Showing posts with label Memorial Boulevard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memorial Boulevard. Show all posts
April 18, 2014
Veteran seeks to honor taps-playing trumpeter, former Mayor Frank Nicastro
February 28, 2014
Chamber proposals for Memorial Boulevard School
Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce
Comment for City of Bristol Planning Commission
Re: Disposition of Memorial Boulevard School
February 21, 2014
- Recommended Uses of Memorial Boulevard School (MBS): Consistent with the input received by the City of Bristol Planning Commission at the two public informational sessions held to gather public input for potential use/reuse of MBS, the Chamber recommends that MBS become a “destination” multiple purpose community center to include the following uses within the building:
- Theater: Theater to be retained for theatrical productions and other entertainment events and programs. Furthermore, contiguous space to the Theater should also be made available for management office space, staging, rehearsal space, lobby/reception, ticket office and storage.
- Bristol Visitor’s Center and Heritage Museum: Bristol Visitor’s Center and Heritage Museum to include displays and programs highlighting the Memorial “flavor” of the park and Bristol’s past and present (manufacturing, veteran’s, sports, agriculture, etc.) with potential tour and school programs linked to other museums and heritage centers around the City (American Clock and Watch Museum, New England Carousel Museum, Bristol Historical Society and Sports Hall of Fame, Military Museum, Bristol Public Library, Federal Hill Historic Districts, Lake Compounce, etc.).
- Art: Art studios and galleries for art-related business, art creation, display, classes and sales. The vision is to create a section of the building where the public could view, shop and learn about various forms of art such as sculpting, pottery, and painting. Further the designated section of the building could become a destination where the art community could work together and collaborate on projects, events, sales, classes, innovation, etc.
- Conference Center: Multi-purpose catering kitchen, meeting rooms, reception and configurable event rooms for seminars, meetings, dinners, programs, etc. Reuse of the MBS gymnasium and/or cafeteria, kitchen, library and other rooms for multi-purpose event and meeting support would allow training seminars, strategic planning off-sites, and meetings and events requiring space for small and large groups, with on-site catering support capabilities. This space could be in proximity to the Theater and Art Center communities within the building to provide shared reception, rehearsal, concession, and other overlapping uses.
- Business Incubator: To support light office small business start-ups and shared office space such as technology, bio-tech, or communications businesses. A segment of MBS should be set aside for stand-alone businesses and for individuals wanting to share space, amenities, utilize space for meetings, presentations, and potentially share support staff among multiple business entities. It is envisioned that many “start up” and “home based” companies could be supported in this manner.
- Civic Organization office space. Space could be made available to consolidate related civic and community entities which might be a good fit to manage and/or promote the other activities within the building.
- Non- Governmental Organizations: Space could be made available to consolidate related non-governmental entities such as the Army Strong office and the Veteran’s Council. Other synergistic pairings and combinations of related public and private organizations could free up space in other locations for core functions (such as re-organizing space and functions within City Hall).
- Playground space: Potential reuse of a portion of MBS gymnasium for indoor playground for children.
- Educational uses: As an existing school MBS presents self-evident opportunities for educational uses.
- Fields: The existing fields should be preserved to accentuate the activities of Memorial Boulevard Park, athletic space for the community and specifically in proximity to the downtown area, and as support for activities at the MBS.
- Recommended ownership/management of MBS: Following strong public input and preference, the Chamber recommends the City of Bristol pursue a strategy which considers maintaining ownership of MBS and leasing the building, immediate grounds and parking to a not for-profit entity which could both manage the operations of MBS and the financial management of the building and its uses. Although further investigation is required, this format should create more opportunities to secure governmental funding and independent grants which could be utilized to support either the renovation, or operations of the MBS.
- Other considerations: Other issues raised which should be noted for further consideration were to: (i) investigate the possibility of closing the road between MBS and the neighboring industrial complex to create additional parking. (ii) Place the MBS on the Historic Registry to help insure the integrity of the structure and provide funding opportunities, and (iii) develop restrictive covenants to be placed on the MBS to ensure the integrity of the architectural design and look of the building.
Recommended next steps: The Chamber recommends the following next steps to implement re-use of MBS. The first step would be that the Planning Commission recommend that the Bristol City Council create a transitional project oversight and management committee (the “Committee”) to work with appropriate City staff, local organizations, stakeholders and private experts (architects, engineering, code/regulatory experts, etc.) to develop a Feasibility Plan for the MBS allocating appropriate space and infrastructural amenities for potential use groups within the building. The Committee should evaluate the desirability of registering the MBS with the national Historical Registry. The Committee should do a more detailed evaluation of the availability of private, state and federal funds to redevelop, repair and operate the MBS. Once these key issues are investigated the Committee can recommend a governance structure for the MBS which may, or may not, be consistent with what we have outlined in Section 2.
January 9, 2014
You can check out Memorial Boulevard School on Monday
Want to take
a look around inside Memorial Boulevard School?
The Planning
Commission is holding a walk-through at 4 p.m. Monday that is open to the
public. It will take less than an hour. Those attending should gather near the
southwest corner of the building.
The
commission’s hearings on the fate of the building, billed as listening
sessions, are going to be held later in the month.
The first
hearing is slated from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 in the first floor
meeting room at City Hall.
The second
is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 in Meeting Room
#3 at the Main Library on High Street.
September 23, 2010
City cracking whip on Boulevard tree-cutting
A business owner’s bid to clear away some trees and brush along the back of his lot beside the Pequabuck River has landed him in the hot seat.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The problem that American Auto Sales’ Bob Vitale faces is that by clearing greenery beside the river may have violated wetlands regulations and some of it may have been on city land – and not just any municipal property either.
Some of what got chopped down may have been part of the Veterans Memorial Park running alongside Memorial Boulevard.
“For the veterans of this city that is hallowed ground and this guy has desecrated that ground,” said Tim Gamache, who chairs the Bristol Veterans Council.
“We won’t be satisfied until that guy has replaced every tree that he cut down with a 6-foot evergreen,” Gamache said. Click here for the full story.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
April 19, 2010
Civil War memorial eyed for Boulevard
Here's another story by reporter Jackie Majerus that you shouldn't miss:
To ensure that Bristol’s Civil War dead are never forgotten, there’s an effort under way to erect a new monument in their honor on Memorial Boulevard.
Led by Peter Imperator, the ad-hoc committee of local seniors is trying to raise funds for the monument in time to have it dedicated Memorial Day 2011.
“Our mission is to put a monument on the Boulevard — a new one,” said Imperator, who, like some others on the committee, is active with the Bristol Veterans Council.
Click here for the full story.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
To ensure that Bristol’s Civil War dead are never forgotten, there’s an effort under way to erect a new monument in their honor on Memorial Boulevard.
Led by Peter Imperator, the ad-hoc committee of local seniors is trying to raise funds for the monument in time to have it dedicated Memorial Day 2011.
“Our mission is to put a monument on the Boulevard — a new one,” said Imperator, who, like some others on the committee, is active with the Bristol Veterans Council.
Click here for the full story.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 24, 2009
Still no progress on Pequabuck pedestrian bridge
Though seven years have passed since the city bought a former Wonder Bread outlet on Riverside Avenue in order to build a new parking lot and pedestrian bridge to Memorial Boulevard, nothing has yet happened to make the plan a reality.
“We really need to follow up,” Mayor Art Ward said.
The holdup is twofold, officials: a lack of city money and the lack of a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Meanwhile, there’s nearly $100,000 left over from a state grant for the Veterans Park that state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat, snagged five years ago. That money can still be tapped if the city get moving, officials said.
The city aims to erect an 80-foot long pedestrian bridge that would span the river between the city-owned parking lot on Riverside Avenue and the boulevard. It would not actually touch the water, officials said, and shouldn’t have any impact on the river.
The prefabricated bridge walkway would be more than 3 feet higher than the expected flood crest of the worst storm in a century, according to permit paperwork.
Beside the parking lot is a small, vacant store included in the property the city bought for $179,000 in 2002. For years, it housed Hubbard’s Florist, but Wonder Bread was its last tenant.
The city hasn’t found a use for the structure yet, but officials have suggested it could be used one day for meeting space for veterans and or community organizations.
Potential purchasers have occasionally inquired about buying the property for private use, but because Bristol used grant money for the project, selling it may be difficult.
City Councilor Ken Cockayne said the Real Estate Committee is taking a hard look at the property to see what might be done.
Ward said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a permit to allow the bridge. He said the DEP is the only obstacle remaining aside from money.
The city put the project on the shelf this year because of the lack of funding. But it could be included in future capital project lists.
The city used downtown revitalization money to acquire the Riverside Avenue property for $179,000 during Mayor Frank Nicastro’s tenure in 2002.
It tapped Community Development Block Grant aid to pay the $43,000 demolition fee to knock down the old Hubbard & Co. Feeds & Fertilizer barn there in 2003. That was Mayor Gerard Couture’s first act after taking office.
Since then, however, there’s been nothing done on the site.
Both Jonathan Rosenthal, the city’s economic development director, and Public Works Director Walter Veselka are likely to report on the project’s status at the December 8 City Council meeting.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
“We really need to follow up,” Mayor Art Ward said.
The holdup is twofold, officials: a lack of city money and the lack of a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Meanwhile, there’s nearly $100,000 left over from a state grant for the Veterans Park that state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat, snagged five years ago. That money can still be tapped if the city get moving, officials said.
The city aims to erect an 80-foot long pedestrian bridge that would span the river between the city-owned parking lot on Riverside Avenue and the boulevard. It would not actually touch the water, officials said, and shouldn’t have any impact on the river.
The prefabricated bridge walkway would be more than 3 feet higher than the expected flood crest of the worst storm in a century, according to permit paperwork.
Beside the parking lot is a small, vacant store included in the property the city bought for $179,000 in 2002. For years, it housed Hubbard’s Florist, but Wonder Bread was its last tenant.
The city hasn’t found a use for the structure yet, but officials have suggested it could be used one day for meeting space for veterans and or community organizations.
Potential purchasers have occasionally inquired about buying the property for private use, but because Bristol used grant money for the project, selling it may be difficult.
City Councilor Ken Cockayne said the Real Estate Committee is taking a hard look at the property to see what might be done.
Ward said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a permit to allow the bridge. He said the DEP is the only obstacle remaining aside from money.
The city put the project on the shelf this year because of the lack of funding. But it could be included in future capital project lists.
The city used downtown revitalization money to acquire the Riverside Avenue property for $179,000 during Mayor Frank Nicastro’s tenure in 2002.
It tapped Community Development Block Grant aid to pay the $43,000 demolition fee to knock down the old Hubbard & Co. Feeds & Fertilizer barn there in 2003. That was Mayor Gerard Couture’s first act after taking office.
Since then, however, there’s been nothing done on the site.
Both Jonathan Rosenthal, the city’s economic development director, and Public Works Director Walter Veselka are likely to report on the project’s status at the December 8 City Council meeting.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 22, 2009
Military exhibit on Sunday may be New England's largest inter-service display
Memorial Boulevard will have one of New England’s largest military exhibits Sunday as part of the community’s Memorial Day activities.
Military men and women from every branch of the service will be on hand to show off everything from a U.S. Navy boat to an armored personnel carrier.
"We’re going to have all our vehicles out there," said Sgt. Michael Proulx of the New Hamphire-based 368th Engineering Battalion of the U.S. Army Reserves.
Pat Nelligan, a park commissioner who has helped organize the event since it began five years ago, said the city has "built up a tradition now" with its display of military hardware.
Mayor Art Ward said the people should come down to the boulevard to see it for themselves.
He said, too, that if offers residents a chance to talk directly to the active duty military members who have been fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"They can answer the questions" that people may have, the mayor said.
He urged everyone to "get the answers rather than the speculation" about the controversial wars the country is engaged in.
The Sunday celebration runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes a helicopter landing at 10 a.m. A ceremony is slated for 1 p.m. where U.S. Army Major General Bruce Zukaskus and SFC Gregory Stube, a who survived grievous wounds in Afghanistan, will speak.
Gerald Chamberland, who is active in veterans activities, said that people should some to learn the history of what’s gone from the men and women who were there.
Chamberland said that in hearing from the soldiers of all branches, residents will come to appreciate more deeply "the freedom we all share."
Lt. Peter Torromeo of the New Hampshire-based engineering unit said his battalion has had people at each of Bristol’s weekend events for four years.
"We don’t give up a chance to do this," he said, because of the tremendous support they get from the community and the active veterans group in town.
"Everyone treats us really nice and they are respectful," Proulx said.
"We’re very fortunate in Bristol. It’s always been a military-oriented town, even during the Vietnam War," said the mayor, who served in the U.S. Marines in Vietnam.
Proulx said he thinks the armored personnel carrier they brought down, "which looks like a little tank," will be a hit. Visitors will have a chance to clamber in and out.
"They can get out on there and see what it’s all about," he said.
Weekend schedule
Saturday
11 a.m. - Dedication of aerators on Memorial Boulevard ponds and the rededication of the ‘Hiker’ monument and World War I obelisk.
11:30 a.m. - Community covenant signing
noon - Scholarship presentation in honor of the late Tony Savino
Sunday
8 - 4:30 - Military exhibits
Monday
9 a.m. - Bristol Memorial Day Parade, which starts on Race Street
noon - Forestville Memorial Day Parade
PS: If anyone has tips on the best places to watch the parades from, please post them as comments. I've had a couple of requests from people who want to attend but are not sure where to go to view each parade.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 19, 2009
A big weekend for veterans activities in Bristol
Press release from the Bristol Veterans Council:
May is National Military Appreciation month, a special time to recognize the sacrifices of our troops and their families. As part of the Memorial Day weekend celebration, Bristol will host the region’s largest ever gathering of multi service military exhibits on Sunday, May 24, 2009.
Army Major General Bruce Zukaskus (KEYNOTE SPEAKER )
Silver Star recipient, SFC Greg Stube (KEYNOTE SPEAKER)
HONOR GUARD (All 5 Branches of Military Service)
MILITARY VECHICLES (wheeled and tracked from both past and present)
DISPLAYS OF EQUIPMENT FROM ALL BRANCHES (to include an Army surgical unit, helicopter landing at 10:00 AM, Coast Guard and Navy patrol boats, Marine Corps weapons display, and many interactive exhibits)
Saturday:
Re-dedication of Hiker Monument and World War I Monument
12:00 CSM Savino scholarship presentation
Sunday:
9:00 AM Bristol Memorial Day Parade (Starts at Race Street)
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 2, 2009
$14 million theater project shelved for lack of funds
The proposed $14 million community theater has been shelved.
"We don’t have the funds available to pursue it," Mayor Art Ward. "The money's not there."
The project, first proposed five years ago, has fallen off the city’s radar screen so thoroughly that it doesn’t even appear on the long-term wish list of plans that may someday get money.
"Timing has taken its toll," Ward said. "At this time, economically, it's out of the question."
The city has eyed the possibility of a theater at the 1922 school building since former state Rep. Roger Michele, a Bristol Democrat, first suggested creating a performing arts center there, an idea that only caught on after an ambitious redevelopment plan for the downtown mall site fell through.
Advocates said a community theater would provide a much-needed venue for everything from the Older Members Show to musicals by Bristol Theatre Arts. Shows by touring musicians and others were also possible, they said.
Creating a community theater at Memorial Boulevard School will cost $14.3 million, according to a final report by architects who investigated the option last year. The plan calls for overhauling the historic theater to replace ancient, broken-down equipment, add rehearsal and storage space, update lighting and the sound system, replace the seats and much more.
The $72,900 Simsbury-based Schoenhardt Architecture + Interior Design plan details the need for a new entranceway, a lobby and a host of changes to create a modern theater that could be used for music, plays and other events.
The plan projected a construction big opening in the spring of 2010, a timetable that’s already been shoved to the side by the sinking economy.
During the administration of former Mayor William Stortz, the city got formal approval to include the school within the downtown area that might qualify for millions in state aid if the city came up with an accepted plan for its downtown revitalization. It’s likely that if a theater project moved forward, the state would wind up paying for a portion of it.
The city has been working on the possibility of creating the theater at the school for several years, with a special committee leading the effort. It hasn’t met in months. Ward said there’s been no need for it to hold sessions because there’s nothing for it to do anymore.
Before the city began looking at renovating the aging school’s once grand theater, it had planned to construct a new theater on the 17-acre mall site downtown.
The $100 million mall revitalization project that voters gunned down in 2005 by dumping Mayor Gerard Couture, who favored the plan, included a small performing arts center near the corner of Riverside Avenue and Main Street. It was part of an overall scheme that also included a field house, a civic plaza and a new Bristol Boys and Girls Club.
In 2005, the Fairfield-based AMS Planning & Research firm determined that a community arts center for theater, music and other cultural activities “can attain the support of a broad sector of the community and be well used.”
“Children and families” are considered the most likely patrons, the consultants said, because “parents and families come out in droves to see their children perform in Bristol.”
“The theater would have the technical capability, fly space and ambiance to accommodate theater, music and dance performances, rehearsals and many other events,” the report said.
The experts said the primary audience for a theater would be Bristol residents and others within a 15-minute drive.
Given “the modest household incomes and education levels among residents in the area,” the center should focus on “affordable and family-oriented programs, including community-based organizations” and events people can take part in, the study suggested.
At the time, officials expressed concern that many other venues in the region, from the Palace Theater in Waterbury to the Warner Theater in Torrington, were struggling to stay afloat. Ward said the recession has made it even tougher for them. He said that if Bristol had a theater now, it would be facing difficulties, too.
For the theater project to move forward, it would need the backing of the City Council and the Board of Finance. Neither panel has even discussed the theater project since the report came out months ago.
Memorial Boulevard School is slated to close when the city finishes two new schools, perhaps in 2015. The city has made no plans for the future of the historic school on Memorial Boulevard, which served initially as the city’s sole high school.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 21, 2008
Theater at Memorial Boulevard to cost $14M
Creating a community theater at Memorial Boulevard School will cost $14.3 million, according to a final report by architects who investigated the option for the past six months.
The plan calls for overhauling the historic theater to replace ancient, broken-down equipment, add rehearsal and storage space, update lighting and the sound system, replace the seats and much more.
The Simsbury-based Schoenhardt Architecture + Interior Design plan details the need for a new entranceway, a lobby and a host of changes to create a modern theater that could be used for music, plays and other events.
Mayor Art Ward said the architects, who have worked closely with city officials for months, did “a fine job.”
“I hope it comes to fruition. We’ve needed it for years,” said Ken Ferris, the former music director at Bristol Eastern High School.
City Councilor Craig Minor said the plan offers a beautiful way to reuse a valuable community resource.
But whether the city can come up with the money anytime soon remains unclear. The report itself projects a construction bid opening in March 2010.
The city has eyed the possibility of a theater at the 1922 school building for several years as a way to lure people downtown by providing a much-needed venue for everything from the Older Members Show to musicals by Bristol Theatre Arts.
The 900-seat theater “is in dire need of renovation if it is to serve the community in the future,” the report says. “As it is today, the theater is almost unusable as a performance venue.”
“Every theatrical system is either absent or in need of replacement,” the report, submitted Thursday, says.
The lobby and backstage areas are wholly inadequate, it says, “and the seating is in poor condition” and lacks the sight lines that people expect now.
Moreover, the report notes, the drapery that surrounds the stage is in “very poor shape” and likely poses a fire risk.
The plan features an addition to the rear of the existing stage that would blend with the school’s architecture.
On the north side, where the parking lot is located, the architects call for a new entrance and lobby, including restrooms, a ticket office and an office for the theater.
It doesn’t say anything about who should manage the theater if it is built.
Before the project can move ahead, it will need the backing of the City Council and the Board of Finance. There is no firm timetable when either will consider the request.
Schoenhardt, which got $72,900 to do the report, is a leader in working with the design of schools and theaters.
It designed the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center, worked on the lobby of Hartford Stage, designed the Greater Hartford Classical Magnet School and worked on renovations at the Thomaston Opera House, the Bushnell Theater and the Newport Opera House in Newport, R.I.
Memorial Boulevard School is slated to close when the city finishes two new schools, perhaps in 2015. The city has made no plans for the future of the historic school on Memorial Boulevard, which served initially as the city’s sole high school.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The plan calls for overhauling the historic theater to replace ancient, broken-down equipment, add rehearsal and storage space, update lighting and the sound system, replace the seats and much more.
The Simsbury-based Schoenhardt Architecture + Interior Design plan details the need for a new entranceway, a lobby and a host of changes to create a modern theater that could be used for music, plays and other events.
Mayor Art Ward said the architects, who have worked closely with city officials for months, did “a fine job.”
“I hope it comes to fruition. We’ve needed it for years,” said Ken Ferris, the former music director at Bristol Eastern High School.
City Councilor Craig Minor said the plan offers a beautiful way to reuse a valuable community resource.
But whether the city can come up with the money anytime soon remains unclear. The report itself projects a construction bid opening in March 2010.
The city has eyed the possibility of a theater at the 1922 school building for several years as a way to lure people downtown by providing a much-needed venue for everything from the Older Members Show to musicals by Bristol Theatre Arts.
The 900-seat theater “is in dire need of renovation if it is to serve the community in the future,” the report says. “As it is today, the theater is almost unusable as a performance venue.”
“Every theatrical system is either absent or in need of replacement,” the report, submitted Thursday, says.
The lobby and backstage areas are wholly inadequate, it says, “and the seating is in poor condition” and lacks the sight lines that people expect now.
Moreover, the report notes, the drapery that surrounds the stage is in “very poor shape” and likely poses a fire risk.
The plan features an addition to the rear of the existing stage that would blend with the school’s architecture.
On the north side, where the parking lot is located, the architects call for a new entrance and lobby, including restrooms, a ticket office and an office for the theater.
It doesn’t say anything about who should manage the theater if it is built.
Before the project can move ahead, it will need the backing of the City Council and the Board of Finance. There is no firm timetable when either will consider the request.
Schoenhardt, which got $72,900 to do the report, is a leader in working with the design of schools and theaters.
It designed the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center, worked on the lobby of Hartford Stage, designed the Greater Hartford Classical Magnet School and worked on renovations at the Thomaston Opera House, the Bushnell Theater and the Newport Opera House in Newport, R.I.
Memorial Boulevard School is slated to close when the city finishes two new schools, perhaps in 2015. The city has made no plans for the future of the historic school on Memorial Boulevard, which served initially as the city’s sole high school.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 19, 2008
Security cameras for Memorial Boulevard soon
Security cameras may be in place along Memorial Boulevard this fall.Bids for a half dozen cameras are slated to be opened in early October
Officials hope the wireless camera system will help them cut down on vandalism along the historic parkway, a problem that struck home over the summer when a statue of a Spanish-American War soldier was ripped from its base and mauled badly.
The Sony wireless cameras, already in place at downtown’s Brackett Park, may help deter vandals and could assist police in catching culprits who ignore the cameras, officials said.
“Maybe it will cut down vandalism,” city Councilor Mike Rimcoski said.
Tom Ragaini, a parks commissioner, said that they can’t hurt.
Cameras will be mounted in a half dozen spots along the boulevard, with their pictures sent electronically to a video recorder that will keep the photos on file for many hours in case authorities need to review something.
Park Director Ed Swicklas said that at the very least, the cameras should help police pinpoint the time when vandals strike.
But officials said that the pictures are often surprisingly clear, even in the dark, so they may prove effective in identifying those who create problems.
They could also be used for live webcasting, if the city ever opted to use that option, which might allow residents to keep an eye on the boulevard from their homes.
The cameras are touted as being “ideal for webcasting and remote monitoring applications used almost anywhere – from airports to train stations, factories to supermarkets, and from street corners in small towns to big cities.”
They each cost between $750 and $1,400 online, depending on the vendor. But the city also needs the appropriate networking and connections to use them.
The city’s Park Board is planning more cameras to combat vandalism at Rockwell Park as its renovation nears completion next year, with other parks likely to follow in years to come if the cameras prove helpful.
Swicklas said recently that during the past month, there hasn’t been any vandalism worth noting in any of the parks, a sharp change from the spate of trouble last spring.
Mayor Art Ward said he recently spoke with a prosecutor to detail 57 incidents of vandalism in city parks this year in a bid to convince the law enforcer to come down hard on those arrested for spray painting the pool at Rockwell Park in the spring.
Ward and other city leaders said they are convinced that one way to clamp down on vandalism that costs taxpayers thousands of dollars annually is to “make an example” of anyone caught – and to make them reimburse the city for the expense of repairing the damage.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 4, 2008
State money coming to help fix 'Hiker'
State Sen. Tom Colapietro is planning a press conference of some sort Friday afternoon to let the city know that he got some money to help repair the vandalized Hiker statue on Memorial Boulevard. Details to follow.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
August 14, 2008
City hangs on to Riverside Avenue property
Six years after buying Riverside Avenue property in order to build a new parking lot and pedestrian bridge over to Memorial Boulevard’s war monuments, the project remains stalled.
But city councilors this week unanimously agreed to stay the course.
What’s holding up the project is the lack of a permit for the proposed bridge across the Pequabuck River that needs to be issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection, said Robyn Bugbee, the city’s grants coordinator.
“It is frustrating,” said Mayor Art Ward. “The wait is longer than any of us anticipated.”
Bugbee said the division that would issue the permit is short-staffed, but has assured her that the permit application remains on the table.
The city’s hope is to erect an 80-foot long pedestrian bridge that would span the river between a city-owned parking lot on Riverside Avenue and the boulevard.
There is also a small, vacant store on the property – which once housed Hubbard’s Florist – that might someday become a meeting space for veterans and perhaps other community organizations, officials said.
City Councilor Frank Nicastro, who heads the Real Estate Committee, said he’s been approached by several potential purchasers interested in the site.
But, he said, “I don’t see selling it.”
Councilors unanimously backed Nicastro’s contention that the city should hang on to the property.
Councilor Kevin McCauley said the project hasn’t been forgotten.
“We are still working on it,” he said.
Public works officials said years ago they did not expect much trouble with regulatory agencies because the bridge abutments on both sides would be located outside the river’s channel.
The prefabricated bridge walkway would be more than 3 feet higher than the expected flood crest of the worst storm in a century, according to permit paperwork.The city used downtown revitalization money to acquire the Riverside Avenue property for $179,000 during Mayor Frank Nicastro’s tenure in 2002 and tapped Community Development Block Grant aid to pay the $43,000 demolition fee to knock down the old Hubbard & Co. Feeds & Fertilizer building there in 2003.State Sen. Tom Colapietro got a $150,000 state grant to help the project along a few years ago. Some of the money was used for a parking lot for the boulevard, but there is still some cash left for the bridge project.
Bugbee said the state recently gave the city another three years to use the funds.
Bugbee said, too, that she’s not sure the city could sell the Riverside Avenue property at this point.
She said the grant money that Colapietro nabbed provides that it would remain public property for at least 10 years.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
But city councilors this week unanimously agreed to stay the course.
What’s holding up the project is the lack of a permit for the proposed bridge across the Pequabuck River that needs to be issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection, said Robyn Bugbee, the city’s grants coordinator.
“It is frustrating,” said Mayor Art Ward. “The wait is longer than any of us anticipated.”
Bugbee said the division that would issue the permit is short-staffed, but has assured her that the permit application remains on the table.
The city’s hope is to erect an 80-foot long pedestrian bridge that would span the river between a city-owned parking lot on Riverside Avenue and the boulevard.
There is also a small, vacant store on the property – which once housed Hubbard’s Florist – that might someday become a meeting space for veterans and perhaps other community organizations, officials said.
City Councilor Frank Nicastro, who heads the Real Estate Committee, said he’s been approached by several potential purchasers interested in the site.
But, he said, “I don’t see selling it.”
Councilors unanimously backed Nicastro’s contention that the city should hang on to the property.
Councilor Kevin McCauley said the project hasn’t been forgotten.
“We are still working on it,” he said.
Public works officials said years ago they did not expect much trouble with regulatory agencies because the bridge abutments on both sides would be located outside the river’s channel.
The prefabricated bridge walkway would be more than 3 feet higher than the expected flood crest of the worst storm in a century, according to permit paperwork.The city used downtown revitalization money to acquire the Riverside Avenue property for $179,000 during Mayor Frank Nicastro’s tenure in 2002 and tapped Community Development Block Grant aid to pay the $43,000 demolition fee to knock down the old Hubbard & Co. Feeds & Fertilizer building there in 2003.State Sen. Tom Colapietro got a $150,000 state grant to help the project along a few years ago. Some of the money was used for a parking lot for the boulevard, but there is still some cash left for the bridge project.
Bugbee said the state recently gave the city another three years to use the funds.
Bugbee said, too, that she’s not sure the city could sell the Riverside Avenue property at this point.
She said the grant money that Colapietro nabbed provides that it would remain public property for at least 10 years.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 23, 2008
Colapietro finds state help to fix Hiker statue
The state will likely cover most of the cost of repairing the statue of a Spanish-American War soldier that vandals mauled last month on Memorial Boulevard.
City councilors unanimously agreed Wednesday to seek a $15,000 grant from the state Office of Policy and Management that’s apparently set aside for special projects.
The city would have to chip in $5,000 or more to cover the rest of the anticipated expense, said Park Director Ed Swicklas.
Mayor Art Ward said that the possibility of getting the money was brought to his attention this week by state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat.
“It will help the taxpayers,” the senator said Wednesday.
Swicklas said that he hopes to get the cash in time to have the statue repaired by Veterans Day this fall.
The damaged statue is currently in storage and would need to be sent to a foundry for repairs.
Ward said he’s glad that Colapietro “stepped up to the plate” with the offer to get assistance for the city’s repair bill.
“That’s definitely going to do a lot to expedite the repair of that monument,” Ward said.
Colapietro said that he thought it was “atrocious for something like that to happen” because it violated an important civic space on the boulevard.
As he contemplated it, Colapietro said, “I thought that maybe it was just possible I could help.”
Asking around in Hartford, Colapietro said that he found state Sen. Don Williams, the Senate president, was willing to lend a hand.
“It looks really good” that the state cash will be available, Colapietro said.
“The Hiker” statue is one of 52 bronze casts by Alice Ruggles Kitson made to commemorate the Spanish-American war. The statues show an eight-foot tall “hiker” – a common term for Spanish-American War veterans – dressed in khaki, holding a rifle and looking as if he were resting after a long trek.The one on the boulevard was donated to the city a quarter century ago to honor World War II veterans.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
City councilors unanimously agreed Wednesday to seek a $15,000 grant from the state Office of Policy and Management that’s apparently set aside for special projects.
The city would have to chip in $5,000 or more to cover the rest of the anticipated expense, said Park Director Ed Swicklas.
Mayor Art Ward said that the possibility of getting the money was brought to his attention this week by state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat.
“It will help the taxpayers,” the senator said Wednesday.
Swicklas said that he hopes to get the cash in time to have the statue repaired by Veterans Day this fall.
The damaged statue is currently in storage and would need to be sent to a foundry for repairs.
Ward said he’s glad that Colapietro “stepped up to the plate” with the offer to get assistance for the city’s repair bill.
“That’s definitely going to do a lot to expedite the repair of that monument,” Ward said.
Colapietro said that he thought it was “atrocious for something like that to happen” because it violated an important civic space on the boulevard.
As he contemplated it, Colapietro said, “I thought that maybe it was just possible I could help.”
Asking around in Hartford, Colapietro said that he found state Sen. Don Williams, the Senate president, was willing to lend a hand.
“It looks really good” that the state cash will be available, Colapietro said.
“The Hiker” statue is one of 52 bronze casts by Alice Ruggles Kitson made to commemorate the Spanish-American war. The statues show an eight-foot tall “hiker” – a common term for Spanish-American War veterans – dressed in khaki, holding a rifle and looking as if he were resting after a long trek.The one on the boulevard was donated to the city a quarter century ago to honor World War II veterans.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 17, 2008
Vandalism at city parks isn't slowing
Since the mauling of The Hiker statue on Memorial Boulevard last month, the vandalism at city parks hasn’t let up.
Though there haven’t been any high-profile acts of destruction, the steady pace of smashed lights and other destructive acts has officials up in arms.
“We’ve got to start initiating action. It’s absolutely ludicrous that his is going on,” Mayor Art Ward said.
In just the past few weeks, lights have been broken, a fence cut through at the Rockwell Park pool, basketball backboards spraypainted and more.
“It’s quite evident that it’s not stopping,” Ward said.
“I’m very upset at the vandalism,” said city Councilor Mike Rimcoski. “We’ve got to put the hammer down.”
Officials said, though, that catching the culprits is tough – and prosecuting them is hard, too, since many are underage.
Two young people, for example, were caught by lifeguards kicking out equipment at the Rockwell Park pool. Their names were taken and they were thrown out, park officials said.
City leaders said that the police have been given the information and more action is likely to follow.
Ward said, however, that when minors are involved, the city can’t provide any information to the public so the deterrence value is lessened. He said he hopes that some adults get caught for vandalizing park property one day soon.
The city hasn’t yet taken any action to fix the damaged Spanish-American War soldier that stood on Memorial Boulevard. It is likely to cost tens of thousands of dollars to make repairs, officials have said.
Rimcoski said that officials may want to explore adding extra lighting for the monuments and memorials along Memorial Boulevard to make it a little harder for vandals to strike.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Though there haven’t been any high-profile acts of destruction, the steady pace of smashed lights and other destructive acts has officials up in arms.
“We’ve got to start initiating action. It’s absolutely ludicrous that his is going on,” Mayor Art Ward said.
In just the past few weeks, lights have been broken, a fence cut through at the Rockwell Park pool, basketball backboards spraypainted and more.
“It’s quite evident that it’s not stopping,” Ward said.
“I’m very upset at the vandalism,” said city Councilor Mike Rimcoski. “We’ve got to put the hammer down.”
Officials said, though, that catching the culprits is tough – and prosecuting them is hard, too, since many are underage.
Two young people, for example, were caught by lifeguards kicking out equipment at the Rockwell Park pool. Their names were taken and they were thrown out, park officials said.
City leaders said that the police have been given the information and more action is likely to follow.
Ward said, however, that when minors are involved, the city can’t provide any information to the public so the deterrence value is lessened. He said he hopes that some adults get caught for vandalizing park property one day soon.
The city hasn’t yet taken any action to fix the damaged Spanish-American War soldier that stood on Memorial Boulevard. It is likely to cost tens of thousands of dollars to make repairs, officials have said.
Rimcoski said that officials may want to explore adding extra lighting for the monuments and memorials along Memorial Boulevard to make it a little harder for vandals to strike.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 7, 2008
A second theater for Memorial Boulevard School?
The city may have a chance to add a second, smaller theater at Memorial Boulevard School when it renovates the existing auditorium for use as a stage for community plays, concerts and traveling shows.
Consultants said there’s a chance to create a black box theater where the gymnasium is today.
It would have seating – though far less than the auditorium -- and would be used for rehearsals, concerts and some theater, they said.
Mark Hopper, a partner in the Schoenhardt architectural firm in Simsbury, said a black box theater offers more flexible space than the large stage upstairs.
He said that a black box setup would help to make the entire theater “a more viable arts space year-round.”
Bill Clegg, president of the firm, said that making a black box theater part of the overall plan would also make it easier to book events because there would be more options for the use of the space.
For instance, a band could rehearse in the black box theater while a musical is rehearsed on the main stage, he said.
It isn’t clear whether the black box theater idea would add to the cost. It’s possible that including it would allow for a smaller addition on the school and perhaps even save money in the long run.
Hopper said that adding the black box theater and cutting back on rehearsal space in a new addition might lower the overall cost of the project.
But it’s also possible the expense would push up the multi-million tab for the community theater project, officials said.
“It doesn’t make a lot of sense,” said Tom O’Brien, a Board of Education member. “This type of things is nothing we can afford.”
O’Brien called it “ridiculous” to spend time even discussing the option.
But Barbara Pond, another member of the theater committee, said she thinks the black box theater “is a wonderful idea down the road” and perhaps a perfect venue for classical music concerts.
City Councilor Frank Nicastro said the public will eventually make its wishes known and officials will pay heed because of the importance of the issue and the emotional ties the community has to the school building itself.
What’s most important, he said, is to get “the most we can for the buck” without undermining the historical integrity of the structure.
“The perfect thing would be able to do it all,” Nicastro said.
What is a black box theater?
Typically, they are large square rooms with black walls. Seating normally consists of chairs on platforms that can be moved around to fit the needs of a particular show.
The entire arrangement is simple so that it can provide an intimate setting for a small-scale or experimental play, rehearsal or a concert that doesn’t need a larger auditorium.There are hundreds of them around the country, including many attached to schools, because of their utility in providing extra space, relieving some of the burden on what are often tightly scheduled main stages.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Consultants said there’s a chance to create a black box theater where the gymnasium is today.
It would have seating – though far less than the auditorium -- and would be used for rehearsals, concerts and some theater, they said.
Mark Hopper, a partner in the Schoenhardt architectural firm in Simsbury, said a black box theater offers more flexible space than the large stage upstairs.
He said that a black box setup would help to make the entire theater “a more viable arts space year-round.”
Bill Clegg, president of the firm, said that making a black box theater part of the overall plan would also make it easier to book events because there would be more options for the use of the space.
For instance, a band could rehearse in the black box theater while a musical is rehearsed on the main stage, he said.
It isn’t clear whether the black box theater idea would add to the cost. It’s possible that including it would allow for a smaller addition on the school and perhaps even save money in the long run.
Hopper said that adding the black box theater and cutting back on rehearsal space in a new addition might lower the overall cost of the project.
But it’s also possible the expense would push up the multi-million tab for the community theater project, officials said.
“It doesn’t make a lot of sense,” said Tom O’Brien, a Board of Education member. “This type of things is nothing we can afford.”
O’Brien called it “ridiculous” to spend time even discussing the option.
But Barbara Pond, another member of the theater committee, said she thinks the black box theater “is a wonderful idea down the road” and perhaps a perfect venue for classical music concerts.
City Councilor Frank Nicastro said the public will eventually make its wishes known and officials will pay heed because of the importance of the issue and the emotional ties the community has to the school building itself.
What’s most important, he said, is to get “the most we can for the buck” without undermining the historical integrity of the structure.
“The perfect thing would be able to do it all,” Nicastro said.
What is a black box theater?
Typically, they are large square rooms with black walls. Seating normally consists of chairs on platforms that can be moved around to fit the needs of a particular show.
The entire arrangement is simple so that it can provide an intimate setting for a small-scale or experimental play, rehearsal or a concert that doesn’t need a larger auditorium.There are hundreds of them around the country, including many attached to schools, because of their utility in providing extra space, relieving some of the burden on what are often tightly scheduled main stages.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
What to do with Memorial Boulevard School?
If everything goes according to plan, the Board of Education will close Memorial Boulevard School in a few years and hand the keys over to City Hall.What happens then, though, remains a mystery.
“Who the heck knows?” said city Councilor Frank Nicastro, a former mayor.
He said that among the uses discussed for the historic building have been to turn it into a senior center or to create municipal offices within it.
But figuring out the future of the former city high school, which has been a middle school for years, would be helpful in providing guidance to the architects who are working on a plan for turning its grand auditorium into a modern community theater that can handle concerts, plays and more.
They don’t know, for example, if the existing gymnasium beneath the auditorium will be needed in the future or if that space could be used to enhance the theater.
William Smyth, the recently retired finance director for the school system, said that educators intend “to get rid of the building” as soon as the two new kindergarten to eighth grade buildings eyed for Forestville and West Bristol are constructed.
That’s likely to be about three years from now unless the projects are derailed.
The city needs to decide, then, whether the gym should stay or go, Smyth said. He said that the park department and senior center both might want to keep the gym for their own uses down the road.
On the other hand, Bill Clegg, president of the Schoenhardt architectural firm in Simsbury, said his firm could make use of the space for a banquet hall or a black box theater.
Mark Hopper, a partner in the architecture firm, said that part of the decision-making is to set limits on what the theater can use.
Hopper said that figuring out the programs the theater would house and the parts of the building it can overhaul would provide guidance to the architects.
The city hasn’t had any serious discussion – in public at least – about the ultimate fate of the school.
But there have been hints.
For example, former Mayor William Stortz, in his 2007 state-of-the-city speech, asked, “Could that house
the Board of Education or the whole city hall or possibly an education/academic facility such as
criminal justice or culinary institute or an expansion of the Community college system?”
“Just think, if the Board of Education moved there then what would/could be done with their
building? Apartments, condos, possible conversion for the Bristol Boys and Girls Club with an
adjacent open lot, or even again, some other educational facility,” Stortz said.
The school board aims to close Memorial Boulevard and three old elementary schools and move the students into two new K-8 buildings.
The $120 million plan has received initial blessings from City Hall, but it’s unclear whether officials will continue to back the idea when they’re presented with property to purchase and bills to pay.
The state would pick up about 70 percent of the school construction cost. State officials have also told the city that it can renovate the theater without updating the entire Memorial Boulevard building to meet current accessibility, building and fire codes.
Memorial Boulevard opened in 1922 and served as the city’s only high school until 1959. It was converted to a junior high school in 1967. Since 1993, it has housed sixth, seventh and eighth graders.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 1, 2008
School pool in its last laps
The pool at Memorial Boulevard School where generations of students have learned to swim is in its last laps.
The pool would need “significant renovations” to remain more than a few years, said Tom O’Brien, a member of the Board of Education.
“Long-term, the pool will be closed,” he said.
In fact, O’Brien said, in “a relatively short time” the pool is likely to be out of service for good.
Marci Jones, the principal of the middle school, said the pool is currently used as a teaching station for physical education classes.
Jones said that half the students in the class are in the nearby gymnasium while the other half are in the pool. They switch off, she said, so that everybody gets a turn in the water.
Swimming courses take place from November until spring break, the school’s website says, and all students “are required to take part.”
Educators plan to close the school as part of a switch to a kindergarten to eighth grade system that will open two new schools and shutter three old elementary buildings and the former high school on Memorial Boulevard.
Consultants working on a possible community theater in the historic auditorium, which would remain even if the school closes, said that the pool area might be perfect for a “green room” where actors and performers could prepare before going on stage.
The pool and gym are located under the auditorium, with the pool underneath the stage itself.
Assuming the school projects aren’t delayed long, there probably wouldn’t be more than a year or two when the school would remain open with a new theater operating. There might not be any overlap at all.
Bill Clegg, president of the Schoenhardt architectural firm in Simsbury, said that theater experts need to know the fate of the pool to figure out how best to redesign the historic school’s auditorium to add rehearsal, dressing, storage, set and other rooms needed to make it more functional.
City Councilor Craig Minor said he had “held out hope” that the pool might have a place even after the school closes.
But O’Brien said it can’t remain.
The building was finished in 1922 and served as the city’s only high school until 1959. It was converted to a junior high school in 1967. Since 1993, it has housed sixth, seventh and eighth graders.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The pool would need “significant renovations” to remain more than a few years, said Tom O’Brien, a member of the Board of Education.
“Long-term, the pool will be closed,” he said.
In fact, O’Brien said, in “a relatively short time” the pool is likely to be out of service for good.
Marci Jones, the principal of the middle school, said the pool is currently used as a teaching station for physical education classes.
Jones said that half the students in the class are in the nearby gymnasium while the other half are in the pool. They switch off, she said, so that everybody gets a turn in the water.
Swimming courses take place from November until spring break, the school’s website says, and all students “are required to take part.”
Educators plan to close the school as part of a switch to a kindergarten to eighth grade system that will open two new schools and shutter three old elementary buildings and the former high school on Memorial Boulevard.
Consultants working on a possible community theater in the historic auditorium, which would remain even if the school closes, said that the pool area might be perfect for a “green room” where actors and performers could prepare before going on stage.
The pool and gym are located under the auditorium, with the pool underneath the stage itself.
Assuming the school projects aren’t delayed long, there probably wouldn’t be more than a year or two when the school would remain open with a new theater operating. There might not be any overlap at all.
Bill Clegg, president of the Schoenhardt architectural firm in Simsbury, said that theater experts need to know the fate of the pool to figure out how best to redesign the historic school’s auditorium to add rehearsal, dressing, storage, set and other rooms needed to make it more functional.
City Councilor Craig Minor said he had “held out hope” that the pool might have a place even after the school closes.
But O’Brien said it can’t remain.
The building was finished in 1922 and served as the city’s only high school until 1959. It was converted to a junior high school in 1967. Since 1993, it has housed sixth, seventh and eighth graders.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
June 18, 2008
$15K and a few months needed to fix mauled statue
Fixing the badly damaged “Hiker” statue that stood on Memorial Boulevard will likely take at least a few months and cost more than $15,000, officials said Wednesday.The repairs to the vandalized bronze statue will take “a good two months to do,” said Park Director Ed Swicklas.
But it will also take awhile to figure out where to send the sculpture, official said.
For now, the Spanish-American Ward soldier that vandals mauled last weekend is in storage at Page Park, Swicklas said.
Police have made finding the culprits their number one priority, Mayor Art Ward said.
Ward said that criticism of the police for failing to protect the soldier is misplaced. He said officers can’t be everywhere all the time.
He said that with all the foliage in the area, it’s easy for someone to hide.
Swicklas said that two foundries, one in Bridgeport and one in New York, have taken a look at the pictures of the ransacked statue.
One said it would cost at least $15,000 to fix it, Swicklas said. The other told him it would take “many, many hours and many, many dollars.”
It may help, the park director said, that Bristol has another of the 52 copies of the statue that stand across America. The twin at the entrance to Rockwell Park could be used to make casts of particularly damaged sections so they can be copied, he said.
The parks have seen a spate of vandalism in recent months, including the spray painting of the inside of the pool at Rockwell Park, which was repainted last week in time for its opening Wednesday.
But there hasn’t been much damage lately, officials said, though two soccer nets were swiped at Rockwell Park this week.
Al Cianchetti, a resident who has championed the boulevard, said he wants to see the city “do everything possible” to catch the criminals who damaged the statue.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to catch the scum that did it and charge ‘em,” said Lori DeFillippi, a parks commissioner.
He also urged park officials to take steps to beef up security on the boulevard, including the installation of cameras that might help protect the memorials and monuments that line the historic parkway.
Swicklas said it might be possible to add more lighting in the future that might help keep people from bothering the statue in the future.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Reward offered for statue vandals
A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the vandalism of a Memorial Boulevard statue last weekend.
The Bristol Veterans Council has solicited pledges from donors to pay tipsters who can help the police track down the culprits who mauled “The Hiker,” a bronze Spanish-American War soldier that has stood guard on the boulevard since 1983, when it was donated to the city to honor World War II veterans.
Mayor Art Ward said that anyone who wishes to add to the reward fund can send checks made out to the veterans council to his office. They will be forwarded to the group, he said.
Money donated to the fund will be used for the reward or potentially for the cost of repairing and protecting the statue, officials said.
Ward said the veterans group is doing “a great big favor” by serving as a conduit for the reward cash.
If the city itself offered a reward, state open government laws would make it possible for someone to identify anyone who collects reward money, officials said.
But the veterans council can pay out the cash anonymously so that tracing the tipster would be impossible, Ward said.
Pat Nelligan, a parks commissioner who heads the veterans council, said the group is seeking pledges for the reward money rather than collecting cash. He said it already has $1,000 in pledges rounded up.
Ward said he got a $25 check at his office today to add to the total.
The mayor said he hopes that when the police catch the vandals who did more than $15,000 in damage to the statue that it will turn out that adults were responsible.
That way, he said, the court proceedings against them will be public and people can make sure that a harsh sentence is imposed.
In recent years, police have caught vandals involved in several high-profile cases, but they have been minors whose identities were kept secret and whose punishments by a juvenile court are unknown.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The Bristol Veterans Council has solicited pledges from donors to pay tipsters who can help the police track down the culprits who mauled “The Hiker,” a bronze Spanish-American War soldier that has stood guard on the boulevard since 1983, when it was donated to the city to honor World War II veterans.
Mayor Art Ward said that anyone who wishes to add to the reward fund can send checks made out to the veterans council to his office. They will be forwarded to the group, he said.
Money donated to the fund will be used for the reward or potentially for the cost of repairing and protecting the statue, officials said.
Ward said the veterans group is doing “a great big favor” by serving as a conduit for the reward cash.
If the city itself offered a reward, state open government laws would make it possible for someone to identify anyone who collects reward money, officials said.
But the veterans council can pay out the cash anonymously so that tracing the tipster would be impossible, Ward said.
Pat Nelligan, a parks commissioner who heads the veterans council, said the group is seeking pledges for the reward money rather than collecting cash. He said it already has $1,000 in pledges rounded up.
Ward said he got a $25 check at his office today to add to the total.
The mayor said he hopes that when the police catch the vandals who did more than $15,000 in damage to the statue that it will turn out that adults were responsible.
That way, he said, the court proceedings against them will be public and people can make sure that a harsh sentence is imposed.
In recent years, police have caught vandals involved in several high-profile cases, but they have been minors whose identities were kept secret and whose punishments by a juvenile court are unknown.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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