The East Mountain Neighborhood Association

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Meeting Minutes

Attendees: 73

President Mike Ptak called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mike informed all that Father David has been re-assigned and that Father Charbel is now the pastor of this church. He asked all to join in welcoming Father Charbel.

Sue Cegelka of Pearl Lake Road requested to speak with the group about her concerns and fears of the expansion of Pearl Lake Road and of the public hearing on the plan scheduled for September 26. Sue stated that the plan is to take some of the area’s people’s property which will surely result in increased driving speeds, killing of pets and increased residential apprehension. The neighbors are certain the modifications can be made without destroying the area. The hearing will take place at the Sovereign Bank, second floor, in the Brass City Room. Sue has photos for attendees to review.

Mike strongly urged the dire need of “bodies” at the public hearing on the proposed Hamilton Ave. development, scheduled for Tuesday, October 10 from 6PM to 9PM at the Wendell Cross School. Mike reminded all that there is a large sign present on the church grounds with the above information, in opposition to the development. He informed all that the dirt bikes have ceased to use the area secondary to the enforcement of zoning regulations. There is a question that the property will be “flipped”. There is hope that a traffic study will be performed.

Bob Perigard requested that neighbors should try to car pool to the hearing if possible relative to parking at the school.

The status of the proposed development in the Purdy Road area is currently not clear.

State Representative Selim Noujaim addressed the group about the problems with the Scott Rd development in terms of traffic. He reported that plans had to be modified because of traffic. That development will necessitate opening of Scott Rd in 2008, but will be approachable from I-84. He strongly stressed the absolute involvement of every one of us in attending the hearing on October 10.

The treasurer’s report was presented current balance of $4,466.14.

The flower flag recap revealed the spring heavy rains having washed away most of the 100 plus plants, several people donated $450 in donations so that the garden could be replanted. The second time, larger plants were chosen and purchased from Michael’s in Cheshire. The plan for next spring is to request that the garden center start that size plants for us. Purchasing larger plants is more expensive but fewer plants would be required.

The Zion Lutheran Evangelical Church on Hamilton Ave. is having a dinner on Saturday, Sept. 30. The price is $12 and response is needed by Sept. 22. Phone 203 754 5469

There will be a Brew Fest at Library Park as a fundraiser for Main Street. Admission fee is $25. Call Mike for further information.

A wine tasting will be held at the Time-Expo Museum to benefit the Marine Corps on Sept. 30 from 4PM to 7PM. The cost is $35.

Barbara Stere asked about the need for an attorney to speak on the East Mountain behalf to the public hearing on Oct. 10. Tom Brunnock replied that he will speak with an attorney concerning the need. Tom stressed that we need to speak at the hearing, stating that it is our last chance to voice opposition. Mike asked that we don’t speak with emotion, but with valid issues. If the meeting runs over the time limit, another hearing will be held. At least one attendee requested to see a definitive plan of the development.

Park renovation is in progress. Mike announced that we received a $500 donation from Tilcon for the park and a flag for the park will be donated by Naugatuck Savings and Loan, the Harry Northrup stone will be re-placed in the park. Mike will look into getting a commorative stone for Dom Davino who obtained $500,000 for the fields, which was later taken back. Letters were sent to solicit assistance from O.&G, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Webster Bank without response.

Debbie Langdon made a presentation about a proposed fund raiser by doing a commemorative brick walk. She presented some engraved examples from “Bricks Are Us”. Bob Perigard also reported that the O’Donnell Monument Engraving Business does such bricks. Unanimous interest was shown in the project.

David Aldarondo addressed the group, stating that serving as a State Representative has been a learning experience for him, that he’s working hard to get much needed services, neighborhoods have been benefited by a state grant of $300,000 for those neighborhoods. David credits his predecessor, Tom Conway, for his own energies and impetus to assist us, stating: “you are the backbone of the community”.

David then presented State Speaker, Jim Amman

Mr. Amman apprised us that he has been serving in Hartford for 16 years and that he likes Waterbury. He informed the group that we will be presented an additional $750,000 to complete the park renovation project. The Governor will have to sign off on the project. Mr. Amman assured that it will pass after the election in November. He asked to return the “day you put the shovel in the ground”.

Mike reported that the city has promised $400,000 for the park completion.

Phase 1- the fields, walking path and area for playground is in progress.

Phase 2- will be the gazebo, basketball court, spray pool to follow.

The fence is no funded as yet. Photos of the fence at Schofield Park are present for review this evening. Hope is to be able to have such fencing for this park.

Nancy Ptak suggested a bus trip to the Culinary Institute in New York State, date to be decided. A sheet was passed to determine interest.

Tony Loechner stated he needs approval for printing a newsletter at the cost of $916. Approval was unanimous. The goal is to have the newsletter out by the public hearing dat of Oct. 10.

Community Officer Joe Padua reported a new “ yellow dot program” to provide medical information in case of emergency. The information would be secured in the glove box of the car with a yellow sticker placed on the rear windshield. John Gonshi has applications.

Nancy Santarpia reported a suspicious male walking on Rte 69.

Bob Perigard asked that the traffic light at the bottom of Hamilton Ave. be adjusted to allow more cars out before turning red.

Flyers will be passed to every East Mountain home reminding everyone of the importance of attending the public hearing on Oct. 10. Call Mike Ptak for rides.

East Mountain is being paved.

Art Denze addressed the group, again, stressing the importance of attending the public hearing on Oct. 10. He stated “PACK THE HALL’. The proposed condos for Town Plot were denied because of the turnout.

Rosemary Carlson stated the Pond Place is “coming back”. Purdy Road may be a one way road and the golf course renovation hasn’t started because of political issues.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15PM

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Mencio, Secretary