Member Update: October 2023

Fall Foliage

In this issue:

Stamford Municipal Election & Charter Revision Ballot Initiative

November 7, 2023 • Polls open from 6AM – 8PM

Imagine you are driving down Long Ridge Road. You pass by the Merritt Parkway Exit 34 off-ramp and there, on your right at 900 Long Ridge Road sits a new apartment complex with 508 units. Just a stone’s throw outside of North Stamford, we would certainly feel the effect of this many new residents, their cars, their commutes – you get the idea. This may soon be a reality.

Nabel Park Sign Unveiling This Friday

Friday, September 8, 4:00pm
354 Chestnut Hill Rd

Although 2023 is an “off year’ election year, there are still several races including board of rep seats, board of education, and board of finance to name a few. Typically, when there is no election for president, governor or mayor, turnout skews much lower than in larger general elections.

But interest is running high this year because of the inclusion of a ballot question concerning some proposed revisions to our city charter. By state law, towns must review their charter for potential changes every ten years. We don’t have the space to cover the controversy here, but you are welcome to read the entire document with proposed changes here (it’s only 195 pages after all!). 

We’ve added the ballot question at the bottom of this email.

We’ve also added some links that you may find helpful to help you dig into the issues:

Finally, there is no shortage of points-of-view on social media (the Nextdoor website and Facebook’s 06903 group for instance) where you will find some healthy debate.

Our Shredding Event is… Postponed (again!)

Spring Saturday • Date TBD
Northeast School
82 Scofieldtown Rd, Stamford, CT

The weather clearly has not been cooperating this fall (can you even remember a recent Saturday that we didn’t have rain?). Unfortunately, we have not been able to nail down a date that works this autumn, so we will be waiting until the spring to reschedule our shredding event. 

Shred Day, sponsored by the North Stamford Association will be free to NSA members. Also free to those who live in 06903 and join the North Stamford Association at the event. There will be a $15 fee for non-members who use the shredder.

Ferguson Library: An Evening with Allan Houston and Barry Woods

Tuesday, October 24, 6PM – 8PM
Ferguson Library, Stamford

Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium

Two-time NBA All-Star Allan Houston, author of The Fundamentals of Life: Life in 3D, and Barry Woods, author of Reasons Why Youth Don’t Give a Damn Anymore!, will discuss their books on how to raise resilient kids who care about themselves, their futures and their communities. Registration required.

Notable Trees of Stamford

With Lisa Beebe
Tuesday, November 7th, 2023
11AM – 12:30PM

What is a notable tree? What role can you play in preserving Stamford’s natural heritage?

Join Lisa Beebe, curator for the Greenwich Tree Conservatory, for a walk and discussion about Connecticut’s Notable Tree Project. This tour will focus on the important role the Bartlett plays in the state’s natural history. $10, members only.

Register and learn more.

Call for Content: 06903 Magazine

We are putting together the next issue of “06903” for publication in the fall.  If you would like to write an article or letter to the editor, please let us know.  We will publish your name as author, of course, as well as your bio and photo if you would like.  We would also appreciate hi-res photos of North Stamford. Have something of interest to members of the North Stamford Association? Contact us and propose something! Please contact:

Mark Diamond
Editor 06903 Magazine
markd53@hotmail.com
(917) 660-8758

Recycling Event

Friday, September 15, 3PM – 6PM
Archstone Lot at Mill River Park • Stamford, CT

Redeem bottles, glass bottles and cans for cash. Bring your 5 cent deposit bottles, glass bottles and cans. Pack glass in cardboard boxes. EyeRecycle collection bags available for purchase. Additional Fridays:

  • September 29 • 11AM – 2PM
  • October 13 • 3PM – 6PM
  • October 27 • 3PM – 6PM

For more information contact mike@eyerecycle.org.

Charter Change: Part II

Here are the specific nine items that Stamford citizens are being asked to weigh in on. Note that all nine items are included in one charter change question, so it is a simple yes or no vote.

Additional Links are below the charter change language.

“Shall the Charter be revised to clarify and make it easier for the public to understand, have access to and hold more accountable Stamford’s government by the following:

(a) create more opportunities for the public to participate in government;
(b) clarify, define and make more understandable certain common terms in the charter;
(c) require clear reporting and accountability for legislative, legal and fiscal matters;
(d) include recognition of diversity, equity and inclusion (“DEI”) as an important goal for the City;
(e) end the practice of allowing members of decision-making boards and commissions to remain in office beyond the expiration of their term;
(f) clarify the requirement that certain appointed executive officials live in Stamford, subject to a waiver provision;
(g) allow the Board of Representatives to obtain legal services, as necessary, as do other local legislative bodies in Connecticut
(h) create new charter boards and commissions to promote the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act/DEI, mental health, housing and harbor management; and,
(i) reorganize the budget process to permit residents to voice their opinions and concerns in a pre-budget public hearing, require publication of a budget calendar and ensure compliance with state law?”