July 6, 1999 Devon's Revitalization Committe Has Its First Meeting

This was the first recorded meeting that I could locate regarding the Devon Revitalization Committee. During that meeting the committee interviewed three firms; TPA, Westcott & Mapes, and Stephen Wing.

Nearly Nine years later Devon is still struggling to change its overall appearance, secure developers, face off to local opposition, and plead with the state for continued funding.

When one visits Devon, they are greeted with a very large and official sign from the state of CT. The sign is located at the corner of Bridgeport Ave. and Naugatuck Ave. Locals have been calling for changes to the look and feel of the facade's on the Bridgeport Ave. Corridor through Devon into Milford.

Robert Russ, a blogger for the Village of Devon Blog has indicated that in addition to these challenges there have been some successes as well but all of it not as great as one would hope. Robert Russ a Devon Resident said in 7/07 "Why if we are doing so much work to Devon does it look so half incomplete. It was a nice start at the bridge. Liberty Rock is a nice addition. Please not another useless expensive clock. All the power lines should have been put underground the streets just don't look right. "

Another un-named resident said: "I think my main concern at this point is the traffic. There are a few traffic lights that could/should be rethought. On Naugatuck Ave, the delayed light by the tile store should have an arrow. All of us who live in the area know the light timing, but what about those that are all moving into the area now? Also, at the light at Naugatuck and Spring Street, that light should NOT turn green at the same time as the light next to Al Dente. They are not even facing each other. I was almost hit by a bus the other day because we both had a green light and we unaware the other had one. VERY dangerous! "

While I have personally visited the Devon area my opinion is that the corridor needs to be redeveloped, and planning and zoning needs to implement new zoning rules for signage, and new construction improvements in those areas. Grants from the state should be given to the business owners of those buildings who agree to have the facades of their stores rebuilt to a standard that preserves the character and charm of Milford. These should include the formation of a business redevelopment group and involve participation and support from local business owners who desire to improve the pedestrian traffic and parking within the vicinity of their businesses. Hopefully this can still be accomplished in light of the state of Connecticuts new financial problems.

For a complete list of minutes regarding the progress of the Devon Revitalization Committee click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Watering Plants In Devon Once A Week "Isn't Possible" How Sad!

Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. told the Devon committee that the Department of Public Works is "overburdened," and asking them to water plants and flowers once a week "isn't" possible.

What is wrong with our leaders? How much work could it be to water some plants and flowers in key parts of town? The people of Devon would love nothing more than to have their main streets and beaches decorated with flowers and seasonal plants.

This is a very inexpensive trend that many cities use to beautify the local neighborhoods. In my opinion there is nothing more attractive than to drive up the street and see nicely planted flowers in the parks, beaches and business districts.

Many business owners would benefit from this type of beautification and although I cannot speak for every business owner, If the city gave me a flower pot to put in front of my business I would volunteer to care for it as I believe it would improve my business image.

Just for an instance let us say that the Devon Revitalization Committee approved 100 strategically placed flower pots at local beaches, public parks and within the business district. I would suppose that in one eight hour day, a high school kid with a summer job could effectively care for all of them with a water truck. Assuming the city cannot afford a water truck it may take twice that long, but in either case this lame excuse that it "Isn't Possible" is about as ignorant as the word "Isn't" of which "is not" proper English.

The photo above is of a very popular "adopt a spot" program where businesses are permitted to plant flowers on city property provided they maintain it. In exchange they get a small tasteful sign advertising their business. This has been done with great success throughout many towns in CT and beyond, including Westport.

Milford's Sea Rising And Razing

Complaints have been coming in from residents living on the waterfront in Milford. The section in question is the area in the vicinity of Silver Sands State Park. The complaints we have received are what to do about shoreline erosion, invasive plant life intrusion, and flooding.

These problems, may be natural, or consequential to Solar and or Global warming. The erosion and coastal problems plaguing New England are well documented. The root cause of these issues are expected to occur in the near future. "Al Gore" has said that as "Glaciers continue to melt sea levels will rise." We, living on the Long Island Sound are no exception to this inconvenient fact.

How long, or to what extent the damage of arctic ice caps melting will have here in CT is unknown. Scientists can say with absolute certainty however, that the sea levels are higher today than they were just 30 years ago. Those living along the water should be aware that the thousands of square miles of water from melted ice has to go somewhere. It just may be your back yard if you live at or below sea level.

The only practical defence to the swell of the sound is eventually going to be what was done in New Orleans. Once the problem becomes so evident that it can no longer be ignored, FEMA, CT or some Federal agency will commission and or fund the Army Corp of Engineers to build Levy's, sea barriers and/or construct higher ground. Some cases may be so difficult that the property may not be salvageable at all.

Flood gates may have to be considered in places, along with pumping stations to rapidly remove water concentrations. System failures should be taken into consideration and back up systems need to be built. Should the problem of flooding be left completely unchecked, the eventual course of nature in its natural meandering of rivers will result in damage caused by natural water erosion. This will be most serious after our first hurricane or basic weather anomaly.

Erosion and water damage cannot be taken lightly and must swiftly be dealt with. Not doing so can have drastic and catastrophic consequences to people and real estate. It is my understanding that a committee has been formed to address these problems. I wish this committee much success in building the required infrastructure to control water damage that may be imminent. Please consider the urgency of this matter with an increased risk of imminent natural disasters.

Above photo of storm surge in East Lyme Connecticut.