This speech was given to the City Planning Commission on January 16, 2007
I am here tonight to speak in support of the proposed moratorium on high-density developments within the city. I feel that the character of our city is currently at risk. While the city moves forward with the Plan of Conservation and Development, there seems to be a rush of proposals bent on getting as many high-density buildings on every small piece of land before it gets re-zoned. A few months ago I made a similar plea before this commission regarding the proposed addition of over 170 condos on Route 69. In that instance, I felt that the proposed construction would severely damage the character of the East Mountain neighborhood that I have called home for almost 25 years. The arguments that I brought forward in that specific case are just as relevant here.
Waterbury is a town of neighborhoods and communities. Even during Waterbury’s growing days, at most the city allowed three-family houses, which were more often then not occupied by members of the same family. There were never these large condominium complexes until the condo-boom of the 1980’s. Now it seems that people want to put these impersonal, stark developments all over the place. These developments are often devoid of character and personality. They do not foster the sense of community and neighborhood pride that can be found when you drive down Peach Orchard Rd., or Gaylord Dr.
Furthermore, there seems to be no need for all of these new developments. In the city today, according to realtor.com, there are 177 condos or townhouses available for sale within the city limits. These condos range in price from $40,000 to $300,000, and can be found in all parts of the city. With all of these empty, or at least emptying, condos, does the city really need to add up to 1000 more, depending on which rumors you believe?
In conclusion, I feel that this proposed moratorium is in the best interests of the city. Waterbury cannot afford any more scattered high-density complexes. There is a place in the Plan of Conservation and Development for this type of construction, but it is not to be squeezed onto scattered, small, lots. These will only harm the city of Waterbury’s character by straining the neighborhoods that have developed over the years. Furthermore, since there seems to be no rush on the condominiums that are already in existence, I just don’t see the point of adding more. Therefore ladies and gentlemen I am asking you to support this moratorium, and do so quickly, before any one else tries to squeeze another inappropriate complex into town. If they are that determined to bring condos to Waterbury, let them do so in a manner that supports the cities vision for the future.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Are We Ready?
In two weeks time the Waterbury Financial Planning and Assistance Board (also known as the State Oversight Board) is expected to return turn control of the city of Waterbury to the city government itself. Many in the city are praising this move as something that is long overdue, as a sign of Waterbury’s new found strength and success. For the most part I agree with these people, the fact that the Oversight Board is leaving is a good thing. It’s good to see Waterbury climb its way out of the troubles that plagued the city back in 2001. I am trying to be optimistic that Waterbury will be able to continue this pattern of growth, development, honesty, and fiscal common sense, and become a beacon for the state of Connecticut.
However, my opinions are far from unqualified. I have many, grave, concerns about just what is going to happen next.
As you have read in the past, I truly want to see the city of Waterbury rise up from the mistakes of the past and move forward in a new direction. I also have shown an understanding that this process will not be easy, and it probably won’t be cheap. There are some, however, who only think of themselves and getting back what they’ve lost over the past five years. This is where I see the first problem.
The Unions in the city of Waterbury have been especially vocal during the tenure of the Oversight Board, and I feel that this is the quarter that will attack the city’s stability first. The Firefighters Union has made it very clear that they are unhappy with the Oversight Boards decisions regarding scheduling, salary, and retirement benefits. They also demonstrated some pretty nasty tactics when this contract was being negotiated. I cannot help but feel that the union is waiting for the 22nd of January to roll around so they can take the city to court and throw out the current contract. If this is indeed the case they the Firefighters Union will have shown its true colors. They will not be the colors of bravery and sacrifice worn by firefighters themselves both city and worldwide. The will, however, be the colors of arrogance, greed, and self-righteousness. The union will show itself to be a disgrace to the city.
Also on my mind are the issues regarding the city and its historical buildings. I have written several times about the need to protect and restore City Hall, and my opinions on the issue have not changed. Far from it. I am more convinced that the city is going to need to spend some time (and money) cleaning up its image and maintaining the gains that have already been made. This means the restoration of City Hall. This means addressing any issues that may exist with the Chase Building as has been reported. This means ensuring that the new schools that are in the works, as well as the ones being considered, are done right. No half-measures, no cutting corners, no trying to make a quick buck off the back of our city’s future. Waterbury deserves better then that.
Lastly, I have concerns about the Mayor. This may seem like a bit of a potshot, but in all honesty Mayor Jarjura has not shown the city that he has the determination and the will to make difficult decisions. So far the Mayor has been a caretaker, and a good one at that. The Oversight Board, though, made any difficult decisions that had to be made. Mayor Jarjura didn’t have to make the unpopular moves on his own, so he did not have to take the blame for them on his own. Maybe in the next 11 months the Mayor will show the determination and fortitude that has not been visible during the past five years.
Basically, I am optimistic, but nervous. I look at the future of Waterbury and get a sense of excitement, and fear that is commonly heard from actors about to take the stage. Waterbury is standing on the edge of a cliff. Make the right moves, and the city will prosper. Make the wrong moves, and it’s a long drop now that the safety net is gone.
As I mentioned though, I am trying to be optimistic. Here’s to the new year, the new possibilities, and (hopefully) the new successes.
However, my opinions are far from unqualified. I have many, grave, concerns about just what is going to happen next.
As you have read in the past, I truly want to see the city of Waterbury rise up from the mistakes of the past and move forward in a new direction. I also have shown an understanding that this process will not be easy, and it probably won’t be cheap. There are some, however, who only think of themselves and getting back what they’ve lost over the past five years. This is where I see the first problem.
The Unions in the city of Waterbury have been especially vocal during the tenure of the Oversight Board, and I feel that this is the quarter that will attack the city’s stability first. The Firefighters Union has made it very clear that they are unhappy with the Oversight Boards decisions regarding scheduling, salary, and retirement benefits. They also demonstrated some pretty nasty tactics when this contract was being negotiated. I cannot help but feel that the union is waiting for the 22nd of January to roll around so they can take the city to court and throw out the current contract. If this is indeed the case they the Firefighters Union will have shown its true colors. They will not be the colors of bravery and sacrifice worn by firefighters themselves both city and worldwide. The will, however, be the colors of arrogance, greed, and self-righteousness. The union will show itself to be a disgrace to the city.
Also on my mind are the issues regarding the city and its historical buildings. I have written several times about the need to protect and restore City Hall, and my opinions on the issue have not changed. Far from it. I am more convinced that the city is going to need to spend some time (and money) cleaning up its image and maintaining the gains that have already been made. This means the restoration of City Hall. This means addressing any issues that may exist with the Chase Building as has been reported. This means ensuring that the new schools that are in the works, as well as the ones being considered, are done right. No half-measures, no cutting corners, no trying to make a quick buck off the back of our city’s future. Waterbury deserves better then that.
Lastly, I have concerns about the Mayor. This may seem like a bit of a potshot, but in all honesty Mayor Jarjura has not shown the city that he has the determination and the will to make difficult decisions. So far the Mayor has been a caretaker, and a good one at that. The Oversight Board, though, made any difficult decisions that had to be made. Mayor Jarjura didn’t have to make the unpopular moves on his own, so he did not have to take the blame for them on his own. Maybe in the next 11 months the Mayor will show the determination and fortitude that has not been visible during the past five years.
Basically, I am optimistic, but nervous. I look at the future of Waterbury and get a sense of excitement, and fear that is commonly heard from actors about to take the stage. Waterbury is standing on the edge of a cliff. Make the right moves, and the city will prosper. Make the wrong moves, and it’s a long drop now that the safety net is gone.
As I mentioned though, I am trying to be optimistic. Here’s to the new year, the new possibilities, and (hopefully) the new successes.
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