Minutes of the West Norwalk Association
March 6, 2017
Board Members Present: Anthony Carrano, Brian Forschino, Kristin Clemens, Isabelle Hargrove, Ken D’Arinzo & Ted Stepanoff. Rob Notley was not in attendance.
Anthony called the meeting to order at 7:35pm.
Anthony presented the February meetings minutes for approval with one change to the date of the meeting. Ken motioned to approve the minutes and Brian seconded. The Board members in attendance unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report – Ken D’Arinzo
Current bank balance is $3,616.33 which represents no change from last month.
Scholarship – Isabelle Hargrove
Isabelle will confirm when the application needs to be provided to Brien McMahon High School. Isabelle will resend last year’s WNA application form for Board review and approval. Once approved, Isabelle will coordinate with the school. The Board agreed to continue with a single scholarship for $1,000 and follow the same decision methodology as last year.
Oak Hills Park Update – Anthony Carrano
Next meeting on March 16, 2017 in City Hall. Ted agreed to attend on behalf of the Board.
CNNA Update – Isabelle Hargrove / Ted Stepanoff
Diane Cici is reviewing which Associations are represented and which areas of Norwalk are not. The CNNA is also reviewing their Bylaws and Charter for potential revision. Isabelle submitted the survey agreed by the WNA Board at the February meeting.
Minutes are not currently not being prepared.
Main issue discussed: There is a proposal to build a large box store (80,000 sq. ft.) with retail store fronts in the open space on Main Avenue. The property is zoned for light industrial or commercial. The property is also a SuperFund site. Concerns were voiced about the increase in traffic on one of the most heavily travelled sections of road in Norwalk. It is unclear how this will affect the City’s Grand List.
Isabelle noted that the property taxes imposed on a retail facility is a fraction of the property taxes that would be imposed on an industrial park.
Picnic at Oak Hills – Anthony Carrano
Anthony was told that the new grass at the Oak Hills Green will not be able to take foot traffic until Labor Day. Anthony suggested having a picnic at Fox Run. The Board agreed to discuss possibilities at the next Board Meeting.
Spring Clean-Up
We do not know when the citywide Norwalk Clean-Up Day is scheduled for. The Board agreed to schedule the West Norwalk clean up in May again.
Spring Social
Amar is currently leasing the space for the Oak Hills Restaurant. The Board believes Isabelle has heard that he is looking to sell his business and exit his lease. Isabelle agreed to follow-up with Amar about having another social event at the restaurant. Ted suggested keeping it on a Thursday night. Anthony suggested looking to schedule something for May 25th. Anthony will approach Dolce in case the Oak Hills Restaurant is not available.
All Other Business
Gay McLeod would like to attend the April Board meeting to make a presentation on behalf of the Norwalk Tree Alliance. Anthony will coordinate the specifics.
Norwalk public schools are at 110% of capacity. The main issues are illegal apartments and immigration. The City needs to start enforcing the housing regulations.
Anthony closed the meeting at 8:30pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 3, 2017.