DC Moore School Sale

The opening salvo of the August 7 New Haven Register article regarding the sale of D.C. Moore School, truly, says it all.

“East Haven politics were on full display Tuesday night as the Town Council voted strictly along party lines to sell 14 acres of property near the D.C. Moore Elementary School to “a developer who wants to build 14 houses.”

It is ironic and certainly disappointing that the very same individuals we thought we knew and elevated to positions of power, to represent the common good, would not (or perhaps could not) see beyond their noses as evidenced by the close-minded, myopic approach they’ve taken, to sell an “opportunity” (yes it is such and I’ll explain later) for a measly sum, might I add, which naturally raises suspicion as to their own personal motives.

The beautiful houses, adjacent to the DC Moore school on Elliot Street provides a serene and elegant charm to that landscape and in the surrounding homes in the vicinity.

A fact that Ms. Donna Perone, her neighbors Ms. Jean Edwards-Chieppo and Ms. Kristy Turcio Porter steadfastly underscored, but only to fall on deaf ears.

In a capsule, their houses adds value and physical appeal to all the properties surrounding it so the logical question the sale of the school property to this developer raises, is: “Why ruin it?”

But according to the Republican party council members including Mr. Steve Tracy their mayoral candidate, beauty and the peaceful ambiance it rouses have no economic value, and are therefore inconsequential.

“Pack em” like sardines they vicariously shouted for “it means more revenue from property taxes” as one of them argued, believing no doubt that the proposed project is the only efficacious way to raise property taxes revenue.

And if we are, to view our town from above, it would certainly seem to be an incontrovertible fact, that here in East Haven, we prefer “living on top of each other so “what’s the fuss” town council chairman McKay asked?

So let's imagine for a moment, putting aside the idea of converting the property into a park and instead allowing our minds to visualize 4-5-6 large architecturally designed and landscaped homes, constructed in the manner that would blend harmoniously with the ones already there.

Would their construction not only increase the value of all the homes in that street and perhaps the neighborhood as well? Who knows, but the momentum will be there.

But would it increase the property taxes revenue just as well, minus the animosity and distrust that could extend to those potential buyers who would be moving in, which the issue, as we are witnessing has so far engendered?

Moreover, imagine the wondrous fascination that those types of homes in that quiet street would generate, and the impulse to gentrify it might spark, not just in the surrounding areas but even those areas that seem far away?

But the problem, as usual, is with the government and governance (or more precisely the lack of it)

That “they” don’t make lands anymore is a common phrase in the real estate business for the land is the single most valuable piece of property all of us can bequeath our children, for they are the future and they need our help.

East Haven’s geography offers very limited economic opportunities for its citizens and to treat those limited resources in the manner that challenges the mind more than inspiring it such as selling these precious resources for a minimal sum and without regard to the future, is more than irresponsible. It is unwise.

For let us remember, a businessman is guided solely by the anticipated profit and Mr. Mauro is no exception.

To believe his pronounced intent in the number of homes he will build is to believe that an investors profit could be limited. That would be delusional.

But that particular question and that possibility will most definitely not occur, if I were entrusted with the responsibility, as mayor of our town.

For in as much as I listen to reason and always willing to stand corrected, my history in community activism will show that I never bow to anyone.

But allow me to leave you with this thought.

“Commit yourself to a mighty purpose” the author H. Jackson Brown once said and I would add: let us bequeath a legacy, worthy of our name.

Oni Sioson

For Mayor of East Haven