East Windsor Selectman's Report - Oct. 18

EAST WINDSOR, CT — Here is the most recent update provided by East Windsor Selectman Jason Bowsza:

I asked what could be done by the Town to retain Broad Brook Brewing Company. There is a tax abatement ordinance recently passed that would support new economic development expansion. I asked if that had been suggested to BBBC, and if not, if it could be, and was unfortunately informed that BBBC has recently received planning and zoning approval - in Suffield. Really too bad.

On October 5, I attend the Broad Brook Elementary School open house. I was out of state during the ribbon cutting ceremony held in September, and this was my first opportunity to get into the building and see the finished product. It came out great, and is going to prove to be a great place for our students to learn. There are some things that are still on the "punch list," but all things considered, a job very well done. I'd like to publicly thank Joe Sauerhoefer for the outstanding job that he did managing that project.

That same night, I attended the Inland/Wetlands committee meeting. I'd like to applaud the folks on that commission. Especially Chairman Alan Baker. They took steps to expedite an application by trying to schedule a special meeting instead of making an applicant wait. Although the timing didn't work, it's this type of thinking that shows that we can make our bureaucracy work better for people, if we try. They've demonstrated that government is and should be a customer service business, with an emphasis on the customer.

On Saturday, October 15, I attended the Hunger Action gleaning event held at Reichle's farm on Barber Hill Road. The event was a collaborative one between the human services department, HAT, Food Share, and the faith community. They harvested an estimated 23,000 lbs of squash that will benefit low income families all over Connecticut and last until April. This is a truly wonderful event. Thank you to the Reichle's for their generosity.

As some of us on the board do this time of year, I've been spending some time going door to door. I was recently knocking in the Prospect Hill neighborhood. Noise in the neighborhood continues to be an issue. I intend to resubmit my request to survey the area, only this time would suggest an early morning patrol instead of a late night one. Apparently, most of the disturbance has been in the early morning hours.

Enfield is considering exempting homeowners affected by crumbling foundations from having to pay building permit fees. Why isn't East Windsor following suit? The article recently published in the Journal Inquirer can be found at http://www.journalinquirer.com/…/article_d0593346-9539-11e6…

Respectfully submitted,
Jason E. Bowsza
Selectman

Photo credit: Mia Jensen