West End could be transformed by road changes

Proposed changes in West End, looking west from School Street.

A preliminary plan for the reconstruction of the West End’s jagged junctions calls for the demolition of two commercial buildings and a handful of residential homes.

The state Department of Transportation plan, kept under wraps for a couple of months, would close off the eastern end of Divinity Street, change the access to Landry Street and shift Route 72 closer to the Pequabuck River.

The two commercial buildings, each more than a century old, are on the northwest corner of the junction, with the recently-reopened Wah Lung restaurant the best known establishment housed in them.

“This really dresses up the West End,” said Mayor Ken Cockayne. Click here to read the story.

Copyright 2014 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Major changes eyed for West End

This is a close up of a proposed reconfiguration of the West End intersections, looking north toward the main junction of Park and West streets. I'll get a better version soon. This one is grabbed off a picture Mayor Ken Cockayne just posted where he's showing it off to U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. Here's a story I wrote in May about the overall project.
Copyright 2014 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

City offers facade improvement program

Press release from Mayor Ken Cockayne today:

New Façade Program to Encourage Economic Development

The Bristol Development Authority (BDA) recently launched the Downtown/West End Façade Improvement Program to strengthen the economic viability of Downtown and West End businesses. By helping to improve the exterior appearance of storefronts and commercial buildings, the City hopes to attract quality businesses that foster economic growth while combating negative perceptions of these critical areas of the City. I believe in the “broken windows” theory in which crime and other undesirable activity gravitate toward blight and run-down establishments. This program is part of a larger quality-of-life focus for my administration to help create safe and attractive neighborhoods that residents, property owners, and business owners can be proud of.

The BDA will offer 50% grant awards, up to $25,000, for design and construction for a variety of façade projects, including new signage, windows, doors, paint, stucco or other siding material, brick work, and more. The BDA staff are excited to work with applicants through each step of the process, from obtaining project quotes, to aiding in the grant application process, to even helping choose paint colors or materials. And while the City can only provide 50% grants, BDA staff is ready to work with business owners to secure other financing to complete the projects.

Funding for this program is provided by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, which stipulates that funds can only be used in designated downtown and West End areas.  Eligible properties must be current on property taxes and must be deemed safe and capable of occupancy. Properties that are exclusively residential in nature, home-based business that are not assessed for commercial use, municipal buildings, and religious institutions are not eligible.

For more information on the program, and to learn if your business or building is eligible, contact the BDA at 860-584-6185 or log on to www.bristolct.gov/bda

Copyright 2014 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Text of condemnation order city issued to Wah Lung

This is the order issued in relation to this story.

CITY of BRISTOL

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

111 North Main Street, Bristol, CT.  06010

OFFICE OF CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL

CONDEMNATION  ORDER

SENT CERTIFIED MAIL AND POSTED ON PROPERTY

February 10, 2014

Chen Xue Q

2 Divinity Street

Bristol, CT 06010

RE: 2 Divinity Street, Tax Assessor map # 49, and Lot # 11-1

Subject: Unsafe and unsanitary building

To Whom It May Concern:

As the owner of the property known as 2 Divinity Street  and 173 West Street in Bristol, Connecticut; I am hereby issuing this condemnation order that the structure be deemed uninhabitable due to unsafe, dangerous and unsanitary conditions and the persistent improper (lack of) property maintenance. On February 10, 2014, I observed numerous violations during my inspection with the Bristol/Burlington Health Department, Bristol Fire Marshal’s Office and the Mechanical Inspector from the Building Department.  I received a referral from the Director of the Health Department who’s employees were concerned that there existed unsafe conditions.

The following unsafe, dangerous and unsanitary conditions must be addressed before the condemnation order can be lifted and the building re-occupied:

1)      All garbage, refuse (rotted wood) and trash must be removed from the exterior of the premises, especially from areas at rear of building blocking rear egress.

2)      All windows and doors and surrounding trim of the building must be restored.

3)      The rear egress covered porch and stairs is unsafe due to failing structural members which must be rebuilt per building code after applying for a building permit.

4)      Heat must be restored.  Do not use portable heaters of any type as a primary heat source.

5)      The restaurant Hood and duct system must be cleaned of heavy grease build up.

6)      Remove damaged flue exhaust pipe from rear of building.

7)      Remove the peeling paint and restore exterior siding and trim where required.

8)      Smoker unit must be vented separately and not through the hood suppression system.

9)      Kitchen freezer condensate drain line must be plumbed to an in-direct waste outside the freezer unit.

10)  Unsanitary conditions in restaurant require that the wall, ceiling and floor coverings be re-placed-NOT RE-PAINTED.

11)  Confirm use of FOG required grease trap with Fran Baehr, Mechanical Inspector at 860-584-6216.

12)  Install code compliant doors and egress hardware to rear exit of kitchen area. Clear all ice and debris to allow safe passage of occupants.

13)  Comply with all requirements of Bristol/Burlington Health District.

14)  Comply with all requirements of the Bristol Fire Marshal’s Office.

15)  The inspection of the basement of the building and the three apartments are required to determine if there is any structural defects and fire hazards which may pose imminent danger to anyone occupying the structure and may result in additional restoration requirements.

Therefore, I am hereby ordering you do not occupy the structure known as, 2 Divinity Street and 173 West Street, Bristol CT except to correct the violations listed in this order. Failure to comply with this order will result in arrest by the Bristol Police Department. This order will not be lifted until all of the violations listed above are corrected and I receive confirmation from all City Departments involved.

Please call me at 860-584-6220 if you have any questions concerning this order.

Sincerely,

   

Guy R. Morin

Chief Building Official

Cc. Richard Lacey, Assistant Corporation Counsel

      Karen Wagner, Housing Inspector

      David Vanwie, Fire Inspector

      Charles Motes, Director of Bristol/Burlington Health District

      Phyllis Amodio, Supervisor, Bristol/Burlington Health District

 

You are in violation with the following City Property Maintenance Ordinances:

108.1 General. When a structure or equipment is found by the code official to be unsafe, or when a structure is found unfit for human occupancy, or is found unlawful, such structure shall be condemned pursuant to the provisions of this code.

108.1.1 Unsafe structures. An unsafe structure is one that is found to be dangerous to the life, health, property or safety of the public or the occupants of the structure by not providing minimum safeguards to protect or warn occu­pants in the event of fire, or because such structure contains unsafe equipment or is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation, that partial or complete collapse is possible.

108.1.2 Unsafe equipment. Unsafe equipment includes any boiler, heating equipment, elevator, moving stairway, electrical wiring or device, flammable liquid containers or other equipment on the premises or within the structure which is in such disrepair or condition that such equipment is a hazard to life, health, property or safety of the public or occupants of the premises or structure.

108.1.3 Structure unfit for human occupancy. A struc­ture is unfit for human occupancy whenever the code offi­cial finds that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is insanitary, vermin or rat infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment required by this code, or because the location of the struc­ture constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or to the public.

108.5 Prohibited occupancy. Any occupied structure con­demned and placarded by the code official shall be vacated as ordered by the code official. Any person who shall occupy a placarded premises or shall operate placarded equipment, and any owner or any person responsible for the premises who shall let anyone occupy a placarded premises or operate placarded equipment shall be liable for the penalties provided by this code

109.1 Imminent danger. When, in the opinion of the code offi­cial, there is imminent danger of failure or collapse of a build­ing or structure which endangers life, or when any structure or part of a structure has fallen and life is endangered by the occu­pation of the structure, or when there is actual or potential dan­ger to the building occupants or those in the proximity of any structure because of explosives, explosive fumes or vapors or the presence of toxic fumes, gases or materials, or operation of defective or dangerous equipment, the code official is hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate the premises forthwith. The code official shall cause to be posted at each entrance to such structure a notice reading as follows: "This Structure Is Unsafe and Its Occupancy Has Been Prohibited by the Code Official." It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such structure except for the purpose of securing the structure, making the required repairs, removing the hazardous condition or of demolishing the same.

111.1 Application for appeal. Any person directly affected by a decision of the code official or a notice or order issued under this code shall have the right to appeal to the Bristol Building Code Board of Appeals, provided that a written application for appeal is filed within 20 days after the day the decision, notice or order was served. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply, or the requirements of this code are adequately sat­isfied by other means.

302.1 Sanitation. All exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. The occu­pant shall keep that part of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition.

302.3 Sidewalks and driveways. All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions

304.2 Protective treatment. All exterior surfaces, including but not limited to, doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, decks and fences shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay­resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Paint on the exposed

surfaces of the exterior shall not be cracked, chipped, blistered, flaking, loose or peeling so as to constitute a health hazard.  All siding and masonry joints as well as those between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors, and skylights shall be maintained weather resistant and water tight. All metal surfaces subject to rust or corrosion shall be coated to inhibit such rust and corrosion and all surfaces with rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated to inhibit future rust and corrosion. Oxidation stains shall be removed from exterior surfaces. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement

304.4 Structural members. All structural members shall be maintained free from deterioration, and shall be capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads.

304.5 Foundation walls. All foundation walls shall be main­tained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rodents and other pests.

304.6 Exterior walls. All exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface coated where required to prevent deterioration.

304.7 Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a man­ner that creates a public nuisance.

304.10 Stairways, decks, porches and balconies. Every exte­rior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting the imposed loads.

304.11 Chimneys and towers. All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe and sound, and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather­coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.

304.12 Handrails and guards. Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.

304.13 Window, skylight and door frames. Every window, skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weather tight.

304.13.1 Glazing. All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes.

304.13.2 Openable windows. Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be easily openable and capable of being held in position by window hardware.

304.15 Doors. All exterior doors, door assemblies and hard­ware shall be maintained in good condition. Locks at all en­trances to dwelling units and sleeping units shall tightly secure the door. Locks on means of egress doors shall be in accordance with Section 702.3

305.1 General. The interior of a structure and equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and in a sanitary condition. Occupants shall keep that part of the structure which they occupy or control in a clean and sani­tary condition. Every owner of a structure containing a room­ing house, housekeeping units, a hotel, a dormitory, two or more dwelling units or two or more nonresidential occupan­cies, shall maintain, in a clean and sanitary condition, the shared or public areas of the structure and exterior property.

305.3 Interior surfaces. All interior surfaces, including win­dows and doors, shall be maintained in good, clean and sanitary condition. Paint on the exposed surfaces of the interior shall not be cracked, chipped, blistered, flaking, loose or peeling so as to constitute a health hazard.  Cracked or loose plaster, decayed wood and other defective surface conditions shall be corrected.

305.4 Stairs and walking surfaces. Every stair, ramp, landing, balcony, porch, deck or other walking surface shall be main­tained in sound condition and good repair.

305.6 Interior doors. Every interior door shall fit reasonably well within its frame and shall be capable of being opened and closed by being properly and securely attached to jambs, head­ers or tracks as intended by the manufacturer of the attachment hardware.

307.1 Accumulation of rubbish, garbage and litter. All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish, garbage and litter.

602.3 Heat supply. Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat to maintain a temperature of 65° in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.

603.1 Mechanical appliances. All mechanical appliances, fireplaces, solid fuel-burning appliances, cooking appliances and water heating appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe working condition, and shall be capable of performing the intended function.

603.2 Removal of combustion products. All fuel-burning equipment and appliances shall be connected to an approved chimney or vent.

701.2 Responsibility. The owner of the premises shall provide and maintain such fire safety facilities and equipment in com­pliance with these requirements. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy any pre­mises that do not comply with the requirements of this chapter.

702.1 General. A safe, continuous and unobstructed path of travel shall be provided from any point in a building or structure to the public way. Means of egress shall comply with the codes and standards referenced in chapter 8 of this code.

702.3 Locked doors. All means of egress doors shall be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort, except where the door hardware conforms to that permitted by the International Building Code

704.1 General. All systems, devices and equipment to detect a fire, actuate an alarm, or suppress or control a fire or any com­bination thereof shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with the codes and standards referenced in chapter 8 of this code. Single or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in other groups in accordance with the codes and standards referenced in chapter 8 of this code. The provisions of this section shall be enforced retroactively to all existing residential structures.

Copyright 2014 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

West End Association lays out plan

Here's what the West End Association proposed last night at the City Council meeting:

West End Association Proposals

 

1.   We ask the City to install a QUALITY CAMERA SYSTEM to keep an invisible eye on the main intersections. It is less expensive to watch camera monitors than it is to have two man patrols 24 hours a day all week long and it is very easy to review during slow times. We appreciate and need the current police efforts, and we ask the city to permanently fund the patrols to keep the situation under control and serve as a welcome outreach into the business community.

 

2.   We want to help establish a long term NEIGHBORHOOD AWARENESS PROGRAM. This program, with the help of the Association, would put together meetings with groups of residents to get them to know the local police officers and city officials, to hear the residents concerns, and to establish a good rapport. This will build trust and open up a line of dialog that doesn’t exist right now. Neighborhood watch signs would also act as a deterrent in the area.

 

3.   BRISTOL’S TAX FREEZE PROGRAM is a great way to encourage property owners to improve their properties, but it needs improvement. It needs an adjustment of the qualifying criteria so that a building does not have to be totally awful to qualify, and some major advertising. No one knows about it! A tax freeze is a great way to encourage improvements that are a win win situation for the city. Just imagine how many properties could be substantially improved with no loss of money to the city and a promise of future tax dollars? We also request an increase in the allocation to the business facade improvement program.

 

4.   We want the city to reestablish a regular APARTMENT INSPECTION PROGRAM. This program will establish guidelines for the safety, security and sanitation of every apartment throughout Bristol. This program, with input from landlords, will insure a fair and reasonable inspection process that is tough yet realistic. If we can establish this minimum standard and apply it to all residential apartments, we will insure that our residents have a safe, sanitary and secure place to live. This program should also create a tough no tolerance policy for any landlord that refuses to bring their property up to this minimum standard.

 

5.   The West End Association would like to work collaboratively with the City of Bristol on a plan to revitalize business in the neighborhood. Part of the plan would be to identify strategic underperforming properties, which if removed, would allow for more opportunities for future development. Available customer parking is a major concern for businesses in the area. We have some beautiful and classic buildings and these additional parking options must work to preserve the character and context of the neighborhood.  Through the strategic placement of new parking, both shared and municipal, we can achieve both goals.

 

Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.comHere

Cockayne says he'll push for code money

Press release from Republican mayoral candidate Ken Cockayne:

Cocakyne Asks Ward For Money To Fund Code Enforcement.

(Bristol)  City Councilman Ken Cockayne, the Republican nominee for Mayor this November has sent a letter to Mayor Arthur J. ward asking him to put an item on next Tuesday’s City Council agenda to send a request to the Board of Finance to create a $250,000 revolving fund for Code Enforcement.

The money would come from a windfall check received last week from the State of Connecticut for the Municipal Revenue Cost Sharing Account that was not budgeted as income in this year’s budget.  The City of Bristol received $493,000 as its share of this account.

“As it has been well documented over the years the major problem with code enforcement in Bristol is the lack of dollars allocated to it,” Cockayne continued, “This unanticipated revenue can and should be used to start the process of real code enforcement in Bristol.”

Cockayne added, “These dollars should be used immediately in the West End and Federal Hill areas of Bristol to deal with our absentee landlord problem, and we should also be looking at homes that have been foreclosed in Bristol and are now owned by banks and mortgage companies who are allowing these properties to become blighted,” Cockayne continued.”This is happening in all areas of our community and it is becoming a real eyesore to many homeowners.”

“I am confident that with the support of the City Council and Board of Finance, we will quickly see progress in the area of code enforcement and this new funding source will lead to quick results for our neighborhoods,” Cockayne concluded.

Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Wilson: City needs to beef up blight fight

Press release from Democratic mayoral candidate Chris Wilson, just issued:

Chris Wilson Taps Personal Experience To Create Plan To Fight Blight.

Democratic mayoral candidate Chris Wilson knows firsthand the benefits of code enforcement and blight reduction efforts.  “Not long ago, the area where my business is located on Main Street was very dangerous, very run down.” Wilson said.  “But now, thanks to a wide-ranging effort including local business owners, Bristol police and local civic organizations, the area is much safer, and cleaner.  Several old buildings have come down and new buildings and owners have moved in.” Wilson added.

Wilson believes the same kind of effort needs to be initiated in Bristol’s West End.  He believes it's time for the city of Bristol to step up and support a West End clean-up.

Wilson’s anti-blight plan starts with code enforcement and Performance Based Budgeting.  “My opponent has been in the press lately taking about blight, but what he doesn’t talk about is his failure to support the position of the former code-enforcement officer, the person most responsible for forcing absentee landlords to maintain their properties,” Wilson said. “Mr. Cockayne is once again offering Bristol residents lip-service rather than leadership.  Not once in the 6 years Mr. Cockayne has served on the city council has he addressed blight in a meaningful way.  Now that Mr. Cockayne is running for Mayor, it’s suddenly important to him.  Moreover, not once has Mr. Cockayne suggested a way to pay for his blight initiative without raising taxes.  I have.” Wilson stated.

Wilson is referring to his plan to initiate citywide Performance Based Budgeting reform designed to find efficiencies in Bristol’s $180,000,000.00 budget.  Wilson went on to say, “16 cities across the country, many counties and the State of Washington have embraced Performance Based Budgeting, have found efficiencies and have been able to support critical programs without raising taxes.  If we find just 1/2% in savings in our budget, we’ll save $900,000.00.  More than enough to hire back the code enforcement officer that Ken Cockayne failed to support.”  

As Mayor, Chris Wilson pledges to take on the absentee landlords, the drug dealers and criminals who use run-down properties as safe-havens.  Wilson highlights that his blight effort will reduce drug activity and violence, increase property values, make Bristol more attractive to businesses and improve Bristol's quality of life.  And, unlike his opponent, Mr. Wilson has offered a way to pay for his initiative without raising taxes.

For more information about Chris Wilson’s campaign for Mayor of Bristol, log onto www.votewfm2013.com.

Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

West End study meeting Thursday

The West End Neighbhorhood Study, set for completion in four months or so, plans another meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Imagine Nation museum. Here is the agenda.

The consultant has a terrific website about the study here. It's a model for communicating effectively online what's going on that city government ought to follow, something that may be especially important if The Bristol Press vanishes after January 12.

Anyway, here are the study's tentative recommendations so far:

Housing

1. Target the use of Community Development Block Grant funds for housing rehabilitation activities in the neighborhood

2. Encourage the establishment of a West End Neighborhood Association, which could create a resource guide with information about codes, services, financial resources and assistance available to property owners

3. Educate property owners and residents about housing code requirements and nuisance ordinances

4. Encourage the development of a guide to the different types of residential architecture in the neighborhood; use the guide to market the neighborhood’s rich and diverse architectural character Connecting the Neighborhood via Diverse Means of Transportation

5. Support the construction of a new road through the former IGA Supermarket site to connect Park Street and Divinity Street

6. Replace deteriorating sidewalks in the neighborhood

7. Designate a neighborhood bike route and create a designated bike lane along Divinity Street

8. Provide traffic-calming measures along Park Street, including pedestrian connections along Park Street to create safe

pedestrian access to Rockwell Park and Muzzy Field

9. Explore the possibility of connecting Landry Street with Chestnut Street and then eliminating Landry Street’s connection to Divinity Street

10. Working with Connecticut Transit, encourage the extension of bus service into the neighborhood Parks, Open Space, the Pequabuck River and Recreation

11. Allocate the funding necessary to maintain the investment that the City has made in Rockwell Park

12. Create new, well-lit and safe pedestrian pathways in the neighborhood that connect the parks and that provide pedestrian access to the Pequabuck River for passive recreation uses

13. Support river clean-up/improvement efforts

14. Support efforts to better integrate the Pequabuck River into the neighborhood

15. Take the opportunity to rebuild the West Street bridge over the Pequabuck River with realignment that helps to create riverfront access

16. Ensure that any new development that occurs near the Pequabuck River be given sustainability considerations (runoff, plantings)

17. Acquire select properties adjacent to Muzzy Field along Park Street to provide greater visibility of/access to Muzzy Field

18. Encourage the further use of Muzzy Field and encourage neighborhood-based activities during events (e.g., closing off Muzzy Street for street vendors to create a neighborhood community atmosphere during games)

Business Support

19. Target the use of Community Development Block Grant funds for commercial rehabilitation activities in the neighborhood to improve the look of the center and the commercial corridors

20. Create new on-street parking spaces along Park Street

21. Encourage property owners to establish partnerships to provide additional and shared parking near the Route 72/Route 69 intersection, making municipal contributions to increased and improved parking wherever possible

22. Improve the streetscape to materially improve the overall look of the commercial corridors of the neighborhood, including lighting, signage, landscaping, and street furniture.

23. Support commercial improvements that create active uses of first-floor retail spaces and foster positive pedestrian activity, including zoning requests that foster appropriate outdoor uses (e.g., outdoor seating)

24. Target economic development efforts to attract new businesses into the West End neighborhood that will draw people to the neighborhood and will establish it as a destination (e.g., bank, quality restaurants, bookstore)

25. Support uses along Park Street that take advantage of their proximity to Muzzy Field and that complement activities and events there

26. Work with commercial property owners on environmental assessment and remediation as needed

27. Encourage the development of a West End Business Directory to promote the businesses in the neighborhood

28. Foster new relationships between neighborhood businesses and other businesses (e.g., banks) that are committed to the neighborhood Safety and Quality of Life

29. Support and encourage the formation of a West End Neighborhood Association, comparable to the Forestville Village Association, comprised of business owners, property owners, homeowners, and residents, who can function as a leadership body within the neighborhood and take responsibility and ownership of both this plan and neighborhood revitalization

30. Actively participate in a collaborative effort to market the neighborhood and promote its assets and amenities

31. Support the efforts of businesses, institutions, and organizations that engage the community’s youth in positive ways (e.g., mentorship programs, youth sports leagues, apprenticeships with local business owners)

32. Support and encourage neighborhood block parties

33. Support the efforts of the Bristol Boys & Girls Club to build a new facility in the neighborhood

34. Use the City’s Code Enforcement Team to target code education and code enforcement in the neighborhood

35. Support the creation of active block watches in the neighborhood

36. Increase police patrols in the neighborhood to improve safety and the perception of safety

37. Consider establishing a West End police beat to foster increased familiarity between the residents, business owners, and youth with the police and to improve preventative police patrols in the neighborhood

38. Explore the possibility of establishing a new police substation location in the neighborhood, particularly near Rockwell Park

39. As part of the coordinated signage and way-finding program for the neighborhood, create signs that clearly identify offstreet parking lots, their purpose, who may use them, and hours of operation

40. As part of a comprehensive streetscape strategy, install pedestrian-scale lighting standards along the street designed to improve the safety and comfort of people in the area and to establish a linked, consistent character with and

throughout the neighborhood

Safety and Quality of Life

1. Encourage and support the formation of a West End Neighborhood Association, similar to the Forestville Village Association, comprised of business owners, property owners, homeowners, and residents, which can take a leadership role on behalf of the neighborhood in the implementation of this plan and neighborhood revitalization efforts

2. Actively participate in a collaborative effort to market the neighborhood and promote its assets and amenities

3. Support the efforts of local businesses, institutions, and organizations that engage the neighborhood’s youth in positive

ways (e.g., mentorship programs, youth sports leagues, apprenticeships with local business owners)

4. Support and encourage neighborhood block parties

5. Support the efforts of the Bristol Boys & Girls Club to build a new facility in the neighborhood

6. Use the City’s Code Enforcement Team to target code education and enforcement efforts in the neighborhood

7. Support the creation of active block watches in the neighborhood

8. Increase police patrols in the neighborhood to heighten police visibility

9. Explore establishing a West End police beat to improve relationships and communications between the police and

neighborhood residents, business owners, and youth

10. Explore the possibility of establishing a police substation in the neighborhood, particularly near Rockwell Park

11. As part of a coordinated “way-finding” program for the neighborhood, provide signs that clearly identify the location

and purpose of local off-street parking lots, who may use them, and their hours of operation

12. As part of a comprehensive streetscape program for the neighborhood, install pedestrian-scale street lighting that improves the safety and comfort of people in the area and reflects the distinctive character of the neighborhood O’Connell School site

1. Utilize a portion of the site to provide public access to the Pequabuck River

2. Encourage the development of a bicycle/pedestrian trail and other passive recreation uses along the site’s river frontage as part of a comprehensive riverfront greenway and access program

3. Give preference to redevelopment projects that take the greatest advantage of the site’s proximity to the Pequabuck River and best “re-introduces” the river into the neighborhood

4. Give strong preference to redevelopment projects that include adaptive re-use – rather than demolition – of the main portion of the building

5. Support the adaptive re-use of the building for residential and/or community-based purposes

*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Buddhists get green light for temple on Park Street

For decades, the United Auto Workers gathered weekly in a meeting hall on Park Street to talk shop.

But their hall, which has sat idle for years since the departure of General Motors, may soon ring with the voices of Buddhist monks.

The city’s Zoning Commission gave its unanimous blessing recently to a plan by the Cambodian Buddhist Society of Connecticut to turn the decrepit old hall into a temple.

Gina Newman, a planning commissioner, called it “fabulous” that the Buddhists aim to join Bristol’s melting pot to worship and showcase their culture and faith.

“These are truly lovely people,” said attorney Tim Furey. “They are gentle souls.”

The plan calls for renovating the old union hall at 247 Park St. so that it can house three to five monks who would live there. The old meeting space would be used for worship and other events.

Supporters said there are four major celebrations annually that would likely bring about 250 people to the hall, but most of the time it would be a tranquil, quiet place.

The temple’s quick approval in Bristol stands in sharp contrast to the outcry in Newtown when Buddhists sought to construct a small temple on 10 acres of former farmland – a tempest that ultimately led land use regulators to shoot down the plan.

In Bristol, however, the request drew a crowd to Thursday’s Zoning Commission session to urge approval of the idea, not to fight it.

Paul Balavender of Canton said he’s been a part Buddhist community since he worked in refugee camps on the Cambodian border almost three decades ago.

“They are a very respectful, hardworking, warm people,” Balavender said.

He said that welcoming the temple presented “a unique opportunity for Bristol” to embrace the Buddhists and to distinguish the community from the treatment shown it in Newtown.

Tom Borden, a Willis Street resident, said that the hall “begs for redevelopment.”

He said that the temple would be “a great addition to this community. Diversity is a good thing.”

John Lodovico, vice chairman of the zoning panel, said the building is currently in “great disrepair” and fixing it would benefit the neighborhood around it.

He said the hall was once a site of “great hustle and bustle” that would contrast sharply with the quiet, contemplative life of the monks.

But, Lodovico said, the new use for the structure would represent “a big plus for Park Street.”

“This is an easy one” to approve, Lodovido said.

“It would be an improvement to Park Street. It would be an improvement to the community. It would be an improvement to the West End,” said Frank Johnson, chairman of the zoning board.

City Planner Alan Weiner asked commissioners to put the brakes on the plan for four months until a study of the West End is complete, but the panel brushed aside his suggestion.

Furey said it would amount to “an unconstitutional taking” to deny the zoning request in order to wait for the study, since land use overseers could have imposed a moratorium in the area if they’d felt the study was that important.

The union hall could accommodate parking most of the time for its activities, but on the four busy celebrations, there would be an overflow of cars in the area.

Furey said they can park at Rockwell Park across the street, a move park commissioners have already approved. The Buddhists said they’d work with the city to try to avoid conflicting with park or Muzzy Field events.

With the zoning approval in hand, Furey said, the society is hoping to arrange financing for the project soon. It’s unclear how quickly the temple could be ready for use.

But officials said they’re anxious to get started.

“They’re just looking for the opportunity to have a true home and be part of the community,” Furey said.

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

School site from space

Courtesy of Google, here's the lot(s) that officials are eyeing for a potential West Bristol K-8 school at the southeastern corner of Clark Avenue and Matthews Street.


View Larger Map

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

A vision for the West End

The West End planning study continues to move forward. This morning, Elizabeth Grossman of the New Haven-based Capstan Group sent this out to participants in the West End workshops in recent months:

Dear West End neighborhood stakeholders,

Hello! During our last two meetings – starting on May 3rd with the post-it visioning exercise and in June – we’ve worked with West End stakeholders to draft a vision statement for the West End neighborhood. After including all of the concepts and comments from these discussions, we have a near-final draft that we would like to share with you. Attached is the draft vision statement. As you read the draft, keep in mind that a vision statement is intended to describe the neighborhood, identify what distinguishes the West End and makes it different from other neighborhoods in Bristol, and clearly states what we envision the neighborhood can look like and feel like twenty years from now.

If you have a few minutes, please take a look at the statement and tell us what you think. We seek any comments, feedback, and suggestions that you have that can help us make it better. If you could please send me any comments by Friday, July 18th, we’ll use all feedback to finalize the vision for the West End Neighborhood Plan. If you have questions as you are looking at this document, feel free to either email or call (grossman@cpstn.com or 203.785.0130).

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Take care,
--Lisa

DRAFT West End Neighborhood Vision Statement

Our neighborhood, part of a growing Bristol, is a welcoming and supportive place in which residents, merchants, property owners, and civic leaders alike take great pride.

Located along Route 72 and adjacent to downtown, our neighborhood is both a gateway to the heart of the city and a desirable destination in its own right. Our neighborhood is defined by a unique blend of assets that include a diverse population; a variety of housing types and local businesses; distinctive architecture; three of Bristol’s finest recreation amenities – Rockwell Park, Muzzy Field, and Brackett Park; access to the Pequabuck River; schools, churches, and social organizations that strengthen and support our community; and close connectivity with the downtown.

We are proud because, through the positive efforts of many individuals and groups, the West End is once again a safe, friendly, family-oriented neighborhood with thriving businesses, convenient transportation options, and attractive amenities and activities, all within easy walking distance. We demonstrate our pride on an ongoing basis by taking responsibility for the care of our homes and properties, our parks, our river, and one another.

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Cockayne leading West End cleanup on June 29

A community cleanup has been slated for June 29 in the West End.
City Councilor Ken Cockayne said he got the idea from Forestville leaders who routinely spruce up their area of town.
“I’m trying to jump start the West End,” said Cockayne, a rookie Republican.
The effort already has wide support, he said, with help promised by a number of city departments, businesses and others.
Mayor Art Ward said that he plans to help out.
Ward, a Democrat, said that the effort will improve the West End and raise awareness of the need to keep it spruced up.
“It shows the commitment of this administration to a solution” to the community’s problems, the mayor said.
Cockayne said that a lot of business owners are answering his calls, including Bill Englert of Tru-Value Hardware, who is donating some supplies.
“There’s just been a huge response. People are excited,” Cockayne said.
Cockayne said public works crews are going to drop off empty barrels and pick up ones that are full of trash after the pickup.
The Police Board will consider soon whether to allow a temporary parking ban in the center of the West End so that 9 a.m. to noon community cleanup can have an easier time, Cockayne said. He said he hopes it will grant the request.
The city’s youth services department plans to bring some young people along to lend a hand, Cockayne said.
“Everyone I’ve approached has been more than willing to help,” Cockayne said.
Cockayne said that instead of just talking about solving the problem in the West End, he’s trying to do something.
“Actions speak louder than words,” he said.
“I’m just excited about doing it. It’s something that should have been done years ago. I’m taking the initiative in my district,” Cockayne said.
Those willing to help should meet at 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 29 in from of the South Side Meat Market. For more information, call Cockayne at (860) 584-5918.

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

West End planning session Thursday

Note to people who have expressed interest in the West End study:

Hello West End Neighborhood Advisory Committee members!

We wanted to remind you about next Thursday's West End Neighborhood Study Advisory Committee meeting, which will be at 7pm on June 12th at the Imagine Nation Children's Museum. The agenda for this meeting is:

MEETING AGENDA
I. Welcome and introductions
II. May 3rd visioning workshop

Review accomplishments

Discuss participants’ feedback
III. Preliminary discussion: proposed vision statement for West End neighborhood
IV. Development of specific strategies for neighborhood revitalization

Review & prioritize areas for Advisory Group input
V. Next steps/next meeting date(s)
VI. Announcements

West End Clean Up Day

Neighborhood Block Watch

We hope that you'll be able to attend, as there is a full and lively agenda planned. For those of you who are unable to attend, please know that you can continue to stay involved. We will post a summary of the meeting on the website and expect to have another Advisory Committee meeting in July.

As a second note, Ken Cockayne has been busy organizing a West End Center Cleanup Day on Sunday, June 29th from 9am to 12noon. This is a big step toward creating that neighborhood camaraderie and creating the momentum of positive change in the neighborhood.

As always, let me know if you have any questions about the meeting or the study. We are looking forward to seeing you next Thursday.

Warm regards,

--Lisa
________________________

Elizabeth S. Grossman

The Capstan Group, LLC

129 Church Street, Suite 809

New Haven, CT 06510

Phone: (203) 785-0130

Fax: (203) 643-2227

Email: <mailto:grossman@cpstn.com> grossman@cpstn.com


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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

New West End website created for city study

This is just in from the city's planning office:

A website devoted to the city's West End Neighborhood Study is now online. [Click here to see it.] Developed collaboratively by the city's Land Use Office and The Capstan Group (the project consultant), the website will serve as one of the primary means of keeping all interested parties informed about the study as it proceeds over the next several months. The website is also expected to serve as an ongoing means of communication between the public and the study team during the study.

The website includes a timeline, news about the study, and a page from which all study documents will be available for downloading. The website will be updated on a regular basis throughout the study as new materials become available, e.g, data summaries, meeting announcements, and draft reports.

The West End Neighborhood Study Website can be accessed from either the City of Bristol's Website at http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/ (run your cursor over "Land Use" on the left side of the page and click on "West End Neighborhood Study" at the bottom of the pop-up menu) or The Capstan Group's Website at http://www.cpstn.com/ (click on "West End Study" on the left side of the page).

Please feel free to forward this announcement to anyone you know who might be interested in this study. For more information, you can contact the Bristol Land Use Office by telephone at 860/584-6225 or by e-mail at landuseoffice@ci.bristol.ct.us.


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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com