May 22, 2014
Democrats renominate Nicastro, Wright
May 20, 2014
Larson favors 'Marshall Plan for American Infrastructure'
Press release from U.S. Rep. John Larson, Bristol's congressman:
LARSON CALLS FOR MARSHALL PLAN FOR AMERICAN INFRASTRUCTURE
(Washington) – Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act Conference Report (H.R. 3080), a bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed 412-4 in the House of Representatives:
“Today, Congress took an important step toward improving our nation’s infrastructure by passing the WRRDA legislation. It is my hope that the innovative financing programs, such as the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which I advocated for and were ultimately included in the agreement will have a real impact on the infrastructure associated with our waterways, particularly the 70-year old levees protecting the banks of Hartford and East Hartford. This, however, was only a first step towards addressing our significant infrastructure problems.
The American Society of Civil Engineers gives our nation’s ports a C grade, inland waterways a D-, dams a D, and levees a D-. Funding for levees and flood protection projects are acutely critical to Connecticut and the Northeast in the face of a changing climate. Every dollar invested in pre-disaster mitigation or resilience measures can reduce the cost of damage by four dollars
“What we need is a Marshall Plan for our infrastructure. It’s time to set aside our partisan bickering and come together to develop a real plan to rebuild and repair our nation’s waterways, railways, airways, roads, bridges and broadband, and in turn, put Americans back to work. As Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster said at my forum in Hartford last year, investing in our infrastructure is neither Republican, nor Democrat, it’s American.”
BACKGROUND
WRRDA will provide a boost to our nation’s water infrastructure by eliminating $18 billion of the Army Corps’ estimated $60 billion backlog, reforming the Army Corps’ broken project approval process, and creating innovative financing mechanisms to get private capital off the sidelines and towards infrastructure. The measure will move to the Senate and is expected to be signed into law by President Obama.
The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) will provide an opportunity for states and municipalities to access much-needed capital for water infrastructure through loan guarantees and low interest loans. This program is modeled after the U.S. Department of Transportation’s successful TIFIA program, which has spurred $60 billion in transportation investment since its inception. Earlier this year, Larson joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in writing a letter to the WRRDA conference committee urging the inclusion of WIFIA in the conference report.
Roche nominated for state Senate race
Press release from Democrat Dave Roche:
DAVE ROCHE WINS DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR 31ST STATE SENATE DISTRICT
Bristol—In front of more than 50 supporters in the Bristol Public Library Monday night, Bristol resident Dave Roche was officially nominated as the Democratic candidate in the race for the 31st District state Senate seat.
Dave Roche is seeking to succeed retiring state Senator Jason Welch (R- Bristol) and in his acceptance speech he told supporters his goal was find the middle ground to get the 31st District working again.
“Building the economy is just like my field of construction, you always start from the ground up,” said Roche. “Proper investments in our education system will serve as the foundation for our future. We have a tech school right here in Bristol but students leave without learning some fundamentals they will need to help them get jobs.When I am elected we will expand education and programs like Helmets to Hardhats to get people working again.This program can and will be expanded to help all our veterans who serve. Once we solidify our foundation we can focus on the framework of our economy.”
After the speech Dave thanked his supporters and vowed to work hand and hand with them to win in November.
The night started out with a nomination from Mike Portozza, a Bristol resident, who recognized Dave’s strong work ethic and ability to bring people together.
He continued by saying “ we need a senator who understands our day to day issues. Dave will fight for good paying jobs so working men and women can support their families. Dave will bring a strong voice to our district and the ability to get the job done.”
The 31st Senate District includes Bristol, Harwinton, Plymouth, Plainville and Thomaston.
May 11, 2014
Barley Vine owners push Renaissance plan
Our Viewpoint
on the Proposed Renaissance Downtown’s Phase 1 Development Plan.
This
shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that we, Victor & Terry Lugo, owners
of Barley Vine at 182 Main St., Bristol, and homeowners in Bristol, are
supporters of the proposed Phase 1 downtown development plan. We are confident it
provides the best opportunity for success in Bristol’s downtown.
We believe
in Bristol and the proposed Phase 1 plan because it’s similar to our experience
opening Barley Vine on Main Street. We
had to adjust our business plan to meet lenders’ expectations at the time. We
assumed more risk ourselves, because investors and lenders didn’t believe in
Bristol or a restaurant on Main Street.
Now,
investors and lenders call frequently.
Why? Because we proved the
concept works in Bristol. Like the plan
presented by Bristol’s partners, Renaissance Downtowns, we have to prove the
concept and show that we can create a vibrant and viable downtown Bristol.
Recently Renaissance Downtowns delivered on another
milestone, the financial plan for Phase 1.
It can be downloaded from this website: http://www.bristolct.gov/documentcenter/view/3437 .
The plan says, building (A) a 4 story building will
contain 100 residential units with 2,000sf of retail/service space on the
ground floor. We could really use an
opportunity to access 100+ people, along with their friends, living across the street.
As Bristol residents
for 10 years, a distressed 15-acre parcel in the heart of our city, generating
no revenue and adding no lifestyle benefit has been proven not to work. A vibrant mixed-use development is a model
that works in countless communities throughout Connecticut and the rest of the
planet.
The plan
is detailed and we encourage those of you who want to make informed decisions
to review the plan and come to the May 19, 2014 meeting at Nuchies in
Forestville at 6:15 pm to learn more.
We’ve risked
much because we believe in ourselves and Bristol. We urge those of you who
believe in Bristol and want to see Bristol have an opportunity for success to
consider and support this plan.
Thank you,
Victor and
Terry Lugo
Owners,
Barley Vine
May 10, 2014
Renaissance deserves 'open arms and a genuine smile'
An open letter from Adam and Regina von Gootkin, Bristol residents:
Dear Bristol Leaders:
We thought it time to share some of our thoughts about Bristol Rising. While I imagine there are people more involved, qualified, and financially invested in the final outcome than we are, I’m not sure our voice is being sufficiently considered, as I believe we represent a demographic that is important to a flourishing, growing, and successful community.
I am 31 years old, and my bride is 29. We moved to Bristol five years ago, and purchased the E.D. Rockwell house on Federal Hill. Our dream was to finish the restoration of this beautiful historic home and create a life here. My family is originally from Middletown where we have lived for almost 200 years and we had no prior connection to this town. Well done, you’ve attracted us here! We don’t have children yet, we work very hard, and for now, we appreciate a “no kids yet” lifestyle, which means we have a little spending money.
We were attracted by the rich history and architecture of the historic neighborhood; by the incredibly kind and genuine, hardworking people that we’ve met; and by the buzz around Main Street and the Depot Square development area.
Since moving here, I’ve launched Onyx Spirits Company, a Connecticut company producing Onyx Moonshine and the first whiskey in Connecticut’s history. My wife, an attorney and double UConn alum, practices at a firm in Glastonbury that recently opened a firm office on Stafford Avenue in Bristol. She has been active in the community through volunteering on the Historic District Commission, helping to revise the town’s charter, and mentoring a student at the Ivy Drive School.
Right now, a three minute walk from our home brings you to a rotting, vacant, Depot Square. It’s my understanding that the “Downtown Revitalization Project,” in one form or another, has been on the table since the early 2000’s. From an entrepreneur’s outlook, when you have a company willing to pour millions of dollars into a massive asphalt parking lot, I would think your priority would be to welcome them with open arms and a genuine smile. Host them! Make it as easy as possible for them to work with you for success. Help them spend their money here!
I’d like to ask those involved with the project to consider the fact that an abundant, successful community requires access to commercial options. Considering our “no kids yet” lifestyle, we enjoy meeting our friends and colleagues for lunch and dinner. We almost always leave town for this due to the small selection of options, and it’s tough to get our young friends to come here. We would love to see restaurants, shopping, places to walk around and quality housing for our friends that are not yet ready to buy a home. I have to assume that the hundreds if not thousands of young professionals working at ESPN would much rather live, spend and shop closer to their job.
We hear whisperings of egos, politics, and fear. Of people not willing to stand up and put themselves on the line for this project. As we start moving into our next phase of our life, our priority is shifting to one of a quality lifestyle. If you don’t shape Bristol into the town it could be TODAY, I’m worried our demographic will move on. And if we don’t see some honest, rational teamwork abounding with common sense to make this project a reality, you can keep your parking lot, but you may just lose us.
Sincerely,
Adam & Regina von Gootkin
May 9, 2014
Tickets are on sale for Muzzy Field concert on July 5
The July 5 concert,
featuring Journey’s former lead singer Steve Augeri and Russell Thompkins, Jr
and the New Stylistics, is a fundraiser for the Farmington-based Reach
Foundation, which hopes to raise money to help young people.
Tickets
range in price from $30.80 for bleacher seats to $46.20 for on-field, reserved
sections. Ticketmaster also tacks on charges totaling about $5 per ticket.
Augeri was
Journey’s lead singer for many years after Steve Perry left, regularly performing
the band’s blockbusters before packed arenas.
Thompkins is
the original lead singer for The Stylistics, a rhythm and blues band that had a
string of hits in the 1970s that include “Stop, Look, Listen", "You
Are Everything", "I'm Stone in Love with You", "Break Up to
Make Up" and "You Make Me Feel Brand New.”
In addition
to the concert, the city plans a vintage baseball game in the afternoon on July
5, fireworks after Journey’s gig is over and a two-day carnival beginning on
July 4.
May 8, 2014
Brown is 'saddened and disturbed' by privatization move
I'm saddened and disturbed by the decision made by the Republicans on the Board of Education last night to privatize our school cafeteria workers. It shows a lack of respect for people's jobs and livelihood; neglect for our students and, really, our community at large; it shows an overall ineptitude for leadership to allow a private corporation to come into our schools and interact with our children on a regular basis.
Whitson's - the out-of-state company the BOE has chosen to contract with - has several law suits pending against them. They have not committed to hiring the current cafeteria workers who will be displaced. We still do not know if the company performs background checks on the employees they do hire - and therefore we will not know who is feeding lunch to our students. Again, I am saddened and disturbed by this.
The Republicans on the BOE have shown they do not understand what it really takes to care for our kids. If they did, they would see these grave concerns as the threat to community and safety that they really are. Instead, the Republicans on the Board of Education see only dollar signs.
Alas, I do believe that their inability to bargain in good faith, their inability to think critically, and their inability to lead responsibly will come back to haunt them: in court, at future meetings, and come the next election cycle.
I only pray that in the meantime our kids don't have to pay the price for the Board of Education's ineptitude.
May 7, 2014
Tours of Bingham and O'Connell sch0ols on Saturday
The Planning Commission's walk-throughs of O'Connell and Bingham schools have been scheduled for Saturday, May 10th beginning at 8:00 AM. Those attending the walk-throughs will initially gather at the main parking lot at O'Connell School, located at 122 Park Street (the parking lot entrance is across the street from the driveway for Bristol Auto Body). The walk-through at O'Connell is anticipated to take 30-45 minutes. After this first walk-through has been completed, attendees will proceed in their own vehicles to Bingham School, located at 3 North Street, where we will again gather at the school's east parking lot (next to the credit union). The walk-through at Bingham is anticipated to also take 30-45 minutes.
(Please note that, in order to save some time, we will meet up first at O'Connell School and NOT in the City Hall parking lot, as was mentioned at last Wednesday's Planning Commission meeting.)
Dave Oakes of the city's Public Works Department will be our guide at each of the two schools. He has advised that you NOT wear sandals, flip-flops, or any other type of open-toed footwear.
Please note that, per the requirements of the state's Freedom of Information laws, these walk-throughs are considered a special meeting of the Planning Commission. As such, members of the public may attend if they choose. A copy of the meeting agenda, which has been posted with the City Clerk, is attached for your information. Also attached is information about roof replacement work proposed at Bingham School.
May 6, 2014
Cockayne takes aim at graffiti
Press release from Mayor Ken Cockayne:
The City of Bristol and Mayor Ken Cockayne (R-Bristol) continue to fight blight in the community. To date, six houses have been demolished that were failing to meet minimal standards. Several more have been put on notice. Code Enforcement has attacked this issue with vigor and will continue to do so.
As a second stage in the blight fight, Mayor Cockayne has instructed Code Enforcement to increase their efforts to address graffiti as well. “If any code official is out and see's graffiti I would like it addressed ASAP. In the past this was complaint driven. This will now be addressed when noticed.” said Mayor Cockayne.
Current statutes call for the removal of graffiti within ten days of notice from the building department. Failure to comply will result in the removal of the offending markings by a private contractor hired by the city. The resulting fees will be placed on the property in the manner of a tax lien which is allowed by local and state laws.
“We will continue to address blighted properties, but I feel we need to continue this fight on other levels as well. Graffiti is a public nuisance and is a criminal act. I for one am very concerned about what it says about our community to people visiting our town.” said Mayor Cockayne. “This next stage needs to be a community effort. I am asking for residents to speak up and report offenders. Educate your children on why graffiti is a criminal act.”
The Mayor is also considering the formation of a Graffiti Task Force, similar to those found in larger cities and urban centers. “I want to be proactive and very responsive to the needs of this community. There are Graffiti Task Forces in larger communities that have taken a very comprehensive approach to addressing this issue, including education, reporting, prosecution, removal teams, and many other functions. The best function though is how they seem to engage the public in addressing the issue. I would like to explore some of them and perhaps modify an existing model to meet our needs.”
One piece of this that the Mayor is hoping to unveil as soon as possible is a clear and effective way to report graffiti to the city. Mayor Cockayne stated, “I would like to see a link on our city webpage in which citizens can report graffiti with an attached photo and location. We can address it than follow up with the complainant when it has been remedied.”
“I look at blight as a quality of life issue and we have only just begun to fight. The tone has been set with code enforcement and the razing of properties not in compliance. We will continue that fight, but we are now taking things a step further and will pay increased attention to other contributing factors as well. The first one to be addressed will be graffiti. This time, my hope is to engage the public as well though. This is our town and we all have a responsibility to work together to improve it.”
May 5, 2014
City offers facade improvement program
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
May 4, 2014
Revitalization without Renaissance?
 |
| Latest proposal from Renaissance. |
May 1, 2014
Renaissance scales back plan to a single apartment building
 |
| Phase 1A, in new Renaissance proposal |
The Long Island-based Renaissance Downtowns released a confidential 39-page document Wednesday outlining its financing plans for what it now calls the 1A phase, including a possible $6 million allocation from the city to close the gap between what private investors are willing to pony up and the anticipated $17.7 million price tag
Don Monti, Renaissance’s president, said the key to revitalizing the entire former mall site is to create “an ecosystem” that brings in enough tenants to support the shops and restaurants the developer hopes to add as it moves forward with the rest of the multi-year project.
The report makes clear that market rate rents for the proposed building won’t cover its cost without public help, at least initially.
“The numbers either work or they don’t,” Monti said. “We are not magicians.” Link to story.
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