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Far Too Long

The Courier recently published an article about the old high school and its current status [April 27, “Preparing Mixed-Use Development for Old High School”]. Nice story, but it was a lot about nothing. We all remember what happened during the Town Council meeting of Sept. 29, 2016. The most important fact that came out is that Winn Development needs a Connecticut Housing Finance low-interest loan and tax credits. If they are denied, the project is out the window. The application was set to be submitted for a November 2016 meeting, but would most likely need to wait until May 2017.

May is almost over. Did Winn get its approval? If not, what happens then? Are we again stuck with this deteriorating building costing a bundle of money to maintain?

Town Director of Economic Development Sal Brancati says the building cost around $273,000 per year to maintain. The school has been vacant for 20-plus years, so that means the cost to the taxpayers is upwards of $5,460,000. Under the Maturo administration’s 16 years alone it cost us $4,368,000.

Why did it take 20 years to suddenly get a buyer? What rational excuse could be given for doing nothing all these years? Now all of a sudden there is this great plan that in reality may not even take off. What then?

What will Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., do if the Winn Development application isn’t approved? Or, are all his eggs in one basket?

Waiting 20 years for a conclusion is far too long for the taxpayers to wait.

Sal Maltese

East Haven