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Showing posts from September, 2022

Why I want Enfield’s old schools torn down, not renovated

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  Water-stained ceiling tiles in an office at Hazardville Memorial School I've been researching hazardous materials in Enfield's elementary schools and reading the inspection reports that federal law requires. Every school with asbestos must get a full inspection every three years and a check every six months. Enfield's last full inspection was in 2024. The last six-month check was in June. I went to the school department and looked at the records to gain a better understanding of what's involved. I did not realize, until I looked at the material, how much effort the school system has to take to ensure the children are safe. I'm planning to write something in greater detail, but for now the opposition has to understand the real implications of a "no" vote. Asbestos may sit in old floor tile and glue, pipe insulation and ceiling material. Asbestos materials that are sealed or in good condition do not put fibers in the air. They become a problem when they ar...

Enfield's pedestrian neglect

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Where the sidewalk ends at Cranbrook My car broke down, and I had it towed to the new AAA auto repair shop on Hazard Avenue. It meant walking back home, a different way to experience Enfield.  No crosswalk at Palomba and Cranbrook To get to my home off Raffia, I walked from the AAA garage to Cranbrook Blvd. to reach the Big Y and pick something up. Only one side of Cranbrook has sidewalks in front of some businesses but not others. The sidewalk ends abruptly before Palomba Dr., covered by an overgrowth once marked by torn yellow caution tape.  There is no crosswalk at the four-way stop at Palomba Drive. Why is that? When I felt it was my turn to cross safely, I held my hand to ensure the drivers were paying attention.  Palomba has a sidewalk, but it ends (or starts) at Cranbrook, meaning you need to walk through the shopping center's parking lot (The one with Anthony's and Smyths Ice Cream Shop) to get to Hazard.  Pedestrian use is an afterthought in the commercial d...