08.21.08
Posted in PZC, Sex Clubs at 5:19 pm by Ladyx
After what was a wild and wooly public hearing last night, the PZC finally unanimously voted to remove the special permit required for an adult entertainment establishments wishing to open their business in an I-3 zone. This was their last stand on the issue before the court hearings open on Sept 17th.
This probably means that the Council will adopt their proposed Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance, otherwise any establishment can open in an I-3.
From the speakers last night, I do believe that the residents at least, understand what the lawsuits are all about. It reallyhas nothing to do about the residents not wanting these types of businesses, rather what the Town does in attempting to prohibit them. Anyway, there has been enough said on the subject and the door is still not closed.
My one question, is that, when the PZC denied the application for the two new zones (Northend and Prestige Park) why did they not go back to the table and propose a different area?
My question leads to the proposal that Jon Searles made - have a Roberts Street zone and no where else in town. His proposal makes sense.
Brainflation has a terrific post up regarding the hearing last night - my compliments!
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08.16.08
Posted in PZC, General at 11:37 am by Ladyx
As we have all been focused on the Adult Entertainment issue(s) the Town is facing, we have been neglecting the Flood Zone issue.
On the 20th, PZC will also conduct a public hearing on the remapped East Hartford Flood Zones. I believe this to be an issue of greater importance to the residents in those designated areas as some additional homeowners and businesses may need to purchase flood insurance. I had difficulty with the FEMA maps but for what it is worth, here is the link (maps are also available for viewing in the Development office at Town Hall):
http://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/FemaWelcomeView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&userType=G
Here is the text from the PZC agenda:
Begins: 7:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
AUGUST 20, 2008
1. APPLICATION FOR ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT: Revisions to the Flood Hazard Zone Regulations under Article VI Section 601 to add Federal/State mandated modifications to the municipal Flood Hazard Area Regulations and new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate mapping (FIRMs)
Applicant: Town of East Hartford Planning and Zoning Commission
(Rescheduled from August 13, 2008 Public Hearing)
2. TEXT AMENDMENT APPLICATION: To allow adult-oriented establishments as a permitted use with special requirements in the existing Section 503 Industrial III (I-3) zone. (Note: This is a 7/31/08 revision correcting typographical errors.)
Applicant: Town of East Hartford Planning and Zoning Commission
(Continued from the July 31, 2008 Special Public Hearing)
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08.13.08
Posted in State Elections, Jason Rojas at 7:37 am by Ladyx
East Hartford’s Jason Rojas and Manchester’s Clif Thompson will move on to November’s ballot for the 9th Assembly District’s State Representative seat.
Congratulations to both on winning their respective primaries!
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08.09.08
Posted in Board of Education at 10:43 am by Ladyx
The Connecticut Voices for Children has released their school suspension research with, not surprising, data.
According to the report,
http://www.ctkidslink.org/publications/edu08missingout.pdf
East Hartford’s school district suspended 13% of the student popluation K-12 somewhat in line with the State’s major cities. Maybe this group of youths should be the target group for the Youth Task Force.
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08.06.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 12:28 pm by Ladyx
If you missed the Public Hearing on the bond referendum questions last night, you missed a good one. Up for public comment were $12.5 mil for roads, $2.1 mil for the library and $1.8 mil for school repairs. Yes, that’s what I thought until I listened to the hearing on tv - just the town asking for more money…but there is a different side to these stories.
The library project actually costs 6 - 6.8 milion with 2/3 of the funding coming from State Grants and private sector support. This isn’t being squarely put on the backs of the EH taxpayers. I have only had the occassion to visit Raymond Library a few times, but based on what the speakers had to say last night, and there were plenty, the library is in desperate need of an addition.
On the school repairs, the Mayor indicated that 72% of the bond amount would be reimbursed by the State.
My thoughts on the road repairs - why can’t this town have a continuous improvement plan? We always seem to fly by the seat of our pants and only when we are in great need.
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08.04.08
Posted in State Elections at 4:36 pm by Ladyx
I received the following note from Joe Hachey and I do believe it was meant for all of you!
LadyX,
I have been following your informative blog for a while. I am proud to be the challenger in the August 12 District 9 Primary. I think having 6,000 Democrats pick the nominee beats 15 people in a room doing it. A Primary Election is Democracy at its best. The people will decide this and that is a good thing. Why agree to a less democratic way because it would be cheaper and easier? Haven’t we had 8 years of that?
For more than 25 years I have been involved in community causes and projects. I have had the privilege of serving on my Town Council, as Town Treasurer and on the Economic Development Commission. I am ready to serve again. Charitable work and public service have given me a full life. I feel that this run for State Representative in District 9 is a continuation of commitment to community service.
With your support, I will serve in the Legislature to promote causes about which we Democrats and others all agree. We want to protect our farmland and open space. We want to assure our seniors of a dignified retirement, one more reason why we need to reform property tax. We want to encourage young families because they are our future. We insist that the State keeps its commitment to support School budgets. We affirm the dignity of workers and deplore the erosion of the middle class. Connecticut must encourage good jobs and a healthy middle class. We cannot accomplish these objectives overnight but we must make a beginning.
Finally, thank you East Hartford, for your hospitality and support. I’ll never forget you.I do not seek this office as another notch on my resume.
I do not seek a stepping stone to becoming Mayor, Governor or Majority Leader. I simply want to be ethical, honest and do the best possible job for our three communities.
Joe Hachey
Democratic Candidate for State Representative, 9th Assembly District
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08.02.08
Posted in General at 10:22 am by Ladyx
The new Walgreens on the corner of Main and Griswold has opened in Glastonbury. No more treks to Silver Lane.
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Posted in Sex Clubs at 10:14 am by Ladyx
According to reoprts in the JI this morning, Susan Kniep is starting a petition drive. Sound familiar? This project is in effort to present TPZ with residents signatures opposing the removal of the special permitting process for adult oriented businesses in East Hartford.
Did anyone listen to the Attorney who spoke at Thursday’s public hearing? I thought it was made very clear. As I understand it, if you have a zone aproved for adult oriented entertainment, it is a violation to have a special permitting process in addition to that zoning regulation. The way it is written now, all of the regulations could be thrown out in Federal Court due to Constitutional Law and that would open the whole, complete Town to adult oriented businesses. With that being said, doesn’t anyone see the risk?
Anyway, if you are so inclined to sign the petition, you may do so on Tuesday Aug 5, 4-8pm and Monday Aug 11, 3-5om in the second floor conference room at Town Hall.
By the way, I will not be signing this petition as I feel it is absurd. I am not a proponent or supporter of this type of business. What a hole this Town has gotten itself into and will be very costly to dig out of.
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Posted in Sex Clubs, Town Council, General at 9:54 am by Ladyx
Town Council Public Hearing:
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
7:00 p.m. Town Council Chambers
The purpose of the meeting is to hear public comment regarding the proposed ordinance entitled, “Sexually Oriented Businesses”.
* * * *
The regular Town Council meeting scheduled for August 19th has been rescheduled for Tuesday August 26th.
* * * *
TPZ will continue its public hearing on Sexually Oriented Business on Tuesday August 19th, 7pm in Council Chambers.
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07.28.08
Posted in General at 5:33 pm by Ladyx
Now that we are beginning to see gas prices fall ever so slightly, every little bit helps, including a cash discount. But beware and watch the fine print. Some gas stations post the cash only price at the street and when you get to the pump you find that the credit price is considerably higher. Pay attention….
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