Violence Threatens Milford Mall's Survival

On Sunday night I was at my computer reading the latest blogs coming in off Topix. One blog in particular was very disturbing, it was from an individual who said he was at “the Westfield Mall, and heard someone was brandishing a gun. A large swath of people panicked and scattered down the escalator where the Managers of Target locked the front doors as a security measure for what appeared to be an hour. Shortly after another blogger concurred that he was at the mall and experienced a similar event.

These issues plaguing our mall are not new, and the New Haven Register this morning confirmed what these bloggers experienced but said the man brandishing the gun originated from the bus stop. One report indicates that while at the Bus stop he threatened to “Pistol whip” his girlfriend.” Another at the Post indicates that he made the threat during a group fight in the food court.

Mall police apprehended the individual and consequentially he was charged with gun related crimes. The incident did not make immediate news because the gun he was brandishing was merely a harmless “air gun.” But to the people in the Mall who were frightened by it that did not matter much.

The Westfield Mall continues to be plagued with security problems that stem from out of town kids engaging in lewd and lascivious conduct. Officers have been hit with food from food fights, a chair, assaulted physically, and broken up large fights.

Officers reported that the youth at the mall are so problematic that they neither respect a badge or a gun. However, he did say they all "respect the taser" and it is the best weapon in his arsenal.

A security officer at the Westfield Mall expressed concern, that these problems of violence may be because Milford is considered “neutral” territory. He said "when rivals from Bridgeport and New Haven attend the mall there is a propensity for conflict to occur."

Shop owners fear that these problems are also effecting the retail establishments in the Mall who also pay handsomely to have the traffic and placement that the Mall offers. Lately the violence combined with the economic downturn has resulted in record high vacancy rates and the Mall owners are struggling to stay in business. One shop owner said "if the youth problems persist, people will be reluctant to shop here."

Last year the Westfield Mall ended up in court, and sued the city of Milford over what they said are excessively high taxes. Mayor Richetelli, after the lawsuit settled and said the “Westfield Mall is of vital economic importance to Milford, and the settlement was worth it. Had the city not settled and lost the case the city would have been forced to immediately pay a substantial amount of money to the owners of the property.” The settlement earned the Westfield Mall a 11% tax decrease, one they said was the result of their property being overvalued by the town assessor. The mall also benefits from a Police HQ annex located in the mall next to Panera's.

Reports indicate that the tax savings was desperately needed given the fragility of the commercial real estate market and the shaky economy.

These assertions are being confirmed daily by a website called www.DeadMalls.com. This site lists the growing number of defunct and struggling malls across the country. In Connecticut Seven are listed in the index, including the Bristol Mall in Bristol Ct., and the long defunct HiHo Mall. (Now occupied by The Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport.)

While there appears to be no immediate solution to these youth conflicts at the moment additional changes are being made to the bus policy of the mall. Effective soon fewer buses will be permitted to stop at the mall, and security will be put on high alert to curtail the problem. Loitering will not be tolerated, and aggressive enforcement against shoplifting and disruptive behavior will be engaged.

The mall management has expressly indicated that they are committed to delivering a calm safe environment where shoppers can go and enjoy themselves. While they regret the problems induced by local youth at the Mall they assure the public that every reasonable effort is being made to stem the tide of mischief.

Dogs Vs. Horses at Eisenhower Park

Eisenhower Park in Milford is about the only really great place to take my dog for a hike, and on the North side of the park there even is a small "off-leash" fenced in area.

Lately the Horses and their riders have been at odds with dogs that are "off-leash." Some dog owners have been threatened with fines and some dogs have been allegedly hospitalized as a result of horses viciously kicking them.

Some stories I heard speak of a harmless punt of a dog by horse, and others more severe, including broken bones, internal injury and in some cases death. Recently I asked if anyone could share their personal opinion of this menace and offer any of their thoughts regarding the "horse vs. dog" issue. The most interesting response I heard was as follows.

"The place it's big enough for both. Talk to the major and he may be able to come with something that you can agree on...Like drawing a line for horses and another for the dogs . We all need boundaries, even horses and dogs...Thank God for people like me that are so intelligent...!"

This was a great suggestion, I love the idea of drawing a line and I also love the idea of an "off leash" area but my dog Bella likes to swim and there is no water in the fenced in area. I feel like her day is that much more fulfilling when she takes a dip in the river and shakes off on the grass.

Inevitably I think horses and Dogs will always be at odds, and for good reason Horses get spooked by them, riders also get nervous the dogs will be harmed by their horses kicking or worse themselves, as riders, thrown. Thankfully I have not learned of any real horror stories involving riders being injured because of dogs but I accept that their is a risk. For this reason I trained my dog to come when I call her and when I sense danger leash her until the horse passes.

If anyone insists on letting their dog loose I would stress to please respectfully leash your dog if you see a horse approaching, all it takes in one bad accident and strict enforcement against dog owners will commence. Dogs and horses can get along if we practice common sense and avoid potential hazards.

Connecticut Cops Pre-Emptively Seize Guns

Paul Hughes
Republican-American
August 3, 2008

Using a unique state law, police in Connecticut have disarmed dozens of gun owners based on suspicions that they might harm themselves or others.

The state’s gun seizure law is considered the first and only law in the country that allows the confiscation of a gun before the owner commits an act of violence. Police and state prosecutors can obtain seizure warrants based on concerns about someone’s intentions.

State police and 53 police departments have seized more than 1,700 guns since the law took effect in October 1999, according to a new report to the legislature. There are nearly 900,000 privately owned firearms in Connecticut today.

Opponents of a gun seizure law expressed fears in 1999 that police would abuse the law. Today, the law’s backers say the record shows that hasn’t been the case.

“It certainly has not been abused. It may be underutilized,” said Ron Pinciaro, coexecutive director of Connecticut Against Gun Violence.

Photo: (Boston Police display their success in pre-emptively disarming citizens in their Gun Buyback Program."