tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54231333391065886992024-03-06T00:35:31.807-05:00WestlakeWestlake Drive residents need to get more involved to help upgrade the Westlake Park next to the bike trail between Hunters Crossing and Trolley Crossing. We apprecitate your help!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-82315237961757838082009-07-22T13:03:00.000-04:002009-07-22T13:10:37.953-04:00City Council Meeting Aug 3rd.<strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">There is progress being made through the City Attorney's Office and Mr. Harris, who represents the Westlake Associations. Please come to the City Council Meeting Monday August 3rd at 7pm for continued movement to hopefully arrive at a collaborative solution between the City & Westlake Drive, which has the potential for a win win for all of those involved.</span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-73296954802788141902009-07-17T11:46:00.002-04:002009-07-17T11:50:56.817-04:00Peter Marteka knows how beautiful are Westlake area is!<strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000066;">Here is his article:</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-mattabesset-bike-trolley-nat.artjul17,0,3964724.column">Mattabasset Trail</a></span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-2062209319391771272009-07-08T09:28:00.004-04:002009-07-08T09:50:25.877-04:00Condo residents plead for park clean up<strong>Tuesday, July 7, 2009<br />By JENNIFER SPRAGUE, Press staff</strong><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">MIDDLETOWN — Several residents of Trolley Crossing Lane pleaded with the Common Council Monday night to help them find a way to clean up a deteriorating area of open space known as Westlake Park.<br /><br />The park — which includes a small lake, rotting bridges and overgrown trails, as well as an overgrown baseball field and deteriorating tennis and basketball courts — is located off Westlake Drive, between the Trolley Crossing condominiums and Hunter’s Crossing, an apartment complex.<br /><br />The park once belonged to the Westlake Association, a now-defunct condo association. Because the association no longer exists, it is not clear who owns the park and how that affects efforts to establish ownership and fix up the area.<br /><br />Bill Maune, who lives in the Trolley Crossing condos, said he would like to see the city take over the park, assuming liability and maintenance. People have made repairs to the park but have done so anonymously, he said, to avoid being held liable if someone became injured.<br /><br />Because it is not clear who owns the park, city attorney Tim Lynch encouraged Westlake area residents to contact a real estate attorney. He said it would likely require individual condo associations and apartment complex owners to agree for the city to take over the park. There are more than a dozen complexes in the Westlake area.<br /><br />Jim Horne, who has lived in Trolley Crossing for 30 years, said he remembers when people had picnics on the island and when the tennis and basketball courts were usable. He said he would like to see the city put some money aside to fix up the area around the lake to provide recreational opportunities for the many area residents.<br /><br />“There was one other park in the area,” he said, referring to Cucia Park. “Recently, you sold that to the government.”<br /><br />Esther Green, who has lived in Trolley Crossing for 15 years, said “I’ve watched the conditions of the bridges, especially those connecting the island to the park.” “It’s not going to be long before they’re falling down,” she said. “Those bridges need to be repaired before someone gets hurt.”<br /><br />Sean Brunnock, who manages two apartment complexes in the area, said the overgrown park may have served as an escape route for the perpetrators of several recent car break-ins. Cleaning up the area, he said, could curb crime.<br /><br />Robert Paradis, the last president of the now-defunct Westlake Association, said, rather than turning the area into a city park, he imagines re-establishing the association and charging each condo and apartment unit $10 per year to support maintaining the park.<br /><br />Councilman Gerald Daley said the city needs “to give them help in solving this issue.”<br /><br />“The sense I get is the best solution is for this to become a city park,” he said. “It’s not that they want to own that park. They want it maintained.”<br /><br />For the full article, click below:<br /></span></strong><a href="http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2009/07/07/news/doc4a540c297bfe1497804141.txt"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2009/07/07/news/doc4a540c297bfe1497804141.txt</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />To contact Jennifer Sprague, call (860) 347-3331, ext. 222, or e-mail </span></strong><a href="mailto:jsprague@middletownpress.com"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">jsprague@middletownpress.com</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"> </span></strong></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-70791353692462710212009-07-07T10:04:00.003-04:002009-07-07T10:08:56.094-04:00<a href="http://middletowneyenews.blogspot.com/2009/07/westlake-residents-present-park-concern.html"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Westlake Residents Present Park Concern at Council Meeting</span></strong></a><span style="color:#cc0000;"> </span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Several residents of condominiums in the Westlake section of town attended the Common Council meeting Monday night to express concern about the conditions of Westlake Park, which was formerly maintained by the Westlake Residential Association.The Association no longer exists, which has created the problem of a park without a group to maintain it.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Bill Maune, addressed the Council and asked for help with the park. Members of the informal Westlake Group indicated that the park was unkempt and potentially dangerous.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Esther Greene, of Trolley Crossing, indicated that bridges on the property, which lead to an island in the lake, are in disrepair, and that they are desperately in need of repair. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Sean Brennan, an apartment manager, said that he was told by police that the park served as an escape route for individuals who were responsible for break-ins in the area. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Bob Paradis, one of the original members of the Westlake Residential Association noted that maintenance fees once provided a fund to keep the park in good shape, and that if the fees could be collected again, the park might be resurrected.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">City attorney, Tim Lynch indicated that the absence of a legal owner of the park made it impossible to transfer the park to the city to adopt as a city park. He did note, at the suggestion of Mayor Sebastian Giuliano, that the Residential Association could be revived to either begin collecting park maintenance fees again, or to transfer the property to the city. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The mayor, and Council members asked Lynch to meet with Westlake area residents to advise them of ways in which they could begin to solve the problem.<br />Posted by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon) at </span></strong><a class="timestamp-link" title="permanent link" href="http://middletowneyenews.blogspot.com/2009/07/westlake-residents-present-park-concern.html" rel="bookmark"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">9:30 AM</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></strong><a class="comment-link" onclick="" href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6844475919675784308&postID=8464973991426564764"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">0 comments</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></strong><a title="Edit Post" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6844475919675784308&postID=8464973991426564764"></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Labels: </span></strong><a href="http://middletowneyenews.blogspot.com/search/label/westlake" rel="tag"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">westlake</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">, </span></strong><a href="http://middletowneyenews.blogspot.com/search/label/westlake%20residential%20association" rel="tag"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">westlake residential association</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-4114181832455996652009-06-21T18:14:00.006-04:002009-06-22T18:33:09.189-04:00July 6th 7pm City Council Meeting<strong>Bill Maune<br />Westlake Drive<br />Middletown , CT 06457<br /><br />June 18, 2009<br />City Of Middletown Common Council<br />245 deKoven Drive<br />Middletown , CT 06457<br /><br />Re: Common Council Meeting July 6th.<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff0000;">Dear Council,<br />Residents of the Westlake Drive area have expressed concerns over an area of open space which appears to contain wetlands. This area according to public records appears to have been owned and maintained by the Westlake Association Inc.<br /><br />The land in question which contains the city constructed and maintained bike trail, lies between Trolley Crossing Condominium Association and Hunters Crossing Apartment complex.<br /><br />The Westlake Association Inc. appears, according to the Secretary of the State’s website, to have been disbanded many years ago. This leaves the question as to what the city is currently doing to maintain this property.<br /><br />Thank you in advance for taking the time to address the status of the open space near Westlake Drive at the Common Council meeting scheduled for July 6, 2009.<br /></span><br />Sincerely,<br />Bill Maune</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-84494974699031549122009-04-07T11:59:00.002-04:002009-04-07T12:09:19.792-04:00<div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YRyICz89MW_s73xKiFQ_KmP9eooq8PW-f_I4J8UjRmfW9cfMSd7g5nUczasP8BzYNXgwxod_W3ZnvLpBx_nLynPk4gEUmLTy6c041UOQPv1arVBTFewKhEgS7uZnFQ7TgmwNCtDQiAlo/s1600-h/Image1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321980019510430802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YRyICz89MW_s73xKiFQ_KmP9eooq8PW-f_I4J8UjRmfW9cfMSd7g5nUczasP8BzYNXgwxod_W3ZnvLpBx_nLynPk4gEUmLTy6c041UOQPv1arVBTFewKhEgS7uZnFQ7TgmwNCtDQiAlo/s400/Image1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Thank you anonymous for your time, and all it financially cost you, to upgrade the bridge for your Westlake Park friends!<br /></strong></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-81137332626818159772009-03-19T21:50:00.002-04:002009-03-19T21:55:41.109-04:00<strong>Wednesday, March 18, 2009</strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><em>Public Input Session #1 -- Draft Plan of Conservation & Developtment</em></span></strong><br /><strong>Posted by Vijay Pinch<br /><br /></strong><strong></strong><strong>The first public session to solicit input from city residents on the Plan of Conservation and Development was held this evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Hubbard Room of the Russell Library. I didn't actually do a head count, but I'd say between 30 and 40 people were in attendance. The meeting began with a presentation by Catherine Johnson, P&Z Commissioner (seamlessly assisted by Dave on the powerpoint), on the contrast between "historic" or traditional neighborhood design as opposed to post-1950s suburban "sprawl". Johnson noted that the state wants to see municipal planning policies that offer a sustainable model, and the phrase that is being used at the state level is "responsible growth". (This thinking reflects the work of a Governor-appointed task force, whose February 2008 report may be read here. Appendix B, "Responsible Growth", on pp. 10-12, gives the basic statement of goals, which seem similar in many respects to what is often referred to as "smart growth".)</strong><br /><strong><br />The main aim of the meeting was to hear ideas from city residents about how Middletown should plan for future development. For the most part, discussion focused on particular areas of concern for distinct neighborhoods. Westfield and Westlake were well represented. Of particular concern to Westlake folks is the fate of the open space or "park" there -- one is unsure what to call the land, and no one seemed to know who currently owns it. All were agreed, however, that it is a nice area and that it should be better maintained. According to one speaker, named Bill (sorry, I didn't catch the last name), the Westlake area contains about 15% of the population of Middletown, yet it is neglected by the city. (The population of Westlake relative to the rest of the city can be seen on the density map in this earlier story; Westlake is represented by the large circles to the north.) Many Westlake residents wish to see the city take charge of the open space and maintain it, especially the paths that run through it.<br /><br />What was particularly impressive, at least to this writer, was the high rates of owner-occupancy in the Westlake area. Upwards of 85 to 90% in some of the condominium associations, according to those present. (Please forgive me if I'm getting the terminology or numbers wrong.) The associations represented included, if memory serves, Beacon Hill and Trolley Crossing. (Note: Carriage Crossing and Peppermill were present as well) In any case, the residents in attendance wished to correct the impression that Westlake is full of "transients" who don't care about or have a stake in Middletown. The people in the room were evidence that some "Westlakers" (my term, not theirs [at least, I didn't hear it used]) have lived in Middletown for over 40 years. And many feel a loyalty to and love for Middletown, so much so that they regret the convenience of shopping in Cromwell and wish that there were better shopping opportunities nearby. (My comment here was that perhaps one of the auto dealerships could be converted to a grocery store.) Another speaker, John Wilson, noted that Westlake boasts a diverse population, whether in terms of ethnicity, age, or income. And the bike and walking path is heavily used by all. In pleasant weather you would not be surprised to see anywhere from 200 to 400 people out for a stroll. Often one will see three generations of a family walking together -- yes, there are children in Westlake too.<br /><br />It was a productive meeting, particularly because there were so many new faces -- not "the usual suspects" that show up at Common Council and P&Z meetings. The NEXT meeting will be on 16 April, same time (6:30), same place (Hubbard Room, Russell Library). The special focus will be conservation and open space.<br /><br />Note: For the whole article visit the Middletowneye web blog.</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-52031277556025404712009-03-17T07:20:00.002-04:002009-03-17T07:25:46.713-04:00Middletown PZC to hold four public input sessions - The Middletown Press : Serving Middletown, CT<a href="http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2009/03/16/news/doc49bf0e9cace31379390486.txt">Middletown PZC to hold four public input sessions - The Middletown Press : Serving Middletown, CT</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com/">ShareThis</a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">The first meeting is Wednesday March 18th in The Russell Library's Hubbard Room at 6:30 pm.</span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-89189700871738418472009-03-07T07:20:00.003-05:002009-03-07T07:30:03.298-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXSLCueTqCflqG4_e2-C6jQ0ejrRXWJoTHWQT2Fbh_uqaYDmCG8iWZVgsX-G-tKF3jwHgjB_fpJjJblovjkGtmagOj94yF9HMaPy7WOf9f2noMtaD7WFV7Jge3X2snJvF-6lfQIAP8E8w/s1600-h/johnson.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310422083697811826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXSLCueTqCflqG4_e2-C6jQ0ejrRXWJoTHWQT2Fbh_uqaYDmCG8iWZVgsX-G-tKF3jwHgjB_fpJjJblovjkGtmagOj94yF9HMaPy7WOf9f2noMtaD7WFV7Jge3X2snJvF-6lfQIAP8E8w/s200/johnson.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#333399;">Ruthann 'Rae' Johnson is running for Middletown's Mayor.</span> Below is info on her website's Green Initiatives page:<br /><br />As mayor, I propose to:<br /><br />Convert Town Hall to solar panels eliminating the need of reliance on an outside power source and thus decreasing the amount spent on electricity. School buildings and other municipal buildings would follow.<br /><br />I would explore the options of establishing a trolley or train line between Middletown and Hartford. Encouraging other towns to participate in such a program thus lowering the cost of set-up and maintenance. It would be possible if there was enough interest to have the line run to New Haven or other towns as well.<br /><br />I would like to establish community gardens and park settings. Our town is fortunate to have a couple of parks but it would be nice to create more green spaces where families can be together.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">I would explore expanding the trail begun in the West Lake Area. The town began a wonderful project but never finished the path. The area has a nice path, ponds, walking bridges, tennis and basketball courts but no one can use them due to overgrowth and poor up keep.<br /></span><br />I would encourage the community to participate in the maintenance of their neighborhoods through planting days and volunteer programs for our youth.<br /><br />New development should be required to install solar panels or other energy creating device in their plan - not as an after thought. If a building can not be refurbished then the site should be cleared and reused rather than leaving an abandoned eye sore on a usable piece of property. We should re-use what we already have before we search to build new.<br /><br /></strong><a href="http://raejohnson2009.webs.com/"><strong>http://raejohnson2009.webs.com/</strong></a><strong> </strong></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-17776737989197239222009-02-26T06:48:00.003-05:002009-02-26T20:49:31.764-05:0022 break-ins reported at condos since November - The Middletown Press : Serving Middletown, CT<a href="http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2009/02/25/news/doc49a6107c68374494320000.txt">22 break-ins reported at condos since November - The Middletown Press : Serving Middletown, CT</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com/">ShareThis</a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Also a video on: </span></strong><a href="http://www.stpius.addr.com/west.html"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Channel 8!</span></strong></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-68180766289913609452009-02-10T17:47:00.006-05:002009-02-10T18:15:19.771-05:00THANK YOU WRA!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSkQWn6RFObWYooUO2f9Z8xtpLMNmgG-0-1OiODUTVXLWAHg4OwPYX7-eZRqA2UDoF1Nnf9DbQduUpmN2eYTxMtLwrCOmBidiQ1LmV_tFeFWpvubPPUnAXgm9nE2CeYJ8pX7Jhjf-DxEV/s1600-h/westlakebg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301311201813056562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSkQWn6RFObWYooUO2f9Z8xtpLMNmgG-0-1OiODUTVXLWAHg4OwPYX7-eZRqA2UDoF1Nnf9DbQduUpmN2eYTxMtLwrCOmBidiQ1LmV_tFeFWpvubPPUnAXgm9nE2CeYJ8pX7Jhjf-DxEV/s200/westlakebg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">Condo board of directors and Apartment Complex Managers as well as residence attended a meeting Monday Night. They are all very happy that WRA will be discussing with the city concerning the ownership of of the said open space on Westlake Drive abutting the city maintained bike trail. Thank you </span><a href="http://wramiddletown.org/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">WRA</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">!</span></strong></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-53976123158196967392009-02-07T16:31:00.002-05:002009-02-07T17:34:08.806-05:00The Ducks Are Looking For All Their Friends Who Left The Defunct Park!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwC9Jy49CmAUBibtbo30eQF5TdxtuazcaPtEyRiFULk6irbcX3v0Xn6A2ctnwPaPEv-t_2T1Vq1erFmCssAaw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-27989514593642559362009-01-23T20:16:00.004-05:002009-01-23T20:27:44.949-05:00<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Click Below for:</span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=58975978361&h=debh8&u=6gNdA"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">Melissa Pionzio's Westlake blog! </span></strong></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-4121886495859452592009-01-20T06:41:00.002-05:002009-01-20T06:54:57.291-05:00Ownership of park a ‘legal quagmire’ - The Middletown Press : Serving Middletown, CT<strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Click Below For Sloan Brewster's Article:</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2009/01/19/news/doc49753f26b8f0a690196920.txt">Ownership of park a ‘legal quagmire’ - The Middletown Press : Serving Middletown, CT</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com/">ShareThis</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-24269087645153993202009-01-17T08:27:00.005-05:002009-01-20T06:53:44.128-05:00Westfield residents urge city to take over Westlake Park - The Middletown Press : Serving Middletown, CT<strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Below is a link to Sloan Brewster of the Middletown Press's Article about Westlake Park:</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2009/01/16/news/doc4971423f4e707268791145.txt">Westfield residents urge city to take over Westlake Park - The Middletown Press : Serving Middletown, CT</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com/">ShareThis</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-61305736761675791142009-01-06T20:45:00.003-05:002009-01-14T18:21:57.553-05:00WRA January Meeting!<div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ff0000;">On Monday January 26th WRA (Westfield Residents Association)</span> will be having their quarterly meeting at 7pm at The 3rd Congregational Church at 94 Miner St.<br />On their agenda will be the Westlake Park Upgrade:<br /><br />WESTLAKE PARK<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">We reported last year about the open space area on Westlake Drive that has fallen into disrepair since the bankruptcy of Westlake Association ( (a condominium-owners group). Residents of Westlake Drive area are now trying to get the City of Middletown involved in upgrading this defunct Westlake Park where the new city bike trail goes around. The tennis, softball and basketball courts are no longer usable for the local citizens. Also all of the picnic areas and the gazebo that used to be on one of the two islands have deteriorated and are unusable.<br /><br />Many local citizens have donated their time and money to keep a walking trail with bridges that connect the islands and went over the brooks that feed the park and the Mattabesset River. This has always allowed people to walk around the defunct park for exercise, fish, feed the lovely swans, geese and ducks as well take canoes and boats. In January of this year a huge tree fell on one of the bridges and the trail is no longer capable of providing access. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSy33UxKifBO6mRVDhMWa-TB21QftapNVv9_qKrdqUbQpejqvWkWzm7CHUHbDJXBi6asmI8ahub_lR8fQKMOCifF5joS_BMKihM_uEpJMehkLTB4IRtGd9nQAEYqqRzv95f4oM67xmWfI/s1600-h/westlake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291292983273502706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSy33UxKifBO6mRVDhMWa-TB21QftapNVv9_qKrdqUbQpejqvWkWzm7CHUHbDJXBi6asmI8ahub_lR8fQKMOCifF5joS_BMKihM_uEpJMehkLTB4IRtGd9nQAEYqqRzv95f4oM67xmWfI/s320/westlake.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left">The degradation of this community asset has lowered the property value of surrounding properties and limits recreational activities for the residents who live in the Condominium and Apartment associations near the Westlake area.<br /><br />About thirteen percent of Middletown's population lives in the Westlake area, and these thousands of Middletown tax payers are concerned. There is a Petition for residents to sign asking the city to upgrade this land into a park. 268 signatures have been dropped off at the city. Many of the associations off of Westlake are now participating in getting their residents to sign this petition.<br /></div></span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-54885762675764299502009-01-06T20:37:00.002-05:002009-01-06T20:40:10.259-05:00January's Setback!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj818KzggssOw5RfxrpA5UJhe31dc_OEhAxNAZpGgXDFxu62nj-3y7hnE3nUONXTC1GRvXy8EiBp9XGesf4A_-KQ5K1fUJ-pTcDsRn6HcBfmItLXRXlFlfkTdO14LCJXRsNOZc7Iz6GsfGM/s1600-h/westlake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288360019464451410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj818KzggssOw5RfxrpA5UJhe31dc_OEhAxNAZpGgXDFxu62nj-3y7hnE3nUONXTC1GRvXy8EiBp9XGesf4A_-KQ5K1fUJ-pTcDsRn6HcBfmItLXRXlFlfkTdO14LCJXRsNOZc7Iz6GsfGM/s320/westlake.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">The latest Westlake Park event. An end to walking the loop around the defunct park took place in early January. Local Westlake Drive volunteers are being sought to remove the tree and fix the bridge.<br /></span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-6544870306722995332008-11-02T21:26:00.012-05:002008-11-20T15:52:39.831-05:00NOVEMBER 20th UPDATE!<div align="left"><strong>All four of the newly born swans in the lake have died! A Westlake Drive resident has contacted DEP and gave them the carcass of one to do an autopsy. They will provide the information to the resident and he will get back to us. </strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270511677102035458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67hyqrwRBb2XDE6t2OJpwzuz0B8DhM7l_bsTXLyF0lw4QI4Ncz3L5TzjXl2Ip_LbtNjelVhApQvEy68y4vZpQHf1_vyErq3JbIydmlfz-QBYg_oK2UMSr6A1Rd2rVZzKDHw6vkMGwRUGf/s320/100_1705.JPG" border="0" /></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">A Video Of Westlake Falls:<br /><object width="400" height="302"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2121699&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2121699&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="302"></embed></object><br /> Want To Help Upgrading Westlake?</span><br /></strong><a href="mailto:bmaune@sbcglobal.net"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>E-Mail Us!</strong></a></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-23545165532374290512008-10-30T20:20:00.002-04:002008-11-05T07:05:06.717-05:00260 Signatures!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263124342664222466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fd-8lZqpedGM8nK7-3vkuVSShwlj08YvJ4GOZI73CP_93t0bqCgfCF0_MVqc13-CrjmCV35FUgGZ0FIKbQdMIB-0tKEb4OiW1xHSnZQixQhuhV_uZo87QgPBp9nrjxyy_qLKKpKBSH3y/s320/swan.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">260 signatures on the petition to upgrade Westlake Park have been delivered to city hall!<br /></span><br />But Westlake Drive has over 6,000 Middletown residents. So please visit your apartment or condominium office to sign the petition. If they do not have one, please ask them to contact us by </strong><a href="mailto:bmaune@sbcglobal.net"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">E-mail</span></strong></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><em>Also, please register to vote for the 2009 Middletown Election!</em></span> Many of your Apartment and Condo offices have voter registrations. If not, please contact:<br /></strong><strong><a href="mailto:janice.gionfriddo@cityofmiddletown.com"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Janice Gionfriddo</span></a>, Republican Registrar Of Voters 860 344-3517 or<br /><a href="mailto:sandra.faraci@cityofmiddletown.com"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Sandra Faraci</span></a>, Democratic Registrar Of Voters 860-344-3518. </strong><strong>You can click on there names to e-mail them!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>If you have any photos of the orginal Westlake Park please </strong><a href="mailto:bmaune@sbcglobal.net"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">E-mail them to us!</strong></a> </div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5423133339106588699.post-28291284591446563992008-10-27T14:43:00.002-04:002008-11-05T07:02:45.516-05:00On August 3rd, 2006 the article below was posted in the Hartford Courant:<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImomhA5sl3JZktNaomnftHxH4z_fZuWJhSQCewTNzgwiBWDRShw1IsUeToM62XyKBdYBfV5IhrQoGZKBO9uFD9lWe-xC0PuHgD9HS88PgyLvFbPmvpoXLUPLU9xv2OkxZkvTdqOWJmlPm/s1600-h/100_1729.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262328213526162098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImomhA5sl3JZktNaomnftHxH4z_fZuWJhSQCewTNzgwiBWDRShw1IsUeToM62XyKBdYBfV5IhrQoGZKBO9uFD9lWe-xC0PuHgD9HS88PgyLvFbPmvpoXLUPLU9xv2OkxZkvTdqOWJmlPm/s320/100_1729.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">1.3 Miles Being Added To Middletown Bike Path</span></strong><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">By JOSH KOVNERCourant Staff Writer August 3 2006 MIDDLETOWN<br /><br />-- Bike riders, walkers and joggers, listen up: Work has begun on a 1.3-mile extension of Middletown's bike path that will take you for a jaunt along the Mattabesset River before winding up at Tuttle Road. When the job is done, probably by late fall, the new spur will link to a 2.15-mile path that runs from Aetna on Middle Street to Westlake Drive.<br /> <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262329293842470546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGfvXDq5CU1c_WpCWO80jGy3MiBNLZS-B9c-clhyMqpTBOFZXJgRePPab_kLdhTpljw_tLEMOSUYFx_JnGRClFI-78xq3J3nRYQLN1WL5c2C3iIuYnU9Lg-3Y9qpXv8cZNCZtRxcBAqcN/s320/100_1262.jpg" border="0" />The new addition picks up off Westlake Drive, near Russet Lane, plunges through woods, bends to the east along the Mattabesset, dips under East Street (Route 217) and curls south to Moss Glen and Tuttle Road. Walkers and joggers and, perhaps, mountain bikers could continue along the old trolley line, where the next expansion of the path is planned. It's flat and straight, but not paved.<br /> <br /><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Now, with the path expanding off Westlake Drive, Warner and Nigosanti see an opportunity to restore a neglected recreation area around Westlake pond formerly owned by a defunct Westlake condominium association. "Eventually, if the city took it over, it could become a nice picnic area with walkways," Nigosanti said.<br /></span></strong>Contact Josh Kovner at <a href="mailto:jkovner@courant.com">jkovner@courant.com</a>.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262314504818346210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFsvQ5APA2BqUlhxohszx9Si-UUbgUhjJjjvlFeKjpuyYvN8HeppO2c8Iol-uugAAc8XwMn3yCxgfWYSp0Pc9cq9bjfkO371BoTu_acw4BZA1JMQLvhf4xqdma8Ydw-tsS53xrTe6sqhR/s320/100_0735.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#330000;">If you live in the Westlake Drive area and have any photos of the original park when it had the tennis courts, softball and basketball fields as well as the gazebo on the island please email them to us:</span></strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span><a href="mailto:bmaune@sbcglobal.net?subject=Westlake"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">CLICKING HEAR TO EMAIL</span></strong></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0