Letter of the week, 4/14/08: Just say "NO!"

[David]

Meriden Power Plant: Just say “NO!”
By Trevor F. Thorpe

Meriden is at a crossroads. The proposed peaking power plant in the north end would seem to be the first of many proposals concerning Economic Development of the NRG and Westvaco lands owned by the City.

These two properties total well over 400 acres of pristine woodlands and wetlands that are owned by Meriden. They have repeatedly been referred to as open spaces. Unfortunately, without a resolution making such a designation, open space is considered by many at Meriden City Hall as simply a piece of property with nothing built on it — yet. When describing open space, even undeveloped private properties are often included. Like so many others, I had previously believed that “open space” meant something permanent — not so.

An open space resolution brought to the City Council some time ago appears to have languished. I am therefore proposing this be revisited and that such a legal definition be made. I am also submitting two associated resolutions to the Council: one for the property commonly referred to as NRG, and the other for the property commonly known as the Wesvaco property. I will ask that these two properties be designated permanent open spaces. They are just too important to destroy.

In some ways, the peaking power plant proposal has been a good thing as it has brought this larger issue to the forefront. Hopefully, this will give Meriden a chance to look forward with greater insight.

The power plant proposal before us now is attractive to some as it carries a large tax revenue with it. In a city with need for fiscal improvement, this is given a high priority by supporters.

Others join me in believing that open spaces preserved for the future are worth far more than the proposed revenue. I am not now, and never will be, convinced that Meriden will be better off with two power plants.— nor with 400 acres of new development along our now-wooded northern border. Our city is known for its beautiful Hanging Hills and wooded vistas. It would be a sad day if we let them be compromised again. The permanent destruction of woodlands and wetlands is not the answer to fiscal responsibility.

Ultimately a joint public hearing before the Finance Committee and the Economic Development Committee of the City Council is to occur concerning the power plant's proposal. I urge you attend that hearing and to make your feelings known. I would also ask that you consider our future and just say: “NO!”
Trevor F. Thorpe is a Meriden City Councilor at Large.

[collie]

I hope the City Coucil says "no" with the same speed they did in passing the ordinance that banned street vendors! This next hearing is one I plan to attend, bringing a sign that says "vote no" to hold up in case the speaker list is really long.
I hope people from all over town come out for the hearing, like we did for the auto auction over east. For some reason, the city council thinks there is going to be a lot of support for the power plant - at least those voting yes seemed to use that argument to justify their votes. Let's prove them wrong!

[eds]

There needs to be a balance between open space and development. We cannot stop development simply to protect some land. We also cannot develop every piece of land we have. Unfortunately, as the human population grows and lives longer, space will be further at a premium. Something has to give and I don't think it will be humans.

[eds]

I agree there is some waste. There always is. What is waste? Well...I think all day kindergarten is not a waste. Year-round school is something I'd like to see implemented. I see all day kindergarten as just the beginning.

[Chriss P]

Let me ask:

Is this power plant for more power for Meriden because it needs it or to strictly raise tax earnigs ? I thought the latter.

[eds]

cherrybarbs, you're right about the child care today. People see children more as an accessory like a new hand bag or a new car. However I disagree about the capabilities of children 5 and 6. I have friends, a married couple, who taught their child sign language before she was 1. Now that child can speak in full sentences, use adjectives, and communicates more on the level of a first grader. That child turns 3 this fall. She also can say hello in Chinese and Spanish. She can repeat and word she hears, the first time, and know what it means and when to use it. She also knows many other words in Spanish. She can correctly recognize more animals, insects, bugs and plants than I can. She'll exclaim, "Mommy! That's a beautiful butterfly." When she gets mad, instead of having a tantrum, she simply sits down, takes several deep breaths, closes her eyes and calms herself. She is in total control of her emotions and can tell people she's angry, sad, or whatever. I think its because at an early age she learned sign language. She could communicate her thoughts and that made her life more manageable. If that child can do these things, any child can, with the proper involvement from parents.

I see all-day kindergarten more as an opportunity to enhance learning and provide early intellectual development. Not as simply day-care. When we have our child, my wife will be a stay-at-home mother. We will not be using day-care services.

[Fit 2 Print]

How did we get from power plants to all-day kindergarten? Gotta luv it! :-)

[eds]

Easy...like this. Wasteful spending is what this entire thread is about. To pay for the wasteful spending the peaking power plant will bring in needed tax revenue. That tax revenue would fund social programs and all-day kindergarten.

At least that is the objective viewpoint. These viewpoints don't necessarily reflect my own. I don't necessarily agree with all of it either. Some of it , but not all.

[whalers44]

you people got it all wrong.....everyone wants everything plus we want our taxes not to increase. When someone brings a business to Meriden, we all jump on the "Not in my backyard" attitude. The Power Plant will generate over $1M in taxes and will only operate maybe, just maybe, a month a year if that. It is a peaking plant that will generate power when it is called for. This plant is much needed in Meriden just to lower our taxes so we don't keep getting more. People want all day kindergarten, which by the way kids are too young for and parents just want free babysitting, but who is going to pay for this....tax increase to the citizens. People want more money for education, who is going to pay for this, yes, the average citizen IF we don't bring in new business such as the power plant. You younger citizens can afford it. But what about us older people????? On fixed income???? How are we suppose to pay???? WAKE UP MERIDEN!!!! Give the power plant a chance and get the much needed $$$ into our city coffers and not from the citizens......Please, we need this business and this is a good opportunity....

[gilligan]

I just have to say that we need to not develop. all we do when developing is to destroy. We shouldgo the other way, try not to destroy, not ot develop. the longer we can not develop, the betteroff we will be. If the human race just has to grow grow grow then let them grow somewhere else and keep Meriden as undeveloped as possible. Money is not the answer to anything.

[eds]

So then what do you propose to do when the human race grows and grows? To what planet will we move? Eventually every piece of open space will be developed if the human race continues to grow. There are advocates out there which propose the gradual reduction in population or even taking steps to cause human extinction to save the planet. What is your proposal to solve the ever growing population?

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

The power plant is a bad idea. I am far from a left wing tree hugging hippie. This is not about open space, this is about a cost benefit analysis. Everyone is talking tax dollars but everyone seems to forget that Meriden is institutional incapable of making a decision that actually results in positive tax growth. Lets explore the recent ventures of our beloved city council. First, there is NRG. the only reason NRG pays taxes is because the corporate lawyers were asleep at the wheel (plus those tax dollars are still being set aside just in case). Second, the enterprise zone, also known as the Zerio employment act, this little brain freeze has costed Meriden roughly $500,000 a year (for those of you playing at home, this is the trick that former councilor Zerio pulled by extending the enterprise zone out to include Response insurance, where eventually took a job)(my numbers come from the tax assessors office). Third, the Thomspon Candy Company deal. I know this is a beloved Meriden corporation, etc. etc. etc. But have any of you looked at the deal that actually keep the plant here. Think about, that 1.2 million in tax revenue, where is it going to go. It is not going to reduce the mill rate, it is going to be sucked up into the budget and within two years the counsel will be looking for money. If you think, I am wrong ask yourself this question. Where does all the money from slots go from the casinos go at the state level? Well, I am sorry for that little tirade.

[collie]

I enjoyed that little tirade! Was Response the company the city paid for the yellow ribbon around city hall a few years back? That was a Zerio deal too, I think.
Just wondering.

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

Collie:

I love that you pay attention. The yellow ribbons were in fact another/separate deal of Mr. Zerio. My understanding of that deal was that Mr. Zerio wanted to show Meriden's support for the troops and proposed contracting with a company of $10,000 to provide the ribbons, but come to find out the ribbon provider was an insurance client that Mr. Zerio had dealings with, completely independent of Response. This City produces the greatest short stories.

[collie]

Horror stories is more like it.

[RC12L4]

Collie:

I love that you pay attention. The yellow ribbons were in fact another/separate deal of Mr. Zerio. My understanding of that deal was that Mr. Zerio wanted to show Meriden's support for the troops and proposed contracting with a company of $10,000 to provide the ribbons, but come to find out the ribbon provider was an insurance client that Mr. Zerio had dealings with, completely independent of Response. This City produces the greatest short stories.

Yeah but the yellow ribbons makes everyone feel good and darn it that's what matters!!!

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

Hey, as long as the yellow ribbons were a seperate deal no harm no foul.

As recall some little venture called Merge (I am not sure if that is the spelling, the real locals will know what I mean).

Also I believe there was some guy named Michael who was city manager who had some problems.

Again, Meriden's greatest hits.

[eds]

Seems we have two issues here. Taxes and open space.

If not a powerplant, a business, etc...how does Meriden go about changing its institutional inability to generate positive tax growth?

To me, generating tax revenue is one way of bringing in money. We have to tax something then, true? So if not the residents, then we tax commercial property. How can we get more commercial property and get Meriden to tax it accordingly without scaring away business because of the tax? Seems like we can't do both.

So then if we can't generate more revenue, we need to be more efficient with the revenue we have. I have asked before in other forums dealing with We The People, that after looking at the budget, we should look at where we can reduce cost without reducing service. How to do that is something I do not have all the answers to but look to those that do for advice.

No matter how much money you earn, you must spend less than that to maintain your economy. I have a budget as to most others; even rich people have budgets already. At least the smart ones do. Companies have budgets too. When you can't raise revenue you lower costs. Simple math. For me and everyone else, most find that easy to do. Eat out less, use coupons, look for sales. You can maintain a very decent level of living and yet spend less. We all do it so why not our fair city?

Just my thoughts...

[Chriss P]

I still insist its important to examine were all of Meriden's money is going, before starting on a major project that will hurt the environment. If the issue is money, then money needs to be looked into. If an audit is complete and honest, I bet Meriden will uncover areas of money saving it has ignored in the past. It just takes hard work that may pay off.

[jma]

Hey, as long as the yellow ribbons were a seperate deal no harm no foul.

As recall some little venture called Merge (I am not sure if that is the spelling, the real locals will know what I mean).

Also I believe there was some guy named Michael who was city manager who had some problems.

Again, Meriden's greatest hits.


"Some problems??" :rolleyes: Don't forget his buddy Joe F!!

[Modica]

For a state that is losing its population, there is an awful lot of development happening. All the unsold homes in my area is impressive. There is one monster home a mile from me that was built almost 2 years ago and still hasn't sold and a new development that was completed almost a year ago and also hasn't sold a single home. Still, they keep building more. All the new fast food restaurants and department stores is way too much for our area's population to support. In Southington there are 2 Home Depots, 8 Dunkin Donuts and 32 pizza joints. When is enough enough? And worst of all we have the upscale mall in the north end of Cheshire that no one seems to want, but when it comes to money and influence we all know who will win.

[eds]

All those stores may fail given the market. It's not up to us to tell them how to run their business. We either shop there or not. Let the market decide!

[Modica]

Then what happens is that we have a glut of vacant businesses which can't be good for the health of the area.

[eds]

Then new business comes in behind them because of the opportunity that exiting businesses leave behind. The ebb and flow is guided by the market.

[Modica]

But that is not always what happens. It is ridiculous to assume that just because they build something, people will come. There are many instances where local economies have suffered greatly because of over-development. Can't the recent housing crisis be attributed to the same kind of model, where people only think of the big money to be made and don't consider the reality of the economic situation? Now, didn't a similar thing happen in the late 80's, where we built up so much, that it took many many years for our state to recover from the recession of the early 90's. I also think that all the movement of business out of our cities and into the suburbs will continue to be the leading cause of the deterioration of our cities. Waterbury, Meriden, New Britain and even Hartford are becoming wastelands. Hartford is still a major shame, because even with all the building in the city, our state capitol is lifeless after 6 pm and completely deserted on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

[RC12L4]

People and businesses are leaving this city and state because of the unreal amount of taxes put on them.

[Modica]

Yeah the taxes are high because of all the corruption in government.

[eds]

Well...let's see how it goes. Not much we can do about it anyway...

[Modica]

We are pretty powerless these days.

[Modica]

Hey, as long as the yellow ribbons were a seperate(check spelling) deal no harm no foul.

As recall some little venture called Merge (I am not sure if that is the spelling, the real locals will know what I mean).

Also I believe there was some guy named Michael who was city manager who had some problems.

Again, Meriden's greatest hits.
Sorry I just had to.