November 4, 2014
Voting today in Bristol, updated for 8 a.m. counts
October 29, 2014
Mailings turn negative in Senate race's final days (Updated at 11 a.m.)
And in black and white:
October 28, 2014
Is the mall site's future coming into focus?
2. The city will spend about $2 million on infrastructure work on the site that includes streets, lights, water and sewer pipes and such. It would also include the much-discussed public piazza behind the building on Main Street.October 16, 2014
Marketing panel set up for Bristol
Replacing the ad hoc panel that led the effort to create the "Bristol - All Heart" campaign will make it possible for the city to ensure that somebody's keeping close tabs on marketing opportunities.Democrats: Republicans should stick to facts
DEMOCRATS RESPOND TO REPUBLICAN LEADERS
There they go again – the Republican Town Committee leaders
are on the blog with negative attacks on our Democratic elected officials and
candidates. What would be more
beneficial to the readers and to the voters are actual ideas and plans. Answers that include: what would you do, and
how would you accomplish your goals.
Voters on all levels, local, state and federal are tired of
partisan politics. Stop the bickering and
the negative campaigning and put a plan into action.
If the Republican leaders are not able to put forth their plans
for the City, then, at the very least, they have an obligation to write with
some semblance of a factual basis.
First, as to Rob Michalik – let’s look at the facts:
From 1999 to 2009, Plainville had the 11th lowest
annualized effective tax increase in the state (out of 169 towns). Rob was on the council for six of those
years. Also, while on the town council,
Rob spearheaded various efforts to save the town money. For instance, Rob pushed the town to purchase
its streetlights from CL&P, thereby saving the town approximately $50,000 per
year in maintenance costs. He advocated
that an Ebay-like auction procedure be implemented for the sale of bonds, which
saved thousands of dollars in interest costs.
In addition, Rob championed an aggressive delinquent tax program, which
has led to hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes being collected and
reduced the tax burden on those who pay their taxes on time. At DEDC, Rob worked primarily on efforts to
help small businesses. He worked on the
Small Business Express program, which assisted more than 1,000 small businesses
in Connecticut (including several in Bristol) and created or retained thousands
of jobs across the state. Rob proudly
worked extensively in helping to establish a new Manufacturing Innovation Fund
in the state, which will assist small manufacturers in making the investments
in equipment, technology and job training to remain competitive, win new
businesses and grow jobs.
Rather than focus on the upcoming election of our state
candidates, the Republican leaders attack our three Democratic Council members
who all have taken a stand on some very difficult issues; slinging mud and
calling them hypocrites. In particular,
they politicize the downtown/
Renaissance issue.
Ellen Zoppo-Sassu has offered a compromise agreement that
does not involve handing over city money to a private entity, but still gives
the City a stakeholder position in the development. Council member Zoppo-Sassu has moved a
substantial amount of business forward for the City in her eleven months back
on the City Council.
They twist Mary Fortier’s statement about Renaissance being
the preferred developer and point out that there is now new proposals at Ten
Main Street and other sites. These
proposals are not on the seventeen acres and Renaissance is not the preferred
developer of those new projects, yet it proves Council member Fortier’s point
that private development may stimulate what is being proposed on the seventeen
acres.
Lastly they criticize Calvin Brown for describing this as an
emotional issue for the City and characterize his stance as absurd. Calvin is 22 years old. He was the highest vote getter in Council
District 1 and city-wide. Voters
identified with his idealism. It is
Calvin’s generation that we need to retain and attract in order to maintain our
middle class with young families choosing to live here, buy homes here, and put
their children in our schools.
The Republican leaders conclude by stating that we cannot
afford more of this “leadership.” That
is the key word – leadership. Our
elected officials and candidates take a stand on the issues. They make their positions known. We welcome and encourage public participation
and input. We are willing to engage in
meaningful debate. There is too much at
stake for negative politics and sitting idle.
It’s time to put words into action!
Council to meet on Oct. 30 about Renaissance
October 13, 2014
Bristol Rising Defense of Renaissance plan
October 10, 2014
BDDC to hold special meeting Tuesday
October 6, 2014
GOP takes aim at Democrats on issues
 |
| Derek Czenczelewski |
What's going on with Renaissance?
Monday, October 6: The
Republican majority on the City Council said this week it won’t take a stand on
Depot Square until the Bristol Downtown Development Corp. makes a
recommendation.
Mayor Ken
Cockayne and the three GOP councilors – Henri Martin, Eric Carlson and Rich
Miecznikowski – said that “in the interest of good faith negotiations and
contractual agreements” they have to follow the agreed-on process for a
decision on the project. LINK
Jennifer
Arasimowicz wrote in an Aug. 25 email to the nonprofit’s lawyer that she had “basically
laid out how I think the city stupidly set us up for a lawsuit” with its hiring
of East Hartford’s Goman + York Property Advisors.
Arasimowicz
said in the email that she had laid out the case “in a momentary lapse of all
common sense” in a secret email exchange she had in August with Frank Johnson,
a BDDC board member and former chairman.
She wrote
the email obtained by The Bristol Press to plead with attorney David DeBassio
to find a way to keep details of her exchange with Johnson confidential. LINK
Martin Kenny, a Hartford apartment
developer, has signed a purchase deal for 10 Main St. that will likely be
complete by year’s end. Construction could begin as soon as next spring, he
said Thursday
“It’s a great old historical building
with great bones, in tremendous condition,” Kenny said.
Kenny and a Bristol firm, D’Amato
Construction, pulled out of the Depot Square project in recent weeks to focus
on the prospect of creating housing in the five-story building that would not
require a city or state subsidy.
“We stepped aside,” Kenny said, calling
it “a political football there with the project” planned for the former mall
site.
“I want to do something” rather than “going
to town meetings and having everybody mad at each other,” he said. LINK
“Renaissance
has made a commitment to Bristol and Renaissance deserves renewed commitment
from us,” said city Councilor Mary Fortier. “Renaissance has taken risks in
Bristol and Bristol needs to move beyond the risk.”
After all,
she pointed out, “no one is banging down the doors of city hall for a chance to
develop this parcel.”
The three
Democratic councilors – Fortier, Ellen Zoppo-Sassu and Calvin Brown – each
issued long statements detailing their positions on Renaissance and its Depot
Square proposal to revitalize the 15-acre city center site where the mall once
stood. LINK (Note: The full statement of each of the councilors is on this blog below.)
October 2, 2014
Republicans say they'll wait to take a stand on Renaissance
Bristol, CT: On
October 2, 2014, GOP Council Caucus Official Statement on Depot
Square Project
The Depot Square project is currently
in the hands of the BDDC, as it has been over the last several years.
A project decision schedule has been outlined
and adhered to, and that process will continue to be
followed.
While we appreciate our Democratic council colleagues
offering their opinions on the project in public, we are refraining from
issuing a public position on the project until the BDDC makes their final
recommendation to the City Council, thereby placing the authority in the
City Council's hands to render a decision. In the interest of good faith
negotiations and contractual agreements, this is the process that must be
followed, has been followed, and will continue to be followed.
The beliefs we can share with the public regarding
the project are the following:
- We believe that redeveloping
downtown is a crucial part of the City's long-term financial viability,
economic growth, and image.
- We believe in fiscal
conservatism and ensuring that current and future generations are not
being saddled with unaffordable tax liabilities.
- We believe that the public
should have input in the final decision, particularly if government
or taxpayer dollars are to be used.
This is where we currently stand, and as we've said,
once every option is explored and the BDDC offers its final
recommendations, the public will be informed of the details
and options, public feedback will be requested through a variety of
means, and our opinions will be detailed for our constituents.
Sincerely,
Ken Cockayne, Mayor of Bristol
Eric Carlson, City Council - District 1
Henri Martin, City Council - District 2
Richard Miecznikowski, City Council - District 2
The NRA tries to get me to become a member
September 26, 2014
Zoppo-Sassu: Let's get going with Renaissance
Since elected officials were not allowed to
comment at last week’s public hearing, I join my Democratic City Council
colleagues, Calvin Brown and Mary Fortier, in issuing a statement on downtown
so our constituents will know where we stand.
My biggest concern at this time is the dueling
perceptions of Bristol residents not wanting to invest in themselves. We CAN
have a vibrant downtown. And I think we CAN address people’s concerns so that
we achieve an outcome that the majority supports.
In 2005 the city wisely voted to purchase the old mall as
a means of controlling our own destiny and shaping our own future. We wanted
our citizens to come downtown for more than just city services.
Then, some potential plans called for a new
Boys & Girls Club to be relocated on the Mall property, as well as a field
house and some mixed use retail, office space and a parking structure. The
voters who came to those public hearings objected to the land being used by entities
that would not generate tax revenue. In late 2006, the Mall site was on the short
list for the location of the new West Bristol School, but people again objected
and the school was eventually built on a remote section of Chippens Hill.
Today, people are asking why the new Club,
built on a small parcel on West Street, couldn’t have been built facing
Brackett Park? Why is the new school as far west as it could possibly be while
still being considered a Bristol school? The fact that the hue and cry from angry
citizens 10 years ago that prevented either of these plans from happening is
indeed ironic. Recently the discussion has turned to more open space and a
synthetic field from the school of "something
is better than nothing" and "let’s get something going," even
though the economic benefits of these scenarios would be marginal at best.
Are we destined to repeat history? I sure hope
not. But our track record is not great for getting it right, dating back to the
problems surrounding downtown urban renewal in the 1960s and early 1970s.
So what do I think today, after being back on
the City Council for almost a year and being immersed (again) in a variety of
reports, data, and public hearings on downtown?
First, I understand why people are opposed to
investing $6 million of taxpayer money into a private investment when the
economy is only slightly improving and people are watching every dollar. There
are a lot of unknowns that would have to be hammered out with the City having
an equity stake and deed restrictions if public money were part of the
equation.
I understand that people want a say and are
asking for a referendum. But what is the question? Are we asking taxpayers to
approve the plan as presented, or is it about the $6 million that Renaissance
asked for from the City?
They have now publicly stated that they are no
longer asking for $6 million so this now appears to be off the table as a main
argument for referendum.
Through the City’s 5 Year Capital Improvement
Program, the City spends millions each year on projects that the taxpayers
don’t even know about, much less have input into or for many, even know they
are occurring or how they are funded.
For example, in the spring of 2013, the then-elected
officials approved a $6 million renovation project for the Fire Department’s
Engine 4 – a fire house located off of Route 229 next to the Public Works Yard
and the Sewer Plant. Let’s just think about the irony of this for a minute –
there is currently a $6 million project – the same amount as was being
discussed for downtown - being launched for ONE fire house, in the
southeast section of the city - that no one is talking about. A project that
even many of the firefighters think is ridiculous.
The amount being spent would still be
ridiculous if it was for the fire headquarters on North Main Street, but at
least one could weakly argue that the $6 million would at least be benefiting a
building that was more centrally visible and part of downtown.
So philosophically, if we are already bonding
$6 million for a firehouse, why couldn’t we transfer that money to the downtown
project that would benefit the entire community? Since it’s already budgeted,
the taxpayers would feel nothing, and the Engine 4 fire house expansion could
be put on the shelf for another year. Or better yet, put these large-ticket
items up for referendum.
I know that Bristol has a lot of housing in
the downtown area. Some of it has been the subject of code enforcement actions
and we must also acknowledge that third floor apartments in restored Victorians
do not appeal to all young professionals. I can support some new housing
construction in downtown, but I have not supported the number of housing units that Renaissance desires. I
think that is too much density for this site but if they build it, I do hope
they fill it with the type
of sustained residential population that will represent the 7 day a week
customer base that businesses need to thrive.
I think we need to compromise and get the ball
rolling. The City of Bristol should offer to partner with Renaissance with
in-kind services to help them achieve their financial package needs. This would
mean taking responsibility for the creation of the Piazza, roads and sidewalks,
street lights, a shared parking plan for all parcels, and the necessary
hook-ups for water and sewer. While this may amount to less than $2 million in
city costs and services, it would be way to demonstrate support and buy-in in
an area where the City has experience and ability. The City can also be of assistance by
continuing its aggressive marketing and business recruitment activities on
other parcels that will bolster downtown – the recent sale of 10 Main Street,
the former Press building and helping other downtown landlords fill their
spaces – as well as supporting projects such as the Memorial Boulevard which is
another piece of the puzzle.
I think both the Renaissance work and some of
the recommendations of the Goman + York report go back to what we knew in 2005
– sometimes a public driver is needed to stimulate private investment. Whether
it’s going to be a Piazza or skating rink or something else, the City of
Bristol needs to have a role. And I
would really love to see ESPN involved as a partner in designing housing tailored
to their employees’ needs.
Last spring, I talked to a number of local
developers and real estate experts about their thoughts on downtown. One theme
that did emerge from all of these separate conversations was making the project
more manageable. Renaissance needs to be encouraged in their role as gatekeeper
and the preferred developer to bring other developers to the table for the
remaining parcels. We have design and zoning regulations for downtown in place
and with careful, collaborative efforts, we could possibly have several
developers at the table at the same time, all working with Renaissance to
create a synergy for the 15 acres.
I like that the Mayor called a joint meeting
of the BDDC and City Council. We all need to show leadership, keep the lines of
communication open, and continue to work together and decide on a path that
works for everyone and gets shovels in the ground sooner rather than later.
While the Democrats have not been at the table for the negotiations, I think I
speak for all of us when I say we are anxious to be part of the solution.
No downtowns are perfect. They are all,
regardless of size and demographics, a work in progress with a mix of
businesses that appeal to some people and not others. But if Southington,
Plantsville, and New Britain can re-build their downtowns with a mix of
government center, independent retail and restaurants and other activities, so
can we.
In fact, we have a blank slate of 17 acres to
draw our future. It’s time we got our paints and start putting color on the
canvas.
September 24, 2014
Martin's online advertisement promises to turn Connecticut around
Fortier continues to back Renaissance
For any that don’t know, I have been a supporter of Renaissance Downtowns and continue to be. I’d like to share some of the reasons why. As the Preferred Developer for Depot Square they signed a contract with the city that contained pages and pages of requirements. They have worked hard for years and have accomplished most of those requirements. Their efforts at grassroots organizing and marketing for this project through Bristol Rising have certainly exceeded the requirements of the contract. While the contract includes the basic mixed use outline for this project, including many hundreds of housing units, specifics like the piazza, which has become very popular, have grown out of the partnership with Renaissance and Bristol residents. Renaissance and Bristol share a vision for a more vibrant, walkable, sustainable downtown.September 23, 2014
Pavalock opposes possible new taxes
Pavalock: No New Taxes!
(Bristol) Cara C.
Pavalock, the Republican nominee for State Representative from the 77th
Assembly District voices her concern over a proposal that has been floating
around Connecticut that would drastically raise taxes in our state.
The proposal is called the “Land Valuation Tax.” If implemented, this tax would be levied on
all non-profits in Connecticut, such as hospitals, churches, museums, private
schools, and the like. “This tax would have an adverse effect on these already
struggling organizations in Bristol, and I am in strong opposition to it.”
Pavalock said.
In addition to taxing non-profits, the proposal seeks to tax
vacant land at a higher rate. Proponents of the tax claim there should be a
higher rate for vacant land because it is not being used for its highest and
best value. “Don’t residents pay enough in taxes already? Why are people being
forced to build structures on their own private land?” Pavalock continued, “I
agree that many municipalities are struggling to make ends meet in this tough
economy, however, I also believe that the easiest thing the State can do to
help local governments over the hump is to reduce the amount of unfunded
mandates on the books.”
There have been recent seminars on the Land Valuation Tax
and Pavalock fears that the proposal is gaining traction. Currently, local
municipalities are receiving pilot funds for these non-profits and this tax
would be used to alleviate some of the burdens on local governments and the
State.
“Connecticut doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a
spending problem.” Pavalock added, “Instituting new taxes isn’t going to make
Connecticut a better place to live, work, raise a family or retire.”
Pavalock has made unfunded mandates a cornerstone of her
campaign and has pledged to oppose any piece of legislation that places new
unfunded mandates on Connecticut’s municipalities.
“This new tax is most likely going to be debated by the
General Assembly over the next few years,” Pavalock concluded, “Now is the time
to ask your candidates where they stand on the issue and I want every resident
of the 77th District to know that I stand with them in opposing any
new taxes being implement in our great state.”
September 18, 2014
Brown: Do not abandon plans for mall site
As I was unable to fit my comments in at the end of the public hearing Tuesday night, I am releasing this statement in the hopes that my views on downtown redevelopment – as they stand right now – may be clear for my constituents.
First and foremost, I consider downtown redevelopment to be one of the most pressing issues of our time. In order to improve the quality of life for everyone, we need to attract more middle class families to live in our city, grow our tax base, and spur new economic activity at new, thriving, easily accessible businesses. Our top-rate school system, central location, and medium-size-town atmosphere make us an attractive option for young families, but we’re missing a few other key elements young people often look for when considering a place to live.
Chief among these considerations: a vibrant and walkable downtown. This vision can be realized in the City of Bristol. Retail, public green-space, and competitive housing are elements that I believe can truly revitalize our downtown area. For now, Renaissance is not only the singular company that has shown an interest in developing the downtown lot with this sort of focus, they are the only company that’s shown an interest in development – period. It is my belief that it is in the city’s best interest by far to continue to work with Renaissance to revise and refocus our efforts in good faith. To the many members of the public that disagree with assigning city dollars to the project: I hear you. To the many members of the public who say let’s give them the money and just get started: I hear you, too. But for now, Renaissance is willing to look at other options that do not include city money, and we need to let them try that.
In a perfect world I would prefer to see the City build the piazza ourselves, build the road through the parcel that will be required for future development, and commit to other infrastructure improvements surrounding downtown that will make the space more viable and attractive to investors and potential businesses. These are the investments every great community makes in themselves, and perhaps that is a more appropriate use of public money.
To members of the public that ask for a public referendum on the issue: I believe that until we have a plan to even potentially propose on a ballot, it is too soon to talk of a public referendum. If the plan can move ahead without any city money, a referendum won’t be necessary. If the plan cannot move ahead without city money, then the discussion of a public referendum will have to take place.
Regardless, however, as one of your elected officials I must make my position perfectly clear: the gigantic importance of revitalizing our downtown to get it thriving again makes the cost of doing nothing much too high. For now, that empty lot is a hole in our heart that requires thoughtful, surgical care. Abandoning this process now and delaying any movement there for an indeterminate amount of time could send our city into cardiac arrest. Getting the project moving, on the other hand – with new people and new businesses and new attractions in the heart of our great city – could beat new life into our veins.
One day, when I stroll the streets of my hometown with my own children, I want to be able to look them in the eye and say “look at what the people in our city came together to accomplish. Look at the heart of Bristol, which we strengthened for you.”
I don’t want to show them a seventeen acre graveyard of what could have been, and mutter softly, “I’m sorry.”
September 17, 2014
City meeting would have been better
September 11, 2014
Michalik secures backing from teachers' union
Rob Michalik Endorsed by Public School Teachers
Connecticut Education Association and American Federation of Teachers of Connecticut Endorse Rob Michalik for State Senate
September 10, 2014
Bristol CT – Democratic State Senate Candidate Rob Michalik, proudly announced the endorsement of his campaign by Connecticut’s public school teachers. Both the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) and the Connecticut affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have voted to endorse Michalik for the November 4th General Election. The organizations collectively represent all of Connecticut’s public school teachers.
“Providing Connecticut children with a high quality education will equip them with the foundation necessary to succeed in todays fast pace enviroment,” said Michalik. “My opponent has a record of continuously making cuts to public education. This district needs a strong voice in the senate that work together with parents, administrators, teachers and taxpayers to ensure our students are receiving the best education in our schools.”
“Rob’s support for children, teachers and public education has been made clear and as a result our organization is proud to endorse your candidacy,” said CEA President Sheila Cohen.
"We need legislators in Hartford who will stand up for the district’s working families and lead on the issues that matter. We look forward to Rob joining with educators, healthcare professionals and state employees to fight for great schools, affordable, quality healthcare and strong public services," said Melodie Peters, president of AFT Connecticut, which also represents public schools' support staff, nurses and healthcare workers, higher education faculty, and state and municipal employees.
“It is imperative that we work to ensure that our communities receive their fair share of education funding from the state to reduce the burden placed on local property taxes,” added Michalik. “Our students deserve the support, and our seniors and those with limited incomes can use the tax relief.”
The 31st state senate district consists of Bristol, Harwinton, Thomaston, Plainville and Plymouth.
Larson: Put aside partisanship to defeat ISIS
LARSON STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT’S ISIS REMARKS
(Washington) – Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement today:
“Thirteen years ago, at twilight on September the 11th, Democrats and Republicans stood in unity on the steps of the Capitol against a common threat. This evening, the President said we are best when we act together. He is right. We need to put aside the partisanship and electoral politics, as we did thirteen years ago, and come together to act in the common interests of the American people. This requires no profile in courage, but only that Congress engage and vote.
“The President’s remarks tonight should serve to unify the nation against the national and international threat of ISIS. I commend the President for consulting with our allies and building appropriate coalitions with NATO, members of the Arab League and the United Nations Security Council while informing the American people as well as Congressional Leadership of the threat that ISIS presents.
“Two things remain clear – a global and regional response is imperative and the mission and exit strategy must be clearly defined. On those two issues, Congress should be engaged.”
September 10, 2014
Blumenthal coming to Bristol Saturday to back Michalik
MICHALIK ANNOUNCES FALL CAMPAIGN KICKOFF EVENT WITH U.S SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL
Rob Michalik announced that the kickoff of his fall campaign for State Senate will be held at 430 North Main Street in Bristol at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September, 13th. U.S Senator Richard Blumenthal will be on hand for the event, as will other local Democratic candidates on the November ballot.
“I look forward to having residents from all five towns in the 31st senate district – Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth, and Thomaston – join me in working together to ensure a better future for our community,” said Michalik. “Anyone who wishes to help with the campaign, or simply to learn about our plans to strengthen the middleclass and grow the economy, is welcome to stop by our campaign headquarters on September13th.”
"Rob is an ardent advocate for consumer rights and growing our economy. He will be a strong voice for the people of the 31st district,” said Senator Blumenthal. “With his experience, particularly in economic development, he has the background and qualifications to serve his constituents well. I am excited to join with him and other local candidates for this kickoff event.”
WHAT: Michalik Fall Campaign Kickoff
WHEN: Saturday September 13th at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: 430 North Main St., Bristol, CT, next to Super Natural
WHEN: Saturday September 13th at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: 430 North Main St., Bristol, CT, next to Super Natural
Welch blasts early release program for prisoners
Press release from state Sen. Jason Welch, a Bristol Republican:
Sen. Welch Comments on the Flawed Risk Reduction Earned Credit Program
Bristol-State Senator Jason Welch released a statement today after Republican Senators called for a change to the Connecticut’s flawed Risk Reduction Earned Credit program (RREC). On Tuesday, a judge in New Britain arraigned Arthur Hapgood, a beneficiary of the RREC, for murdering his infant niece. Hapgood was released 233 days early after he failed multiple drug tests and continued to demonstrate disturbing behavior while incarcerated.
“Justice is underway for a little girl from Bristol whose life was senselessly cut short,” said Welch. “No policy change can retrieve a life that has already been destroyed. However, the state has an obligation to change a system which released a dangerous felon, who obviously had not been rehabilitated, before he served his full term. Criminals are taken off our streets for a reason. They should stay off our streets, and the State of Connecticut should keep its promise to the victims and their families.”
The RREC is the state’s latest attempt to reduce recidivism. The program launched in 2011. Many risk reduction credit recipients have gone on to commit heinous crimes shortly after release. Republican Senators are looking to address this public safety concern.
Jason Welch (www.senatorwelch.com) represents the 31st Senatorial District, which includes the towns of Bristol, Plainville, Plymouth, Thomaston, and Harwinton. He can be reached at 800.842.1421. You can follow Senator Welch on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SenatorWelch.
September 9, 2014
Joint session to discuss Depot Square on Sept. 16
The 6 p.m. Tuesday meeting at City Hall is billed as a public hearing where the Long Island developer will speak first and then anyone else who wants to weigh in will have the opportunity.
Mayor Ken Cockayne said city officials won’t make any decisions Tuesday. They just want to listen to what people have to say, he said.
“It’s an opportunity for the public to speak to both boards,” Cockayne said. LINK FOR MORE
September 8, 2014
Mum Parade signups end Friday
Time for city leaders to -- shocking idea -- lead
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