Petty Thieves In Milford On The Rise

Recently I wrote an article that violent crimes in Milford are down dramatically in the wake of a 2008 population increase of nearly 3,000 people over the last five years. But in the area of petty crime, or "Property Crime" as it is listed in the Trulia graph above, Milford is a bit challenged, and fares at a level that is quite honestly very high.

On two occasions I had the opportunity to speak with a police officer about this very issue, and what he reported was mostly thievery by young adults on the prowl.

Most complaints that involve a property crime are the result of our own failure to lock our cars, close our garages, or secure our personal valubles. A great many cases of theft, for example, occur because kids see things in cars they think are valuable.

Unlocked cars are easy targets, and a thief can grab your purse, wallet, or laptop computer by simply opening up the door. By the time the police arrive, other than looking for fingerprints, there is often not much they can do to get the stolen items back.

What the Police Department recommends is for people to assist them in reducing the numbers of crimes. Our part is real simple, "lock your car," "Close your garage," and "Do not leave your valuables laying around in public places." Business owners can put up a sign in their parking lots reminding people to "please lock their cars while unattended." If we all take this approach and spread the word to our family members, we as a community can make a difference in bringing down our crime statistics.

With the economy teetering, and unemployment rising these crimes of opportunity are going to become more prevalent as the "have nots" will continue to target those who "have."

These are unfortunate times, and when people hit their lows strange things can happen. My mother-in-law who lives in Florida once told me that after the last devastating hurricane people were all very nice for about the first three days. After not being able to get the basics they needed for survival she witnessed even the nicest neighbors get downright "mean" as she put it.

Crime, and the "meanness" of theft, is now becoming a fact of life during the present economic onslaught and its induced trials and tribulations. We as a community need to do our part by simply taking greater care in securing our personal property. Again, please inform your family and friends that they can do their part in deterring crime by just following the above police advice.

Mayoral Hopefuls Debate Local Environmental Issues

The (Environmental Concerns Coalition) ECC Debate kicked off as scheduled at 6:P.M. all candidates in the running were present and questions were prepared in advance by the ECC moderator.

Candidates had 2 minutes to answer each question, and a rebuttal of their opponents of one Minute. This was the protocol for the first few questions, the next four questions were drawn randomly from a hat and were pre-written by the ECC and selected by each candidate. The audience was also permitted to openly ask questions at the end of the debate.

Of the initial questions asked, the issue of purchasing open land was agreed upon as a good idea by all candidates. The next question regarding Milford's deplorable record on Recycling sparked the most debate.

While the question formulated by the ECC corresponded with the 6% figure as reported in the CT Post Jim Richetelly took issue with the numbers as inaccurate. Richetelly alledged that the number was "under-reported... an error" and held up a copy of the DEP report that he claimed indicated Milford was recycling 12% of its renewable waste not 6%. Richetelli said that Milford is not "last in the state, but doing much better than people believed."

One public question came in regarding the funds to purchase open space, Richetelli exhausted nearly all the money in the open space fund in his latest Naugatuck land deal purchase. The issue of how to pay for this was best addressed by Peter Spalthoff who indicated he would make it a "budget item," and purchase land as part of the routine operations of the town. There was little disagreement to this, since all the candidates agreed that purchasing open space saves Miford's taxpayers money.

There was also debate on adding a paid commissioner to go out and manage the land purchases. Tim Chaucer said that the best candidate for this job would be an "outdoor enthusiast who really knows the town and its land very well."

Each candidate Praised, and addressed, the Clean Energy Roadmap approved by the Board of Aldermen last month. The plan lays out steps the city should take to become environmentally sound. The Roadmap was authored by a community task force and is a step by step plan for city officials to follow.

When it came time for the audience to ask questions, the first question was regarding public transportation. All candidates vowed to improve public transportation and do their part to make certain Milford has more bus stops and convenient locations to get people to and from their local destinations.

The next question from the audience got interesting because I do not think the moderator expected an off topic attack of Richetelli. The man who asked the question specifically addressed it to Jim. He started by saying he made several unanswered telephone calls to Jim, then followed up with more unanswered e-mails. Than after contacting his aide was able to get to talk to him.

Expressing disgust over his experience, he then charged that he did not get the tax decrease that Jim advertised in his "mail piece" that he held up to the audience. He said "I am an engineer, and I am very good with numbers. I looked at my old bill and compared it to my new one... where is my savings!" The moderator told the gentleman that this was an environmental forum not to get "off topic." she said that perhaps "the candidates could answer those types of questions after the debate."

The candidates nonetheless did answer the gentleman's question, and Richetelli stood up and told the gentleman "everyone in Milford received a 2.6% tax decrease plain and simple." Geneveve Salvatore reminded the man that the tax decrease was courtesy of the Democratic led Board of Alderman and that Richetelli's rejected budged actually would have raised his taxes.

The event lasted over an hour, and all the Candidates for Mayor remained long after the meeting and respectfully spoke to the public. However it is important to note, that what is mentioned above are just some notable highlights. MGAT Channel 79 on Cablevision did videotape the event and it will be made available to the public in its entirety in the next week or so and I recommend we all watch it. The more informed you are the better choice you will make come election day.

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Environmental Concerns Coalition Hosts Mayoral Debate

Milford's local recycling group, The Environmental Concerns Coalition, will be hosting a Mayoral debate this evening at 6:00 P.M. The meeting will be held at the Milford Library located at 57 New Haven Ave. For anyone who wishes to call for directions their telephone number is (203) 783-3304.

The debate will arrive on the news that Milford's statewide recycling record is purported to be the worst in the state of Connecticut. The ECC set out some years ago to try and bring reform to our city and introduce innovative programs like single stream recycling to our community.

Currently Milford recycles about 6% of its renewable waste as compared to other towns that recycle as much as 35%. Milford is also met with environmental challenges from our current contractors such as RESCO, and Recycling Inc.

Recycling Inc. currently had Zoning and Planning deny their application to expand their recycling facility on Oronoque Road. Their permit became the subject of controversy when Recycling Inc. intended to import renewable waste by barge, train, truck along the Housatonic River.

Local residents in the area especially those living at Caswell Cove objected to the hardship the added commercial traffic would bring through their neighborhood. Caswell Cove residents also saw their taxes double in recent years and are already having difficulty maintaining their property values.

Residents in the area said "We have a power plant to our right, a sewage treatment center to our left, high voltage power lines over our heads and freight trains that produce seismic tremors in our homes behind us. But the tax assessor says we are Direct waterfront and that is true we have a beautiful view on one side, however expansion of a recycling facility may be the ad-infinitum to this development it would just firm up the belief that there is no place for homes in the middle of heavy industry. I am looking forward to this debate this evening to see where we end up on renewable waste management."

The ECC also runs an environmental Blog, with public events and activities, it can be accessed by clicking HERE. The main ECC website can be accessed by clicking HERE.

Alderman Rosen "Disturbed" over Richetelli's Claim

I have recently seen a mail piece for Mayor Richetelli’s campaign and I am deeply disturbed by some of his alleged accomplishments. The Mayor has stated numerous times that he lowered taxes this year, and that is false.

I worked for months with the other Democratic Aldermen to create a budget that ensured no jobs were cut and that city services would not be compromised. The end result was a budget that lowered taxes for all Milford residents. This budget passed without a single republican vote.

I am outraged that the Mayor would claim this accomplishment as his own, when his budget accounted for an increase in spending and, most of all, an increase in taxes. I feel Milford residents deserve to know the truth about this year’s budget process, not a misleading, election-year tactic on behalf of the Mayor.

As an Alderman seeking re-election I am running on my own record, I ask that the Mayor do the same.

Justin Rosen
Alderman Second District

This Weeks Real Estate Transfers

94 Coram Ln, Egidin and Lidia Testani to David T. and Emily C. Luxender, $575,000.

74 Elaine Rd, Susan J. Kozak and Florence M. Pipe to Steven P. and Thy Mclean, N/A.

86 Fairview St, Audrey Stella to Christopher Tube, N/A.

229 Lookout Hill Rd, George T. Hewriah and Pamela A. Morrow to Elizabeth Nemergut, $442,500.

436 Milford Point Rd, Rui F. Goncalves to Christopher J. Piatt, $205,000.

179 Robert Treat Pkwy, Michelle K. Schmidt and Indymac Bank FSB to Indymac Bank FSB, $1.

485 Woodruff Rd, Elaine Marie Fogler to Rachel and Scott Gaudet, $369,000.

7 2nd Ave, US Bk and Mastr Asset Backed Sec to Craig Rua, $216,000.

245 Acorn Ln Unit, Imran Mughal to Varaprasad Sikhinam, $415,000.

12 Blair St, Eva Wingate to John A. and Helen E. Dinoia, $240,000.

120 Bridgeport Ave, Christina Darcongos and Daniel Bagley to Milford City Of, $160,000.

653 Casewell Cv Unit 653, Radhika Mather and Bangalore W. Deephak to Angola Arnolle, $270,000.

19 Cedarhurst Ln, Raymond J. and Helen L. Belair to Russell G. Haderer, $345,000.

42 Charles St, Jonathan S. and Juyeon Ohara to Margaret A. Maloney, N/A.

72 Daytona Ave, Luis Sanchez to Kallima Clarke, $207,000.

70 E Broadway Unit 70, Daniel M. and Joann M. Rawson to Gina M. Marks, $330,000.

33 Foran Rd Unit 11, FHLM to Mark A. Pucci, $105,000.

141 Foxwood Close Unit 141, Thomas Goodmen to Jennifer Maglenian, $176,000.

316 Foxwood Ln Unit 316, Pamela K. Ganacoplos to Christine Paltin, $200,000.

70 Grant St, Joseph R. and Andrea M. Dente to Lauren A. Vasil, $250,000.

29 Greenwich Way Unit 29, Dawn A. Puchula to Daniel E. Nilan, $220,000.

42 Jasmine Cir Unit 42, Marlene Axelrod to David L. and Jean O. Mcgee, $401,000.

32 Main St, Andrew J. Broughel and Esther Ragausha to Ronald W. and Wendy L. Miller, $120,000.

14 Melba St, Robert and Janet Debroisse to Anthony J. Clemente, $525,000.

1006 Naugatuck Ave, Christopher W. and Arzula Sytnik to John B. and Crystal M. Sinnott, $289,000.

186 Penn Cmn Unit 186, Mary Anne Hulford to Emily Theodoseau, $195,000.

577 Pond Point Ave, Kathryn Franzman to Matthew Czaplinski, $205,000.

190 Seaflower Rd, Thomas H. and Ann M. Szymanski to Robert F. and Harry J. Smoko, $282,000.

16 Southwind Ln Unit 16, Jane E. Phalan to Margaret Sheehan, $158,000.

23 Spring Ln, Martin R. and Carrie A. Pastir to Judith M. and Helen M. Kelly, $280,000.

428 Swanson Cres Unit 428, Yinrian Lin and Qin Sun to Eilean Lasoro, $210,000.

85 Viscount Dr Unit 11b, Hong Z. Hang and Z Hou Yang to Barbara A. Coppeto, $320,000.

85 Viscount Dr Unit A63, James F. Delaney to Pamela K. Ganacoplos, $240,000.

49 W Orland St, Christopher J. Storm to Laura Hayos, $202,500.

347 Welchs Point Rd, Kennth Castias and Jonathan Burant to James F. Delaney, $275,000.

57 Wilbar Ave, Judith L. and William P. Stevens to Jamie Richtelli and Carl Charles, $425,000.

35 Wiley St, Kelly Ohara and Jeanette Blakeslee to Michael Meatian, $200,000.

40 Winthrop Ct, James and Richard Murphy to Ryan Murphy and Lindsey Hutchison, $270,000.

6 Woodhill Rd Unit 6, Toyce B. Smith to Bethann Balazsi, $160,000.

N/a, Thomas J. and Diane M. Martin to Airon and Jennifer M. Shoop, $340,000.

To Search The Assessord Database Click HERE

Take Our Mayoral Election Poll

In the box located on the top right corner of this page you will find a poll bearing the names of all four candidates for Mayor in Milford CT. Take the time to place your vote in the box. The more people who vote the more likely we will get an accurate feeling of who is going to win this November 3rd.

The poll will be active right up until election day. If you do not live in Milford but know someone who does, ask them who they think the best candidate is and vote on their behalf. You can only place one vote per IP address, so please vote honestly and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

The purpose of this poll is to come up with an accurate way of predicting election outcomes, and coming up with margin of errors. If we can make it work it will be used again in the state election for our local Milford representatives. Thanks for voting in advance.

To find your polling location in Milford, CT refer to the bottom of this page for the new innovative gadget that tells you where to go and vote. Or you may just click HERE.

Crime In Milford Drops Significantly Compared To Five Years Ago

The population of Milford has steadily increased over the last five years and according to the FBI crime statistics most areas of crime have decreased significantly. But before I start to go on about how exciting this report is, I need to point out the disclaimer on the FBI website about their statistics.

The FBI wants readers to know "that the numbers in the tables below are only what is reported to them and are not indicative of the real or actual quality of life in a community." That is it in real short summary but anyone who wants more information can go to www.fbi.gov to get more answers.

The tables below are therefore going to be my interpretation, and if I may put it frankly, the police department is doing a great job holding the line on deterring just about every area of major crime in our city.

There has been much talk of Republican fundraisers to purchase video cameras that some area businesses want and others find controversial. There also has been criticism over additional police offers being added to the streets. But when you look at the facts as reported to the FBI Milford's Police Department, or people, have been doing a stellar job in deterring crime. The numbers speak for themselves.

See the Table Below (More People Less Crime):



These numbers are great news news for any home buyer looking to find a tranquil place to live with lots of beaches, and great quality of life. My personal experiences in Milford have also been crime free and tranquil, and no one in my very large extended family has been a victim to any crime while living here. Sometimes when we pick up the newspapers and read about all the horror stories with sexual assaults, bank robberies and the like we are really looking at extended dragged on variations of the same drama. The same criminals being reported on for months and months on end, and being reported on play by play.

Recently I heard that Milford is one of the best places to retire to in Connecticut, and is ranked real high on the East Coast. We are the only town in the State to have had their taxes go down. These qualities are what attracts others to want to live here in Milford, and when anyone ever makes remarks about "Crime in Milford" they just need to really check the facts. Milford's crime rate is much lower than the state average in every area and we as a community can be proud of that despite the sensationalism put forth by some local reporters and those who want to lobby for a bigger police department.