February 2012 Issue
Land Swap: Latest Twist By Ed Schwing; January 27, 2012
Land Swap: Appraisals Controversy
By Ed Schwing; January 27, 2012With the appraisals completed, and indications that the values of the two properties were far apart, the Bulletin submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) asking the DEEP to release the information. The request was denied on the grounds that appraisals are not usually subject to the FOIA. The Bulletin has appealed the decision to the FOI Commission. Full Article
The Cost to Run Haddam
Where Does Your Money Go? by Alan Aronow
When the Haddam Bulletin first starting publishing in 1950, the newspaper’s ambitious purpose was, in part, to: ‘foster, encourage, and promote non-partisan interest in, and study of the business and fiscal activities of the local government agencies, as such activity may effect the taxpayers of Haddam.’
At that time Haddam had only 2,636 residents and the entire Town Budget was $184,489. Sixty-two years later, the population of Haddam has tripled (8,346) but the Town Budget is 15,409% larger (yes, you read that right!), now totaling $27,764,028. (Full Article)
Planning & Zoning to Impose Blight Regulations by Melissa Schlag
In October 2009, then Selectman Tony Bondi started to tackle an anti-blight ordinance in town and after many revisions, no consensus was reached and no decision was made.
Then, in November 2009, with Bondi losing to incoming Selectman Paul DeStefano, the anti-blight Ordinance was put on the back burner.
That is until February 2010, when DeStefano relit the fire and held a public hearing, to which more than 80 residents came out to discuss the proposal of an anti-blight ordinance. Again, with the majority of the people voicing their opposition to a blight ordinance, no consensus was reached at the hearing and DeStefano formed a committee to try to untangle the blight issue. (Full Article)
