The Late Milford Diner Seeks New Lease On LIfe

Community passion, and dedication to the Milford Diner is now center stage. Unfortunately the Diner/restaurant will most likely never serve another meal. This is because the kitchen that was once used decades ago does not meet the building and safety codes of today and the ECD office has no interest in pursuing another restauraunt in an area that has limited parking and excessive costs attached.

The Milford department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) has instead set up a 501-C3 style corporation that is charitable in nature. Donations made during future fund raisers like that recently held at Stone Bridge restaurant will be tax deductible.

Organizers of these charitable events, planned on restoring the Milford Diner as a Visitors Center to Milford. This center would be useful during the many "on the green" events that bring in out of town people. This could also double as a vehicle to direct consumers to local businesses and attractions in our area.

Although the cost of the Diner restoration is far from met, the committee chair, and its members are optimistic that through future fundraisers they will reach their restoration goal of $80,000.00. This high cost is due to Initial engineering and construction reports that estimate the cost of full restoration to be that much.

The main contact person for this project is Genevieve Salvatore, and the Milford Diner project has its own website with regular updates, and upcoming events. Their website is www.themilforddiner.com.

Photos courtesy of the milford diner website.

A Dollar And A Dream? Or Is It A Nightmare?

Yes this was the title in the New Haven Register today as Geneveve Salvatore and Mayor Richetelli engaged in a new program to address the "Millions" of square feet in vacant retail space.

While the dollar is merely a figurative amount to keep an account open the dream is real, but for who is this dream real. If you look to the article below (Property Transfers), dreams and dollars are not exactly what go together these days.

When a house sells for a $1.00 that means the property was foreclosed, the owners evicted and their American Dream shattered. Milford has about two to three people a week losing their homes for a dollar.

This metaphor has an unintended consequence of being being in poor taste and offensive to those who lost their properties for a Dollar. My neighbor lost his retail space/business to undocumented and illegal workers giving away their services at prices that no legal business can compete with.

The city has a good idea in wanting to help businesses, the first thing that can be done to fill retail spaces is report undocumented workers to the INS, IRS, and Local police so legal businesses can stay in business, with registered cars, fair wages, and payment of taxes.

The next thing the city can do, is to remove the oppressive property tax that taxes businesses for their unused inventory, tables, chairs, paintings, computers etc. instead of auditing them to raise revenue.

One other thing that would be very helpful would be to streamline the permitting process, lower fees, and implement a program that does not disparage a person from wanting to even consider opening a business in Milford.

The last thing that I would personally do, would be to implement a grant program, much like other cities do, to help businesses obtain start up capital, and subsidized employees like those rendered by the Department of Social Services.

One last point, offer landlords tax breaks if 100% of their space is fully leased for two or more years. This will provide them with an incentive to keep rents low, and negotiate good leases.

Should a successful program prevail, brag about it. Advertise Milford as a "business friendly town," this would be much better than constantly looking at billboards full of conniving lying politicians. People want to visit Milford because something is here for them, like a movie theater, perhaps a future Maritime Museum, Pirate Ship or like attraction.

Until then the only thing a Dollar is going to buy in this town, is a foreclosed home and someone elses shattered dreams.

Ken De Ruoy Shares His Comments Post Mayoral Debate

Last night I attended the Milford Mayoral Debate just like many residents.

I went in with no predetermination since ultimately I am a Milfordite first and foremost, above any political affiliation.

I believe Chaucer is a decent man, but his 1 or 2 issue platform and obvious lack of knowledge about important issues had me embarrassed for him. By now, he must’ve realized that his candidacy was not a good idea.

Sorry to say it, but Salvatore lost me when she criticized EVERY city employee for doing lousy job. That was arrogant and callous. She also sounded contrived and rehearsed, and lacked feeling for what she was saying.

Even more sad was “my boy” Richetelli. His time has come and gone. Rehearsed and obviously scared of attacks, he opened by subliminally explaining (i.e. apologizing for) his addiction-caused hiatus, and ended explaining (i.e. apologizing for) his ignorance concerning the historic Cadley House destruction. In between, he blamed red-tape for failing the city when it needed a leader (i.e. Building Department reform), and failing to affirmatively lead on practically everything else.

Lastly, I saw a man with a vision and passion. Peter Spalthoff spoke on the issues with knowledge and common-sense. He was unrehearsed, upstanding and his love for Milford shone through. I admire what this man represents and what he will do for Milford . May God grant us the common-sense to vote him in as mayor, so that we have the right person in charge of our city and our future.

Kenneth De Ruoy
Milford

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Letters to the editor can be submitted by anyone and will be published subject to some simple rules: Letters must be 500 words or less, well written, and not contain expletives or advertisements, your name, address, and phone number must be included. Letters may be edited that are too long, and published at the discretion of the editor and relevance to our community issues.

Milford Mayoral Debates Draw Unusually Large Crowd

For nearly 30 years the Plymouth Men's Club has been hosting the towns Mayoral Debates, and the debate moderator said that this years debate was among the largest in Recent memory.

The debate also had four candidates, Tim Chaucer, Genevieve Salvatore, Jim Richetelli, and Peter Spalthoff. Each candidate arrived with their own contingent of family members and campaign supporters adding to the unusually high number of attendees.

The event moderator had the local Boy Scouts hand out index cards and pencils, the audience wrote their questions on the index cards and submitted them to the moderator. The moderator grouped the questions together and asked the candidates the most popular ones.

One such question was, historic preservation and the destruction of the Cadley House. Richetelli received the most amount of fire on this question as all three candidates were remarkably upset with the demolition of that property. Richetelli repeated what he always has, that the property was beyond preservation but added that he "regretted" they way it happened and in hindsight would have involved Milford's Historical Preservation Committee.

The Building department and the Controversial Kimball Report was also a topic of discussion. Peter Spalthoff who is currently putting an addition on his 26 Broad Street property said there are many great employees in the building department and what they need is the proper leadership, technology, and support to get the job done correctly. He opined that spending $40,000.00 of the taxpayers money to point out why the department was not working was an imprudent use of funds.

Salvatore agreed and said that under her watch the building department would have been "more welcoming" and she would have added "Customer Service" to the equation. Salvatore said that she would give the people of Milford the "Services the pay for."

On the question of improving Milford, all candidates agreed that purchasing open space is a "good Idea" Spalthoff and Chaucer however were more concerned with the fact that the sidewalk by Harrison's Hardware has caused numerous injuries to pedestrians and questioned Richetelli on why it took so many public injuries and four years to repair it. Richetelli cited that the rules and regulations surrounding those kinds of issues are complex. That the city must follow legal protocol, notify the owners prior to work and place liens on offending properties a process that takes time.

Other public concerns were over flooding, and Ms. Salvatore said that a person she met while out campaigning has two separate residences because her place at the beach is impassable at high tide because the water submerges her driveway. At low tide she returns home, at high tide she goes to her apartment in Orange. Ms. Salvatore said that she would help alleviate flooding concerns at the beach to assist people in need.

Richetelli rebutted, saying that much of the Milford waterfront is below sea level and when you purchase a house at the beach you run that kind of risk. Richetelli also blamed unusually high tides for the flooding and said the he has been aware of these tantamount issues for a while.

On the issue of Eisenhower Park, Spalthoff questioned the logic behind spending money on studies only later to waste that money by walking away from it. Richetelli blamed the economy, and called many of the project cancellations as necessary given the most difficult economic climate he has ever experienced as Mayor. He also added that his opposition to the Jonathan Law bonding was also another difficult decision.

Another question regarding pensions came up, and Chaucer accused Richetelli of over reporting the health of that program. Chaucer alleged that Milford's pension fund lost more money than Fairfied's after the Madoff Scandal. Richetelli accused Chaucer of not having his facts straight and said the pension fund is over funded by 125% but those were the figures before the market declined admitting that the number may be different today.

Spalthoff cited an official report expressing concern over the cities pension fund and alleged that this years tax decrease will have to be made up in next years budget. Spalthoff said that the people of Milford got duped, because next year the break we received will have to be compounded to fulfill the contractual obligations the city entered into.

Spalthoff said that when the city goes looking for the money and cannot find it, the only alternative will be "higher taxes."

The debate concluded with a summary from each of the candidates, and each read what appeared to be a carefully prepared statement to the audience. Richetelli stood on his record, Salvatore promised Change, Chaucer offered historic preservation. Spalthoff spoke entirely without a written statement, and promised to make Milford more business friendly citing over eighty small businesses (he counted) that shut down along the Post Road.

Reviews from the audience were mixed, many came to support their candidate and therefore were not swayed by the debate while others appreciated the opportunity afforded them to question each of these candidates on the local issues in town.

The entire debate was recorded and the video will be posted here when made available to me.

Each of the candidates have their websites listed below for more information.

Jim Richetelli Peter Spalthoff
Genevieve Salvatore Tim Chaucer

The Milford Independent Party Celebrates Its Grand Opening With A Surprise Endorsement

The Milford Independent Party was standing room only at its 26 Broad Street location, the families and friends of all the candidates attended what was a very informative and spectacular event.

Most notable guests included a surprise visit from The Senior Agent of the Connecticut Independent Party Mike Terlesca. Mike Telesca, added the State Party endorsement of Peter Spalthoff to his already growing list of local endorsements.

Mike Telesca and the Independent Party Chairman rarely endorses candidates, but after getting to know Peter he drafted the following impressive letter below.

Mr. Peter Spalthoff
26 Broad Street
Milford, Ct 06460

Dear Peter,

As the state Agent of the Connecticut Independent Party, I am proud to have been part of Milford’s independent movement since the first meeting was held here at your office some six months ago.

It has been indeed an honor and a privilege to work and know an individual such as yourself who has found the hidden secrets of successful leadership. Your principle of “people not politics” is in fact an important principle that the Ct Independent Party tries to instill in all of its candidates.

Over the last several months we have taken the time to get to know who you are, and clearly without a doubt you are among the pillars of Milford Ct. Your past/present leadership positions as President or Chairman of so many local organizations and charities are an incredible testament to what kind of honorable and selfless individual you are.

While the Independent Party has endorsed many candidates, few rise to the level of commitment, professionalism and personal success that you have attained in your community. Therefore, it is my distinct honor to formally endorse you as our Independent candidate for Milford Mayor in the 2009 election cycle.

The Independent Party and all of its resources in your area will be encouraged to help you achieve an election victory come this November. In the meanwhile, feel free to count on our advisory board to assist you in any of your present/future campaign endeavors.


Sincerely;

Mike Telesca
Agent For Candidate Endorsement
CT Independent Party State Central

For those who do not know Mr. Telesca, he started the Independent Party in Waterbury Ct, and has gone on to win several local city positions for his party. Recently Mr. Teslesca was asked to consult for the state of Connecticut regarding the Green Party Lawsuit against the Citizens election campaign.

The Fledgling state program was remarkably impressed with Mr. Telesca because with his leadership last year he helped qualify the only 3rd. Party candidates in the state of Connecticut for public funding.

Mr. Telesca is a dynamo in the realm of third party politics in the state of Connecticut and his endorsement of Peter Spalthoff as the only Mayoral endorsement in the state of Connecticut is truly a great compliment to Peter.

The state party is now committing its resources to help Peter win this election come this November.

(Above Photo of Mike Telesca (L)and Peter Spalthoff (R))

Milford's History Being "Demolished By Neglect."

A once-graceful, but deteriorating Gulf Street home is drawing the attention of preservationists and city officials determined to save it from "demolition by neglect.''

The 1890 neo-Colonial house at 417 Gulf St., owned by Nicholas Riggione, has missing windows that allow birds, rain and wind to damage the interior, officials said. "It is the most efficient way to allow a property to deteriorate," City Historian Richard Platt said.

Riggione met Platt at the property recently and reportedly indicated that he has plans to repair it, but the city historian said the owner offered no specifics or timetable. Riggione did not return calls for comment Monday.

The 1.6-acre property that includes the nearly 4,000-square-foot house has an assessed value of $922,000, 70 percent of its market value. It is near Gulf Beach and would fall within the boundaries of a proposed Gulf Street Historic District.

Linda Stock, the city's zoning code enforcement officer, notified Riggione by letter in March of several violations on the property, and set a deadline for them to be corrected. But nothing appears to have been done, officials said.

Platt and other preservationists are still smarting over the loss in 2007 of the Merwin-Cadley House on Gulf Pond, and what they feel was a circumventing of regulations meant to protect historic structures. A developer claimed that the house, one of the oldest in Milford, was being "dismantled," not demolished, but few of the original elements were ultimately reused.

"This is happening again right before our eyes, and it is clearly an economic development issue,'' said Genevieve Salvatore, chairwoman of the city Economic Development Commission. "People are coming to Milford for its quaint New England charm, and we're letting it go by the board."

Salvatore, the Democratic candidate for mayor, and an aide surveyed the property from an adjoining yard and took photos Thursday.

The issue is within the purview of her commission because of its impact on tourism and through its Neigborhood Preservation initiative, Salvatore said.

Lisa DiLullo, aide to Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr., said the mayor ordered a structural inspection of the house and no safety issues were found. The debris visible through the open windows is from interior renovations that are being made after Riggione received the required permits, DiLullo said.

Platt said that he will submit to the Board of Aldermen next month a proposed ordinance that would increase protection for historic homes and commercial buildings. Among other things the measure would make a legal distinction between dismantling and demolition.

Shorten to 50 years the age of a building eligible for protection and require notice to all adjacent property owners when a demolition permit is issued for an historic structure. Platt's legislation would also create a Historic Review Board to consider such permits.

The Gulf Street house is listed on the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation's list of "threatened'' properties.

CLICK HERE FOR ORIGINAL FRANK JULIANO STORY

Mayoral Candidates Address Downtown Challenges

Two mayoral hopefuls in recent weeks had their eyes on downtown Milford, offering suggestions about how to address a dangerous sidewalk and excessive pigeon droppings.

Peter Spalthoff, the Independent Party candidate, said he planned to fix what he described as a dangerous lip in a sidewalk near his Broad Street office himself because the situation has not been addressed.

Spalthoff said several people have fallen because of about an inch rise between two five-by-six-foot concrete pads that make up the sidewalk.

“I’m gong to have it taken care of so no one else falls,” Spalthoff said, explaining that his builder plans to give him a price on digging up and replacing one of the pads.

Spalthoff, whose Shoreline Mortgage office faces Broad Street, said he recently saw an older woman fall. And Ed Esposito, who was walking down the sidewalk last week with his dog, said he’s tripped on the lip three times.

He said he called the city about the problem, but according to Public Works Director Bruce Kolwicz, it’s the property owner’s job to keep the sidewalk in a safe condition.

In some situations, sidewalk repairs fall to the city, but in this case, it falls to property owner Joseph Voll.

“I talked to Joseph Voll,” Kolwicz said. “I told him he had to fix it, and he said, ‘No problem,’” Kolwicz said.

At the same time, petition candidate Tim Chaucer, a Democrat, said he called the city’s health department about excessive pigeon droppings on a sidewalk area just beyond that lip.

“Why is it that in the heart of downtown Milford, i.e. on the sidewalk in front of Harrison’s Hardware, we have an ongoing pigeon poop and feather health hazard,” Chaucer stated in a letter to the local papers.

“Pigeons sit in an area between the gutter and canopy of the building,” he wrote. “Has the owner been notified by the health department? The Heberts have been complaining about this for many months. The health department could notify the owner that this is a health hazard and insist the canopy be removed and even the gutter where the pigeons sit.”

Chaucer also expressed concern about the lip in the sidewalk and suggested the city correct the problem.

Jill Dion Original Story

Milford Democrats Dine on Lobster as Taxpayer "Hardship" Increases

This post is to express my disagreement for what amounts to Milford's Democrats alarming choices of candidates. While no disrespect is intended to any of their candidates personally, politically I must take issue and point out my concerns.

On the choice for Rep. Roy to run for city clerk as a "Retirement Job," as I understand it is perfectly legal for Mr. Roy to run for a second full time job, and collect a second government salary (this could also be in addition to extended healthcare benefits and also a lifelong state pension). This in my opinion is outrageous and Lambert's defense of it wrong. Roy's nomination directly usurps the job of City Clerk whereby absenteeism, retirement, profiteering and cronyism becomes the new hallmarks of a Milford City Clerk. While I personally deplore any politician working one set of hours for two full time salaries, I would hereby hope that Rep. Roy is ethical enough to immediately announce his resignation from the legislature if he is elected to the position of Town Clerk. I would also hope he takes the job seriously and not treat it as his "Retirement Nest Egg." This is the right thing to do.

Their other choice Ms. Salvatore, I cannot really say much, other than she is very new to our city. She, having lived here for such a short time, is a complete stranger to just about everybody I know. Personal comments about her to me, and on blogs, show grave concern that her ambitions and personal agenda will supersede any benefit to Milford.

The people in Milford need to remember that you get the government you vote for, and if anyone votes based on their "friendship" than know that your "friends" may disappoint you come tax time, school time, or when you need emergency services. Personally I support Peter Spalthoff and the Independent Party, however, I really do feel for Tim Chaucer who was "short changed" by his party. I personally wish him success in his primary because I believe he is more deserving of Milfords respect than Ms. Salvatore.

Tim Chaucer Demands Change In Milford

The city would look very different today if Tim Chaucer were running things.

In formally announcing his candidacy for mayor Monday evening, the Democrat listed several instances when his intervention -- even as a private citizen -- got large development plans rejected.

"When the current administration formulated plans to consolidate our two geographically balanced high schools, we formed Milford Citizens Against Mega Schools," he said during a rally on the City Hall steps.

"We showed how consolidating was not only a bad idea educationally, but would be more costly to the city taxpayer. We won the battle."

Chaucer said he opposed a proposal in the 1980s to reroute Gulf Street so that a developer and his daughter would have homes with a better view. "I am proud that we protected the beautiful vista from the Indian burial ground on Gulf Pond when elected officials did not have the city's best interests at heart."

The retired history teacher reminded the 15 supporters at the rally that the historic Merwin-Cadley homestead on Gulf Pond was torn down last year despite assurances by Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. that it would be saved. A developer paid less than the market value in exchange for a conservation easement that was to protect the property, Chaucer said.

The candidate said he opposed a plan to improve Eisenhower Park because it would have meant charging fees to residents to recoup the cost. "The park is there for
everyone to enjoy, for free," he said.

"And it certainly doesn't need $20 million of so-called improvements."

City officials were "asleep at the switch'' when the Langner property next to the library became available several years ago, Chaucer said.

"It was a park-like setting with black walnut trees, and it could have been acquired to add to the recreation complex next to it," he said. "Instead, there are condos on it now and parking at our ball fields is at a premium."

Chaucer said that he would foster open government by, among other measures, putting a logbook in the mayor's office that anyone could review. "It's transparency. We ought to know who our mayor is spending his time with." He'd also consider periodic public hearings on the operation of city departments and to hear residents' complaints.

The candidate admitted he faces an uphill battle at the Democratic nominating convention Wednesday night. Most party leaders seem to have promised their support to Genevieve Salvatore, currently the chairman of the Economic Development Commission. Chaucer would not rule out a primary.

Salvatore said, "It isn't surprising to me that there are more people interested in this race. Many people in Milford are dissatisfied with the status quo and we all agree that it is a good time for a change in leadership. While it's great that others are concerned about Milford's future, I am confident that I will be nominated by the Democratic Town Convention this week.

"I have a strong vision for our city's future and I believe that such vision, together with strong leadership, will be crucial for our success in November and beyond."

Richetelli said he is running on his eight-year record in office.

Peter Spalthoff, the Independent Party mayoral candidate, said, "Tim announcing that he is running for mayor simply goes to my belief that the citizens of Milford can only be the winners with more choices of candidates. There is no reason in the world why there should only be two candidates for the position."

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About Chaucer: Timothy Chaucer is the former chairman of the Milford Conservation Comission and a former elected member of the Milford Planning and Zoning Board. n He founded Milford Citizens Against Mega Schools several years ago to fight attempts to consolidate Jonathan Law and Joseph A. Foran high schools. n Chaucer has been program chairman for the Milford Historical Society for the past five years, and is nominating chairman for the Milford Preservation Trust. n He is the founder and director of the Milford Marine Institute Inc., which has educated more than 1,000 Milford children since 1983 about the value of salt marshes, woodlands, farmlands and meadows. n He is a retired high school and college instructor of American history, as well as criminal and civil law, and retains his state teaching certification

ORIGINAL ARTICLE BY FRANK JULIANO