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Showing posts from September, 2022

Enfield considers charter changes that could reshape its political landscape

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Charter Revision Commission meeting last week Enfield’s Charter Revision Commission met Thursday for its first in-depth workshop, generating a long list of proposals that could significantly alter how the town governs itself. Ideas ranged from switching to a two-year budget cycle, allowing a budget referendum, and compensating elected officials, or even shifting to a mayoral form of government. Other proposals included banning profanity on signs, locking non-governmental flag restrictions into the Charter, and changes such ending council districts. The meeting was structured as a pitch session, with each commission member suggesting topics for future discussion. In-depth discussions are to take place at subsequent meetings. While many proposals are unlikely to move forward—either because of insufficient support or legal concerns raised by the Town Attorney—the meeting highlighted potential flashpoints for what promises to be a spirited Charter revision process. Mayor Nelson’s Proposals...

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...