November 2008
Issue
Protecting Haddam’s Drinking Water
It is not a secret that all of Haddam’s drinking water comes from the ground. Like 45% of the US, we are dependent on nature’s hydrological cycle, water evaporating in the atmosphere falling back as rain and moving through the ground, to replenish our wells.
It is the last step of the cycle that is critical to a healthy water supply. That same ground also supports all our human activities, from residential to industrial. In a balanced system, with proper safeguards on septic systems, wetlands protection, good hazardous waste management, the water gets filtered as the water moves through the ground and returns intact to our wells.
Our system however is showing signs of unbalance and we are at risk of reaching a serious water crisis if all of us, residents, business owners, elected officials, environmental and public health agencies, do not do our part to protect our supply of drinking water.
In this issue we look at Tylerville and what it will take to fix the problem. In coming issues we hope to bring awareness of what should be done at the residential level.
Twenty-five years and counting
This week I did an informal poll of town residents asking what they knew about groundwater contamination in Tylerville. Almost everyone knew about contamination from sewage, which is currently being addressed by the new owners of the Tylerville Plaza. What no one seemed to know was the contamination issue that has been directly affecting residents of Little Meadow Road, Bridge Street and now Camp Bethel Road for over 25 years.
(Full Article)
Higganum Center: Your Feedback
(Editor’s Note: In our September issue we asked for reader feedback on the Higganum Center issue. Here are excerpts from some of the letters/emails we received.)
From former First Selectman Mark Lundgren, Higganum
My thanks to the Bulletin and in particular to Diane Stock for her unbiased and timely articles. I am one of the many who want to see a new waste transfer station in town. Siting the transfer station and a Higganum Department Garage at the Rossi property clearly is the best choice. Upgrade of the area, a small business incubator in the current (DOT) garage and former Rossi office building and possibly most important a boost in traffic needed by all Higganum Center businesses. I suggest a look at the Rossi property.
From Edith Amstrong, Haddam
Speaking (hopefully) on behalf of the “senior citizens” of Haddam and Higganum, we would appreciate a drugstore and market similar to what we have now The “center” is the focal point and is conveniently located for all residents of Higganum and Haddam.
From Ginger Labella, Higganum
In response to your request for ideas for Higganum Center, I wanted to write in with an idea that I've had for some time -- to develop the unused section of railway that runs through our town into a paved recreational trail. I know there has been some talk of reopening that section to trains, but I do not see that as likely, and I think converting the line to a recreational trail would better serve our community. I would suggest that we at least thoroughly research both options, and do something other than let this valuable land sit, unused. Alternatively, if anyone has concerns about this not being a good idea, I'd also love to hear your thoughts so that we can research those aspects as well. Please email me at HYPERLINK "mailto:ginger@gingerlabella.com" ginger@gingerlabella.com.
From Jola O’Connor Haddam
I strongly feel Higganum Center has the potential of being so much more than it currently is. With new retail space becoming increasingly available and the potential to purchase the Rossi property, the possibilities are truly endless. For a town center to be prosperous, it must not only be aesthetically pleasing but also needs to have a good mix of artisan shops and eateries in addition to the necessary things residents rely on such as a grocer, post office and bank. An example of the type of grocer I think would be well received is Highland Park Market. I recently visited their Glastonbury location and thought to myself this is exactly what we need desperately. I hope nine years from now we will not find ourselves looking at plans generated years ago, as we are doing now and still be pondering what to do next. The time has come to put Haddam on the map and make it a place for residents to be proud of and a place in which others look forward to visit.
