Public Hearing

Council Chambers – Town Hall

August 6, 2001

Approved Minutes

The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:18 p.m.

Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council member Ristas, Council member Simon, and Council member Trinks.

Mayor Hogan read the ordinance. Copies of the full text of the ordinance are on file at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Public Comment:

Mr. Ray Coppola, 72 Wilton Road, commented on the skate park and the concern that there may not be a permanent skate park. He appreciates that the due diligence has been completed. He encouraged the Council not to react and make a quick decision to not proceed with the skate park. He is confident that there is a high interest in skateboarding and the sport is here to stay. He requested that the supporters of the park come forward and show their support of the skate park to the Council.

Dr. Robert Gange, 21 Bayberry Circle, addressed the Council about the skate park. Skate boarding has increased over tennis at a 5:1 ratio. Enfield has just opened two skate parks. They converted two tennis courts to skate parks. They enrolled over 300 kids for skateboarding last month. It is in his opinion that our park is basic and that is why enrollment hasn’t increased over the past year. He offered the Youth Commission to undertake a study to see what kind of modifications to make for the skate park. He encouraged the Council to keep the skate park.

Ms. Cathleen Moreton, 3 Pleasant Street, reported on the Skate Park. She is a member of the Friends of Windsor Skate Park and also the President of the Windsor Youth Commission. The skate park was created through a community effort. The park met a need in Windsor that was identified and she believes that the need still exists.

Mr. Bill Warner-Prouty, 50 Ford Road, reported on a New York Times front-page article of trends in youth sports and equipment being sold. The trend was a considerable increase in the purchase of skate equipment, which would justify the sports popularity.

Mr. Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, noted that every time there is a proposed recreational or educational project, cuts are discussed. He said that one tennis court was cut and also mentioned was a cut for the proposed improvements for the skate park. He believes that this is a worthy project that deserves funding.

The Public Hearing adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

cc: Town Clerk

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