You've Got Questions, Rudy has Answers
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- Details
- Category: First Selectman
- Last Updated on Thursday, 16 February 2012 15:43
- Written by Kerry Anne Ducey
Question:
Why does the new sign in front of Town Hall read 'Municipal Parking'? Visitors and local shoppers alike interpret 'municipal' as government or employee parking. Rudy’s personal parking space is labeled 'municipal'. Can this sign be altered to read 'visitor parking'?
Answer:
The new sign replaces an older and rotted 'Municipal Parking' sign that has been present at that location for a long period of town. The original sign was created by Mike Pontello, the barber who once had a shop on Main Street (next to Coldwell Banker). He has since passed away. Municipal has broad meaning and can be synonymous with town or city. In the case of this particular sign, municipal parking is designated free parking for the entire community. At this point, the sign will not be changed to say 'visitor parking'.
On another note, the town has recently received a grant to refurbish this municipal parking lot. This includes adding lights and removing the barrier (behind The Gap) that now separates The Yankee Ridge parking area from the municipal lot.
Question:
We suddenly have several empty storefronts on Main Street. I'm most concerned about the three in a row. What is being done to attract businesses to this space?
Answers:
As much as it pains town officials to see vacant storefronts, we need to sit tight and wait for landlords to evaluate options. If you have ideas, feel free to call The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce or the landlords (signs are in vacant store windows).
Question:
I understand the law in this state that says that our BOS has five members, but that only a maximum of three can be from the same party. This is not the case on the state or federal level. How is it constitutional that I can't vote to fill my town board with whoever gets the most votes?
Answer:
In an effort to keep one party form ruling our town, the Ridgefield Town Charter (section 4-6) has specific rules as to party representation. Please see Town Charter for details.
Question:
When will the town send CL&P refund money back to the taxpayers who overpaid for it?
Answer:
To try to refund taxpayers the proper amount would be an onerous task and would take years. The town plans to invest the money in capital expenses including adding additional police and highway crew and purchasing police vehicles. The final decisions as to capital expenses will be made by BOF.
In other news...
- The town is working on procuring a hybrid bus to aid in transportation of seniors and the disabled. The cost of this bus will be off-set by grants received by SPHERE to be used exclusively for transportation.
- East Ridge Middle School is working on creating merchant appreciation program geared toward students who are visiting our downtown area. Details to come.
- Stop & Shop has filed paperwork to put a gas station on the north side of Rt 35 at South Street.
- Gasoline alley (area of Rt 35 from Tony's Corner Deli to Getty Station) will be getting a face-lift with new sidewalks and lights. This is being made possible by state grants.
