4/20/16. Welcome to the Spring Edition of North Stamford News. The natural beauty of the 19.3 miles of North Stamford is beginning to show at its best and the North Stamford Association (NSA) continues its work to preserve and protect our community on several fronts.
Behind the trees and walls of North Stamford, several residential and city owned properties have fallen into blight status. The NSA has requested that the City of Stamford create a web based listing and status report of any and all properties reported by the NSA and individual residents, with a timeline of actions taken or scheduled property status changes.
The numerous streams, ponds and lakes north of the Merritt must of course be traversed by bridges, and bridges need repair. The City has been most proactive in communicating repair and replacement activities scheduled for the next few calendar years. The NSA forwards these communications promptly to members so they may not only be aware but attend and participate in public forums to discuss traffic and environmental issues of concern.
North Stamford has few retail establishments but occasionally businesses turnover with new occupants unaware or frankly unwilling to be considerate of lighting, signage codes, and issues detrimental to the quality of life of residents. The NSA has addressed several recent signage violations and lighting inappropriate for a residential area. These efforts are challenging and city officials partner with the NSA when supported by existing regulations. We have had numerous successes this year but other issues remain on our work agenda.
Large parcels of land abound in our community and developers often seek out new ways to use these parcels inconsistent with current zoning. The NSA has met with several such developers to state our position of opposing uses inconsistent with current land use, and/or concepts that will increase traffic or damage our environment or property values. Some developers withdraw their ideas and others return with revised proposals. The NSA continuously watches for development and NSA members have been critical in providing information to our Board that may be used in the preservation of our neighborhoods.
The North Stamford Association is a volunteer member organization. Membership dues allow for community forums on issues critical to members, shredding and recycling events, and for use to legally challenge inappropriate land use in our community. I ask you to encourage your friends and neighbors to join the NSA. Our collective voice is very strong and carries enormous weight with our partners in city government. Please be reminded to utilize the Citizens Service Center hotline at 203-977-4140. Using this hotline creates an important documentation trail and commences a timeline for any and all issues of concern. NSA members report a very favorable response rate to issues reported through this telephone number. Please watch your emails for member only meetings and new items impacting North Stamford. Thank you for your membership in the North Stamford Association.
Douglas York
President – North Stamford Association