The North Haven
Cit iz izen en Your Town, Your News
Volume 4, Number 28
Future scientists experiment at Ridge Road
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Friday, July 10, 2009
Empty buildings litter Washington Avenue Small shops remain empty while mega stores on Universal Drive thrive By Kyle Swartz The North Haven Citizen
Photos courtesy of Ridge Road School
Christopher Hansen, a student at Ridge Road Elementary School, participated in various scientific experiments under the guidance of Dr. Luigi Frunzio and Dr. Michael Rooks, of the Yale Institute for Nanoscience and Quantum Engineering. For more photos see page 20.
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It was Universal Drive. It was Washington Avenue. As the country’s economy stagnates, consumers are increasingly eschewing locally-owned shops for chain stores in an attempt to save money. Buoyed by this trend, Universal Drive continues to erect brand name stores, while largely non-corporate Washington Avenue is seeing an increase in “For Rent” signs and unoccupied properties. “I’ve been doing this for years, and this is the worst I have ever seen it,” said Washington Avenue property owner Jim Diglio. “The market is no good.” Diglio owns the 5th Avenue Plaza lot at 460 Washington Ave., which contains his tailor business, the North Haven Citizen’s office, a small retail store, and two empty shops. In what is becoming emblematic of Washington Avenue, remnants of the dormant properties’ past
businesses still litter the locations – signs adorning the storefronts read “Fifth Avenue Academy” and “NU Life Cleaners.” A dusty receptionist desk and a basket of magazines remain untouched on one side of Fifth Avenue Academy, while hair drying and barber chairs amass haphazardly on another. Stickers on the cleaner’s window advertise “shirts,” “wedding gowns,” and “24-hour drop off.” A sign propped up in Fifth Avenue Academy’s front window reads “For Rent,” and lists Diglio’s number. “There have been a lot of people calling, but nobody serious,” he said. “A lot of lookers.” Diglio said that both properties have been unused for six to seven months apiece. Between 144 and 146 Washington Ave., a number of empty shops in Dell’oro Plaza are closed off. Isabel’s Secret Closet, a consignment boutique inside a deteriorating house, is boarded up along the first floor. Loose
See Empty, page 18
Freda calls for independent investigation
Residents sound off on CHRO complaint at BOS meeting By Kyle Swartz The North Haven Citizen
As one legal matter facing North Haven quickly nears its court date, another is still in the early stages and eliciting sentiments from local politicians. A motion made by Selectman Michael Freda for an independent investigation into the retaliation and civil
rights violations allegations made against Town Hall failed June 2 at the Board of Selectmen meeting. The motion came as Town Hall prepares a response to accusations made by former First Selectman’s office employee Leigh Gomez, filed through the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. Gomez, an African Ameri-
can, lost her town job on July 1, and is claiming that the means of her removal involved race and false promises of new employment. Freda, concerned that the allegations involved Town Hall in general, desired an independent audit to “protect the town” and prevent similar situations from ocSee Selectmen, page 9
Inside Business ......................8 Calendar ....................13 Faith ...........................10 Letters ........................15 Marketplace ..............26 Obituaries ...................11 Opinion.......................14 Pets ............................25 Seniors .......................12 Sports.........................21
Reader poll Do you think the town should undergo an independent investigation into the CHRO complaint? Voice your opinion at www.northhavencitizen.com