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Thursday, August 18, 2011

08/18/11 Come Join Greenwich Roundup's 2,300 Friends At Facebook

  • Greenwich Public Schools Release Guidelines for Student Lunch, Milk Programs

    School may not start for a couple of weeks, but parents should be aware of regulations for subsidized food programs.

    The Greenwich Public Schools has announced its policy for determining eligibility of children who may receive free or reduced price meals program.

    5 hours ago · · ·
  • RECENT ACTIVITY
  • In Greenwich there’s a common lament that mom and pop shops have gone the way of the dinosaur, but at Tod’s Point and Island Beach, the concessions have always been mom and pop operations. In fact, it’s probably more accurate to describe them as family businesses, employing moms, pops, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
    5 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        At Tod’s, husband-and-wife team Shawn and John Bartlik met 27 years ago when Shawn was in college and John was running the Island Beach stand.

        Shawn has been married to John for 17 years, runs the stand near the Queen Anne Building, while John runs the year-round stand just past the flagpole.

        At Island Beach, John’s brother William and his wife Christina run the single concession together.

        The Bartlik boys grew up with concessions work in their blood. They learned the gig from their parents, John Bartlik, Sr. and his wife, affectionately known as “Mrs. B,” who ran the main concession at Tod’s from 1959 until 1980.

        In fact, family experience spans 50 years, as various family members have run concessions along the Sound – from Oakland Beach at Rye Town Park, to Greenwich, Norwalk, Fairfield, and as far as Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.

        Though the Bartlik boys, now husbands and fathers themselves, share their upbringing, the flavor and customer base of their concessions are not so similar. Island Beach caters to the western Greenwich set, and in recent years many Hispanic families have joined the mix.

        William Bartlik’s wife of eight years, Christina, hails from Mexico City is handy, as she speaks Spanish and has added dishes such as chicken or steak quesadillas to the menu.

        While vendors make daily truck deliveries to Tod’s Point, they’re not inclined to deliver to Island Beach because doing so would mean traveling by boat. Instead, the couple lugs everything onto the first ferry of the morning. That may not sound too bad until you consider that at low tide, they’re pulling large coolers up a steep gangplank with a hand-cart.
        5 hours ago ·
  • ConnDOT Sets Public Hearings on Proposed Fare Hikes

    The department is looking to increase Metro-North ticket prices for Greenwich residents by more than 16 percent.

    Have an opinion on the fare increase proposed for Metro-North?
    5 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        A hearing is set for Tuesday, Aug. 23 at UConn Stamford's General Re Auditorium (1 University Pl.). Two sessions are scheduled, one from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and a second from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

        The possibility of fare increases was raised last month in a balanced budget proposal put forward by Gov. Dannel Malloy. That plan called for a 15 percent rise in Metro-North fares on the New Haven line.

        ConnDOT now puts the proposed hike at about 16.4 percent, followed by an additional 1 percent increase each Jan. 1 through 2018. The initial hike would take place on or after Nov. 1 of this year.

        ConnDOT has yet to publish complete fare tables for the proposed rail hikes.

        The hearings will also address possible service cuts and a 10 percent fare hike proposed for local bus systems across the state, including those serving the Greenwich / Stamford area.

        Under ConnDOT's plan, base fare would go from $1.25 to $1.35, senior and disabled fare would increase from $.60 to $.65, and ADA paratransit fare would rise from $2.50 to $2.70.
        5 hours ago ·
  • Spotlight On Greenwich Student Achievements

    A nod to Greenwich-area residents and their academic achievements ....
    5 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        Jonathan Harnett of Greenwich was among 588 students named to the spring semester Dean's List at Ohio Wesleyan University. Harnett also is a graduate of Greenwich High School.

        ***

        Everett Smith of Greenwich, graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University during its 167th commencement. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

        ***

        The following Greenwich students were among the 548 students awarded a degree at St. Lawrence University's Commencement ceremony, held on campus in Canton, NY:

        Brooke A. Maloney, of Greenwich and a graduate from Greenwich High School, and received a degree in History and minored in Educational Studies;

        William C. Calder earned a degree in Anthropology.

        ***

        Curry College Dean's List for the Spring 2011 term included Kate Noe, who also earned a bachelor of arts degree from the college in Milton, MA.

        ***

        The following area students graduated from Westminster School during the school's 123rd commencement ceremony held at the campus in Simsbury.

        Grant Kugler of Greenwich, magna cum laude, and

        Eliza Breed of Greenwich

        ***

        The spring semester Dean's List at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., has announced the Dean's List for the spring semester included Greenwich residents

        Kelly Re, and

        Robert Imbres.

        ***

        Kyle Bawot, a member of the Class of 2011 at Skidmore College, earned academic recognition.

        The son of John and Erica Bawot of Greenwich, Bawot earned a B.A. degree magna cum laude with honor in economics and was elected to membership in the college's Phi Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the national honor society that recognizes superior achievement in the liberal arts. He earned highest honors for academic work completed during the spring semester.

        Bawot was a member of Periclean, Skidmore's own academic honor society, and honor academic achievement. He also was a member of the Skidmore chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. Bawat also was a member of the Skidmore Honors Forum.

        ***

        The following students have been named to Dean's List at Western New England for the spring semester of 2011.

        They are:

        Brendan C. Lucas of Greenwich, a senior majoring in General Business;

        Thomas F. Daly, a senior majoring in Finance.
        5 hours ago ·
  • Don’t feel like breaking out the grill for some ground beef?

    Here are some five-star Greenwich Connecticut joints for burgers and other mouthwatering, all-American fare.
    6 hours ago · ·
    • Katie LaFrance likes this.
      • Greenwich Roundup
        Burgers, Shakes & Fries
        (302 Delavan Ave., Greenwich; 203-531-7433):

        Whether you go for veggie or beef patties, this Greenwich favorite won’t disappoint.

        The menu is short and basic, with standard and offbeat toppings from sliced tomato to fried eggs, and burgers are served on crispy toast in lieu of pillowy buns.

        The restaurant also carries an extensive shakes menu to wash it all down.

        ===========

        Moe’s Burger Joint
        (1340 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich; 203-990-0119):

        This cleverly named spot, a partnership between Greenwich residents Moe Gad and Eric Patterson, is as charming as it sounds.

        Burger toppings include crispy fried pickles, avocado and caramelized onions.

        Those who are burgered-out will be happy to know it serves hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches, too.

        ==========

        The Gingerman
        (64 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich; 203-861-6400):

        Though Gingerman isn’t a burger joint, but this Greenwich Avenue restaurant's turkey burger (which comes with avocado, pepper Jack cheese, lettuce and tomato).

        Other offerings include the lamb burger (which comes with feta and mint aoli) and of coarse the standard beef burger.
        6 hours ago ·
  • Aquarion to Replace Aging Water Lines in Glenville

    Aging iron pipes used by Aquarion Water Co. to supply customers in Glenville will be replaced in what is expected to be a monthlong project

    The water utility is working on plans to replace about 500 feet of 1930s-era iron pipe along Riversville Road, starting at the intersection with Glenville Road, and continuing north to the area of Glenville School.
    6 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        The project comes on the heels of two major water main breaks in less than two weeks. The first - on July 28 washed out the Glenville - Riversville intersection, closing it to all traffic for more than a day; a smaller break on Riversville Road also occurred that day.

        The main failed again on Aug. 6, leaving about 50 customers without water for about 8 hours.

        The cause of the original break hasn't been determined but utility officials have said the second main failure is believed to have been caused by the settling of dirt around the replacement pipe.

        During the construction one lane of traffic will remain open for the 29 day project.

        Aquarion plans to have its construction contractor conduct some of the work during overnight hours to minimize the impact on commercial and residential customers as well as the nearby Glenville School, as well as traffic.

        Waivers allowing the overnight work must be approved by the town's health department.

        Work will begin as soon as all approvals are granted.

        The utility has committed to the pipe replacement plan that will have ductile iron mains installed through the Glenville intersection, connecting to ductile iron mains installed in 2006 on Glenville road in both directions leading to the new pump station recently completed at the intersection of Glenville Road and Glenville Street.

        Aquarion estimated it will cost about $370 per foot to replace the old iron pipe.
        6 hours ago ·
  • There weren’t computers or soccer games years ago....

    While everyone from small children to seniors can be seen fishing in Greenwich, I have noticed a decline in young people taking an interest in the sport.

    Tod’s Point at Greenwich Point Park, and the pier at the end of Steamboat Road in Greenwich, are two popular fishing spots in town
    6 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        Striped bass, bluefish, fluke and sea bass are among the most popular fish in the area — and August through October can yield some exciting catches. In these months, the bonito and false albacore will come in from the ocean and can be found along the coast.

        Ecological challenges also are looming, posing a threat to future generations of anglers along Greenwich Connecticut’s coastline.

        A problem all of us have now is our water quality — it’s a lot of things, overpopulation, lawn care products, and chemicals from the roads.

        However, we’re not seeing the plankton we saw years ago.

        You have fish going out further into the Sound or leaving for the eastern part of the state.

        Still, there’s an optimism that draws anglers back to the Greenwich coast.

        Despite threats, setbacks, and bad days, there’s still that moment at the water’s edge.

        It’s the peacefulness of it and the challenge — doing it is relaxing, don’t get me wrong, it is work and the more you know, the more work it is trying to get everything right, but it’s also peaceful.
        6 hours ago · · 1 person
  • MEETING NOTICE

    The Greenwich Board of Selectmen will meet at 10:00 AM at Town Hall.
    6 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        The Board of Selectmen Office is the focal point of Greenwich town government. Along with its many responsibilities and duties, constituent contact with the public is an extremely important function of the day-to-day business of the Office.

        First Selectman: Peter Tesei
        Telephone: (203) 622-7710

        Selectman: David N. Theis
        Telephone: (203) 622-7714

        Selectman: Drew Marzullo
        Telephone: (203) 622-7706

        The Board of Selectmen alone appoints:

        Artificial Turf Working Group
        Cellular Communications Infrastructure Task Force
        Greenwich Community Television (GCTV) Committee - Channel 79
        Housing Authority
        Jury Committee
        Nominations Advisory Committee
        School Building Committees
        Shellfish Commission

        Boards and Commissions nominated by the Board of Selectmen and appointed by the RTM are:

        Alarm Appeals Board
        Board of Social Services
        Architectural Review Committee - Appointed by Planning and Zoning Commission
        Building Code Board of Standards and Appeals - Appointed by RTM or by Nomination of RTM Appointments Committee
        Board of Ethics
        Board of Health
        Commission on Aging
        Board of Parks and Recreation
        Historic District Commission
        Inland Wetlands and Watercourses
        Nathaniel Witherell Board
        Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals
        Planning and Zoning Commission
        Shellfish Commission

        The Selectmen's Office also supports and assists a variety of community interests, activities and organizations through proclamations, statements, appearances as well as active participation.

        This continues a long-established tradition of pro-active involvement by the First Selectman and Selectmen in all aspects of town life.
        6 hours ago ·
  • Two Thumbs Up For Paul Curtis

    Channel 79 isn't only channel 79 any more.

    Greenwich Community Television, the local government access channel, has expanded its broadcast reach to a second video provider. Verizon FiOS video service now carries GCTV programs on Verizon FiOS channel 24 as well as Cablevision channel 79.
    6 hours ago · ·
  • While most adults involved with the school system may be aware of that there is a teachers’ union, or Greenwich Education Association (GEA), few know much about the organization.
    7 hours ago · ·
      • George Leith THEY DO NOT CARE
        6 hours ago ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        GEA has been in existence since the 1950s and is a part of Connecticut Education Association (CEA) and National Education Association (NEA.) While GEA does not necessarily report to either as each local union is independent, the state and national organizations do provide legal services, support, resources and advise when necessary.

        GEA is led by Cathy Delehanty, who is entering her seventh year as president, having been re-elected for her fourth two-year term in May.

        The primary purpose of GEA is to protect teachers’ rights by representing them in meetings with administrators, provide support in evaluation reviews and to provide opportunities to improve practices through workshops and conferences.

        Currently there are about 860 FTE (full time employees) who are part of GEA, which is one of more than 160 local affiliates in Connecticut.

        In total there are 41,000 members in the state. A teacher can opt out of the union.

        Less than 1 percent of the teaching staff opts for this.

        Annual union dues are approximately $820 which includes state and
        national dues.

        The rest of the Officers of GEA are:

        First VP - Faith Sweeney of Hamilton Avenue School
        2nd VP - Ellen Murdock of Cos Cob School
        Secretary - Betsy Cragg from Julian Curtis
        Treasurer - Mary Zarra from Greenwich High School; Financial Secretary - Elaine Gencarelli of Hamilton Avenue School
        Professional Rights - Lillian Perone from GHS

        Ms. Perone has also has served as GEA President.

        With the recent attention being given to test scores, the impact and quality of teachers has come under scrutiny.

        Greenwich may has a high cost per pupil, but it does not translate into good test scores in the classroom.

        Greenwich has the funds and resources, but repeatedly fail national No Child Left Behind measures

        Core to meeting expectations is the support that teachers receive. Delehanty says that what teachers want is really very basic: fair pay, resources and support. One area of support is from administration and Delehanty says that “most administrators are willing to work with GEA to resolves issues. Central office respectfully deals with GEA concerns resulting in satisfactory resolutions.”

        The TEPL, or Teacher Evaluation Plan, is a process designed to demonstrate how well teachers are doing and how they may improve their practices.

        The TEPL, is also meant to alleviate concerns that the district is employing bad teachers.

        The process is continually refined and the district is about to start the third year of full implementation.

        Teachers are evaluated every year, every fourth year a teacher is required to present in a more in depth manner called their Unit of Study.

        Based on the results of TEPL, a teacher is given support
        in areas which need development or improvement.

        GEA has not taken a position on merit pay.

        The start of June saw the beginning of contract negotiations. This school year marks the third and final year of the current contract.

        The process has now entered the mediation phase and may soon go to the arbitration phase.

        While compensation will be central to that discussion, benefits also will be negotiated.

        It is not unusual to hear much talk about tenure, which is attained when a teacher has 40 consecutive months of service.

        In addition to support and representation, GEA also 'gives back' to the community. While teachers support the community, mostly through projects and initiatives at their individual schools, they also do so on a broader level through the GEA and the United Way.

        Most notable is GEA's Holiday Bear fundraiser for families and children in need.

        Holiday Bear is part of the Children's Education Foundation, a charitable nonprofit organization that provides a variety of educational services to the children and parents of needy families, and provides gifts to the youngsters.

        GEA works with the Greenwich Public School social workers spearheaded by Maryann Murray to identify the families.

        Through the generosity of teachers, on average 50 families are provided with gifts during the holiday season.
        6 hours ago ·
      • George Leith WHEN I WAS AT A MEETING I WAS TALKING TO FEW PARENTS I ASKED QUESTIONS MOST OF THEM ARE CLUELESS AND THATS SCARY ! AND IF I HAD A KID IN SCHOOL I WOULD BE SHAKING THE CAGE GETTING ANSWERS ! THE NO KID LEFT BEHIND IS A JOKE AND ALL OFF THIS IS JUST ABOUT MONEY AND POWER !!!!!
        6 hours ago ·
  • Greenwich Avenue Apple Store Robbed - Again

    About an hour before closing Sunday afternoon, a group of five teens snatched seven laptops from a display inside the Apple store on Greenwich Avenue.

    Five black teens ran in and grabbed varioius electronics and fled out of the store.
    7 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        The teens were able to make their way out of the store in less than a minute."

        The group fled to a car and left the area.

        The Greenwih Police Department does have a description of a vehicle that was parked in close proximity to the store.

        The Greenwich Police Department refused to release the description and has reviewed the video surveillance tape for more clues.

        However, the Surveillence video was of poor quality and has prevented Greenwich police detectives from identifying the suspects any further.

        A total of seven laptops with a value of $8,000 to $10,000 were taken.

        Marino also said detectives will be investigating "a similar incident at the Apple store in White Plains" that also happened Sunday.

        The incident is being treated as a felony grand larceny.

        According an Apple store employee, the group of men, described as being in their late teens, allegedly walked into the store and simultaneously ripped the security cables off.

        Sunday's incident is the latest in a series of events involving the popular store at 356 Greenwich Ave., since it opened in November 2009.

        Last Dec. 14, at least five burglars stole several thousands of dollars worth of electronics after smashing the front door.

        Video surveillance showed the group rushing into the store, grabbing several electronics, running back out, and jumping into a car.

        In April, the store was closed for more than a day after a cleaning crew ruptured a sprinkler head, flooding the store.

        Last week, local Greenwich merchants were very vocal with their opposition to Apple seeking permission to install a floor-to-ceiling steel security gate inside the windows of its store.
        7 hours ago ·
  • RECENT ACTIVITY
  • Greenwich hedge fund manager pleads guilty to insider trading

    Joseph "Chip" Skowron, 42, of Greenwich, a former manager of a hedge fund at FrontPoint Partners, pleaded guilty Monday in connection with his involvement in an insider trading scheme.

    online.wsj.com
    Joseph Chip Skowron III, a former hedge-fund manager at FrontPoint Partners, pleaded guilty to criminal charges that he used secret tips from a French doctor working on clinical drug trials to avoid millions of dollars in trading losses.
    7 hours ago · · ·
  • RIVERSIDE WOMAN CRASHES CAR AND FACES DWI CHARGE

    Karen Collins, a Riverside woman was arrested on a driving while intoxicated charge Aug. 12 following a motor vehicle accident in the 300 block of Riverside Avenue.
    7 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        According to a Greenwich Police report, 49 year old, Karen E. Collins of 55 Hidden Brook Rd., Riverside, also was charged with unsafe movement following the crash around 3:30 a.m. Friday.

        Ms. Collins is accused of having the odor of alcohol on her breath and person and failing sobriety tests.

        GREENWICH DRUNK SLEEPS IT OFF IN JAIL, BECAUSE
        SHE WAS NOT IMMEDIATELY ABLE TO MAKE BAIL

        Ms. Collins was held in lieu of $250 bond and scheduled to appear Aug. 26 in state Superior Court in Stamford.

        Police would did not provide further details of the DWI accident.

        Thank God No One Was Hurt
        7 hours ago ·
  • WTF is going on in Greenwich? Contaminated soil on high school grounds, burglaries and masturbation? I would expect that in my hometown of Des Moines, Iowa.......But Greenwich, CT?
    7 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup These Just The Minor Crimes .....

        You Should Read About What The Greenwich Bankers Did To The American Economy.

        "Steal a little and they throw you in jail
        Steal a lot and they make you king"
        - Bob Dylan
        7 hours ago ·
      • Adam J. Moraine REALLY? And these bankers are Greenwich residents?
        7 hours ago ·
      • Greenwich Roundup Many of them live here my friend.

        Greenwich is where the Billionaires, Multimillionaires pay a lower effective tax rate than the struggling middle class.

        That trillion dollar tax cut to the mega rich insures that the Town of Greenwich is only slightly effected by worse Republican recession since the Great Republican Depression.

        The Greenwich Police Department recently arrested a lady who shop lifted an $11,000 scarf from a local store called "Richards" on Greenwich Avenue.
        7 hours ago ·
      • Adam J. Moraine Unbelivable. I do remember reading about the NY socialite who shoplifted from Richard's on the Ave.
        7 hours ago ·
      • Adam J. Moraine Great to hear all is well in Greenwich. I would not expect anything less.LOL!
        7 hours ago · · 1 person
      • Adam J. Moraine I STILL hope to re-locate there sometime before I die. *SIGH*
        7 hours ago ·
      • Greenwich Roundup May I Recommend The Desert Eagle....

        Just In Case Things Get Ugly

        You Never Know When What's Left Of The Middle Class Starts Grabbing Pitch Forks And Torches And Moving Towards The Back Country Estates In Greenwich Connecticut Patrician

        "Welcome to the other side."

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXKLXt5Gjuo&feature=player_embedded
        gdata.youtube.com
        Tough Tennessee Watermelons meet their maker! .44 Magnum 250-grain Black Talons take them to the "other side."
        7 hours ago · ·
      • Adam J. Moraine Yikes! Doesn't the McMahon's, Diana Ross, Paul T. Jones and Edward Lampert all live in the Backcountry? Who will save them?
        7 hours ago ·
      • Greenwich Roundup You don't want to know the answer to that question.....

        If I told you about their secret plan to handle struggling Middle Class families that start grabbing pitch forks and torches, then they would have to kill you.
        6 hours ago ·
      • Adam J. Moraine LMBO!
        6 hours ago ·
  • Port Chester Masturbater Was Arrested In Greenwich And Then Jumped Bail

    A water sprinkler workman accused of masturbating near the shed of a home where he was working has been arrested on a charge he failed to appear in court on the original charge.
    8 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        BAIL JUMPER ONCE AGAIN LET OUT ON BAIL

        According to Greenwich Police reports, Luis E. Bautista-Contreras, 31, of 235 South Regent St., Port Chester, NY, was arrested Aug. 4 on a 2nd-degree failure to appear in court charge.

        He was released after posting $1,000 and was scheduled to appear Aug. 12 in state Superior Court in Stamford.

        Originally, Greenwich Police arrested Bautista-Contreras at 1 p.m. April 7 and charged with public indecency and breach of peace.

        A Brynwood Lane owner reported Bautista-Contreras, was masturbating near a shed on the property.

        He was released on $500 bond and scheduled to appear April 15 in state Superior Court in Stamford., on the original charges.
        7 hours ago ·
  • Greenwich Man Charged with Chickahominy Burglary

    A 33-year-old Greenwich man was arrested on burglary and larceny charges within hours of a theft of an X-box electronic game from an acquaintance.
    8 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        According to Greenwich Police Department reports the burglary and theft took place at a St. Roch Avenue residence, in the Chickahominy section of town, between 3 and 5 p.m., Aug. 15.

        Relatives of the resident obtained information implicating the suspect and police determined the game was sold to a pawn shop in Port Chester, NY.

        The Greenwich Police Department recovered the game.

        The suspect was identified as Sean M. Frangione, of 38 Alexander St., Greenwich, who was charged with 3rd-degree burglary and 6th-degree larceny.

        Frangione was released after posting $1,000 bond and scheduled to appear Aug. 22 in state Superior Court in Stamford.
        8 hours ago ·
  • RECENT ACTIVITY
  • Custodian Accused Of Stealing From Greenwich Town Hall Offices

    Diego Vallarino, a part-time custodian at Greenwich Town Hall has been arrested on larceny charges stemming from the theft of cash and gift cards from town hall offices.
    8 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        ‎37 year old Diego F. Vallarino of 85 Theordore Freumd Ave., Rye, NY, surrendered Tuesday to Greenwich Police who had obtained an arrest warrant.

        The thefts occurred during the last couple months, Marino said.

        Greenwich Police Capt. Mark Marino, detective division commander would not detail what offices in town hall were targeted.

        Town Hall employees said Mr. Vallarino had access to the entire building.

        THREE CHARGES AND A $1,000
        GET OUT OF JAIL BAIL BOND

        Mr. Vallarino is charged with one count of 5th-degree larceny and two counts of 6th-degree larceny.

        Fifth-degree larceny involves thefts of items worth $250 to $500; and less than $250 value for 6th-degee larceny.

        Town Hall custodial staff members said the thefts involved money or gift cards that were traced, but not recovered.

        Mr. Vallarino posted $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear Aug. 24 in state Superior Court in Stamford.

        TAX PAYERS DON"T HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW
        WHAT"S GOING ON AT TOWN HALL

        Information on Vallarino's employment status was not immediately available.

        The Town of Greenwich Human Resources Department said it could not verify any information about Diego Vallarino without his written permission.
        8 hours ago ·
  • Dangerous PCBs, Heavy Metals, And Other Contaminants Are Discovered At Greenwich High School

    Greenwich High School seniors who were hoping to exercise student parking privileges this fall are being told to take the bus or walk after PCBs, heavy metals, and other contaminants were discovered on the campus in July. All student parking has been suspended at the campus, parts of which remain cordoned off as cleanup is set to begin this week.
    8 hours ago · ·
      • Greenwich Roundup
        Student parking privileges suspended - contaminated soil at school building project reduces space available for staff, student parking.

        The list of complications caused by the discovery of contaminated soil at the auditorium construction site at Greenwich High School has grown longer.

        High school seniors who were expecting to exercise student parking privileges come Sept. 1 should plan on taking the bus - or walking, which ever is easier.

        School district officials announced late Tuesday afternoon that all student parking has been suspended until further notice.

        The parking lot where a majority of staff and students park has been quarantined federal officials after the discovery in July of PCBS, metals and other contaminants were found in excavated dirt.

        Subsequent tests also revealed the presence of contaminants in adjacent athletic fields - which also have been deemed off-limits.

        All of the areas are cordoned off by fences.

        The decision to limit parking access on the Hillside Road campus was announced in a letter e-mailed late Tuesday afternoon to parents by school headmaster Chris Winters.

        In his letter, Winters said, "At the GHS--MISA Building Committee meeting (Tuesday) morning, it was confirmed that the removal of the contaminated piles of dirt in the west (back) parking lot and the restoration of that lot for use will take at least 3 ‐ 4 weeks."

        Winters added, "Therefore, student parking will not be permitted until further notice. We are working on plans to ensure bus capacity and to enhance traffic control measures."

        The Greenwich Police Department will help control and direct the anticipated extra traffic from parents dropping off students.

        The district's director of school safety services, Tom Bobkowski also said that adjacent institutions including churches have been advised of the situation and that student parking will not be allowed.

        "Student cars on private property will be ticketed and towed at the car owner's expense.

        As it stands, about 423 spaces are needed for school personnel who will be allowed to park in the north and south lots of the school as well as along Hillside Road. Depending upon mandates by federal environmental officials, some space in the rear lot may be opened for parking as the cleanup progresses.

        Meanwhile, work to remove the piles of contaminated soil was expected to begin Wednesday,

        In his letter, Winters said that more test results and information on the situation, should be released by the end of the week.
        8 hours ago ·

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