Minutes of the West Norwalk Association Board
February 1, 2016
Board Members Present: Anthony Carrano, Ken D’Arinzo, Isabelle Hargrove, Rob Notley and Brian Forschino were in attendance. Ted Stepanoff, John Igneri and Tom Livingston attended as a guest.
Anthony called the meeting to order at 7:35pm.
Isabelle motioned to approve the minutes, Brian seconded and the Board members present unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report – Ken D’Arinzo
Bank balance at 2/1/2016 is $5,063.61. The only item outstanding is $106 for the annual renewal of P.O. Box.
Oak Hills Park – Anthony Carrano
The Oak Hills Park Authority is asking for $3M bonding to fund the driving range. Despite an original proposal that did not include lights, the Authority now is stating that night time golf would be the only way to make the driving range profitable. A consultancy report has indicated that the range would not be highly profitable in the current location and without lighting. Mr. Igneri indicated that the Authority has not formally requested funding from the City.
The Master Plan without the driving range has been approved and is moving forward. It will be presented to the Land Use Committee this week. The driving range will require a separate approval.
All Board members except for Rob are in favor of the original driving range proposal.
CNNA – Isabelle Hargrove
The CNNA had a brief discussion on the Pak Hills Park driving range.
Proposed Cranbury Park Go Ape Zipline Park – Most of the Park’s neighbors oppose the Zipline Park. Proposal for 30 people per hour and will be reservation only. They have concerns with traffic and noise. Parks and Recreation received the proposal and will hold a public information session next week. There will be another public hearing on February 20th. The CNNA focused on the process for the approval.
Isabelle updated the CNNA on the Norwalk Community College pedestrian bridge.
The CNNA is against a third party building an ice skating rink at Veteran’s Park. The concern is that the City is going to let a third party build a profitable business without receiving suitable compensation. Their view is that the City will not be collecting rent or taxes on the new space. The third party will put up the money to build a temporary facility on a 10 year lease. The City will receive a percentage of the revenue.
Scholarship Update – Isabelle Hargrove
Students have until the end of February to register for scholarships on Naviance. Scholarship will be eligible for any West Norwalk resident regardless of their high school. Money will be given to the student at the awards ceremony. Isabelle will work with other high schools to get the word out. The Board agreed to grant a single $1,000 scholarship. Brien McMahon has a link on its website for local scholarships.
Spring Clean Up
Would like to coordinate with the City of Norwalk clean-up day. Date has been tentatively set for Saturday, May 14th. Anthony will speak to the City the gloves and garbage bags. Anthony will put out the signs and Stephen will post on it on our Facebook and our Website.
NCC Update
Mr. Igneri confirmed that the College will need to get a permit to span Richards Avenue but the permit will be granted automatically since the application will be from the State. Mr. Livingston indicated that the plan to build the Bridge is moving forward. Mr. Igneri suggested speaking to Senator Duff. Ken will reach out to him. The College has said they will have public hearings but the January meeting never happened.
Snow Plowing
Candide reached out to the Board about a residence at 41 Hunters Lane that is plowing snow onto our adopt a spot and killing the shrubs. Anthony will draft a letter asking them to stop. Mr. Igneri confirmed that plowing snow across a street is illegal.
All Other Business
Five Mile River – The Five Mile River subcommittee is looking to establish regular meetings with the City of Norwalk. The initial stage is to educate neighbors on how to take care of the River. The Commission is reaching out to people in New Canaan and Darien who have been involved with the River in the past.
The Board agreed to discuss sending “Thank You” letters to families who pay dues at the March meeting.
Anthony closed the meeting at 8:50 pm.