Much-Needed and Positive
At the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting held earlier this month, I sat in disbelief at how the taxpayers of East Haven are helpless and at the mercy of our mayor, Joe Maturo. The mayor has quietly used his influence against what is possibly the largest project the town has ever witnessed. The elderly housing development being proposed on Sperry Lane has substantial benefits and tax relief to the town.
My first thought was that of Captain Francesco Schettino of the ill-fated Costa Concordia, which ran aground some years ago. You will recall that Captain Schettino abandoned his ship and left his crew and passengers to fend for themselves. If this elderly housing development is rejected, the alternative may be a much larger affordable housing development on the 50-plus acre site. An affordable housing project will come with added taxes, added children to our school, numerous town services, and other detrimental issues.
The town assessor estimates that the elderly housing project would provide approximately $1 million to our existing tax rolls. Something is going to eventually be built on Sperry Lane, and while it seems evident to some commission members that there are substantial benefits to an elderly housing project, others choose to ignore the positives.
This board should be voting for the good of all East Haven taxpayers. An elderly housing development would take our town in a much-needed and positive direction. East Haven suffers from destructive lawsuits, high taxes, outdated equipment without funds to properly serve the taxpayers, and more.
I encourage everyone to contact the mayor’s office and tell him not to abandon us. The future tax burdens should not be left to the hard-working citizens of East Haven.
Paul Falanga
East Haven