Letters to the Editor

Renewing Cromwell boat dock lease prevents development

This letter is in reference to town-owned property on 2 River Road. The Cromwell Outboard Association, commonly known as the boat club, had another five-year lease that expired on June 30. The council extended the lease until December 31. Commodore Waters was hoping for another fiveyear lease of the boat club so he could enrich himself financially.

A River Road subcommittee held a hearing recently that was monopolized by mostly boat club members. Waters told the members that their presence was mandatory and would be counted toward their required monthly work quota. On top of paying their membership fee, they have a work quota? Apparently Waters earns his fee by being the boss!

Also at the hearing were vocal non boat club members that made derogatory and critical remarks suggesting that the town doesn’t take care of our parks, buildings, roads, etc. Another person stated that it seems we only get things done if they are done by volunteers. As a taxpayer, I’m not aware of any volunteers plowing, repairing roads, taking care of our buildings, etc.

Commodore Waters said publicity that the boat club built the concrete wall and the town did nothing. Mr. Waters stands corrected. We the taxpayers built and footed the bill for the seawall to the tune of $54,246. He also claims the “association” is nonprofit [501-C-3]. Mr. Waters is profit making and pays $255 in taxes on the docks and business furniture.

In researching the leases, there were three 10-year leases for a yearly rental fee of $20, two five-year leases for a yearly rental fee of $100 and three five-year leases for a yearly rental fee of $500. The property has never gone out to bid. The town has been more than generous with paltry fees for prime riverfront town-owned property.

I agree with our own town planner that the town should take over the boat club and open it up to public access and it may be eligible for federal money. This would allow development opportunities on our riverfront that is long overdue, turning it into something we can be proud of.

Vote “no” on giving another lease on our town-owned riverfront property on the Nov. 1 referendum. — Eleanor Corciullo, Cromwell

Generosity made Chatham Historical Society fest a great success

The Chatham Historical Society would like to thank all of the people who helped make the 4th Annual CHS History Festival a great success in honoring Gov. Bill O’Neill for all of his achievements on the town and state government levels. Thanks goes to Nikki O’Neil for sharing some of her husband’s memorabilia for a new museum display and to Councilman Kevin Reich for acting as emcee for the program and summarizing O’Neill’s achievements, along with state Rep. Melissa Ziobron.

Appreciation goes to the Lions Club for providing a tent, Michelle and Erin at Nelson’s Campground for providing fall decorations, chairs and tables and to Mike and Denise Scranton for supplying bales of hay for seating.

Thank you also to the two bands that provided music: Diane Wozkowski and Dave Downs’ Rust’d Keys and Kevin Day and John Higgins of giggle juice.

Thank you to Doug O’Connell, who demonstrated his skill in chair making, and Eva Weber, who showed her skill in quilt making. Kathy and George Reinholtz brought goats from their Dream Away Farms that were enjoyed by both children and adults.

We appreciate Paul & Sandy’s and Paul Angelico, who helped with promoting the festival.

A special thanks goes to the CHS members for their work organizing and running the festival: Debbie Day, Sandy and Mike Doran, Don Burr, Eva Weber, Jim Stupa, Mim Scranton, Ellen Nosel, Gail Lutton, Lynn Podskoch, Phyllis Tribuzio and Maggie Moralis. — Marty Podskoch, Chatham Historical Society member, East Hampton