Mr. Zimmerman spoke of the overlooked positive economic affect recreation has on property values, economic development, and community aesthetics; and the positive affect it has on children. Using charts, Mr. Zimmerman then made comparisons of activities in the Town over the last 20 years
Population in South Windsor has increased by 44%
Growth in sports particularly in soccer, which increased over 200%
Number of fields built in the last 20 years: In reality, none.
216% more children participating in sports in the last 20 years.
Inability to rest fields in some cases, making them dangerous.
Continuing, Mr. Zimmerman then referred to and elaborated on the changes made to the map the residents had received in the mail versus the map that was being discussed this evening. He then went through things you see on this map that we, clearly, have no intention of doing in the Referendum in November. Among the most important of these items being (1) location of fields are as yet to be determined; (2) there are no lights; (3) there is no permanent sound system; etc.
Concluding, Mr. Zimmerman pointed out that Mark Slubosky, Vice Chair of the Park and Recreation Commission, was present this evening to mark down those areas of concern most voiced by the public. Mr. Zimmerman hoped he would be allowed time at the end of this meeting to address some of those concerns.
Using the sign-up sheets provided at the rear of the Chambers, Mayor Aman then called upon those wishing to speak, publicly, on this issue. They were:
Kevin Reilly, 215 Lawrence Road
Paul Bruno, 20 Leah lane
Joseph Addona, 18 Spinners Run
Alan Witkin, 64 Lawrence Road
Paul Rizza, 8 Spinners Run
Dave Krupa, 70 Perrin Lane
Anita Cappalla, 25 Cheshire Drive
Lisa Feinstein, 15 Heatherwood Drive
Lawrence Torff, 521 Quarry Brook Drive
Elisa Vieira, 51 Paper Chase
Frank Jurgens, 575 Felt Road
George Charlton, 200 Nevers Road
Robert Murphy, 64 Perrin Lane
George Thomson, 8 Perrin Lane
Dayton Stimson, 279 Lawrence
John Stonoha, 268 Lawrence
Alex Weil, 50 Vincent Circle
Kathy Calling, 35 Vincent Circle
John Wentworth, 36 Vincent Circle
Connie Vendetta, 7 Vincent Drive
Lisa Pressamarita, 152 Lawrence Road
Kathy Sladyk, 89 Pierce Road
Lori Speziale, 27 Heatherwood Drive
Maggie Lichtman, 15 Vincent circle
Jim Puida, 7 Spinners Run
Brad Sylvester, 220 Lawrence Road
Donald Gates, 249 Lawrence Road
Cliff Slicer, 391 Niederwerfer Road
Steve Waldeisen, 30 Leah lane
Wayne Dalesic, 45 Perrin Lane
Patrick Joyce, 93 Spinners Run
Ed Cullen, 36 Heatherwood Drive
W.S. McCaffrey, So. Windsor Swim Club
Barton Pettit, 232 Lawrence Road
Bruce Robbin, 88 Cliffwood Drive
Gary Walker, 191 McGrath Road
Jim Neiswanger, 123 Pine Knob Drive
Jeffrey Post, 43 Heatherwood Drive
Denise Bero, 92 Spinners Row
Gene Jay, 18 Carey Lane
Joe Candeias, 258 Nevers Road
Jim Moriarity, 90 Skyline Drive
Nick Odams, 27 Chatham Lane
Following remarks by the public, Mayor Aman called for a straw vote on the
Following
Referring to the proposal to develop soccer fields, walking trails, and other recreational facilities on the Town's open space land on Lawrence Road:
All those in favor: 25 +/-
All those opposed: 45 +/-
Thanking the public for coming out this evening in such large numbers, Mayor Aman assured them that the remarks, opinions, and recommendations they presented this evening would certainly be given serious consideration by both the Park and Recreation Commission and the Town Council. He then called the Public Hearing closed at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts.