Autumn 2011 Newsletter

A Letter from the President

Our annual meeting this year will be Sunday September 18th, 3-6pm at Dolce Norwalk, 32 Weed Avenue, West Norwalk. As usual we expect a great turnout of this year's political candidates and other honored guests. This year we expect to hear from the two mayoral candidates and the District E candidates for Common Council. In addition, candidates for At- Large seats, Town clerk and Board of Education members in our district will also be invited and introduced.

This has been a year where the community has reached out more than ever to the West Norwalk Association. As one of the oldest neighborhood associations in the country our volunteers have a strong voice with our city officials This year we were asked and were successful in getting results in such issues as the Dolce request to become a hotel, the planned Mosque, traffic issues at NCC, derelict properties on West Norwalk Road, trees blocking roads, and mowing in public areas. In addition, the WNA has a new adopt-a spot on Old Rock Lane and Meeting House Lane besides the two we previously had to beautify the area, sponsored a team in the Norwalk Little League, had a West Norwalk Cleanup day in April and celebrated Arbor Day with a tree planting at Fox Run School.

We continue to support both with funds and time projects at Fox Run School and have moved our regular meetings to the library the first Monday of each month. Our new Ambassador program provides a welcome basket containing gifts and merchant certificates from the area coupled with information about the association to new residents of West Norwalk

On a sad note for me, this is my last annual meeting as President and member of the Board of Directors. It has been a privilege and a thrill to represent West Norwalk and strive for the betterment of our community. No one person is above the organization and I look forward to continuing my support both personally and monetarily to my successor.

I hope to see all of you on September 18 and bid a fond adieu.

Joel Zaremby
President

Proposed Officer Slate & Board of Directors for 2011~2012

Per Article 1, Section 1 of the WNA By-Laws, the following is the officer slate for the WNA as well as people willing to serve as directors in the coming year:

Christopher Potts, President, Peggy Girard, Vice President, Galen Wells, Secretary, Donna Dolle, Treasurer. Directors: Linda Forcellina, Gay Mac Leod, Regina Krummel, Ron Brown, Ron Paladino, Anthony Carrano, Margaret Karl, Candide Valadares, Martin O'Connell and Ken ’Arinzo.

The River

By Bob Wagman

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 4 years since the last flooding event but fortunately, there have been no significant events since then. It’s probably just as hard to accept that there has been no remedial action in those years either. However, two recent events give hope that the situation is changing. The first of these is a contract awarded to the Southwest Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA) from the CTDEP through a U.S. EPA Clean Water Act Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Grant to assess existing river conditions. SWRPA has been working with a consultant to complete Phase 1 of the project and here are his preliminary findings:

1. Analysis of Impervious Cover-as the word implies, this analysis determines the ability of the land to absorb runoff as opposed to channeling it into the river. When the land is impervious, chemical breakdown of fertilizers, animal waste, road tar, etc. are channeled into the river. Of the locations sampled, the conditions were categorized as “fair” to “poor.” The generally accepted threshold for acceptable impervious cover is 10%. Above that figure the river begins to become impaired. Above 25% is considered to be severely impaired. The measurements taken of the 5 Mile River determined the watershed to be 22% impervious. Obviously, we are on the tipping point of having a more serious condition. As the land becomes less able to absorb water, additional storm runoffs go into the river adding to the flood risk.

2. Stream visual assessments showed some inconsistencies between the expected conditions based on impervious cover and the actually conditions in the river. Locally poor stream conditions were associated with a small dam in the upper watershed, while better than expected stream conditions were may be attributed to the presence of streamside vegetation (a.k.a riparian buffers).

3. Fish and macro invertebrate samples previously collected by the CTDEP indicated that conditions in the river range form being able to “support” aquatic live to being “severely impaired.”

Although these negative conditions are of concern, there are acceptable methods to alleviate, if not totally eliminate them. SWRPA has organized workshop meetings to review the data, establish goals and strategies and finally, implementation plans and task forces. Members of the workshop include representatives from Norwalk and New Canaan environmental offices, SWRPA, CTDEP and WNA. To date, the workshop members have been using the preliminary data reported by the consultant. Of course, a final plan must await the consultant’s final report. The draft report for Phase 1 is expect to be finished by the end of July and will be posted on the SWRPA website, www.swrpa.org.

The other event that gives hope that we are progressing toward remedial action is that Congressman Himes has established an advisory council to consider the flooding issues in many of Connecticut’s watersheds. As might be expected, the council includes environmental officers and citizens from all over the state. The council has met only once but additional meetings are being planned. Hopefully, the combined efforts of these two committees will result in significant improvement of the river condition.

Help WNA Save $ - Provide Your Email

With the cost of mailings we would encourage you to provide your email address to the Board. This will also enable you to receive messages and surveys throughout the year. Please go to www.westnorwalk.org and “Sign up for Email Updates” on the left side of the home page.

MEET THE POLITICIANS AT THE WEST NORWALK ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING

Galen Wells, Secretary

The West Norwalk Association Annual Meeting not only affords us the opportunity to see and interact with our neighbors, it also gives us the opportunity to meet and interact with local politicians.

Residents of West Norwalk have many concerns of a very local nature. Potholes in our streets, funding for our schools and what that means to Fox Run School as well as Ponus Ridge and Brien McMahon; snow plowing and how to get the schools open the day after a major snow storm; how to respond to a recent string of home robberies; taxes and how they can be kept low while providing necessary services, are among the issues that can be discussed with candidates for office at the WNA annual meeting on September 18th. Candidates for Mayor from both political parties will be there as well as candidates for Common Council and the Board of Education.

The WNA has afforded residents with the possibility of speaking with one voice, which has more impact than several separate voices from individuals. At the last two annual meetings, the Fire Chief spoke about the lack of fire hydrants in much of West Norwalk and a plan to respond with larger and longer hoses. The WNA sent out a questionnaire to all of the members of the WNA who had given us their email address to ask if we should support or oppose Dolce’s proposed application to be rezoned as a hotel. As a result the WNA apposed the application and so far, no application has been filed. When we speak with one voice, we can be heard.

Meeting the candidates at the Annual Meeting gives us a second opportunity to be heard. We can engage the candidates for mayor in a conversation and see what each one really thinks. We can talk to a candidate for Common Council or the Board of Education and ask questions to see if they really understand our concerns. West Norwalk is a wonderful place to live and membership and participation in the WNA can keep it that way. Come to the Annual Meeting to heighten your sense of civic involvement and learn about who you want to represent you.

HOME BURGLARY PREVENTION
Is your home secure?

Ronald J. Paladino; Resident of West Norwalk, Board Member of the West Norwalk Association, and Owner of Paladino Security Systems, LLC

Home burglaries may seem like random acts of occurrence, but, they actually involve a selection process. Burglars typically choose an unoccupied home with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and the best escape routes. What follows is a list of suggestions to minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to prospective burglars.

Doors and Locks
The first step is to make your home more difficult to enter. Remember, the burglar may simply bypass your home if it requires too much effort or requires more skill and tools than they possess. Most burglars enter via the front, back, or garage doors. Experienced burglars know that the garage door is usually the weakest point of entry followed by the back door. The garage and back doors also provide the most cover. Solid core or metal doors, high-quality deadbolt locks, knob-in-lock sets with dead-latch mechanism should be used. Burglars know to look inside your car for keys and other valuables so keep it locked, even when parked inside your garage. If your electric garage door has a glass window, be sure the emergency release cord is trimmed so it is not dangling in view of the window and is up high and out of the reach of any would-be robbers standing on the outside. Otherwise a break-in can occur by smashing the glass, pulling the cord, releasing the door and entering the premises.

Sliding-Glass Patio Doors
Sliding glass doors are secured by latches not locks. They are vulnerable to being forced open from the outside because they sometimes have defective latch mechanisms. This can be easily be prevented by inserting a wooden dowel or stick into the track thus preventing or limiting movement.

Windows
Windows are left unlocked or open at a much higher rate than doors. Ground floor windows are more susceptible to break-ins for obvious reasons. Upper floor windows become attractive if they can be accessed from a stairway, tree, fence, or by climbing on balconies. An open window may be the sole reason your home is selected by a burglar…so keep them closed and locked while sleeping or away!

Lighting
Interior lighting is necessary to show signs of life and activity inside a residence at night. A darken home night-after-night sends the message to burglars that you are away. Exterior lighting is also very important and will allow you to see if a threat or suspicious person is lurking in your path. Good lighting is definitely a deterrent to criminals because they don't want to be seen or identified.

Watchful Neighbors
Good neighbors should look out for each other. They can report suspicious activity to the police. If you are going to be away for a while, ask your neighbors to pick up your mail, newspapers, handbills, and inspect the outside of your home periodically to see that all is well.

Alarm Systems
Alarm systems definitely have a place in a home security plan and are effective when used properly. Alarm systems do not serve one function alone. Alarms work as a preventative measure as well as notification to alert you when breakins do occur. When a burglar knows an alarm system is in place they usually avoid the home because it increases the potential of being caught and arrested by the police.

The deterrent value begins with the alarm company’s lawn sign and window/ door alarm decals. Home burglars will usually bypass a property with visible alarm signs and will go to another property without such a sign. Security system signage has been proven to add to home security.

Security systems provide significant protection to your home if someone actually does decide to break inside. An alarm automatically goes off, alerting an alarm central station who is monitoring the home. If you cannot be reached, emergency personnel are alerted of the break-in within moments. This drastically cuts down the amount of time a burglar has in your home, and raises the chances that they will get caught.

Alarm systems should be properly maintained and tested. Contact your security company to schedule a yearly inspection. Backup battery should be changed every three years, carbon monoxide detectors every 3-5 years depending on manufacturer brand, and smoke detectors every 10 years.

Security alarms are more reliable now than ever. Due to advancements in home security technology there are few false alarms that occur. Configurations are now made so that pets no longer set off alarms when you are away from home.

In addition to protecting your home against burglary—security systems can also protect your home against fire, water, carbon monoxide, and low temperature. If your family is not at home when a sump pump fails, water pipe bursts, or fire breaks out…this can be a tremendous asset.

Driveway Sensors
Driveway sensors are quite popular on properties with long driveways because they alert you when any vehicle enters or exits your driveway.

Security Cameras
Surveillance cameras allow you to monitor 24/7 (real-time and recorded) the activities that take place on your property. You can monitor your property from anywhere with a computer or smart phone that has internet capability.

Home Safes
Having a safe in your home is a wise investment. They are designed to keep the smash & grab burglar, nosey kids, dishonest babysitter or housekeeper from gaining access to important documents and personal property. Home safes need to be anchored into the floor or permanent shelving.

Operation Identification
Engrave your drivers’ license (not your social security number) on televisions, stereos, computers, and small electronic appliances. Police can identify and locate you if your stolen items are recovered.

It is advisable to take photographs and create an inventory list of valuables that includes serial number, brand, and model number. Be sure to store in a safe place such as a home safe or safety deposit box

Dear Fellow West Norwalker,

The board of our neighborhood organization, The West Norwalk Association, is wrestling with a thorny issue and we need your input. A major request has been made of us over the years by a number of homeowners who live near, but just outside our borders. That is for the WNA to consider expanding its boundaries. Even though these folks are not members of the WNA, many of them have contributed dues. They feel that they are part of West Norwalk and wish to help the WNA achieve its objectives.

There are compelling arguments on both sides of the expansion issue. Among the possible benefits of expansion are 1) the WNA may gain access to additional people who will join with us in pursuing the goals of the organization; 2) the WNA may become a more powerful organization to represent West Norwalk; 3) the WNA may see an increase in dues collections. Another reason for considering expansion is that many of the areas seem like natural fits. Most of the areas we are considering adding were undeveloped at the time the WNA was formed in 1947. Had these areas been developed at that time, there is good reason to believe that the boundaries would have included them.

Your board is aware that there may also be reasons to oppose expansion. Those objections might include: 1) the WNA will have to shoulder additional costs for mailings, party events, etc. with no guarantee of additional dues; 2) as the area of the WNA expands it becomes more likely that members who are distant from each other may have opposing interests; 3) an increase in the membership may have a dilutive effect on the voice of current members. The areas under consideration are listed at the end of this article. The criteria we used to choose the potential new membership areas included: 1) must be contiguous with the current boundaries; 2) must not be currently represented by another neighborhood organization; 3) must, in our opinion, have core interests in line with those of the current membership.

The WNA constitution and by-laws require that the board solicit the opinion of our membership before making any change/amendments.

Please let us know what you think about the expansion so that we can act according to the wishes of the West Norwalk Association as a whole. You can contact us by emailing Board@WestNorwalk.org . We expect to make a final decision on any change at the second board meeting following this year’s annual meeting in September.

On the North
From Rte. 123 starting at Nursery Street, continuing East to Mystic Court then South to Ponus Avenue including Cornwall Drive and Hunters Lane.

On the South
All of the following streets: Flintrock Rd., Powder Horn Rd., Beechwood Rd., Kent Rd., Derby Rd., Juhasz Rd., Spitzer Ct., Olive Lane, southern portion of West Cedar St., Keeler Avenue between West Cedar & Spitzer Court, West Norwalk Rd. between West Cedar & Powder Horn Rd.