History
25 YEARS AGO: USPS snubs zoners

Apr 17, 2008

Plans for the construction of the long-awaited new post office on Catoonah Street were delivered to town planning officials, the April 21, 1983 Press reported. Town officials were concerned, however, because the U.S. Postal Service contended that it was exempt from local zoning regulations, and submitted its construction proposal only for a modified version of the normal zoning permit procedure.

A memorandum from Town Planner Oswald Inglese said the postal service submitted its plans for review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Architectural Advisory Committee in a “spirit of cooperation.” Among the modifications to the normal permit procedure the postal authorities demanded were exemptions from the regular public hearing, as well as from the necessity of getting variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals should the proposal violate any local regulations. Postal officials said they insisted on these exemptions because they feared hearing and variances would delay the construction of the building.

Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman John Katz dismissed the post offices concerns about timeliness by noting, “Ya canʼt get a letter from here to bloody Westport in 10 days. What the hell are they talking about time for?”

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The state highway department installed the long-awaited walk lights at the intersection of Main and Prospect streets but the illuminated signs were pointed in the wrong direction and couldnʼt be seen by pedestrians waiting to walk across the road.

The Board of Realtors celebrated Private Property Week at the Silver Spring Country Club. Board president Jack Baldaserini presented plaques to four persons for their outstanding service to the town. The honorees included Mike Bullock of the Marine Corps League, Marc Katz and Liz Arnath of Ridgefield High School and Bobbie Meyer of Meals-on-Wheels.

Giovanni and Anna Eppoliti celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a party in the Italian American Club. The party, attended by more than 100 relatives and friends, was given by their children: Maria (Mrs. Lidio Mosca of Fano, Italy), Edgardo, Jules and Rene (Mrs. Ted Cizik). Also assisting were Edgardoʼs wife, the former Marcia Kelley, and Juleʼs wife, Diane.

The Charter Revision Commission proposed that there be two-year terms for all elected town officials. Favored by both present and former first selectmen, Elizabeth Leonard and Louis Fossi, the two-year term was viewed by the revisers as a way to make boards and officials uniformly accountable to both the voters and the town committees, which supported them in their election bids.


© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers