Is what we say, we 'want', and what we 'mean' we want for Trumbull...two different things?
Although there were only about 100 people in attendance at the town Conservation and Development 'Planning' meeting last night, a map created at the beginning of the discussion, indicated that the audience represented a good cross section of various areas of town. The meeting was hosted by the Trumbull Town Planner and Planimetrics, a firm hired to gather data on what Trumbull residents would like to see for Trumbull's future 'landscape'.
Most of what I heard from residence came as no surprise. Residents spoke of keeping the small town character of town intact, creating a better community structure, improving pedestrian mobility, improving community facilities, and developing better infrastructure to support local business development.
Prior to the discussion portion of the meeting, Residents were asked to place stickers on a map and list,what they were 'most proud of' in Trumbull, and what they were 'most sorry for'.
Participants were then asked to place credits dollars in various boxes that listed issues that were most important to them.
Ironically, although overwhelmingly residents pointed to the valley, our parks, and rails to trails as what they were 'most proud of' in Trumbull,... 'Conservation' came in last of the 3 main topics in the credit dollars allocated by resident/ participants. 'Development' came in first in credit dollars, 'Infrastructure' came in second.
So what does this mean? Are we really saying that our towns greatest assets, what we are 'most proud of'...deserves the least attention, or support in dollars spent?
My concern is whether the public understands that sustainability of open space requires actively managing our land. If we leave the valley, our parkland, and green spaces without a strategic conservation and use management plan.... in 10 years, 'What we are most proud of' will be destroyed both through natural ecological imbalance, and human destruction.
The parting question posed to the audience was, "if you woke up tomorrow and were king or queen of Trumbull, what would be the first thing you would do?
...Anyone care to share their answer?
As Queen of Trumbull, I would fire this administration, ASAP. I would make public all the bonded debt they have left for future generations; I would let the taxpayers know just how much this administration has spent on attorneys and lawsuits which they have stirred up. . . and finally, I would make sure the populace knew what a total disaster this administration has made of the No. Nichols Sewer project. A travesty. I would also sue Tim for the 25% of the No. Nichols sewer fee - way over the top and unnecessary - that he is sticking the rest of us with. Finally, I would make sure there was no 5,000 sq. ft. nature center (replete with liquor license for parties) inside the parks. I would let nature be nature. Finally, I would treat Beach's Park Circle with the dignity it deserves. The Memorial Rock has overgrown weeds in front of it. This is a memorial to Trumbull's WWII veterans who died in the war. Weeds? I would replace the decades old benches, since seniors from Stern Village sit there. Surely with all the consultants (and $75,000 for a garbage re-cycling co-ordinator) we can afford the modest amount it would cost to put in safe benches. The same goes for the picnic tables. The Park Circle is shown no respect. Ah, what a reign . . . when do I begin?! (LOL)