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Good."

Unless you can show that something is flat-out untrue, please do not argue points in these comments as they will not be posted. In comments to this entry, only post your thoughts on why consolidation is bad. I will pull these entries up into the main post.

Once we have compiled a list of thoughts on why Good and why Bad, we will start a new topic entitled "Weighing the Pros & Cons of Fire District Consolidation" to discuss and debate both sides of the issue, and hopefully to come away with a better understanding of the issues.

Summary of Points in Comments:

• BAD: Response times would increase should firehouses be closed.
• BAD: Should City Hall be in charge of the fire departments, taxes may be unfairly attributed to fire district consolidation.
• BAD: Should fire houses be closed, people would likely lose jobs.
• BAD: City has had a hard time managing its own finances; should they mis-manage fire department finances, it could mean people's lives, not just their homes and livlihoods.
• BAD: Previous studies have shown no significant cost savings and no improvement in service by consolidation.
• BAD: Consolidation will move control directly from taxpayers to City Council.
• BAD: Consolidation would create a huge incase in pension costs as longtime firefighters would retire en masse ahead of consolidation.
  

Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Good.

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING:
We're trying something new. Please post comments to this blog entry as to why you think Consolidation would be a good thing for West Haven. (I've also added some posts from others - my apologies if I haven't attributed these ideas properly.)

You'll notice that we've set up a separate blog post for "Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Bad."

Unless you can show that something is flat-out untrue, please do not argue points in these comments as they will not be posted. In comments to this entry, only post your thoughts on why consolidation is good. I will pull these entries up into the main post.

Once we have compiled a list of thoughts on why Good and why Bad, we will start a new topic entitled "Weighing the Pros & Cons of Fire District Consolidation" to discuss and debate both sides of the issue, and hopefully to come away with a better understanding of the issues.

Summary of Points in Comments:

• GOOD: Less salaries as some roles (such as fire chiefs, secretaries, fire inspectors) may be able to be consolidated.
• GOOD: Less higher end administration may mean a reduction of the high end pensions.
• GOOD: Some functions (such as legal advisement) could be covered under City contracts at no additional cost to the fire budget.
  

And now, for something different

I came up with an idea this morning. What if I create two blog entries:

• Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Good.
  
  
• Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Bad.

Then, under each of those posts, readers can explain their thoughts on the topic. I'll then pull the 'talking points' up into the main post.

My thought is that in the arguing back and forth, we're losing the points (good or bad) that people are trying to make.

Then, after we've put our points into the two topics, I'll create a new entry:

• Weighing the Pros & Cons of Fire District Consolidation
  

Where we can discuss each side's ideas, and try to come up with points we BOTH can agree on.

What do you think? Worthwhile? Or should I just create the Weighing the Pros & Cons of Fire District Consolidation?

Long Island Sound Stewardship Act awaits President's Signature; Sandy Point in West Haven named as stewardship site

According to an article in today's Westport News, Sandy Point in West Haven is named as one of the stewardship sites that would benefit from the $25 million of federal funding. However, the Long Sound Stewardship Act still must be signed by President Bush.

According to the article:

It is a bill authorizing $25 million in federal funding annually to further the goals of an initiative that includes purchasing land and development rights to properties along the Sound.

(...)

Linked to the Senate action, environmental officials from Connecticut, New York and the federal government have agreed to designate 33 areas along the Sound's coastline as ecological or recreational assets needing restoration, protection and research -- with 17 of them in Connecticut. They have established a committee to oversee spending $6 million to restore coastal and river habitats on both sides of the Sound.

The surprising wording above is about the "purchasing land and development rights" - I'm not certain that applies to Sandy Beach, but instead to private properties which the are to be designated as stewardship sites.

Latricrete International ... possibly coming to West Haven?

... ok, it's a long shot, and depends upon Bethany not keeping the manufacturer of ceramic tile and stone installation systems who has been doing business there for 50 years. Basically, a proposal to offer competitive tax incentives to area businesses has been proposed in a unanimous vote by the Board of Selectman; ultimately this must be approved at a town meeting, and the Board of Finance must approve the incentives on a business by business basis, which I suspect it is likely to do for a business of this longevity.

However, Laticrete is/was looking at West Haven as an alternative. From an Orange Bulletin article:

"Laticrete came to me because it wanted to expand and was looking at other areas specifically the Bayer site in West Haven and Progress Industrial Park in Waterbury because those sites are close to major highways," [First Selectwoman Derrylyn] Gorski said.

"Those towns were offering them tax incentives of a 50 percent abatement for five years. We're offering them 30 percent for five years," Gorski said explaining she was able to offer less because those municipalities have a higher mill rate than Bethany has.

Gorski said Latricrete International, a company that has been doing business in Bethany for 50 years, has proposed a $12 million expansion.

Gorski said the ultimate decision on the tax abatement rests with the Board of Finance but she would like to see the maximum benefit allowed by state statute of 50 percent be offered to allow Bethany to compete with other towns.

There's another interesting point in the article, also made by First Selectwoman Gorski:

Gorski said businesses do not increase the level of services the town must offer.
"Businesses use virtually no services. Residents get curbside pick-up but businesses don't," Gorski said as an example.

Gingsburg West River Crossing presentation not made; Picard to visit Haverstraw; City Council reconsidering West River Cross Project

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend last evening's City Council meeting, which accord to today's New Haven Register article entitled "Restless W. Haven taxpayers wonder: 'Why so many Obstacles?'" was attended by 133 people, crowded into the little City Hall meeting room. Therefore, the discussion below is second hand, and I invite anyone who was there to add to the comments, and I'll pull them up into the top level of the post, if they help enlighten us about the meeting.

Residents who attended the meeting were very interested in hearing what Ginsburg and West River Crossing LLC (who have a tentative partnership agreement) had to say about his plan for developing a $225 million housing project in West River Crossing. However, the slideshow that Ginsberg had prepared was not seen, as apparently the City Council had previously contacted the presenters, suggesting an appropriate time for a presentation, other than the City Council meeting. It's not clear if that presentation would have been in a public forum.

In fact, it's not clear who said what. The article says that City Council Chairwoman Martha Bell (who apparently ran the public comments portion of the meeting, which Mayor Picard was unable to attend) had "... firmly [warned] Centore that she had notified him beforehand they’d set up an appropriate time for a presentation". According to Centore:

... Centore said he’s tried to secure a presentation with several city officials of whom only Bell responded with a letter inviting the developers to speak at Tuesday’s public session. According to the Sept. 19 letter, Bell didn’t note any limitations.

Mayor Picard is apparently "skeptical of the proposed presentation since neither Ginsburg nor West River Crossing was officially invited to give a formal presentation." However, the article states his intention to visit Haverstraw- and that can't be a bad thing.

According to the article:

Consequently, Mayor John M. Picard’s administration has stepped back to reassess and ensure the city’s future site plans revolve around a "smart-growth" project that includes mixed retail, commercial and housing use. Many taxpayers consider this pre-planning plan lost opportunities while the city’s taxes are more than the average homeowner can bear.

Even before reading this article and the plans of Mayor Picard's administration, I'm a proponent of the type of 'smart growth' mentioned. I believe that building high end housing won't work if there isn't an infrastruture to support it.

However, I'm concerned that we've already spent a lot of time and money on this project - can't we capitalize on any of the research already conducted?

City Planning and Development Commissioner Eileen Buckheit also indicated that Ginsburg was welcome to look to private property owners for other areas to develop in the city, and stated:

"The administration is going down a different road ... of proper planning and acquiring of parcels (while) working with the state of Connecticut to develop a viable development parcel," she said. "If this were happening next October, we’d have something to talk about."

This statement in the article was alarming:

Centore and Pinto, better known as West River Crossing LLC, were previously working with the city to attract United Illuminating Co. to a site along New Haven Harbor when the pre-development agreement expired without tangible progress.

The part that concerns me is whether or not the UI deal is contingent upon West River Crossing, LLC. Previous articles didn't mention the connection of the UI deal to Centore and Pinto - as this is a $4 million deal for us, I truly hope that while West River Crossing, LLC was involved in the discussions, that the UI deal is indendent of West River Crossing's involvement, as it is a fantastic opportunity for West Haven.

A note to the firefighters (and everyone else) who read this blog...

Given the recent bitter comments, I think it's quite possible that you've mistaken questions about the structure of the fire districts with the author of this blog being negative about our fire departments and/or fire fighters.

That couldn't be further from the truth, as I have a great respect for those who help others. I also understand that there is a great deal of danger involved in the job that you do, and I appreciate that you do it so that I do not have to.

I should remind our readers as well that all opinions expressed on this blog are not my own - some are that of readers of the blog. In those instances, there will be another name other than 'West Haven Taxpayer' associated with the comments, or will be quoted in my posts, which will look like this:

quoted words - these are not my own

or will have quotation marks around the words like "this". When I quote others, I try to be very careful to attribute the words to the person that has said them, and to indicate the source.

I've been very clear when I do not have the full picture, and I've asked for additional information. Remember, this blog started as my journey to better understand our tax situation, try to find solutions, and to learn about the local government system. I want your comments, suggestions, and to be set straight when I don't have all the facts. My intent is not to "spread lies", but instead to find out the reality of situations -- and to help others in this town understand the facts as well.

You'll see that I update articles when I have more facts. You may need to refresh your browser in order to see the updates. To do so, hold down the control key, and press F5. Alternatively, you can hold down the control key and click on the 'refresh' or 'reload' button (the name of the button varies by browser). The control key will (in most cases) force a reload of the page, instead of reading from your local cache.

The incredible lack of online information available to the tax payers of this town about the fire districts is very frustrating - the internet is a very inexpensive way of disseminating information. I will really applaud the West Shore fire department if they revamp their website, and put more information to help the taxpayers understand. I understand that is their intention, and I think it is a good one!

I invite ANYONE who has good sources of information to post them in a comment to me. I particularly invite those involved with the West Haven fire department to post your comments about the structure of the fire districts, and why you feel consolidation would hurt us. If it seems like a good new topic, you'll see your comment (attributed to you, or if you'd prefer, to an 'anonymous reader' - just let me know) as a new topic.

I ask everyone to NOT confuse this blog with the West Haven Taxpayer Initiative, with the Fire District Consolidation group, etc. I've seen a lot of speculation of who I am. Trust me, you probably don't know me - I'm literally one human being, and I have no political agenda or ambitions. Besides the fact that this is not about me, if you'd seen some of the comments that will never make it out to the blog, you'd understand why I have no interest in revealing my identity. I just want to better understand what we can do to make West Haven a better place to live, with reasonable taxes, and continuation of current good services, and better services that need improvement.

Tom Conroy offers a few suggestions on the West Haven Voice

Tom Conroy, in a letter to the editor of the West Haven Voice, has offered some suggestions to save property taxes.

First, to summarize (I urge you to read the full letter as I have made this very brief):

• increase the minimum amount of property required to build to 1.5 acres, or eliminate the ability to build new single family homes, as he feels single family homes crowded into properties are a drain on services.
  
• move the train station to Morgan lane, after leveling the Sikorsky building, and add a convenience store and a Dunkin Donuts.
• Buy the property on Prindle Hill (?) and make a 9 hole golf course.
• Instead of buying the Masonic Temple, build a new high school by the Nike site next to the new soccer fields, and instead of revamping city hall, move it to the existing high school, and put the art center in the existing city hall.
• rebuild the area along the shoreline to be full of little cafes and specialty shops, like Mystic Seaport (?)
  

I applaud Mr. Conroy for taking the right attitude of looking for solutions ... but I think there is a few problems with some of his statements and his plans.

First - While I do agree that I'd like to see zoning regulations improve the size of building lots (there's one going up on Ocean Avenue that is absolutely sandwiched between two other homes), property taxes on land are much less than property taxes on homes.... which is another way of saying that houses bring in taxes, while vacant property does not. I think that there is a different value to open land, though, and I still think that the zoning should change.

In regard to this statement in his letter:

I have yet to hear one person explain where economic development is coming from a train station. We are taking buildings off the tax rolls (does anyone who owns or is selling these properties?) to build a building that will not pay taxes.

Wow, I think that the train station is absolutely mandatory. Right now, commuters to New York must go into Milford to get to the city - it's a slow and awkward commute, even from those on the Milford border. As I've mentioned previously, New Yorker commuters have been eyeing shore front property as more affordable than properties closer to the city. If you want to be able to create a higher end development, you need the infrastructure to make it happen - I think that the railroad is crutial to that.

Next - in regard to the building properties being taken off the tax rolls - the reason that Stop & Shop wanted that location was because of the proximity to the new train station. I fully expect that the Armstrong building will also have a new life, full of shops should the railroad station be built. It is a great location in proximity to the highway, and to downtown, and to the beaches. I wouldn't be surprised to see a local bus hub be placed there as well!

I think that the commuter lines could easily revitalize West Haven... imagine a downtown where people commute TO West Haven!

The number of shuffles in Mr. Conroy's plan are not simple ones - moving city hall would be a major undertaking... just ask the Police Department what it cost for them to move. There are many logistics, and infrastructure changes, not to mention reconfiguration and revamping of the buildings once they left...

Regarding the property on Prindle Hill... I really have a hard time with the idea of taking that land by eminent domain for the name of economic development. I strongly disagree with the ruling in New London - I think that eminent domain should exist only when there are no other solutions for city-based services, not for the case of building commercial enterprises.

Also, in looking at Google Maps, isn't this the land alongside the Latella's farm? The land is a very steep hill. A 9 hole course doesn't attract the real golfers, who want a full 18 holes, along with luxury housing. The Google Map indicates that there is a U.S. Military Reservation in the midst of it, as well.. but perhaps that is outdated.

I think we have to be careful about how we develop our shoreline. The State is giving us money to keep it as open space, from what I gather, and we've already made some serious mistakes in how we've put it together even now.

In speaking with another resident, we were discussing how the end of Campbell Avenue really should have been a gateway into the beachfront, instead of the entryway into Adams... there's no link between Campbell and the beach, and it's part of the problem.

So, I've said my piece - what do the other readers here think?

[note: Thanks to TheTruth who pointed out my mistake in the first name of Mr. Conroy - no offense was meant - it's just been a very long day]

Columbus Day Parade not particularly Italian or Columbus-related

I attended the Columbus Day parade on Sunday; it was a beautiful day, and a nice parade, well attended, and a nice showing of communities in the Greater New Haven area. It showed the diversity of the area, and as best I know, went off without incident (outside of the fact that the Allingtown fire department had to leave part way through the parade for a call).

I had a few concerns, though:

• There was a decided lack of Columbus-related floats. In fact, I counted two.
  
  
• I felt that the politicians who marched and blared their political messages marred the day - this was supposed to be a celebration, not a political statement.
  
  
• I wonder how much this cost the West Haven taxpayers?
  

6 to be promoted in West Shore Fire Department

The New Haven Register reports "Burns, 5 others to be honored" in West Shore Fire District's largest-ever promotional ceremony to be held on Sunday at 10:30 am outside district headquarters at 860 Ocean Avenue, with a reception at the Italian American club to follow. The following department members are to be honored:

Fire Chief Harold C. Burns
Deputy Chief Clifford T. Burns
Assistant Chief David A. Collins
Administrative Capt. Gary N. Bloomquist
Capt. Daniel P. Potter
Lt. Glen J. Murray

While I expect that with promotions, comes raises - does anyone know if this was part of the citizen approved West Shore budget? I must plead ignorance in terms of knowledge of the budget and whether or not said promotions are deserved; unfortunately, information is less available for the fire departments than even for the city.

On the other hand, the article spoke of Harold C. Burns vision and plans for the department, including a committee to update the district's web site to "better serve the public". I'd settle for better informing the public, but maybe I'm just mincing words.

Parts of the article was fairly abstract but sounded good, such as the statement attributed to Fire Chief Burns: "The team will specifically incorporate enhanced technology, training and communications to make the department cost-effective and extremely efficient."

But there were two statements that made me think: 'huh????':

• "Clifford T. Burns, a former assistant chief, will concentrate initial efforts on assisting economic development projects along Sawmill Road toward a timely completion."
  
  Why is the West Shore fire department involved in economic development projects on Saw Mill Road??? [UPDATE: It has been relayed to me what Clifford Burns will be involved in is overseeing building inspections to make certain development projects are up to fire code - this makes INFINITELY more sense to me now - thanks for the clarification from Slappy].
  
  
• "Collins, a certified fire instructor in Connecticut, is charged with upgrading the department’s volunteer training program."
  
  Volunteer training program? Aren't we paying for permanent fire department positions?? [UPDATE: Reader WSFDFF wrote to me to explain:
  
  All 3 districts have a volunteer department that suplement the career firefighters. This is nothing new and in fact quite common. That is the reason we fall under the classification of a "combination department"!
  
  From your moniker, I assume that you are with the West Haven Fire Department, and I thank you for your explanation. I'd like to learn more about how our fire department is set up - is there a place online where I can get that information?]
  

Maybe it's just my lack of knowledge about the current fire department system, but those are fairly strange statements to me, at least. [Update - things are making more sense to me now - but I'd really like to learn more... keep the comments coming, please!]

The article is summed up with Fire Chief Burns talking about creating cost-effective and progressive service, as well as stating

"During my tenure as chief, I intend to be open, accessible and willing to listen to the concerns of firefighters and the residents"

I guess we'll see how it goes - it sounds good - but as one of those who are paying for the party on Sunday, I guess I feel like the jury is still out.

[UPDATE: Reader WSFDFF also set me straight here -- the taxpayers aren't paying for Sunday's event -- instead, the firefighters pay for it out of pocket. Thank you for the clarification - it would be nice if that information was put forth by the newspaper! Maybe someone ought to write a letter to the editor to explain...]

Nearly $17,400 sought from Bomb Hoax Participants

(As an aside, I first heard about this today on the news on WFSB, but I'll be darned if I could find it on their site. I did find a New Haven Register article entitled "Restitution sought for bomb hoaxes". )

Someone is listening and understanding; West Haven taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for the actions of a few. The Board of Education and West Haven Police Department are jointly going to seek $17,398.90 to cover the costs of emergency personnel ($8149.95) and the lost revenues from West Haven Food services, and the extra bus service from Winkle Bus Company ($9248.95) from the 16 students who have been accused of creating the three bomb scare hoaxes late last month. Of these students, 13 student juvenilles and 18 year old WHHS graduate Thomas Griffin have been arrested and charged with felonies; two more student juvenilles are expected to turn themselves in today, and will likely face felony charges.

Our police chief, Ronald Quagliani, is quoted in the article:

"I can’t drive it home enough that the taxpayers of the community should not have to pay for the criminal activities of these individuals. That is why we are seeking restitution."

Thank you, Police Chief Quagliani - clearly you get the big picture.

West River Crossing Meeting on Tuesday

Accord to the West Haven Voice,

Tuesday (I assume this is October 10)
7 pm
Harriet North meeting room

the City Council will meet with West River Crossing LLC, as well as New York-based Ginsberg Development Corporation (who developed Haverstraw, NY), who reportedly has a join venture agreement with West River Crossing LLC.

Apparently, there is a two page advertisement (which isn't in the online version, which is what I read) that is trying to drum up support for the meeting.

It sounds like there are lots of politics going on; West River Crossing, LLC was originally the devloper pegged for the project, but that was rescinded by the current administration, who apparently wants to put the project out to bid. Carlo Centore, who runs West River Crossing, LLC, has been trying to at least be able to present his ideas to the city council, and this looks like it will be his chance.

The most interesting part of the article (to me) is the last paragraph:

If the council allows the firm to come back in as the preferred developer, it would be able get things in motion almost immediately, according to Centore. The project that they have planned would be very expensive townhouses along the harbor. They could bring and estimated $12 million yearly in new taxes. If the project goes back out to bid, both sides agree it will set the project back another 2-3 years.

$12 million in tax revenue is, of course, very tempting. However, I've voiced my concerns previously- high end housing requires services and ammenities that high end owners will expect. Most concerning, is that the riverfront is currently one of the less favorable waterfront districts of West Haven, with views of the gas depot, and the highway. There is a LOT of work tht would have to be done to clean up the area in order to attract the high end crowd, and crime would have to be reduced.

Easy transportation to NYC for commuters has to be put in place, and the train station project isn't yet fully funding, and won't start construction for several years yet. A ferry service to Long Island might be needed as well. Believe it or not ,but the coastline of West Haven is starting to be considered the most affordable for the NYC set who is looking for a home in the country. I know of real estate agents who place ads in NYC papers for waterfront property -- and who are getting bites.

There has to be sufficient marina resources, too - high end housing on the water requires places for the rich to play. That's a business that might bring some new business revenue to the area -- and should be acccounted for. Thankfully, New Haven has a fashionable theatre district, but I'd like to see our arts council come alive, too. The Milford boutiques would appeal to the high end crowd -- but wouldn't it be nice to have them in West Haven, too?

This isn't going to be a quick fix, and it won't happen overnight -- but if it can all be pulled together, and timed properly, it would be a HUGE asset in the long term. Remember, the delays on the work on Sawmill Road? It's my understanding that a large part of the delay was because the highway work was delayed - why open a hotel, restaurant or store, when the infrastructure needed is still years off - so it waited. The highway project is nearing completion... and so is Walmart, and Texas Roadside Grill, with the hotel work not far behind.

So let's hope that this is considered a LONG term fix (and I think we might be longer than a 5 year plan)... and let's hope that it's one long term vision that will help bring life back to this town.