West Haven Voice

West Haven’s only independent news source - By and For West Haven

072717

Mayor: Deal for Thompson School is good for city

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By Mayor Edward M. O’Brien

As I have been out speaking with residents these past few weeks, I have come across a common concern that I feel the need to address. Many of you have told me that you are puzzled by the decision to sell Thompson School to the Housing Authority for $10.

I absolutely understand our residents’ concern with this at first glance, but there is much more to this deal than that. The building needed massive upgrades which private developers were not interested in. The Housing Authority is willing to do these upgrades as well as pay $80,000 a year in property taxes (when they usually pay none) and will be giving preference to the disabled and military veterans.

To elaborate further, the city goes out to a competitive bidding process every single time we sell property. Thompson School was no exception. As a matter of fact, we went out to bid on Thompson School several times. No developers were interested in the property. The one developer which showed some interest pulled out when they realized the massive amount of work that needed to go into the property.

The Thompson School property needs massive upgrades. It is an old building that would need a lot of code upgrades to bring it into compliance for any use, as well as a substantial environmental work. There is a reason we stopped using it to teach our children. The fact that the property needs such immense work, combined with the fact that it is in a mostly residential neighborhood, meant private developers were not interested in it for commercial or residential use.

This is where the Housing Authority came in. The Housing Authority came to us with a proposal to renovate Thompson School which would bring it up to code and fix the property’s environmental issues. However, these plans were going to cost at minimum, hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is why we came to the deal to sell the property at the minimal price.

As I mentioned earlier, as part of this deal the Housing Authority also agreed to pay $80,000 per year in property taxes when they normally do not pay any taxes because they are a federal agency. The other key part of this deal is that the Housing Authority will be giving preference to the disabled and military veterans when reviewing applications for this property.

This deal is good for everyone. The city no longer has to pay to maintain a dilapidated property and will be receiving $80,000 per year in property taxes as opposed to nothing. The residents of that neighborhood will see the property upgraded and the disabled or those who have served our country will get help they desperately need.

The Housing Authority is able to afford to upgrade the building, pay the city $80,000 per year, and provide critical services to residents in need due to the low initial sale price.

In 10 years, the city will have made $800,000 on the property and individuals who need help will have gotten it. This sounds like a good deal for West Haven to me.

City, contractors partner to rehab blighted houses

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By Michael P. Walsh

Special to the Voice

Led by contractor Brian Banning, Mayor Edward M. O’Brien on July 18 toured — and touted — a ranch-style house at 41 Harold St. that Banning recently refurbished, an example of the new partnership between the city and local contractors to improve West Haven’s aging housing stock.

Four years ago, the city foreclosed on the single-family home as well as a single-family home at 43 Linden St. that contractor Anthony Cordone has since remodeled, said Frank Fanelli III, a property maintenance/zoning enforcement officer of the Building Department who oversees the foreclosure sale process for West Haven.

Both houses were also severely blighted, affecting the quality of life in each neighborhood, Fanelli said.

After assuming ownership of the homes, the city put the properties out to bid, with Banning obtaining the Harold Street bid for $55,000 and Cordone securing the Linden Street bid for $52,000.

Banning and Cordone, known for building single-family homes in West Haven, then gutted the houses, giving them an extensive interior and exterior makeover — complete with such modern amenities as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, and vinyl siding and windows.

O’Brien said the upgrades have significantly increased the value of the properties while growing the city’s grand list of taxable property.

The reconstructed homes, which are listed for sale, join several other city-owned properties that are being renovated by bid-winning contractors, underscoring the importance of the unique partnership, O’Brien said.

“What strikes me is that both builders have put significant dollars into the houses and are selling them for values greater than the highest-price homes in the area,” said Planning and Development Commissioner Joseph A. Riccio Jr., who supervises the Building Department. “These contractors show great faith and confidence in West Haven.”

At a glance

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6th Walk, Fair scheduled for Sept. 24

The West Haven Community House will hold its 6th annual “Family Fun Walk & Wellness Fair” on Sunday morning, Sept. 24, at the Savin Rock Conference Center and Boardwalk. Registration is at 9:30am followed by a Zumba warm-up and a 10:30am kick-off.

The walk will feature a variety of fun activities along the route where participants receive free chances to be entered in a raffle to be held during the Wellness Fair at the end of the walk. Fun activity stations along the walk route include: hopscotch, simon says, bean bag toss, jump rope, spelling bee, limbo, wheelchair obstacle course, and more.

The “Fun Walk” will step off from the Conference Center with registration at 9:30 followed by a Zumba warm-up and a 10:30 kick-off on Sept. 24. All proceeds from the event will benefit West Haven Community House and its programs including Head Start pre-school, Community Connections’ day and residential programs for adults with intellectual disabilities, and Children & Youth before and after school child care programs located in the West Haven public schools.

The walk concludes with a free health and wellness fair inside the conference center as well as raffles and prizes awarded to the largest team and the team that raised the most funds. The health and wellness fair, which is open to the public, features a variety of local organizations representing health and wellness.

Those interested in participating can register online www.whcommunityhouse.org or contact Kathy Hart-Jones at (203) 934-5221 x 131, kathyhartjones@whcommunityhouse.org.

Farmers market open on Green

The Tony Inzero Farmers Market is open for its 18th season on the Green.

Through Oct. 28, the expanded marketplace at Main Street and Campbell Avenue will feature state farmers selling homegrown fruits and vegetables from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

It will include crafters selling their wares and an internet radio station DJ playing hit music.

The Thursday markets will showcase food trucks galore, dishing up baked potatoes, fried dough, Italian ice, kettle corn, lobster rolls and pulled pork.

2017 records to be destroyed

Notre Dame High School of West Haven will destroy records for students who graduated or transferred in the year 2007.  Please note that we are NOT destroying transcripts! Those will be kept on file! Any student that wants a copy of his records for that year must request a copy in writing to the Office Coordinator at Notre Dame High School, 1 Notre Dame Way, West Haven, 06516.

The request must include the student’s full name, address while in attendance, present address, birth date, and grade level completed. All requests must be in writing; no telephone requests will be accepted.

Records will be destroyed after Aug. 18.

Rossi charges ‘fuzzy math’

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Democratic Mayoral candidate Nancy Rossi is charging that Mayor Ed O’Brien is not being truthful with the residents of West Haven when he boasts about the claimed growth in the grand list, which represents the aggregate value of the taxable property in the city. Rossi, who is expected to face O’Brien in a Sept. 12 primary, charged the mayor is misrepresenting the facts, and uses his own numbers to bolster her case.

“Mayor O’Brien sent out a mail piece this week that claimed that he was responsible for an increase of $150,000,000 in the grand list, and that is absolutely not true” said Rossi, who is a Certified Public Accountant. “The grand list, when the mayor took office in December, 2013, was $2,822,778,324. The grand list value of taxable properties this fiscal year 2018 is $2,650,190,218, which is a decrease of $172,588,106. These numbers are printed in Mayor O’Brien’s budgets, but it does not surprise me that the mayor would be creative with the numbers to try to make himself look competent. Using the real numbers would just confirm what a disaster his administrations has been.

She wondered where the differential in the amounts shown in the city’s budget estimates and this new campaign literature originated.

“My question is: where did Mayor O’Brien come up with an increase in the grand list of $150 million? The actual numbers printed in his budgets show the grand list decreased by $172.6 million. This is precisely the lack of fiscal responsibility and transparency I’m talking about with this administration. If Mayor O’Brien is taking into account projects not yet completed, or even started, and hoping they will drive up our grand list, his statement is incredibly misleading and plainly untrue,” Rossi said.

In response, the mayor said new development, fostered by his administration, is the source of the new numbers.

“The O’Brien Administration has created millions of dollars in private investment and developments in West Haven. The amount of economic development currently happening in our city is unprecedented. Every single new development and every business that expands in West Haven is good for our Grand List and for the city as a whole,” he aid..

The mayor then used a campaign talking point he has in the past when discussing his opponent; lack of experience.

“Nancy’s negative comments highlight, yet again, her inexperience and her lack of understanding in how municipal budgets work.  Anyone can add the private investments projects initiated under the O’Brien Administration and conclude that $150 million is a conservative estimate in terms of West Haven’s economic growth.  Nancy’s misleading and divisive interpretation of West Haven’s positive economic growth smells of political desperation.

The mayor then pointed to several developments in the city’s ongoing economic picture:

* Allingtown is currently going through a complete revitalization with the completion of The Atwood and two similar projects coming soon. These developments give the center of Allingtown much needed aesthetic upgrades and will be worth nearly $20 million each;

* Several smaller businesses have opened across the city in new, taxable developments including O’Reilly Auto Parts, Chipotle, Aspen Dental, and T-Mobile;

* New development is capped off with the high-end outlet mall The Haven still moving forward. The Haven is set to add an estimated $200 million to the Grand List he asserts.

“When we look at businesses that are expanding within West Haven we see another success story. Enthone is currently working on an expansion worth over $12 million, Watson Foods has a major expansion and has added almost 30 jobs, and AAIS Corporation has recently expanded and added nearly 40 jobs. These expansions once again add up to millions and millions of dollars,” the mayor said.

The mayor summed up his statement, saying the city is in need of leadership, not charges and counter-charges.

“ West Haven does not need unending negativity and constant checking of the rear-view mirror, West Haven needs a leader that looks to build a stronger future for all of us,” he said.

Gripevine

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Dear Eleanore Turkington

I wrote to you a few months ago about the non-working street lights on Captain Thomas Boulevard between Turk’s and the Sea Bluff beach.

The reply from the city’s Complaint Officer, Francis Withington was something to the effect of waiting for a grant. Since he did not say when we could expect the grant, can’t we just get the lights to work and light up the area? Travelling down this road at night it’s very dark and dangerous as well as being unsightly.

Could you please see that something is done about this scandalous situation?

Maybe the police department could be contacted about this situation. Maybe Mr. Withington doesn’t seem to be able to handle it.

Annoyed

Dear Annoyed:

I have to disagree with you about Mr. Withington’s ability to handle this situation. I have been able to resolve many readers’ gripes and comments with the cooperation of Mr. Withington.

As an example: THE CAPTAIN BOULEVARD’S LIGHTING PROBLEM IS SOLVED! Thanks to Withington’s reply in today’s email, “Lighting on the Captain Thomas Boulevard: the new LED lighting has arrived and should be installed within the next two weeks.”

Please let me know when this area is once again illuminated.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

I have been following the poor appearance of Beach Avenue, namely the Captain’s Galley, Debonair and Chick’s abandoned buildings. Just WHEN will there be an improvement here?

Patient Tax Payer

Dear Patient Tax Payer:

So many of my readers have written to complain about the unsightly appearance of buildings on Beach Street.

Good news arrived today from West Haven’s Complaint Officer, Francis Withington relating to your gripe and other readers, relating to Beach Avenue’s building complaints.

From Withington, “There is an item on the P & Z agenda that, if approved, will enable the Captain’s Galley to be knocked down. Zoning enforcement is monitoring Debonair and Chick’s. Readers can be sure, Gripe Vine will remain on top of these complaints.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

Colonial Park looks abandoned and has been allowed to become a parking facility for the people on both sides of it. Some of the homeowners use the grass area as a parking place. The once gassy area Is now a dirt patch parking lot that I feel is an eyesore to the community at large.

Parking on the grass was not allowed for the home owners who have taken notice of the dirt area and feel free to park there when going to the beach. Some of the people here also dump their grass clippings and the leaves in the fall. The city plants flowers at the park but the remainder of the park is a disaster.

Maybe it’s time for the city to examine the park and return it to its former condition.

Environmentalist

Dear Environmentalist:

Here is the reply from Francis Withington, West Haven’s Complaint Officer on your request for an improvement of Colonial Park: “The West Haven Police Department says parking on the grass near the brook is legal. We have a beautification committee that takes care of sprucing up that area. The Department of Public Work goes there and flails when called.

I am going to check with the state DEP about the parking because I think if any fluid leaks out of those cars it will go into the brook. I will let you know.”

Gripe Vine Readers:

As promised, I will continue to keep abreast of motorcycle issues affecting the public, including required compliance with the law. I am sure West Haven Police personnel are aware of motorcycle safety equipment. But, just to allow my readers the same information, I will publish a few of the really important requirements in Gripe Vine.

Residents can keep a lookout for biker’s bike equipment that are not within the legal description of the law. As an example, the “bike” must have at least one reflector either as a part of the tail lamps or placed separately and mounted at a height not less than 15 inches and more than 60 inches in size. We can do our part to ensure safety and less ear drum piercing roaring motorcycle sounds.

Meanwhile, I am hearing the speeding has subsided a little. Let’s keep it down through your caring and police surveillance.

Coming up: bicycles riding in and out of traffic..sea shells on the beach, Colonial Park gripe, cancelled concert..and much more.

You can send your gripes, comments and suggestions to gripevinewh@aol.com or drop them in the mail c/o The West Haven Voice, attention Gripe Vine. Please include your name, address and phone number, kept in strict confidence with me.

Editorial

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Tonight marks the opening of the thirty-sixth renewal of the Savin Rock Festival. In last week’s editorial space we recounted the early work that has made the festival the summer staple it has become in our city. It is, first and foremost, a celebration of our history, but it is also a celebration of our people.

There is no question West Haven is a city in transition. Once a blue-collar, middle-middle-class municipality, the city has seen its fortunes take a steady downturn over the three decades. Once a proud manufacturing and industrial hub, the city saw its industry leave with the energy crises of the 70s and 80s and nothing come in to replace it.

In the last several years the city has become poorer, seen an increase in minority and single-parent households and struggled to maintain its identity as a community proud of its heritage and history.

While the demographics of the city have changed, though, there is still a solid backbone of families and individuals who are working to maintain the community spirit that sets our city apart from most. There is still the Westie Spirit that permeates this community.

From benefits for grieving or needy families, to civic and fraternal organizations offering programs and sponsorships for various youth activities to the pride felt by alums of both West Haven High School and Notre Dame, to be called a “Westie” is a mark of pride and accomplishment.

There were some in the not-so-recent past who were embarrassed by the city’s history. The fact that Savin Rock Amusement Park was here and became the playground of Southern New England was a source of pain for many. That pain probably came from the age of the park and the fact that much of it was in need of repairs. There was a pervasive attitude in the era just preceding and following the “urban renewal” of the 1960s that we had to exorcize the ghosts of the past in order to move forward.

It wasn’t long before people began to see that rather than shy away from the past, we should embrace it and celebrate it. It makes us who we are, and it helped define the community we became and are today.

That is much of what is being celebrated this weekend. The various tents and stands that offer games, amusements and food will be sponsored by the many organizations that work for the community. It is an abject lesson in what it is to be members of a larger group.

West Haven has always been a community where neighbor helps neighbor. It is a community where we celebrate the successes of our friends and city residents and work to help those who need a boost.

This weekend’s festival is a celebration of our city and our people. It is a celebration of where we are located as well. Our shorefront is the envy of many communities up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

Enjoy this Festival 36, it is a celebration of our people and our city. Better things may or may not be on the way, but the spirit that makes West Haven what it is continues.

China’s not ready to lead

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By Rich Lowry

Syndicated Columnist

The world has had its delusions about China over the years, but none quite as fantastical as the notion of Beijing assuming the mantle of global leadership.

Ever since Donald Trump’s election, it has been a journalistic trope to speculate that China is about to take the lead on globalization, climate change and international diplomacy.

Knowing his audience, President Xi Jinping has stoked this tripe by mouthing all the right cliches in front of the right audiences. He gave a speech at Davos heavy on the theme of openness and promised to help lead globalization. “Any attempt to cut off the flow of capital, technologies, products, industries and people between economies,” Xi said, summoning his best Thomas Friedman, “is simply not possible.”

Somehow, China manages the impossible nonetheless. When it comes to information (which Xi omitted from his litany), China cuts itself off from the rest of the world quite adeptly. According to the pro-democracy group Freedom House, China ranks last in the world in internet freedom, behind Iran and Syria. It blocks Google, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and jails people for spreading rumors online, i.e., criticizing government officials.

How about the free flow of capital? China has tight rules against capital outflows. Technology? China is an expert at stealing it, especially from foreign companies operating in China. Products? Despite its membership in the World Trade Organization, China is robustly mercantilist. Brad Setser of the Council on Foreign Relations points out that imported manufactures as a share of the Chinese economy peaked in 2003 and have been falling since. What Xi calls “win-win cooperation” is the rest of the world opening its markets to China while China refuses to reciprocate.

Xi also toes the Davos line on climate change, to the delight of credulous Westerners. China’s leadership consists of making a pledge as part of the Paris accords to reach peak emissions in 2030 — a goal consistent with the trajectory of its economy anyway — and planning to make a mint by selling to the West green technology it has developed through its characteristic unscrupulous means.

There is no doubt that China, the world’s second-largest economy, is much more assertive on the international stage than it used to be, but the idea of it as a global leader, or as a responsible power, or even as an admirable country is daft.

It props up the lunatic regime in North Korea because it fears the prospect of a unified, democratic Korea. It is pushing for control of the South China Sea, ignoring a sweeping ruling by an international tribunal against its claims of sovereignty. It is investing massively in its military — and not to support the cause of global openness.

Clearly, one motive for the dewy-eyed press coverage of China’s purported leadership is a distaste for Donald Trump, who wears his disregard for the global elite on his sleeve. The romance with Xi is a way to tweak him. But, whatever his views on trade or climate change, Trump doesn’t run a repressive one-party state. It’s perverse to be more comfortable with the president who bans Twitter over the president who uses it indiscriminately.

Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review.(c) 2017 by King Features Synd., Inc.

36th Festival begins at Grove Park

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By Michael P. Walsh

Special to the Voice

The 36th annual Savin Rock Festival starts tonight in Old Grove Park with four days of games, food, rides and entertainment.

The event, which pays homage to the legacy of Savin Rock Park, features its second beer garden — complete with live music — since the festival began in 1982.

It kicks off at 5 p.m. with welcoming remarks from Mayor Edward M. O’Brien and the national anthem sung by Caitlin Morrissey.

Santana tribute group Sacred Fire performs at 5:15 p.m., followed by party rock band The RumRunners at 7:15 p.m.

The festival, sponsored by the University of New Haven, is today, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, 5-10 p.m.; and Saturday-Sunday, noon-10 p.m.

Marenna Amusements is offering wristbands for unlimited rides for $30, 24 tickets for $24 and 12 tickets for $10. Otherwise, tickets cost $1 each.

On Friday, Turbulence, “Connecticut’s favorite party band,” opens at 5:15 p.m., followed by the History of Rock & Soul Starring Pauly and the Goodfellas at 8:30 p.m.

Local organizations are setting up informational booths, and the food court is serving up the fare — fried seafood, split hot dogs, frozen custard — that catapulted old Savin Rock to notoriety as “the Coney Island of Connecticut.”

On Saturday, the West Haven High School dance team and the Top Hat Dance Academy perform at noon and 12:15 p.m., respectively, followed by alternative rock group Clockwork at 1 p.m. and country cover band Boondocks at 2:30 p.m.

Rubber City, powered by a horn section that rivals such bands as Chicago and Tower of Power, goes on at 4 p.m., followed by “music that’ll move ya” by Ball in the House at 5:30 p.m.

Elements, anchored by a 12-piece band, start at 8:30 p.m., performing a 90-minute set of Earth, Wind & Fire hits, including “September,” “Can’t Hide Love,” “Boogie Wonderland” and “Fantasy.”

If it rains, Pauly and the Goodfellas and Elements are set to play in the Carrigan Intermediate School auditorium, 2 Tetlow St.

On Sunday, Simply Dance is on at noon, followed by classic rock band Stratus at 1 p.m., oldies group Vinnie Carr at 2:30 p.m., pop rock group Sister Funk at 4 p.m. and rhythm and blues band Nu Groove at 5:30 p.m.

At 8 p.m., the festival closes with a two-hour concert by The Wayouts, “Connecticut’s freshest and most diversified cover band.”

The West Haven High School Band Parents is holding a craft fair Friday, 4-8 p.m.; Saturday, noon-8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-6 p.m.

To help with expenses, the Savin Rock Festival Committee is selling T-shirts and other merchandise in the hospitality tent. It is also charging nonresidents $10 for parking.

Organizers said the parking revenue and beer and merchandise sales are supporting next year’s festival budget.

The cash-only beer garden is pouring three craft, domestic and imported draft beers, as well as a hard cider and a wine. It is serving beer Friday, 5-9 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 1-9 p.m.

Attendees are reminded that a city ordinance prohibits domestic animals on certain parks, beaches or recreation areas. The fine is $50 per offense.

Also, per the Police Department, backpacks, bicycles and glass containers are prohibited, and coolers are subject to search.

A sporting life

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By Mark Vasto

Syndicated Columnist

Last week we learned that a few things we suspected might be true are, in fact, probably true:

1. R. Kelly runs a sex cult, and;

2. Roger Federer is the greatest champion that tennis, and maybe all of sport, will ever know.

The Federer story is very hard to dispute. Here’s a kid who came out of Switzerland as a — get this — hothead, and calmed it down to the low burn of just winning the most majors in tennis history. Actually, reading off his list of accomplishments is quite easy because he’s literally rewritten the record books.

He’s won 19 Grand Slam singles titles. He has been the top-ranked player for 302 weeks, 237 consecutive — both records. He has a habit of winning tournaments without dropping a set. He bookends careers. Remember Lleyton Hewitt and Pete Sampras? Federer ended their reigns. Remember Andy Roddick? Ditto. Now he’s 35 and he’s still running the table, beating guys like Rafa Nadal with stunning acumen.

Even Deadspin writes nice things about him. One of its recent columns pointed out how Federer endorses products that are way, way out of most people’s pay grade — Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, Credit-Suisse — and yet the guy remains likable.

It’s true. He is a true sportsman, so it’s hard for anyone who likes sports to really root against him. He has a beautiful wife named Mirka, and whenever they cut to her in the box you feel yourself saying “good for you, Roger,” and you don’t quite know why. He has — get this — not one, but TWO sets of identical twins with her. Who does that? Roger Federer does, that’s who.

I’ve always maintained that tennis is one of the least understood and underappreciated sports. It’s always suffered from an image problem, that of the stuffy, pinky-up, private-club set, when in reality, outside of boxing and MMA, it is the only major sport where you take somebody on one on one (unless it’s doubles or mixed doubles, but you get the point). A tennis player carries his or her own bags, argues their own calls, has nowhere to hide when they need to collect themselves. (A bathroom break is met with howls of derision.)

And while guys like John McEnroe have done remarkable jobs of remaining relevant, we haven’t really met up with a tennis champion quite like Federer. One imagines that Bjorn Borg, had he not suddenly retired at the top of his game, would have approached his greatness, but he did not. Instead, we, as viewers, have been given the real privilege of watching what some are calling a renaissance of Roger. His stunning win at Wimbledon would seem to be a bookend to his career.

Only it’s not. Federer is still in the game, still winning, still making it look easy, still doing it with class and style. Of all the champions we’ve witnessed over the years — including Michael Jordan — nobody has put on a show like this guy has.

If you’ve missed any of it, take heart … there’s still plenty more to watch.

Mark Vasto is a veteran sportswriter who lives in New Jersey.(c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

Dear Felicia

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Here it is, sweetie pie, the weekend of the Savin Rock Festival. As I told yew last week, it’s hard to believe this is number 36. Cobina remembers it as if it were yesterday. Tempus really does fugit, don’t it. What I didn’t tell yew, is that, once again, the Mystick Maidens of the Marsh were politely told their request for a booth was refused. This is the 36th time setch a thing has happened, and it’s getting to be a rite of summer.

One would think that an old and cherished organization that goes back to the time this berg was still known as West Farms would be welcome, but for some reason, politicos and committees have shunted us aside for decades.

No matter, we’ll be traversing the festival and then retreating to the Cove River marshes to have our own lit’le celebration. And this year it’s jest gonna be us gals, no politicos, no special guests.

While we’re thinking about the festival, Cobina was wondering about the carousel projeck. I know that Mikey Mercuriano and his crew are still working to put a carousel at the Savin Rock Museum or an adjunct, but we ain’t heard much about it in the past little while. I know they need about $3 million to git the thing off the ground. That could be part of the problem.

~~~

Jest in case yore wondering, Sammy Bluejay kind o’ confirmed whot we all thought. We were all told that once the kiddies left for the summer, the infamous G-wing at West Haven High School would see the wrecker’s ball faster than you can say Jack Robinson. Well, that ain’t gonna happen.

Sammy sez that nothing is gonna happen until the “small gym,” which was once known as the girls gym – but yew can’t say that anymore as some Social Justice Warrior will get his or her panties in a bunch – is made ready for the moving of the shop classes.

And, right now, that can’t be done until the asbestos that is under the current basketball floor is removed. Soooooo, crews have been working to secure the area so asbestos can be “remediated.” Don’tcha jest love the woids they use to mean “removed.”

Tennyrate, the way Sammy gits the story, it’s gonna take a while fer that to happen, and then the space will have to be converted in setch a way that it can be a shop area. How long d’yew think that’ll take?

Suffice it to say that the word around the street is the G-wing will be around at least until Christmastime, when it is expected the dastardly space will be eliminated and the angst of the powers that be will go along with it.

Still, the feeling amongst some of those in the know is that this is all gonna be a smoke screen. There is persistent feeling amongst some that somehow, some way the projeck is gonna be jettisoned after the G-wing is eliminated. There is also a bit more that Cobina knows, but she doesn’t wanna divulge it at this time.

~~~

As far as the Vic Hogfeldt saga, it’s been a busy week. Madame Olga tells me she’s been peering through her crystal ball and there have been letters and emails and all kinds o’ phone calls to and from Vic and people within and without. Vic wants a hearing before the Board of Ed, which according to state law he has every right to have.

His former attorney might have tacitly agreed to an arbitration hearing, rather than a public hearing, but he may have done it without Vic’s approval, which means it ain’t binding. But, the powers in the system and, of course, in the union don’t want that public session. Things may come out that they don’t want the public to know.

Superintendent Neil Cavallaro tried to silence Vic by sending him a cease-and-desist letter concerning his missives to this papyrus. That didn’t go anywhere, nor should it. He’s been getting phone calls urging him to take a settlement and get on with his life, but he wants that hearing.

They are trying to force an arbitration hearing on him instead, and he’s already told them he will not comply nor attend. So, this is headed for the courts, methinks.

And as I keep telling you, word is that his evaluations as a member of the teaching staff prior to his kerfuffle with the union and the super were perty good, some would say very good. ‘Twasn’t until his problems that his evaluations and his fortunes seemed to take a tumble. A jury will not look kindly on that and the school people know it. Stay tuned, it’s gonna get more sordid before it gits better.

~~~

Meanwhile back in the political realm, the two political parties will have picked their candidates this week. The Demmies were gonna caucus on Tuesday, and it was too late for me to git the results, but I think we can assume that hizzoner will git the nod, and Nancy Rossi has begun her quest to unseat him by means of a primary – it’s what the Demmies do in this berg.

From whot I am able to glean from conversations with the wag, the petitions will be pulled and then there will be a two-week interval wherein the challenge candidates hafta submit their petitions. They don’t need too many, cuz the number of voters in the last election was perty slender. So, they might need less than a hundred or so in some districts, with only several hundred for citywide positions.

We shall see. But make no bones about it, the fun has begun in the Democratic Party, and a primary will be held in September. It’s also a foregone conclusion that the little potshots the Demmies are taking at each other are nothing compared to what will follow.

Meanwhile in the GOP, Dave Riccio is a shoe-in for the top spot, it’ll jest be something of interest to see who is on his slate and whether the minority party will fill out the complete slate this go-round. We shall see.

~~~

I hear-tell the P&Z is considering a petition to demolish the Captain’s Galley building over on Beach Street. The restaurant has been closed fer about four years now, and Mother Nature is starting to take its toll on a building that wasn’t all that sturdy to begin with.

Part of the problem over there was that the building and land were owned by different people and a rental agreement could never be finalized betwixt them and anyone who wanted to reopen. So, another business goes the way of all flesh, and that location will probably never git built on again, at least not in its present operational state.

The rest of the properties are being “monitored” by the P&Z we are told. We shall see. Debonair Motel is about four years into a purchase by Sam Gejdenson the former congressman and state official and his wife. They determined to see what the neighborhood wanted, but we never heard back from them. Meanwhile, the property was fenced in cuz squatters were coming around.

There are expensive properties surrounding the former motel, and those values hafta be hurting with a dilapidated building sitting right in their environs.

~~~

Speaking of projecks, Nelly Nuthatch tells me there is a pool in the area amongst some perty in-the-know individuals wondering when the backhoe or derrick will be put into place at the Haven property now that an election is in the air. It’s an age-old formula in these parts to put a bulldozer or backhoe or some other earth-moving device into position to show the voters that the current administration is working to get things done. It ain’t appeared yet, but like basketball pools, there are people who are picking dates.

With that bit o’ chatter, I’ll close this time till next, mitt luff und kizzez,