The Plainville
Cit itiz ize en
Volume 9, Number 38
Plainville’s Only Weekly Newspaper
Thursday, September 23, 2010
New chief gets attuned to police force and community By Robin Lee Michel The Plainville Citizen
Looking at Matthew Catania, Plainville’s new police chief, at the Sept. 16 reception held in his honor at the public library, residents could get the impression he just won the lottery: He never stops smiling. They would be incorrect. Catania said he’s just an enthusiastic person who is excited about his new job, getting to know his fellow police officers and meeting people in the community. The new chief follows Chief Daniel Coppinger who retired late in 2009. Plainville Police Capt. Peter Costanzo served as interim police chief until Catania was hired. He was sworn in on Aug. 2. Before he took the top police position in town, Cata-
nia served as captain of the Simsbury Police Department where he had worked since 1985. He applied for the Plainville position because he felt he had accomplished all he could in Simsbury and wanted to serve as chief of a department. Before he was officially hired by the Plainville Town Council, Catania, 50, said he was interested in the community because of its similarities to Simsbury. Although Plainville is only 9.8 square miles and Simsbury is 34.5 square miles, there are 35 people in each police department. But to him, most importantly, is the fact “there are people who care about the community.” To get to know those who serve on the Plainville force, he has an open door policy and encourages officers to come talk to him about what
Citizen photo by Robin Lee Michel
Andrea Saunders, a member of the Plainville Board of Education, left, discusses local issues with Plainville Police Chief Matthew Catania at an evening reception held Sept. 16 at the Plainville Public Library. they would like to accomplish personally in their profession and would like to see
Basement fire Citizen photo by Robin Lee Michel
House siding sits in a pile on Sept. 21 after firefighters ripped it off to access a fire in the basement of the home located at 46 Shuttle Meadow Road. The house sustained soot and water damage. A cat was rescued from the home and no one was injured.
Council business covers much territory By Robin Lee Michel The Plainville Citizen
A new bakery in town is making many hungry customers happy. However, residents who live on Grant Street near Mozzicato’s Bakery, located at 125 New Britain Ave. (Route 372), are not enticed by cannolis and cookie trays; they are worried about the cars and trucks parked on the street, even on lawns and near
driveways, creating a traffic hazard. Relatives of town councilor Phil Cox Jr. told the Plainville Town Council about their woes during the citizens forum portion of Monday night’s meeting. Phil Cox Sr., father, and Darlene Cox, sister, said driving has become “a nightmare.” In addition, noise generated by the freezer at the business is exceeding the allowed decibel level of 45 dB at night
and 55 dB during the day. Even when he retreats to the farthest corner of the house, he is able to hear the annoying sound, Cox Sr. said. On the 1.4-acre site, Mozzicato’s Bakery occupies about half of the 5,000 square foot building and plans to lease two additional storefronts. “Where will those people park?” Darlene Cox asked. Town Manager Robert E. See Council, page 7
in the department. Several have told him they would like to pursue further profes-
sional training, get more involved in outreach programs and see positive, constructive change. He strives to engage them in dialogue so they can know each other better, create a more cohesive department and improve the police image in the community. “I have a young department that is looking for professional development,” he said. What officers and residents see is who he is, Catania said. “I’m a very transparent guy. I tell you how I feel, it is the way I am.” He has also walked downtown numerous times to speak to people on the streets and visited businesses. Some people approached him while others didn’t have an interest in chatting. It was
See Chief, page 34
Plainville: a happenin’ destination on Sept. 25 By Robin Lee Michel The Plainville Citizen There’s an old adage thought to have originated in New England: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” This Saturday in Plainville, if people don’t like one special event, there are three others to go to. For various reasons, four major events are planned including the annual downtown block party, firehouse open house, Plainville “FUNd” Day and Pequabuck River cleanup. Organizers of the events have different opinions on why or how the happenings ended up being scheduled for the same day. The downtown block party
is a Plainville tradition that will be held from 5 to 10 p.m., primarily on Whiting Street. Sgt. Charles Smedick, of the Plainville Police Department, serves on the organization committee with Jo Moreno, of Elite Gifts, Maureen Saverick, of the Plainville Chamber of Commerce, and other business owners. Smedick said he doesn’t think it matters Saturday will be chock-full of activities because families can participate in all of them. If people come down for the open house at fire headquarters, located at 77 W. Main St., they can stay in the area to attend the block party.
See Events, page 18