State faces 'doom and gloom' budget

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City finance officials warned Tuesday that state experts told them Tuesday that Connecticut faces budget shortfalls of $690 million to $1 billion for each of the next two years.Closing that gap is likely to be the General Assembly's major chore during its upcoming session.But municipal officials are worried that it will lead to cuts in education grants and other funds that are sent to cities and towns. The cuts may be large, they said."This was doom and gloom news," said Bristol Comptroller Glenn Klocko.State officials are expected to anounce their dire predictions later this week.
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Chamber "dismayed" by city's refusal to back Memorial Boulevard plan

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Statement by the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce regarding thedecision by the City of Bristol Real Estate Committee to send the future of theMemorial Boulevard School back out to RFP.The Chamber is dismayed by the action of the City RealEstate Committee and sees their decision as being a poor outcome for the Cityand its residents.  From the beginningthe Chamber has made every effort to work collaboratively with the Real EstateCommittee.  Chamber leadership attendedevery meeting and public hearing and was prepared to answer any and allquestions regarding the contents of the detailed proposal that we submitted inaccordance with the City’s process.  Noquestions or concerns were raised.  Of even greater concern was the tenor of the “workshop”conducted by the Real Estate Committee on November 15^th. Those speakingfor the City took great pains to paint the situation regarding the MemorialBoulevard facility as dire.  In light ofthe fact that the building housed school children no more than 5 months priorit was clear that the City was not interested in a collaborative effort butinstead was attempting to create an adversarial environment in which nothinggets accomplished.  As such it is the decision by Chamber leadership to withdrawour proposal for Memorial Boulevard effective immediately and we will notrespond to any new RFP process.  We aretaking this position for the following reasons:

• It is important to understand that the Chamber’s involvement in this process originated when we were approached by a small group concerned with the preservation of the theater.  After much thought and analysis we developed our idea based on the understanding that neither an arts center or business incubator would be able to operate successfully as independent entities.  However, using the Boulevard building to do both provides and environment where the two concepts can work to support each other while bringing another form of economic development to the downtown area.
• The RFP to which we responded provided no information as to the building’s condition and/or any possible challenges.  By its nature any outcome based on the RFP response required a collaborative process by which the City and Chamber would establish a structure of control and a more refined understanding of responsibilities.  Instead the process languished in meeting after meeting with no new questions or detailed discussions on how to reach the goal of constructive reuse of the building.    
• Based on the comments by department heads at the “workshop” on November 15^th it is clear that few had read the document or understood the concept. Our proposal included a detailed 5 year revenue projection for both the Arts Centre and Business Incubator.  After numerous special meetings and presentations the Real Estate Committee did not ask one financial question yet now claims that the proposal lacked sufficient detail. 
• Collaboration means working together for a positive outcome for all involved.  While there can be diverse opinions the parties should work to find middle ground or ask all the questions pertinent to the opportunity.  That never happened in this case and we will not utilize any further Chamber time or resource to participate in what amounts to a new academic exercise designed for the purposes of doing nothing.

The failure of the Real Estate Committee to take decisiveaction that would quickly begin the process of mitigating the cost of thebuilding to the taxpayers as well as save the Theater should have everyresident concerned. We are also very disturbed by the method by which the decisionand motion to start over took place. If Bristol is to see growth in the grand list and avoidcontinued budget challenges the City’s leadership will have to have some visionand a willingness to try new ideas.  Itwill be nearly impossible to cut their way out of the current fiscal challenges.  Growth must be part of the equation as wellas ideas that offset costs. The Chamber offered a plan that accomplished bothof these goals.  Councilmen Cockayne,Fuller and Carlson apparently think that an empty building, at risk ofvandalism and burning in excess of $10,000 a month is a better idea.  We disagree.    
Michael D. Nicastro                                                                         AttyTimothy FureyPresident & Chief Executive Officer                                         Chairmanof the Board    
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Cockayne to jump into mayor's race Monday

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Though the next municipal election is nearly a full year away, it appears the campaign will be a long one.Republican city Councilor Ken Cockayne is expected to announce Monday that he will run for mayor next year, hoping to succeed three-term Democrat Art Ward.Cockayne is expected to make his announcement at Monday's Republican Town Committee meeting, slated for 7 p.m. at the Board of Education auditorium.Cockayne, who's been a council member since 2007, has made no secret of his ambition to run for mayor. By throwing his hat in the ring early he may be angling to preempt possible competitors from within his own party's ranks.Ward has given no indication whether he will run for fourth term. Many Democrats are eyeing a possible run for the position even if Ward decides to see reelection, including former city Councilor Kevin McCauley, who said recently he is thinking about it.Mayors serve two-year terms for a little less than $100,000 annually.
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Mills: City panel 'squandered opportunity'

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City Councilor David Mills issued this statement today under the heading "An Opportunity Missed," about the Real Estate Committee's decision last week to reject the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce proposal for the reuse of Memorial Boulevard School:

City Councilor David Mills

This week, the Real Estate Committee rejected a worthyproposal that would, in my opinion, improve Bristol’s quality of life andpreserve a valuable asset for generations to come.
Let me present some background on the issue. The BristolBoard of Education closed the Memorial Boulevard School, as well as two otherschools, as of September 1^st of this year.  As chairman of the Building Committee, Ireceived many inquiries from Bristol taxpayers who felt that this building wasan important landmark in the city that must be maintained.  I decided to discover why so many peoplenamed this Rockwell creation on their must-save list. 
The Memorial Boulevard building is a gem that holds great promisefor our community.  The auditorium ofthis school is reminiscent of a New York City theater, with a 4.5-story flyspace above the stage.  This site has thepotential to house a variety of productions, from touring musicals and dramasto film, travelogue, and children’s theater. Professionals in the technical production industry, includingrepresentatives from the reconditioned Palace Theatre, recently toured theauditorium, and were struck by its many possibilities. They strongly feel thatthis unique facility should not be compromised, and have offeredrecommendations for its improvement and usage. 
The renovation of this space offers some excitingdevelopment opportunities. However, the greatest challenge would be funding. Asthe plan developed, conversations began with Chamber of Commerce PresidentMichael Nicastro, John Smith who as former Assistant Superintendent of Schoolshas vast knowledge of the building, Sean Taylor, businessman and Treasurer ofBristol Theater Arts, and others. They all agreed these theater improvementsand an arts program could be sustained using the rest of the Memorial Boulevardbuilding as an “economic engine” that would help pay for the auditoriumimprovement project. Under this plan, start-ups and arts-related businesseswill rent space at below-market rates. The building would need minimalreconfiguration, allowing existing building codes to prevail.
The Chamber of Commerce presented an outline of their planto the Building Committee, and the matter was turned over to the Real EstateCommittee.When the city put out an RFP (Request for proposal) for afuture use for the building, the Chamber of Commerce submitted its plan. As itturned out, it was the ONLY plan submitted.
The Real Estate Committee rejected the Chamber’s proposal,purportedly on the basis that there were “too many unanswered questions.”  This despite the fact that, at a specialmeeting arranged for the Chamber to answer the committee’s questions, therewere no questions asked.  Instead, thecommittee simply set another meeting so that municipal departments could comeforth and detail other uses they might have. 
By rejecting this proposal, the Real Estate Committee hasmissed an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the city ofBristol.  This plan would provide astate-of-the-art theater and art space for our community.  It would attract new businesses to the city,especially technology, media, and bio science companies. It would create moreactivity downtown and create momentum for development.  It would establish a cultural center for artsand community activities, providing entertainment that would enrich the livesof our citizens.
I urge our city leaders to reconsider this plan and to takethe following actions:

• Convene a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, as well as building and fire inspectors, to review the requirements for bringing the building up to code.
• Arrange a meeting between the Corporate Council and the Chamber to hammer out a time-sensitive lease agreement to protect the interests of both parties, with a measured result.
• Realize that government does not have all the answers. Engaging in a Private/Public partnership could be the best path to creating a vibrant Arts, Cultural and Business center.

This facility could be an enormous asset for our communityand for future generations.  At present,it is an empty building that costs the city a minimum of $10,000 per month tomaintain.
The Real Estate Committee has squandered an opportunity tomove Bristol development forward. We are left with another empty building, ourfourth, adding to the budget deficit, with no plan in sight.  
We have a chance to develop a unique space that will enhanceour community. Let’s not miss that opportunity again.
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Cockayne: 'The right person at the right time'

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Here are the prepared remarks that city Councilor Ken Cockayne spoke to the Republican Town Committee tonight: Today I am announcing that Iam running for Mayor of Bristol in 2013. I am asking for your support in this endeavor and feel I am the rightperson at the right time for this job. 
I am the senior member of theCouncil and have spent the last five years fighting for change and fighting foryou, the taxpayers of Bristol.  We are onthe precipice of significant change and new leadership for Bristol.  In the last local election, the people ofBristol spoke and elected leaders to fight for them.  Leaders, who are truly, fiscallyconservative, who understand that voters are not ATMs.  The sitting Mayor controls the agenda, sowhile the voters spoke, loudly and clearly, there is one more crucialstep.  We need a mayor that will listento the people of Bristol and set an agenda that puts their interests first. Weneed a true leader to drive the change that must occur and I believe I am thattype of leader.
I believe I am the rightperson at the right time for Bristol.  Thesewill be challenging times.  We need someonewho can lead from the front.  I havespent the last five years doing just this. I have never hid from an issue or avoided one.  I have worked steadfastly for the people ofBristol, even when it met that I stood alone. When we needed change in leadershipwith our Police Department, I was the only elected official willing to attachhis name when asking for this change.  Whenour community was in danger of having no say in group homes for troubledadolescents moving into established residential neighborhoods, I stepped upimmediately to fight.   We wanted a voice for Bristol, and I was thatvoice that brought this practice to light. At times I have been the lone voice of dissent when voting on contracts,for I refused to be a part of a rubber stamp council.  I was voice for the West End, an oftenoverlooked section of our community, and called for increased police presenceand was an advocate for the formation of the West End Association.
I believe that I am not onlya person who leads from the front, but also the person with the rightexperience to do the job well.  In thelast five years, I have served on 21 separate boards, including the BristolDevelopment Authority, the Bristol Downtown Development Corporation, the Boardof Public Works and the Salary Committee. I have fought the tough battles and have an intimate understanding ofour municipal government. 
These last five years havebeen arduous, but the foundation is in place. The current City Council is ready to work for responsible change to benefityou, the taxpayer.  The next step is toput a person in the Mayor’s Office who will set an agenda to facilitate thischange.  With my willingness to take onchallenges and embrace the fights that need to occur, coupled with myexperience as your senior councilman, I believe I am the right person at theright time.  I humbly as for yoursupport. I may have a video to add sometime Tuesday for those who want to see it all in high def. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Cockayne to jump into mayor's race Monday

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Though the next municipal election is nearly a full year away, it appears the campaign will be a long one.Republican city Councilor Ken Cockayne is expected to announce Monday that he will run for mayor next year, hoping to succeed three-term Democrat Art Ward.Cockayne is expected to make his announcement at Monday's Republican Town Committee meeting, slated for 7 p.m. at the Board of Education auditorium.Cockayne, who's been a council member since 2007, has made no secret of his ambition to run for mayor. By throwing his hat in the ring early he may be angling to preempt possible competitors from within his own party's ranks.Ward has given no indication whether he will run for fourth term. Many Democrats are eyeing a possible run for the position even if Ward decides to see reelection, including former city Councilor Kevin McCauley, who said recently he is thinking about it.Mayors serve two-year terms for a little less than $100,000 annually.
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Mills: City panel 'squandered opportunity'

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City Councilor David Mills issued this statement today under the heading "An Opportunity Missed," about the Real Estate Committee's decision last week to reject the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce proposal for the reuse of Memorial Boulevard School:

City Councilor David Mills

This week, the Real Estate Committee rejected a worthyproposal that would, in my opinion, improve Bristol’s quality of life andpreserve a valuable asset for generations to come.
Let me present some background on the issue. The BristolBoard of Education closed the Memorial Boulevard School, as well as two otherschools, as of September 1^st of this year.  As chairman of the Building Committee, Ireceived many inquiries from Bristol taxpayers who felt that this building wasan important landmark in the city that must be maintained.  I decided to discover why so many peoplenamed this Rockwell creation on their must-save list. 
The Memorial Boulevard building is a gem that holds great promisefor our community.  The auditorium ofthis school is reminiscent of a New York City theater, with a 4.5-story flyspace above the stage.  This site has thepotential to house a variety of productions, from touring musicals and dramasto film, travelogue, and children’s theater. Professionals in the technical production industry, includingrepresentatives from the reconditioned Palace Theatre, recently toured theauditorium, and were struck by its many possibilities. They strongly feel thatthis unique facility should not be compromised, and have offeredrecommendations for its improvement and usage. 
The renovation of this space offers some excitingdevelopment opportunities. However, the greatest challenge would be funding. Asthe plan developed, conversations began with Chamber of Commerce PresidentMichael Nicastro, John Smith who as former Assistant Superintendent of Schoolshas vast knowledge of the building, Sean Taylor, businessman and Treasurer ofBristol Theater Arts, and others. They all agreed these theater improvementsand an arts program could be sustained using the rest of the Memorial Boulevardbuilding as an “economic engine” that would help pay for the auditoriumimprovement project. Under this plan, start-ups and arts-related businesseswill rent space at below-market rates. The building would need minimalreconfiguration, allowing existing building codes to prevail.
The Chamber of Commerce presented an outline of their planto the Building Committee, and the matter was turned over to the Real EstateCommittee.When the city put out an RFP (Request for proposal) for afuture use for the building, the Chamber of Commerce submitted its plan. As itturned out, it was the ONLY plan submitted.
The Real Estate Committee rejected the Chamber’s proposal,purportedly on the basis that there were “too many unanswered questions.”  This despite the fact that, at a specialmeeting arranged for the Chamber to answer the committee’s questions, therewere no questions asked.  Instead, thecommittee simply set another meeting so that municipal departments could comeforth and detail other uses they might have. 
By rejecting this proposal, the Real Estate Committee hasmissed an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the city ofBristol.  This plan would provide astate-of-the-art theater and art space for our community.  It would attract new businesses to the city,especially technology, media, and bio science companies. It would create moreactivity downtown and create momentum for development.  It would establish a cultural center for artsand community activities, providing entertainment that would enrich the livesof our citizens.
I urge our city leaders to reconsider this plan and to takethe following actions:

• Convene a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, as well as building and fire inspectors, to review the requirements for bringing the building up to code.
• Arrange a meeting between the Corporate Council and the Chamber to hammer out a time-sensitive lease agreement to protect the interests of both parties, with a measured result.
• Realize that government does not have all the answers. Engaging in a Private/Public partnership could be the best path to creating a vibrant Arts, Cultural and Business center.

This facility could be an enormous asset for our communityand for future generations.  At present,it is an empty building that costs the city a minimum of $10,000 per month tomaintain.
The Real Estate Committee has squandered an opportunity tomove Bristol development forward. We are left with another empty building, ourfourth, adding to the budget deficit, with no plan in sight.  
We have a chance to develop a unique space that will enhanceour community. Let’s not miss that opportunity again.
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Real estate panel explains its Memorial Boulevard School decision

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Members of the city's Real Estate Committee -- Councilors Kevin Fuller, Ken Cockayne and Eric Carlson -- issued this statement today about their rejection of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce proposal for the reuse of Memorial Boulevard School: 

The city's Real Estate Committee at work.

The Real Estate Committee would like to respond to theChambers comments on the rejection of the Memorial Boulevard Proposal. From theday we open the proposal we as a committee noticed that after the RFP went out,the wording was incorrect. We were looking for proposals that included leaseand or purchase. The purchase was not included. At the opening of the bidsthere was a group interested in a possible purchase but we decided to hear outthe Chambers plan. Some of the numbers that were put out by the chamber were alittle misleading, for example they work off the number of 153,000 to keep thebuilding running which is a number provided to us by the Board ofEducation.  If we do nothing then this iswhat it will cost the city. That number is what it cost when the school wasfull and the boilers were shut down to a lower temperature after 3 pm. Thenumber to have the building empty until we find the right fit is more along thelines of 25 thousand to 30 thousand. If we take the 24 thousand the Chamber planproposed that would leave the cities Burden of over 100 thousand a year for atleast 3 years if not more. In addition to that amount the unknown was a bigconcern to us, The city would be responsible for  any capitol repairs and that  would be on the taxpayers of Bristol. It wasthis committees feeling that this was too much to ask in these economic times.We feel that we needed to go back out to RFP to solicit a more detailedproposal that would included independant financing for the theater along with parking plans and ADA compliant plans that would bring it up to code fortheir use.  The Real Estate Committee hasoften gone back out to RFP when we felt that we were not completely satisfiedwith the response. In this case we felt that the financial impact to thetaxpayers was more than we were willing to take a chance on and decided toreissue the RFP with the inclusion of purchase.  The building as it standswill not be totally unused during this RFP process. We will continue to letgroups use the building and theatre for community functions and activities.  We would also like to say for the record thatduring each meeting that pertained to this RFP the committee DID ASK QUESTIONSconcerning the plan unlike being reported. We don't feel we missed a opportunitywe feel we are allowing opportunities for more response's to this Gem and weare not putting a larger burden on the taxpayers of Bristol.Councilman Fuller ChairmanCouncilman CockayneCouncilman Carlson  Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com