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Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, Dec 28-31, 2018

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Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, Dec 28-31, 2018

37 Davenport Ave Unit 3

37 Davenport Ave Unit 3 from Ann Robb to Smita Sihag on Dec 28, 2018 for $1,150,000

45 Londonderry Drive from Edward Joon Sunoo and Sharon Kim Sunoo to Manuel Martinez on Dec 28, 2018 for $1,000,000

19 Home Place from Wood Builders, Inc to Stephen Corman on Dec 28, 2018 for $2,000,000

60 Prospect Street Unit B from 58-60 Prospect Street Condominium, LLC to Rami Ben Joseph on Dec 28, 2018 for $742,500


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250 Weaver Street

250 Weaver Street

250 Weaver Street from Hawthorne Weaver Investors LLC to Frank J Ingarra, Jr on Dec 28, 2018 for $1,495,000

62 Long Meadow Rd

62 Long Meadow Rd from Mona Kosseim to Michal Finegold on Dec 31, 2018 for $1,425,000

131 Byram Rd

131 Byram Rd from Michael Bothwell to Ospina Silvestre on Dec 31, 2018 for $605,000

See also:

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, December 27-28, 2018

Lamborghini to Take up Residence on West Putnam Ave

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, Dec 21, 2018

Greenwich Avenue Commercial Building Sells for $7 Million

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, Dec 20, 2018

Greenwich Avenue Building Sells for $11.3 Million

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, Dec 19, 2018 

Commercial Building on Hamilton Ave Sells for $875K

Mid Country Mansion Sells for $17.5 Million

 


PHOTOS: Eastern Middle School to Stage Annie the Musical

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At dress rehearsal, Director Matthew Tracey hops on stage to give suggestions to actors in Annie the Musical at Eastern Middle School. Jan 5, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

At dress rehearsal, Director Matthew Tracey hops on stage to give suggestions to actors in Annie the musical at Eastern Middle School. Jan 5, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

"Mr. Bundles" with Miss Hannigan in a scene from Annie the musical at Eastern Middle School. Jan 5, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Mr. Bundles with Miss Hannigan rehearsing a scene from Annie the musical at Eastern Middle School. Jan 5, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

On Saturday, Eastern Middle School’s 8th Grade Show Chorus spent the afternoon rehearsing for their upcoming performances of Annie the musical.

During a break, a few of the 85 cast members reflected on their experience.

CJ Weigel, who plays Lily St. Regis, said she had looked forward to being an 8th grader and participating in the musical because her older sisters had told her how much fun they had had.

Austin Janssen, who plays Rooster, said he had also looked forward to the musical. “I’d wanted to do this so badly,” he said.


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Clara Elia, who plays Miss Hannigan, said the experience had united the 8th grade.

“When you see that everyone that has an awkward side, it makes you feel more comfortable,” she said. “I didn’t know some of the cast until this play. After we acted and were on stage together, we all got really close. We all have the best laughs.”

CJ, Clara and Austin said they are all in chorus together and described the play as a real conversation starter in class.

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Clara, CJ and Austin all credited their amazing costumes to the 12-member costume committee led by Sara Trager.

They also heaped praise on Jennifer Badillo a 7th grade social studies teacher at EMS who is helping with direction.

“She is a lawyer and is really talented herself, but she wanted to be a teacher,” Austin said. “She could be on Broadway, but she chooses to be here.”

As for Mr. Tracey, the director who is also a music teacher at EMS, CJ said, “He is an amazing teacher. He definitely connects with 8th graders and prepares us for high school.”

Austin said the the cast are lucky to have longtime director of St. Saviour’s School of Dance as choreographer. 

“We’ll have so many stories to tell after the play,” Clara said.  “It inspires a lot of younger kids. We all just had the courage to get up on stage and sing our hearts out. And not all of us are dancers – We just gave it a try.”

CJ, Clara and Austin said the chorus was fortunate to go on a field trip to New York City to see the play Beautiful in October.

“Five or six performers came up to us after the show and talked to us,” Austin said. “We asked a lot of questions, like, ‘How did you get started? Do you get nervous?'”

“We even met the swing who had played Carol King the night before,” Clara said. “That made me even more excited about Annie.”

Annie will be performed at Eastern Middle School on Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19.

Show times are Thursday, January 17 at 4:30pm, Friday, January 18 at 7:30pm, Saturday January 19 at 7:30pm.

Thursday’s tickets are $5.00, and Friday and Saturday’s tickets are $15.00. Tickets are sold in the main lobby of the school beginning on January 10th everyday before school from 7:15 to 7:45.

Ticket reservations can be made via email by contacting Mrs. Tara Hoffman at tara_hoffman@greenwich.k12.ct.us.

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Clara Elia (Miss Hannigan), Austin Janssen (Rooster) and CJ Weigel (Lily) during a break from dress rehearsal at Eastern Middle School. Jan 5, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Musical opens in 1933 with a fiery eleven year old orphan girl Annie (Molly Kriskey), who must live in a miserable orphanage run by the tyrannical Miss Hannigan (Clara Elia). Annie’s parents left her on the steps of the orphanage when she was a baby, with only a note and a locket.

Annie’s hopeless situation changes quickly when she is chosen to spend the Christmas holiday with billionaire industrialist Oliver Warbucks (Benjamin Sheppard). Warbucks’s assistant Grace Farrell (Catherine O’Brien) picks Annie to come back to the Warbucks Mansion, and the staff led by head valet Drake (Nicolas Vittoria) welcomes Annie with open arms.

Meanwhile back at the orphanage, Miss Hannigan’s shyster brother Rooster (Austin Janssen) and his girlfriend accomplice Lily St. Regis (CJ Weigel) pay a visit.

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

When Rooster and Lily hear from Miss Hannigan that Annie is staying at a billionaire’s house, they begin to scheme about how they can use this situation to their advantage.

Back at the mansion, Annie quickly charms the entire household staff, Grace and even the seemingly cold and grumpy businessman Oliver Warbucks. They all vow to help Annie to find her long lost parents, and Warbucks offers the parents a reward if they come to him and prove their identity.

Annie then appears on a popular radio show by Bert Healy (Ines Araujo) where Warbucks announces that he is offering $50,000 to the couple who can prove they are Annie’s parents. Warbucks then brings Annie to Washington, D.C. to meet the president, Franklin D. Roosevelt (Jackson Dana).

Roosevelt announces that people must be optimistic during tough times, and commands his Cabinet to sing “Tomorrow.”

Once back home in NY, Warbucks tells Annie that he loves her and since her parents haven’t shown up, that he would like to adopt her.

They decide to throw a Christmas party and Annie wants to invite Miss Hannigan and the rest of the orphanage.

Judge Louis Brandeis shows up to begin the adoption proceedings, but is interrupted by Mr. and Mrs. Mudge (Rooster and Lily in disguise) who have come to pick up Annie. Grace and Warbucks are shocked because the Mudges seem to know about Annie’s note and locket, but Warbucks is not convinced that they are her real parents. He requests that Annie be allowed to stay one more night for the Christmas party before the Mudges take Annie to their supposed pig farm in New Jersey.

Warbucks then receives a surprise visit from FDR and his Secret Service who have been enlisted to help find Annie’s real parents. With the help of FDR the identity of Mr. and Mrs. Mudge is revealed, along with the plot to steal the $50,000 and Miss Hannigan, Rooster and Lily are taken away. In the end Annie is adopted by Warbucks and lives happily ever after.

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Eastern Middle School 8th graders rehearse Annie the musical to be performed Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, January 19, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager


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Driver Charged with Illegal Possession after Running Stop Sign

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On Jan 6 Greenwich police stopped a car that crossed the double yellow line and ran a stop sign around 2:00am. The incident took place in the area of Byram Rd and Henry Street.

Investigation revealed that the driver, Akeem Cyprian, 30, of Nelson Boulevard in Brewster, NY, had an outstanding warrant  with Greenwich Police.

Mr. Cyprian was arrested and processed for a Breach of Peace charge stemming back to July 11, 2018 on Greenwich Avenue.

Also during the motor vehicle stop Mr. Cyprian was found in possession of narcotics illegally. He was also charged with Illegal Possession.

His bond was set at $50 and he has a date in Stamford Superior Court on Jan 21, 2019.

YWCA Greenwich to Sponsor Human Trafficking Panel in Honor of Martin Luther King’s Birthday

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The YWCA Greenwich is co-sponsoring a powerful panel discussion with over 30 community partners to mark the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The panel will examine the issue of labor trafficking in our own community and beyond, and they will discuss the ways we can all help to end modern slavery.

This is an annual event that honors Dr. King’s legacy.

The discussion about human trafficking began in 2018 with a focus on labor trafficking. Globally, the International Labor Organization estimates that there are 20.1 million people trapped in forced labor in industries including agriculture, construction, domestic work and manufacturing.

The YWCA’s goal is to raise awareness of this issue and to provide consumers and business leaders with information on how their own actions can help to put an end labor trafficking. Space is limited, and registration is required. Go to: www.ywcagreenwich.org/labor-trafficking-registration

Panelists include:

Moderator Krishna Patel General Council and Director of Justice Initiatives, Grace Farms Foundation and former federal Prosecutor

Luis DeBaca, Lawyer and US Ambassador-at-large to Monitor and Combat trafficking in Persons, and former direct of the department of Justice's SMART Office. and former federal Prosecutor

Luis DeBaca, Lawyer and US Ambassador-at-large to Monitor and Combat trafficking in Persons, and former direct of the department of Justice’s SMART Office. and former federal Prosecutor

Resa Spazini Director, Wage and Workplace Standards, Connecticut Department of Labor

Divya Demato CEO and Co-Founder, GoodOps

Divya Demato CEO and Co-Founder, GoodOps, a supply chain transformation company.

 

Jillian Gilchrist Former Chair, Connecticut Trafficking in Persons Council and recently elected CT State Representitive, District 18

Jillian Gilchrist Former Chair, Connecticut Trafficking in Persons Council and recently elected CT State Representitive, District 18

 

Residents Defend Stately Trees in Rare Face-to-Face Moment with Eversource

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Joy Rendahl with a photo of a mature tree that Eversource seeks to cut down. Six mature trees were posted for removal on Nov 27, 2018 and a letter of objection triggered a public hearing, which was held on Jan 3, 2019.

On Thursday Deputy Tree Warden Steve Gospodinoff held a public hearing at  Greenwich town hall on the fates of 6 trees that Eversource wants to cut down.

At issue are Five mature Norway Maples with 28 – 39” diameters on North Maple Ave, and one mature 28” Ash Tree at 98 Round Hill Road.

It was a rare face-to-face moment for residents to plead with an arborist from Eversource, Eric Barber, not to take down the trees down.

“You have a lot of mature trees in your town. There are a lot of trees with structural defects,” Mr. Barber said. “I respect his Town’s wishes, I really do. It is a tricky balancing act, for sure.”

Francia Alvarez from the Greenwich Tree Conservancy Eversource is cutting down trees in town that aren’t replaced. “The trees are in perfectly good health,” she said.

“They shouldn’t just be cutting down trees because it’s convenient for them and protects the power lines,” Alvarez continued.”Power lines are everywhere, and if we start to cut down all the trees under power lines, there will be no trees left.”

“Greenwich has less canopy overall than Stamford,” Alvarez said, citing a study by Western CT Council of Governments (WESTCOG).

She said trees provide shade to houses and roads and absorb storm water.

JoAnn Messina, director of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy said, “We’ve had disagreements with Eversource over when trees should come down and when they should be pruned. In many cases it’s less expensive to take a tree down than to prune it correctly.”

She said her organization objects to Eversource’s enhanced tree trimming (ETT). “We don’t agree with sky-to-ground clearance as other towns have agreed to. We don’t need to clear trees from 8 feet.”

Mr. Barber, a licensed state arborist who has worked for Eversource for three years, said his background was in residential tree care.

“Believe me, I understand your concerns,” he said. “I used to deride what the utilities did to trees. It wasn’t until I became a consultant that I learned why we do what we do for protection of the electrical reliability. It is a tricky balancing act.”

Barber went through his reasons for wanting to cut down each of the six mature trees.

Ash Tree at 98 Round Hill Road.

Mr. Barber said the Ash Tree at 98 Round Hill Road is in close proximity to a transformer and backbone power line that feed 340 customers.

He said he was concerned about Emerald Ash Borers, which are a non native beetles that infest and kill North American Ash species.

Barber said there is a good size hole on the back of the tree that appeared deep.

“It creates a structural weak point. That raised my alarm,” Barber said. “We don’t know how deep it goes.”

Derek Kaufman, a resident of 98 Round Hill Rd, said he had worked for 10 years with Plantscapes to take care of the Ash Tree in front of his house.

He read a letter from Plantscapes owner Dan Nadeau that said: “We examined the tree and found no existing issues with rot, insects or disease. The tree is very healthy… The tree has been under our care for many years and our clients have spent a lot of money keeping it well.”

Mr. Gospodinoff said he had spotted signs of the Emerald Ash Borer in Greenwich.

“I could see it in the blooding of the bark and we had to take it down,” he said, referring to one tree on Stanwich Rd.

Mr. Kaufman asked for a compromise. He said he was willing pay for fungicide treatments and inspecting the tree annually.

“You can do a treatment with a systemic pesticide so that that if the bug tries to infect the tree that it ingests it and dies,” Messina suggested.

5 Norway Maples on North Maple Ave

Joy Rendahl of 476 N Maple Ave said she was dismayed in November to find the five trees posted for removal by Eversource.

“They are mature trees that have withstood many storms since 1961,” she said adding that was the year she moved into her house. “That includes very damaging storms in the last three years.”

Ms. Rendahl said over the years, a total of 35 mature trees had been cut to the ground on the south side of North Maple.

“I’m very grateful for your thoughtfully selected replacement trees, but no person here today will live to see new trees attain the stature of these mature trees,” she said.

Rendahl said it didn’t make sense to cut down an 80-year-old tree to avoid a possible “temporary inconvenience for a few people.”

Mr. Barber said the five Norway Maples are potential hazards to infrastructure reliability for 282 customers.

He said 3 of the 5 trees (not just branches) are in direct contact with primary power lines.

Mr. Gospodinoff asked if Eversource could move the lines away from the trees.

“No, the lines are already engineered out as far as they can go,” Barber said.

Barber said one Norway Maple at  456 North Maple is in close proximity to backbone power lines and has a trunk cavity with internal decay about 35 ft up.

“The root system has sustained mechanical damage over the years, leading to some decayed areas on large structure roots,” Barber said.

Ms. Rendahl said she believed all 282 residents Eversource says are at risk of losing power have their own generators.

Mr. Gospodinoff asked whether it was possible to put a rubber sleeve or hard plastic sleeve on the three trees with direct contact to power lines.

Mr. Barber said he would look into that suggestion, but that sleeving is a short term fix.

“There is always friction. It won’t take long to wear through the plastic. …It’s a very short bandaid,” Barber said.

Ms. Alvarez asked how long “short-term” fix is?

“I don’t know. I’d have to talk to an engineer about that,” Barber said, adding that a sleeve might extend the life of the tree by five years.

Barber repeated that when trees and power lines are in contact, it poses a threat.

“The wire is not insulated. It has a coating on it that can wear through. Eventually the tree could become energized, and become a public risk, cause a fire to the tree, and an outage,” he said.

Barber referred to CT State Statute, 16-234, which says Eversource does not need permission, consent or notification to remove any tree, or any part of it, that is in contact with a primary power line.

The second tree at 456 N Maple, a 30” Norway Maple, is in direct contact with a primary power line. Barber said there is mechanical damage to its root system, which could be caused by lawn mowers, plows, trucks, cars or anything other than by nature.

He said the tree has a “girdling root,” which can lead to decay in the trunk.

“This tree is declining,” he said. “It’s not in good health. …You don’t need a storm for dead wood to fall off a tree. I’ve seen it happen on a calm day. We’re concerned decay has gotten into the base of the tree. The tree could become energized and cause an outage.”

Barber said a Norway Maple at 476 near Bobolink is growing through power lines, has mechanical damage to the root system, and girdling roots, and that the top half the top of that tree is dead.

“This tree is declining. There are signs of decay and dead wood,” he said. “It’s in severe decline.”

“Can you remove the top half?” Ms. Rendahl asked.

“I’d have to look into that,” Barber said. “It’s something we can explore with the town.”

There are two Norway Maples at 519 North Maple that are in contact with a power line. One tree is in contact with the primary power line. Barber said it has deadwood at the crown and decay at the trunk, and that the likelihood of failure is probable during normal weather conditions.

Barber said Norway Maples are considered an invasive species.

“They’re weaker wooded. They don’t get stronger. They’re like people. They have a finite life span,” he said. “They’re not typically long-lived like Sugar Maples which can live hundreds of years.”

Ms. Alvarez from Greenwich Tree Conservancy said WESCOG’s analysis gives more detail on impervious surfaces and water flow.

“The more trees you cut down, the more flooding you wind up with in town,” she warned. “You want water filtered through the ground to improve quality of well water.”

“I don’t think it’s ever advisable to take down 5 trees at one time in one area,” Messina said. “It doesn’t make sense. Let’s try to see what ones we can save, which can live another 5 or 10 years, and take down what is clearly hazardous, if they are hazardous.”

“I agree Norway Maples are no longer our friend,” Messina continuted. “The Town hasn’t planted them in years. We wouldn’t replace with the same, but they provide all the benefits – flooding, air, water – and we don’t want to lose them. We have been replanting on North Maple Ave, and Eversource has not been helping us.”

“I’d be happy to help,” Barber said.

“That has not been the philosophy of Eversource,” Messina said.

Messina said there is a difference between an unhealthy tree and a hazardous tree. She said safety is paramount and if a tree is indeed hazardous, it should come down, but unhealthy trees are a different story.

“Root issues and dead wood – a lot of us live with unhealthy things for years. That doesn’t scare me so much. And mechanical defects? If we took down every tree DPW hit with a plow, we’d be in rough shape.”

Steve Gospodinoff addressed Mr. Barber. “If we do allow you to cut some of the Norway Maples on Town property by the power lines, would you consider planting on private property with permission from residents?”

“Sure, like a one-for-one replacement, yes,” Mr. Barber replied.

“Eversource has said they would not replant at all,” Messina said. “This is totally exiting!”

“With a caveat,” Barber said. “Not everywhere. Not across the board. It’s one-for-one in highly sensitive areas like these stately old trees with a lot of sentimental value.”

“Town tree policy states that a tree needs to be replaced one-for-one,” Messina said. “I would think Eversource could go under that.”

Per statute, a written final decision granting or denying permission to take down these trees will be issued by Gospodinoff within three business days.

Greenwich Free Press will update the story when a decision is announced.

Greenwich Fire Department Promotes Two from Within

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First Selectman Peter Tesei, newly sworn in Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Morris, newly promoted Lt George Lattanzi, and Greenwich Fire Dept Chief Siecienski. Jan 7, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Morris was sworn in at the Greenwich Fire Department promotion ceremony. Jan 7, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

George Lattanzi was promoted to Fire Dept Lieutenant. Jan 7, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Newly promoted Fire Lieutenant George Lattanzi with his wife Christel after being promoted. Jan 7, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Newly promoted Fire Lieutenant George Lattanzi being sworn in by First Selectman Peter Tesei. Jan 7, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

On Monday morning Greenwich Fire Dept Chief Siecienski welcomed a full house to the third floor meeting room with a joke about the room’s capacity and a nod to the fire marshal.

The event marked the elevation of Lt. Shawn Morris to Deputy Chief where he will replace Tom Nixon who is retiring, and the promotion of Fire Fighter George Lattanzi to Lieutenant.

“In the fire department, we are humbled and appreciate it any time we have the opportunity to promote from within,” Siecienski said, adding thanks to the support of First Selectman, Peter Tesei who also serves as Fire Commissioner. “So thank you boss for your support of this department.”

Chief Siecienski also thanked Assistant Chief Bob Kick.

“He is here today and is without a doubt the best assistant chief in Connecticut,” the chief said.

“Today we’ve got an advancement of Shawn Morris to the position of Deputy Shift Commander – one of four in the department – a critical position in the fire department,” he said. “Actually the position has been in the Town of Greenwich since late 2005, so it has evolved to a position where those four individuals have really taken control of the department and run shifts daily exceptionally well.”


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As for George Lattanzi who was promoted to lieutenant, the chief said, “George has worked extensively throughout his career, the consummate professional.  I’ve enjoyed seeing him come up from firefighter to lieutenant.”

Mr. Morris joined the Fire Dept in 2005. He previously served the City of New Britain’s EMS Dept. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2014.

He has also served on Engine 4 in the Glenville station, “keeping Chief Heavey’s boys in line.”

Siecienski said Lt Morris also served as Greenwich’s new truck lieutenant on Engine 2. He has a Bachelors degree from Central Connecticut State University, which he earned prior to his Master’s degree in Public Administration from UConn.

Lt. Morris is a certified fire instructor, fire officer and a fire marshal, and also an adjunct faculty member in Fire Investigation at Post University.

Morris is an active member on Greenwich’s Professional Fire Fighter’s Union Local 1042. He has also founded the peer support group within the department.

“That shows you his impact on the betterment of individuals and looking out for one another,” the fire chief said.

Siecienski said Mr. Lattanzi  was hired in Sept 2000 along with 12 other fire fighters, one of the largest groups that have come through in Greenwich Fire Dept.

Lattanzi has served as acting lieutenant  for 8+ years, and is a certified fire service instructor, a fire officer, an incident safety officer.

“George is outstanding in his career in the fire dept,” Siecienski said.

Mr. Lattanzi has several several commendations including one for assisting an elderly woman from a residential fire that many in the department remember vividly. He is also an adjunct professor for the Fairfield Fire School.

First Selectman Peter Tesei said Monday was a special day for the fire department.

“By your presence you are reinforcing the fact that you are a family. An organization that provides the most important services to the citizens of the town – life-safety. Being promoted up the ladder – no pun intended,” Tesei said.

“That you have each other’s backs, and having gone through Fire Fighting 101, I recognize the importance that your positions have, not only protecting our lives in Town, but in protecting each other’s lives as you go about your duties in service.”

 

Several RTM Districts Have Vacancies

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The RTM is the Town of Greenwich legislative body.  It examines and approves the annual budget, nominations to Town boards, improvements to Town properties, labor contracts and other significant Town undertakings.

If you want to have a say in how Greenwich grows, join the RTM.

RTM District 8 Cos Cob has one vacancy to fill and will elect the new member at their meeting on Wednesday January 16th.  They meet at the Cos Cob Elementary School, Science Lab at 8:00pm.

Please call District 8 Chair Joshua Brown for further information  203-661-7744 or email joshua.brown@greenwichct.org

Other openings:

District 7, North Center:  Contact: Wynn McDaniel wynnmcdaniel@gmail.com  (1 vacancy, interim election scheduled for Thursday, January 17th)

District 9, Glenville : Contact: Betsey Frumin betsey@nacca.com  Tel. 203-531-7203 (2 vacancies, interim election scheduled for Thursday, January 17th). They meet at the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center at 7:30pm.

District 10 Northwest:  Contact:  Jerry Anderson ganderson@amgas.com (1 vacancy, interim election scheduled for Thursday, January 17th)

Early Morning Car Thefts in Old Greenwich Result in Foot Chase, Multiple Arrests

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Juan Espier, Jan 7, 2019 Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

Juan Espier, Jan 7, 2019 Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

Mas Alba. Jan 7, 2019 Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

Mas Alba. Jan 7, 2019 Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

On Jan 5, 2019 around 6:00am Greenwich Police received a tip about cars being entered and a vehicle missing from a driveway in the area of Shore Road and Tod’s Driftway.

When police reached the area, they stopped a 2006 Toyota RAV 4 in the area of 164 Shore Road that was driving with its headlights off.

Upon approaching the car police smelled marijuana.

Investigation revealed that the driver of the stolen RAV 4 was Mas Alba, 19, of 63 Orchard Street in Stamford, who was driving with a suspended license.

There was also a juvenile in the car.

After interviewing the suspects, police determined that the car was used in connection with crimes including Conspiracy to Commit Burglary 3 and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 2. Alba was also charged with Driving an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Driving Under Suspension, Failure to Display Lights and Interfering with an Officer/Resisting Arrest.

Alba was unable to post his $2,500 bond and has a court date in Stamford on Jan 22, 2019.

The juvenile was also charged.


During the motor vehicle stop, police say a white Jeep Patriot drove past and sped off. Police determined that car had been stolen in the overnight hours between Jan 4 and 5, and pursued it.

The driver, later identified as Juan P Espier, 18, of 11 Hinckly Ave in Stamford, drove down a dead end off Shore Road and then fled on foot.

He was apprehended a short time after and was found in possession of a THC oil cartridge, head lamp flash light and assorted change and a Town of Greenwich beach pass window sticker.

He was charged him with possession of Less than 1/2 Oz Cannabis, Burglary 3, Possession of Burglary Tools, Larceny 2, Larceny 6 and Interfering with an Officer/Resisting Arrest.

His bond was set at $5,000, which he was unable to post. He has a date in Stamford Superior Court on Jan 22, 2019.


In a separate incident, a white 2018 Toyota Highlander that was stolen in the overnight hours between Jan 4 and 5th. The car was recovered in another jurisdiction outside Greenwich.

The car had been left unlocked with the keys in it.

 


Deputy Tree Warden Rules on Eversource Proposal To Fell Half Dozen Stately Trees

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Deputy Tree Warden (second from left) listens to Eversource arborist Erik Barber. Jan 3, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Last Thursday the Deputy Tree Warden Steve Gospodinoff held a public hearing on the fates of six trees in the area of Round Hill Rd by Lake Ave and North Maple Ave, on the other side of Lake Ave.

Eversource had requested Town approval to take down the trees – one Ash Tree and Five Norway Maples – and after neighbors were notified, they objected, triggering the public hearing.

On Thursday, Jan 3, Derek Kaufman, a homeowner at 98 Round Hill Rd read aloud a letter from his tree care company stating that the Ash Tree was healthy. The tree is on Town property along the road in front of Kaufman’s property.

Eric Barber, an arborist for Eversource, said the trees is in close proximity to power lines and could potentially wipe out power for 340 customers.

He said any of the 5 Norway Maples Eversource wanted to cut down on North Maple could impact 282 customers.

Joy Rendhal beseeched Eversouce’s arborist and Mr. Gospodinoff to spare all five Norway Maples, including two in front of her house.

Rendhal said she was certain 100% of those 282 customers had their own generators.

Francia Alvarez and JoAnn Messina of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy said there will always be a risk of power outages, but cutting down all trees near power lines is disproportionate to the inconvenience of a power outage.

“They shouldn’t just be cutting down trees because it’s convenient for them and protects the power lines,” Alvarez said. “Power lines are everywhere, and if we start to cut down all the trees under power lines, there will be no trees left.”

Messina said her organization objects to Eversource’s enhanced tree trimming (ETT). “We don’t agree with sky-to-ground clearance as other towns have agreed to. We don’t need to clear trees from 8 feet.”

On Monday afternoon, Mr. Gospodinoff issued his decisions on the six trees:

Spared: Ash Tree at 98 Round Hill
The Ash Tree at 98 Round Hill Rd will be spared. That tree has a 28” DBH (Diameter at Breast Height).

“It is my decision to not remove this tree and to revisit this tree in two years with Eversource,” Gospodinoff wrote.

Partial Cutting: 2 Maples at 519 North Maple:
“It is my decision to allow Eversource to only remove the parts of the trees that are in contact with the primary wires,” Gospodinoff wrote noting that CT General Statute 16-234 gives power companies the right to remove any part of a tree in contact with the primary wires.

Gospodinoff gave a caveat, writing, “If removing those parts that are in contact make the tree unsafe or reveals a defect that may be hidden in the tree, removal may be necessary. The Tree Warden or his representative shall be present at the time the work begins, to determine if any hidden defects require the removal of the whole tree.”

Deferred to state statute: One Maple at 456 North Maple
As for a Norway Maple at 456 North Maple, which is in contact with primary wires, Gospodinoff wrote, “It is my decision not to make a decision on the removal of this tree.” He again referred to CT General Statute 16-234 giving Eversource the right to remove any part of a tree in contact with the primary wires. “In this case the Trunk of the Tree is in contact,” he wrote.

Cut Down: A 2nd Maple at 456 North Maple
Godpodinoff noted the 38” diameter Maple located at 456 North Maple has a hole approximately 25’ high on the trunk with evidence of decay.

Though this tree is not in contact with the primary wires, Godpodinoff noted it’s proximity to North Maple Avenue could be problematic. “It is my decision to remove this tree,” he wrote.

Cut down: Maple at 476 North Maple Ave
A Norway Maple tree at 476 North Maple has extensive die back, as well as a damaged and decayed root system. The center leader has bark peeling and is dead. There is die back throughout the tree, which indicates a root issue. “The tree is in severe decline and cannot be saved. It is my decision to remove this tree,” Gospodinoff concluded.


Though Gospodinoff recommends only only one of the six mature trees will be untouched – for now – Mr. Gospodinoff is holding Mr. Barber to his offer to work with the town to replace these trees.

Last Thursday Barber surprised the GTC by saying Eversource would replace the trees one-for-one.

“Eversource has said they would not replant at all,” Messina said. “This is totally exiting!”

“With a caveat,” Barber said. “Not everywhere. Not across the board. It’s one-for-one in highly sensitive areas like these stately old trees with a lot of sentimental value.”

In his decision, Gospodinoff referenced Barber’s promise.

“At the tree hearing, Eversource offered to replant trees if the removal was granted. Eversource, along with the Town of Greenwich, will replant ‘The Right Tree Right Place’ on North Maple Avenue on a one-to-one basis,” he wrote.

Gospodinoff noted that shade trees on the wire side of the road would have to be planted on private property and permission must be obtained from the property owner.

See also:

Residents Defend Stately Trees in Rare Face-to-Face Moment with Eversource

 

Stamford Police Charge Greenwich Man with Voyeurism

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A Greenwich man was arrested on January 4 by Stamford Police and charged with three counts of Voyeurism, which is a Class D felony, for allegedly creating lewd videos of women without their knowledge.

According to the CT Judicial Branch website the incidents occurred on Aug 19, 2015, Aug 22, 2015, and Jan 2, 2017.

Timothy Gemelli, 52, of Taconic Road, who owns The PhotoBooth Lounge, a photo booth business used for weddings and parties, is accused of creating “upskirt” videos which he created by using a camera pointing up from the floor.

On Gemelli’s LinkedIn profile he says he has owned The PhotoBooth Lounge since January 2009.

Think irreplaceable, candid, spontaneous memories — the ultimate party favor and crowd pleaser! …Our booths take high quality digital images, then immediately print classic photostrips,” the LinkedIn profile says. “…The entire process from entering the booth to having the strip in your hand takes as little as 45 seconds. …Our booths are flexible enough to fit any décor or theme, so we are sure to accomodate your space.”

Gemelli’s bond was set at $50,000 which he was able to post. He has a date in Stamford Superior Court on Feb 9, 2019.

More Car Troubles in Greenwich: Slashed Tires, Stolen Mercedes

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In addition to the stolen cars that resulted in a foot pursuit and multiple arrests around 6:00am on Jan 5, Greenwich Police say that on January 4, 2019  a 2018 Mercedes Benz taken from a parking lot 1309 E Putnam Ave.

That is the address of address Valbella Restaurant in Riverside, located by the intersection of Sound Beach Ave. The car was unlocked and had the keys within.

According to Lt Slusarz, the car’s owner said his car was stolen between 7:00pm and 8:00pm.

Next, Greenwich Police received a report of vandalism on Grange Street in Chickahominy.

According to Lt Slusarz, a 2014 Nissan Maxima that was parked overnight between Jan 4 and Jan 5 was the target.

“When the owner came out they discovered somebody had slashed two tires on the driver’s side and keyed the entire driver’s side,” Slusarz said.

That incident was reported to GPD around 8:00pm on Jan 5.

 

GHS Football Alumni Off-Season Indoor Flag Football League is Instant Hit

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Longtime friends and football devotees Camryn Ferrara and Mike Lefflbine were captains of the Greenwich High School football team in 2009. They played football together in college. Most recently they have launched Indoor Flag Football League which has use of the field house at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich on Sundays, Jan 6 – March 3, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

“It’s the most fun I’ve ever had playing football,” exclaimed Liam Brown, 12, a 7th grader at Eastern Middle School after zipping up and down the field house at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich on Sunday. “I like the constant moving and all the running. It’s faster paced than football and much more fun.”

Liam’s younger sister, Abby, 7, a second grader at Riverside School also got into the action on a team for 6-7-year olds.

The Indoor Flag Football League was the brainchild of Camryn Ferrara and Mike Lefflbine, who grew up together in Greenwich playing football. The League was able to rent the field house from the Boys & Girls Club, where Cam is an athletic coordinator.

Growing up, Cam and Mike took advantage of all the football opportunities the Town provided at the time.

Mike played for the Mavericks and Cam played for BANC Raiders in GYFL.

Later, they played for the Cardinals at Greenwich High School and were captains their senior year in 2009.

The Longtime friends and team mates went their separate ways after GHS, with Cam attending St. Lawrence University and Mike attending Sacred Heart University. After Mike transferred to St. Lawrence, the longtime friends got to play for the same team once again.

Fast forward to 2019, Mike and Camryn said that after years of mulling over the idea for a winter off-season football opportunity, their indoor league has taken shape.

“We wanted to create a league that is fast paced, fun and family friendly,” Camryn said on Sunday between games as girls and boys entered and exited the field house turf.

“We thought why can baseball, soccer and lacrosse be indoors in winter, and not football?” Mike said.

Lauren Judge, a 5th grader at New Lebanon School who also plays for the BANC Raiders said she has no plan to quit playing football.

“I like this because it’s really fun with all the running around and I like proving to people that girls can do more than people think,” Lauren said.

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich high School football captains and GYFL Bulldog team (10-11) at the Indoor Flag Football League games at the Boys & Girls Club, Jan 6, 2019. Contributed photo

Abby, Liam and Derek Brown at opening day for the Indoor Flag Football League games at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The league, Indoor Flag Football League, is coed with games on Sunday mornings for players age 8-13.

Teams of play 8-12 players compete six-on-six. There are a total of 18 teams and all 18 teams play every Sunday.

The Indoor Flag Football League runs through March 3, 2019, the date of playoffs.

The indoor league allows football players to continue to play after the fall tackle football season ends, though not all the flag football players play tackle football.

“The idea is for the kids to keep upping their game and increasing their skills,” Camryn said. “We’re teaching the kids techniques they can use in both flag and tackle football. Until now there has been no off season for football.”

Camryn said many of the players are multiple-sport athletes, and on Sunday many of them headed from flag football to the ice rink or to GBA to play basketball in the afternoon. “We want to promote the league to multi-sport athletes,” Cam said.

“Our goal is to provide something fun and positive on Sunday mornings where kids can play with their friends,” Camryn said. “They’re building memories.”

Camryn said another plus is that the Indoor League mixes together kids from private school and public school across town.

On Sunday, Jan 6, the indoor season got off to a great start.

A number of girls played at the Indoor Flag Football League games at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

A number of girls played at the Indoor Flag Football League games at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The  Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

Camryn Ferrara with referees and scorekeeper at the Indoor Flag Football League games at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager


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The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Indoor Flag Football League plays Jan 6 to March 3, 2019 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Jan 6, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager


10-Year Old Hit by Car in Old Greenwich Tuesday Morning

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At about 8:oo am on Tuesday, Greenwich Police investigated a motor vehicle and bicycle had an accident on Sound Beach Ave in the area of Old Greenwich School.

The operator of the bike was a 10-year old Greenwich resident who suffered minor non-life threatening injuries.

The child was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

The operator of the vehicle was not charged.

We will update this story when more information is available.

Trio Arrested after Attempt to Cash Fraudulent Check at Chase Bank

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Brent Kadeem Watson. Jan 7, 2019 Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

Brent Kadeem Watson. Jan 7, 2019 Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

Siaka Traore. Jan 7, 2019 Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

On Jan 4 about 4:00pm, Greenwich Police responded to Chase Bank on Greenwich Avenue on a report of a man attempting to make a fraudulent transaction.

Investigation determined that the suspect, Brent Kadeem Watson, 25, of Grand Conquest in Bronx, NY, had tried to cash a fraudulent check.

Police say bank personnel determined that the check had not been written or authorized by the account holder, and the account holder didn’t know Mr. Watson.

He was charged with Criminal Attempt Larceny 4, Identity Theft 3, and Forgery 2. He has a date in Stamford Superior Court on Jan 18, 2019.

He was unable to post his $200 bond and was held in Police custody at the time of the police release.

Police say that Watson had an accomplice, Siaka Traore, 21, of Rochester Ave in Brooklyn, NY, who had knowledge of his actions.

Traore was located in a car that had driven Watson to the bank and was attempting to pick him up. During a search of Mr. Traore after he was arrested, police found a small amount of personal marijuana on his person.

Traore was not able to post his $2,500 bond and was held by Greenwich Police. He also has a court date in Stamford on Jan 18, 2019.

Miguel A Guzman-Richards

Miguel A Guzman-Richards. Jan 7, 2019 Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

A third man, Miguel A Guzman-Richards, 22, of 940 Grand Concourse in Bronx, NY, was also arrested and charged as an accomplice of Mr. Watson.  Mr. Guzman-Richards was found in the vehicle with Mr. Traore. He was also found n possession of a small amount of personal use marijuana. He was unable to post his $1,000 bond and has a date in Stamford Superior Court on Jan 18, 2019.

 

Tree Conservancy Leaders Proud to Plant Trees and Protect Greenwich’s Urban Forest

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Letter to the editor submitted by Cheryl Dunson andJoAnn Messina of Greenwich Tree Conservancy, Jan 8,2019

Cheryl Dunson and JoAnn Messina. Photo: Leslie Yager

The Greenwich Tree Conservancy is proud and pleased that First Selectman Peter Tesei has specifically named our organization as one which has contributed to the Town of Greenwich being awarded a Silver ranking, its highest, by Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative by Eastern Connecticut State University.

This initiative is designed to encourage towns and cities in the state to protect the local environment and build resilient local communities.

Many scientific research studies have discovered that when there are more green spaces, including grass, plants and trees in cities and towns, people are happier and have better mental health. Trees have the added advantage of reducing air pollution, providing shade, lowering energy costs and increasing property values. Now in the winter when trees are bare of leaves, people instinctively feel the loss.

With the help of the Town Parks and Recreation Tree Division , formerly headed by the now-retired Tree Warden, Bruce Spaman the Conservancy has been working for the last twelve years to fulfill its mission to plant and protect the urban forest of Greenwich.

Our successful partnership led to Greenwich’s recognition in 2017 from the national Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA.

In 2018 alone, the Conservancy planted over 400 trees on public and non-profit lands.

Perhaps most noticeable and notable, are the trees and green islands planted within and along side the Horseneck Parking Lot.

Now in 2019, we are planning to “green” more parking lots and roadsides in Greenwich, as well as educate residents through pamphlets and lectures about how to plant and care for trees on their own properties.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Dunson, President
JoAnn Messina, Executive Director


Greenwich Neighbors Steaming over Psychology Practice Serving Groups in Residential Neighborhood

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The proposed location for a Resident Medical Professional Office is on the corner of Bruce Park Drive and Kinsman Lane.

On Tuesday night, during a marathon P&Z meeting that ran until about 1:00am, Mary and Parker Stacy’s special permit application for a Resident Medical Professional Office in their home at 1 Kinsman Lane went before the commission around 12:30am.

The Stacys submitted their application after they received a Violation from the Town Zoning Enforcement Officer.

The cuople had operated their counseling practice from their home without a permit for over 20 years.

Neighbors complained that groups come to to 1 Kinsman Lane both during the days and evenings and often park on their narrow lane.


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Planning & Zoning said unlike a Home office, which is for telecommuting without people coming to the door or appointments, Residential Medical Professional Office has explicit requirements and limitations.

Cars driving along Bruce Park Drive past 1 Kinsman Lane in background (left).

The person with the office must also live in the residence. They must provide adequate parking, have a minimum lot size, and use a maximum 25% of gross of the floor of the home, and have adequate screening, all of which the Stacys do.

The commission said the office must have a low impact use and blend in harmoniously to all residential neighborhoods.

On Tuesday the Stacys were represented by Thomas Heagney, who said the couple have operated their clinical practice, including group sessions at 1 Kinsman Lane since they purchased it in 1998.

“Why after 10 years all of a sudden it is an issue?” he asked more than once.

Commissioner Macri said, “If this was a brand new thing, you’d have the same issues. …It can’t be beyond a simple home office where they are counseling people individually or couples. With groups you’re impinging on the neighbors. If we can come to some kind of a balance maybe we can work it out.”

P&Z acting chair Margarita Alban said the commission had received multiple neighbor complaints.

“I have no problem with the Residential Medical use if it no longer has group sessions or retreats, and that the applicant demonstrates they have sufficient parking on site to accommodate the demand,” Alban said. “We have photographs of cars all over Kinsman Lane. One person had difficulty accessing their garage.”

“There are questions about lights, hours of operation, elimination of groups, and proving parking is adequate,” she added.

Attorney Heagney said his clients had spoken to their neighbors. “There has been dialogue… I know primarily it has been an issue of lighting. I’ve talked about bringing in a lighting consultant to make sure the lighting is property shielded,” he said.

Katrina Pape of 2 Kinsman Lane said allowing the Stacys to continue as they have would allow commercial use of a property that would destroy the neighborhood’s peace and tranquility.

She said her family had to put rocks along the edge of the street and a fence because of all the cars parked on the narrow lane.

“There is potential for car accidents. Tonight they had eight cars parked in their driveway most likely for one of their group sessions,” Ms. Pape said. “And the lights stream straight into our living room. The lights are always on during the group sessions. This has gone on for years.”

Maria Vitaglian,o also of 2 Kinsman Lane said, “They have them (flood lights) high on the house and four 7-foot poles around their driveway. It’s intolerable. When I bought that house 20 years ago I thought I was doing something nice to have a residential house in a park by tennis and baseball field.”

A letter on file at P&Z from Ceci Morgan, a neighbor at 3 Kinsman Lane for 38 years, also objected to the application.

Grass triangle between Kinsman and Bruce Park Drive.

Morgan said that the Stacys have for many years held group meetings at their house during the day and evening, but she said she had assumed they were church-related and for the sake of neighborliness did not complain.

“On those particular days and nights there are numerous cars in their driveway. Some of these cars are parked illegally on Kinsman Lane itself, occasionally encroaching on the grass triangle,” she wrote.

Ms. Morgan said granting the special permit would result in a nuisance that would negatively impact both quality of life and hurt property values.

The roadway around the pond at Bruce Park is closed by the ball field.

She said in the spring and summer when the ball field is in constant use, peole ignore the no parking signs and park on Kinsman Lane, and that the roadway around the pond from the ball field to the bocce courts is closed to traffic for a year while while the bridge is repaired, diminishing parking. She said if the Stacys’ clients monopolize that limited parking, it will impact people visiting the park.

The roadway around the pond at Bruce Park is closed by the bocce court.

Lastly she said the upcoming Eversource project in Bruce Park will result in detours, road closures, loss of trees and damaged roads, as well as an additional squeeze on parking.

At the end of the discussion the item was left open.

We will update the story when application next goes before the commission.

 

Greenwich Man Busted for Shattering Woman’s Windshield in Byram

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On Jan 6 around 3:45am, Greenwich Police responded to a complaint that a man was shattering a woman’s windshield in the area of area of Sherman Ave and North Smith Street in Byram.

Investigation revealed that the suspect, Angel De Jesus Galvez-Muniz, 32, of 73 Byram Rd in Greenwich, had shattered the victim’s windshield after a verbal altercation.

Mr. Galvez-Muniz was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief 2 and Disorderly Conduct.

He was assigned a court date in Stamford Superior Court the next available date, Jan 7, 2019.

Greenwich Student Diversity Leadership Conference Open to All High School Students in Town

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Brandon Morales (left) and Charlie Ciporin (right), Brunswick seniors and chief organizers of the Greenwich Student Diversity Leadership Conference, holding the conference poster. Contributed photo

The Greenwich Student Diversity Leadership Conference will take place on Feb 2, 2019. It is open to all high school students in Greenwich, both public and private.

The conference, which takes place at Greenwich Academy, will be framed around the idea of intersectionality.

The conference includes lunch courtesy of donated by Garden Catering.

Students are invited from 8:30am – 3:45pm for a day of conversation and collaboration.

The official slogan of the conference is “Bridging Conversations and Building Campus Communities.”

Attendance is capped at 100 people and online registration will be open from December 17 to January 17.

Students can get the registration link by scanning the codes in the event posters or by clicking on the link when directly emailed to them. Each school’s student body in Greenwich will receive informational emails for the conference that contain the registration link.

Students will have the opportunity to discuss and participate in activities and discussions centered around the 8 core identifiers: race, religion, sexuality, ability, socio-economic status, age, gender, and nationality.

The conference will be framed around intersectionality, a concept that has become increasingly popular in the social justice arena recently that emphasizes how these 8 identifiers intersect in different ways for everybody. Many times, people try to look at minority experiences through only one frame, such as race, but intersectionality states that everybody’s identifiers intersect in ways that make their experiences unique. For example, under intersectionality, a black woman’s experience should not always be equated to that of a black man’s, as her identity as a woman separates her experience entirely despite their shared race.

The conference began when the town’s Diversity Committee wanted to get the youth of Greenwich involved in Diversity, and reached out to the First Selectman’s Youth Commission for help. Charlie Ciporin, a Brunswick student who is involved in many of the school’s diversity clubs and runs their GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance), and Chair of the commission, had previously attended diversity conferences and had the idea to organize one that is town-wide.

Because most conferences of this nature are only open to independent schools, the inclusion of GHS and accessibility of free registration was an essential part of the project. The planning of the conference is taking place on the new Diversity Planning Committee consisting of student and faculty leaders in diversity at Greenwich schools.

Representing Greenwich High School are Stevie Braverman, Anna Braunstein, and faculty member Garfield Charles.

At Brunswick, Charlie Ciporin, Brandon Morales, and faculty member Kyna Shine are members.

Representing Greenwich Academy are Kristina Kendall and faculty members Aisha Gawad and Gloria Fernandez Tearte and representing Sacred Heart Greenwich is Olivia Andrews.

The conference is modeled after the National Association of Independent Schools’ Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), which takes place annually and invites students from independent schools across the country.

Conversations will be led by trained student facilitators, who are high school juniors and seniors who have prior experience with diversity conferences and clubs.

“In a time where everything seems divided, I believe that through educating the general public and talking about different types of oppression or mistreatment that people have gone through will create an inclusive and connected society,” said Stevie Braverman, a GHS senior.

“I think it’s really important to be able to openly discuss issues of diversity in order to work towards a more accepting and safe environment for people of all kinds,” said Anna Braunstein, also a senior at GHS.

There are three groups that it will be structured around: “family groups” in which students are placed into at random and information on the 8 core identifiers is shared and discussed, “affinity groups” in which people with common identifiers discuss issues that pertain to them (i.e. there will be a white affinity group, black affinity group, LGBTQ affinity group, etc.), and “school groups” in which students meet with others from their own schools to bring back what they learned to their respective communities.

The Diversity Planning Committee looks forward to a productive day of discussion and hopes that the conference will inspire students to view issues from a new perspective and make change within their schools and in the town at large.

The Committee is also very grateful to the Boys & Girls Club Director Bobby Walker who has served as an adviser as a former attendee of NAIS’s SDLC.

Head to Tod’s Point, Sunday, 1/13 for the “Wildlife in Winter” Event at Innis Arden Cottage

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Have you ever met a Chincilla?

On Sunday, January 13 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm the Friends of Greenwich Point are sponsoring the event “Wildlife in Winter” at the Innis Arden Cottage at Greenwich Point.

Meet a live chinchilla, turtle, owl and many more animals during this exciting program!

Live animal presentations are at 1:15pm and 2:00pm.

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center will uncover how different types of animals, such as reptiles, birds and mammals, adapt to survive the winter freeze, and how some migrate to beat the cold.

For more information, please email the Friends of Greenwich Point Education Committee at info@friendsofgreenwichpoint.org.

The mission of the Friends of Greenwich Point is to act as an advocate for Greenwich Point. They are a non-profit committed to responsible stewardship and public education to preserve and enhance Greenwich Point’s diverse natural environments and beauty; to safe and appropriate recreation; and to the maintenance of its facilities. The Friends of Greenwich Point initiates and carries out projects related to the organization’s mission, complementing the efforts and resources of the town.

Woman Arrested Trying to Buy $3,900 Purse from Chanel Fraudulently

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Weining Su. Jan 10, 2019 courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

Weining Su. Jan 10, 2019 courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

 

On Jan 9 around 5:30pm Greenwich Police officers became aware of possible fraudulent activity at the Chanel store at 205 Greenwich Avenue.

Officers were able to gather enough information to determine that a female suspect, Weining Su, 20, of 143-47 38th Ave in Flushing, NY, had attempted to fraudulently purchase a Chanel handbag with a recommended resale price of $3,900 by using the information of someone else with an account at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Ms. Su was detained and it was determined she had traveled to Greenwich to commit fraudulent activity.

She was charged with Larceny, Larceny 3 and Interfering with an Officer/Resisting Arrest.

She has a date in Stamford Superior Court on Jan 23, 2019.

She was able to post her $2,500 bond and was released.

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