LIVING IN STONINGTON BOROUGH
A GUIDE
INDEX
INTRODUCTION 3
HISTORICAL
INFORMATION 3
GOVERNMENT 4
ZONING 5
STREETS
& SIDEWALKS 6
PARKING 6
SNOWSTORM 7
SANITATION 7
·
TRASH
COLLECTION
·
SOLID
WASTE FACILITY
·
PETS
LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY 10
LIST OF OFFICIALS 12
Living in Stonington Borough
A Guide
Written by the "Living in
Stonington Borough, a guide" Committee, January 1998
Revised in 2000, and 2008.
Chartered in 1801, the Borough of Stonington
is the oldest Borough in Connecticut. It lies completely within the physical
boundaries of the Town of Stonington yet has its own governing body, the Board
of Warden & Burgesses, which is elected every two years in May. The Borough
also has its own Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
The Stonington Borough Fire Department is funded through the Borough budget and
officers are confirmed by the Board of Warden & Burgesses, yet it is an
independent entity composed of volunteers from the community.
Borough residents are also residents of the
Town of Stonington and are served by the Town police department, educational
system, registrar of vital statistics, land records, and more. The Town does not
maintain Borough streets but instead returns a portion of our town taxes to the
Borough. The Harbor Management Commission is a joint commission, ½ the members
appointed by the Town and ½ by the Borough.
The Borough maintains streets and parks and
provides collection of household garbage and recycling.
The Borough
Hall has a notice board where residents can find names and phone numbers of
officials, office hours, and meeting notices. Contact the Borough Clerk for
current copies of ordinances.
Additional notice boards can be found at Tom’s News Stand and at the
corner of Cutler Street and Elm Street by the Foot Bridge.
There was no known settlement on "Long
Point", as Stonington Borough was first known, until after 1753, when
Edward Denison bought land north and east of the "town landing"
from Elihu Chesebrough to build a wharf in the harbor so the farming community
could ship their goods to markets along the coast and to the Caribbean. Others
came to settle - merchants, sailors, and tradesmen - building houses along what
are now Main Street and Water Street. By 1762 the northernmost house in the
Borough was near the water, at Church Street.
In 1770, Oliver Smith bought the land
between Grand and High Streets, from Main Street west to the harbor, and began
to sell house lots. At the same time, Thomas Robinson, mariner, bought the land
north of High Street, from Main Street west to the harbor. This was mainly pasture
with a graveyard (Robinson Burying Ground) and a lane leading to it (now Gold
Street). He created house lots along High Street and built a wharf on the
harbor.
The map of 1827 shows the land south of
Diving Street as open space, known as "Windmill Pasture", and there
are a few houses on the "road to Westerly" (now Elm Street). The
community of 1827 supported a Baptist and a Congregational Church.
The coming of the railroad to Stonington in
the 1830's changed the topography: houses north of High Street on the square
were replaced by the Wadawanuck Hotel. Gold and Broad Streets were opened as
streets with houses, as was land bought by the railroad on Railroad Avenue (now
Denison Avenue) and along Elm Street.
More houses appeared on Trumbull Street,
housing workers in the Trumbull Factory, which opened in 1851. The Ash Rope
Walk was closed down and eventually became house lots. Zebulon Hancox began
building his houses after 1867 on Hancox Street.
By 1905, the Sanborn fire maps show the
Borough much as it is today.
The steamships and the railroad stopped
coming here in 1904, and many of the African-American community went elsewhere
to find work. The Portuguese fishermen, who first came to Stonington on whaling
ships, came in numbers after 1860, bringing their families, and settled in the
southern part of town. John F. Trumbull's factory and later the Atwood Machine
Company and the American Velvet Company attracted skilled machinists, many of
them German, just as the railroad had earlier brought the Irish to the
community.
Early land
records describe shared resources, especially wells on properties, which had
been subdivided. Recycling was accomplished through pigs and chickens. There
were no paved streets until 1924, but granite plinths were placed at the crosswalks
to protect ladies' skirts from the mud. The "good rooms" of the early
houses looked out on the street, and in the 1870's verandas were added. The
backs of the house lots were reserved for the privy and, if space, the
vegetable garden and orchard. Our social outlook has now changed. There is much
less visiting on the front stoop, verandas have been removed and back yard
privacy is the focus.
The governing body of the Borough of
Stonington is the Board of Warden and Burgesses, which is elected biennially in
May and meets on the third Monday of every month at 7:30 PM at the Borough
Hall. Commissioners are appointed by the Warden from among the Board members.
Currently, we have commissioners of fire, parks, police, public buildings, sanitation,
water, streets, street lighting, emergency management, communications, and
public affairs.
The Board of Warden & Burgesses has the
power to pass ordinances, which it must advertise and which may then be
appealed by the voters in accordance with procedures set forth in the Borough
Charter. The voters can also initiate an ordinance by petition.
The annual budget of the Borough is drafted
by the Board of Warden & Burgesses for public hearing the first week of
April. It is then submitted for approval by the voters at the Annual Borough
and Budget meeting the third week of April.
The Borough office is located in the Borough
Hall, which also houses the Highway Department, on 26 Church Street. There, you
may obtain copies of the charter and current ordinances, budgets and Zoning
Regulations. There is a charge for Zoning Regulations, to offset the cost of
printing.
Meeting agendas
are posted on the notice boards outside the Borough Hall, at Tom’s News Stand,
and at the corner of Cutler Street and Elm Street by the Foot Bridge.
The Planning & Zoning Commission plays
an important role in the life of Stonington Borough. Residents who have not yet
done so should take the time to become familiar with all current regulations
before beginning any modifications to their property.
This information can be found in the Planning
& Zoning Regulations, which may be reviewed at the Stonington Free
Library or purchased at the Borough Hall.
To further assist homeowners, architects,
and contractors, as well as the general public, the Zoning Enforcement Officer
is in the office during hours posted on the notice board at the Borough Hall.
Regular meetings of the Planning & Zoning Commission are held on the second
Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM at the Borough Hall.
It is important to note that borough
residences are frequently much closer together than they are in most other
communities. Because of this, respect for and adherence to all zoning
regulations is imperative if we are to maintain the quality of life we all
enjoy.
It is important
to remain aware of the intimate nature of the Borough. This is a blessing, in
that neighbors can enjoy frequent contact, however it imposes a responsibility
in that any resident's action may affect his or her neighbor. Accordingly,
please consider the effect on your neighbor when and if you install exterior
lighting or heat pumps or play music outdoors (or loudly indoors). Please be
considerate of your neighbors.
Property owners are responsible for
maintaining safe conditions on all sidewalks abutting their property. This
responsibility includes repairs to the surface. Before any such work is begun,
the Street Commissioner must be contacted. To ensure safe passage of
pedestrians, sidewalks should also be swept clean of debris and kept free of
obstructions. Homeowners must have snow and ice removed within twelve hours
after cessation of a storm. A path of at least two feet is required to maintain
a safe passage under these conditions.
Ball playing is not allowed on any street in
the Borough. A playground is available on Northwest Street near the Town Docks,
and ball fields are available at Trumbull Avenue. Use of these facilities is
encouraged. An area called Wimpfheimer Park has been developed at the eastern end
of Bayview Avenue. It is appropriate for picnicking and ball playing.
For more
specific regulations, please consult the Borough of Stonington Ordinances.
Most homes in the Borough do not have
garages. Consequently, Borough residents and visitors must rely on street
parking. The rules for specific streets are indicated through signage, and it
is important to know that no car may remain parked in the same spot on a public
street longer than 72 hours.
Public parking is also provided at Wayland's
Wharf, subject to the 72 hour limit. Nighttime parking at Wayland's Wharf
requires a permit, which residents may obtain from the Borough Clerk.
More detailed
parking information may be found in the Ordinances.
The ordinances define a "snowstorm"
as a snowfall in excess of two inches. At such time, Water Street, Main Street,
and Elm Street are designated snow emergency routes.
In the event of
a snowstorm, move all cars off Water Street, and keep one side of Main Street
and one side of Elm Street clear of cars. On even days of the month, cars may
be parked only on the side with even numbered addresses, whereas on odd days of
the month cars may be parked only on the side with odd numbered addresses. Once
the snowstorm is over, move cars off side streets so that these streets may be
plowed.
TRASH COLLECTION
The Town of Stonington provides for weekly
collection of household garbage and trash. At present, the time for collection
is Tuesday morning. Household garbage and trash must be placed in yellow bags
specifically designated by the Town for this purpose. Such bags are sold at
many local stores, and the cost goes to pay for collection and incineration of
garbage at Preston.
In order to discourage vermin, garbage must
be stored in such a manner that it is inaccessible to animals. Accordingly,
yellow bags awaiting collection must be kept in closed containers, except on
the day of collection, when bags can be placed at curbside after 6:00 A.M.
Together with garbage collection, the Borough
gathers recyclables. A list of the materials designated as recyclables is
available at the Borough Hall.
Recyclables are sorted by type (cans, plastic bottles, paper and
cardboard in another) and placed in any suitable container.
The Borough
collects garden debris on a monthly basis, currently the first Monday of the
month. Leaves may be placed loose in containers or in bags, and branches must
be tied in bundles light enough for one person to lift.
SOLID WASTE FACILITY
Located on Greenhaven Road, the solid waste
facility is available for use by residents of the Borough and Town of
Stonington. You can get a sticker by showing proof that your motor vehicle is
registered in the Town of Stonington. A temporary permit may be obtained at the
facility by presenting a mortgage statement or a rental bill.
The solid Waste
Facility accepts all materials which are collected curbside plus large bulky
items, tires, appliances, and construction and demolition debris. There is also
a "reusables" area at the Facility which accepts old books, clean
rags and clothes and scrap metals. These deposited materials are available for
use by other residents. For details please call the Solid Waste Office at the
Town Hall (860) 535-5099.
PETS
In addition to our human population, the
Borough is home to wonderful companion animals. Owners should observe a few
regulations to ensure their animals' safety and their welcome reception by
other residents.
a) Owners must clean up after their dogs,
and
b) dogs must be on leashes when not on their
owners' property.
Dogs wandering unattended may be reported to
animal control or to the police at 599-4411.
The Town of Stonington requires that all
dogs be licensed. Licenses are available from the Town Clerk.
Finally,
residents must realize that food for domestic animals, one's own pet, stray
animals, or any other needy creature should not be left outside. Such placement
serves as a magnet for attracting vermin. People should monitor bird feeders so
as not to attract rodents or skunks.
In case of EMERGENCY, dial
911
The Stonington Borough Fire Department
consists of four companies of volunteer fire fighters: Neptunes, Steamers,
Pioneers, and Fire Police. The Department is funded mainly through the Borough
budget, but the Department and the Companies also raise money independently for
special projects. At present, the Borough owns a ladder truck, two pumpers, and
a van. Fire fighters face a special challenge navigating the trucks through the
narrow streets of the Borough. The aim of many of the parking restrictions is
to guarantee access for the fire trucks, and side yards required in zoning
regulations provide workspace for fire fighters.
The Fire Department recommends noting the
alarm pull box nearest to your home.
The alarm horn,
audible throughout the Borough, indicates the location of a fire call and is
also sounded for general notification of conditions such as snow emergency or
no school.
OTHER EMERGENCIES
In the event of
an emergency which requires residents to leave the Borough, please follow the
routes indicated by the evacuation signs located throughout the Borough.
Residents are notified of such emergencies by an alarm sounding the signal
"7".
A property owner in the Borough of
Stonington pays taxes to both the Town of Stonington and the Borough. Taxable
property is divided into three categories. Real Estate & Land are assessed
by the Town Assessor according to a formula; Motor Vehicle values are furnished
by the State Department of Motor Vehicles; and Personal Property tax is based
on the value of business machinery, shop, and office equipment.
The value of property owned on the
assessment date, October 1, becomes the basis for calculating the tax due the
following July. The Borough mill rate is determined by the Board of Warden
& Burgesses, to fund the budget approved by Borough voters and taxpayers at
the Annual Meeting in the third week of April.
Taxes are due and payable without interest
from July 1 through July 31. Taxes unpaid after July 31 are subject to a 1½%
per month interest rate - minimum $2.00.
State regulations require that the tax
collector file liens in the Land Records for any Real Estate taxes unpaid at
the end of the tax year (June 30). The State Department of Motor Vehicles
mandates payment of delinquent taxes before renewal of registration or issuance
of a new registration.
The address for the Borough Tax Collector
is:
PO
Box 88
Stonington CT 06378
One of the delights of living in Stonington
Borough is enjoying the numerous parades and festivals held throughout the
year. The schedule is as follows: Our Lady of Fatima parade (last weekend in
May); the 4th of July Parade; the Blessing of the Fleet (last weekend in July);
the Village Fair (first weekend in August); the Feast of Isabella (first
weekend in September); the Fire Department Halloween Party; the Ecumenical
Thanksgiving Service (Thanksgiving Eve); Lighting of the Christmas Tree and
Christmas Walk (Friday evening in early December); and the Children's Christmas
party held at the Fire House.
Another unique aspect of living in the
Borough is the direct and immediate influence residents can exercise over local
government. Regular meetings of the Board of Warden & Burgesses are held
the third Monday of every month and provide an opportunity for public comment -
please come, please air your views. A series of budget meetings are held at the
end of March. Residents are invited to attend these meetings and express their
thoughts on municipal expenditures. Budget meetings culminate in April with the
Annual Borough & Budget Meeting. At that time, the upcoming budget is
reviewed and acted upon by the residents in attendance.
Beyond attending meetings, residents are
encouraged to join local government by running for election as Burgesses or as
Warden or by serving on governmental agencies such as the Planning & Zoning
Commission or the Zoning Board of Appeals. Please also consider involvement in
the numerous civic groups active in the Borough: the Historical Society, the
Village Improvement Association, the Stonington Free Library Association, the
Visiting Nurse Association, the Fire Department, the Stonington Ambulance
Corps, and the Stonington Community Center.
Please support local business. The Borough
merchants offer a wide variety of products and services such as gift stores
with a wide variety of merchandise, clothing stores, a gourmet store, an
interior decorating and furnishings store, antiques shops, a book store,
numerous restaurants, a newsstand, architectural services, and landscape design
services. What a treat to shop without the need of cars!
We trust this guide has introduced you to
both the benefits derived from and the responsibilities inherent in living in
Stonington Borough. Please make note of these amenities, which make our
community the pleasant place it is.
Regular meetings – Third Monday of the month at 7:30 P.M. at the Borough Hall
Warden: Donald R. Maranell 535-3314 Street Commissioner
35 Bayview Avenue
Burgesses: Scott D. Bates 535-3858 Emergency Mgmt, Police,
118 Water Street & Public Affairs Commissioner
Sarah E. Blair 535-0236 Parks & Trees Commissioner
18 Cutler Street
Jeffrey Callahan 535-9019 Public Buildings Commissioner
14 Wall Street callahan14wall@sbcglobal.net
Kathryn Nason Burchenal 535-3202 Utilities & Sanitation Commissioner
41 Main Street
Edward A. McCreary 535-3435 Street Lights, Sidewalks, &
22 Diving Street Communications Commissioner
Robert Scala 535-3700 Fire Commissioner
35 Orchard Street
Administrative Assistant (P.O. Box 328) PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Barbara J. Perry 535-1298 (P.O. Box 95)
boroughstonington@snet.net Regular meetings - Second Tuesday Chairman: Donald Vail 535-8030
21 Main Street
Clerk-Treasurer (P.O. Box 328)
Frederick J. Souza 535-1298
Tax Collector (P.O. Box 88)
Thomas D. Sanford 535-1298 ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
boroughstonington@snet.net (P.O. Box 95)
Regular meetings - Third Thursday
Assessor
Barbara J. Perry Chairman: Robert Montgomery 535-0680
535-1298 68 Main Street
Highway Garage 535-2127 Zoning Officer: David Atkinson