A Baker's Dozen (of Years)

The more things change the more they remain the same. That's a truism because it's the truth. This is the very first scribbling I offered in this space a dozen years ago today and while the geography addressed in it has changed the underlying issues driving the discussion have not (at least to me). 

At the time I was channeling Dr. Seuss and called it:

And To Think That I Saw It on Norwich's Streets

Driving past Washington Street this morning, it looks a good growth industry might be the hardware business; selling neighbors large plywood sheets and paints so they can erect signs to yell at one another on the issue of spot zoning.

New signs insisting on the right to do with their property what they wish, possibly from those who've sold options to developers, angry at 'the select few' (as their sign says) who insist this commercial endeavor be turned away.

Another sign boasts about the increase in tax revenues and the additional (service) jobs a new mini-sprawl, I meant mini-mall, will bring to Norwich (even though the pharmacy hailed as 'new' will be the existing one from across town and right around the corner from the one my family uses now).

Jobs, much like Einstein's matter, can neither be created nor destroyed, at least in development models. If we take six inches from the front of the blanket and put it on the back, the blanket is NOT a foot longer no matter how long the PowerPoint presentation to the contrary.

Everyone's signs ignore or seem to, our continuing inability to look ahead and plan accordingly. When you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there in much the same way as every book is a mystery if you never finish reading it.

Right now, most of us think any movement, even the circles in which we are continuing to turn, is the same thing as direction. Most don't know the difference between smart growth and economic development (all ducks ARE birds but not all birds are ducks) and until we learn that, we're fated to waste a lot of time thinking we're having a contest between 'property rights' and 'NIMBY' when that's not really what this is about.

Meanwhile, those whose agenda is not and will NEVER be that of advancement and enhancement of Norwich will prosper while residents remain reactive instead of proactive.
-bill kenny

In 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue

And I, for one, think it was very thoughtful of him to land on a Monday so we could have a three-day weekend and some smokin' mall sales. Talk about as 'economic stimulus package' (that's what we, here in CT, call a giant plastic bag with redeemable for the nickel deposit water bottles. We are so Livin' Large here in The Nutmeg State.). 

In keeping with the holiday today I'm headed to the port of New London to keep an eye peeled for any ocean-going Serta Perfect Sleeper mattresses which, I'm led to believe, Chris was sailing on as journeyed from the Olde World to this one. 

-bill kenny

Flat Earth Membership Cards Honored Here

When we were kids, today, October 12th was Columbus Day and it was a big deal. In New York City the Department of Public (almost dropped the L off that; awkward) Works used to paint the white line on Fifth Avenue purple for the annual parade that was always held on October 12. In light of so much more I, as a man now know that as a boy of twelve I didn't about the Rape of Paradise which ensued after Columbus' arrival, I think perhaps blood-red might have been a better choice of colors. 

When I was a kid, all I ever cared about was the day off, just like kids across the country. We all recited the rhyme because that's how we knew what we did know about Columbus and since there wasn't a snappy couplet about genocide we didn't hear anything about that aspect of discovering the New World (I also don't remember the Arakawa natives part but some of the little gray cells have had some rough days).

Looking at the world as it is and how all settlement and civilization has developed, I'm not sure it's just Old Chris we should be putting in the defendant's dock and charging. I'm thinking a look in the mirror, as well as a glance out a window, might increase our catch significantly.

And compounding the cacophony of facts clashing with opinions is the realization that not only did Columbus not discover the New  World, but he also wasn't the first anything anywhere. We've spent hundreds of years observing a historical event that is neither historic nor actual. Sort of like being the second runner-up in a three-legged race.

And now, as sure as it's the dot on the "i" on the upcoming Monday holiday, we have another excuse (and sales opportunity) to buy bedding or is that just me watching a steady stream of TV ads over the last couple of days? I'm not sure there's any more of a connection between Captain Chris to a Serta than there was to India from Bermuda back in the day. 

Speaking of which, you have to cross an ocean from a basement warehouse at Bertramstrasse 6 in Frankfurt am Main to get to a certain city in Ohio. All I know for sure is such a journey can take decades and cost you more than you ever believed you could pay when you first started as both Chris H and I can attest. 
But it's worth every penny, for your thoughts and otherwise.        
-bill kenny

I Wish to Amend My Previous Lament

Earlier this week I somewhat wistfully observed the very low water levels of the Yantic River at one of my favorite places to pause and refresh in Norwich, the Uncas Leap at Lower Falls.

Seemingly within minutes of my posting my complaint to the world or as much of it as cares to read what I post, the heavens clouded up, the skies darkened and rain, sometimes softly, other times haltingly and at yet other times alternating between a drizzle and a drowning started and continued through yesterday afternoon.

I'm not complaining about the results as reflected in the Lower Falls. Not me.
-bill kenny

Where Did He Have the Money?

After what feels like many years without rainfall (I just received my hyperbole booster shot and it may have already kicked in), we're sitting in some genuine (and desperately needed if not always appreciated) rain here in Southeastern Connecticut. 

I hate grey days and search frantically for points of light and I think I found one, right here. 

So I'm guessing not every fireman needs to wear red suspenders to keep their pants up, especially if they're not wearing any.
-bill kenny

Pizza Cake

I may not be able to tell fortunes like Bruce Springsteen's Madam Marie could, but I predict you can have pizza for dinner next Wednesday evening at Foundry 66 with the City of Norwich's Planning and Neighborhood Services Department if you take part in "A Community Conversation."

The pizza (from 6 to 7:30 PM) is very nearly free-but you will need to share your thoughts and ideas about zoning, be it downtown or wherever it is you live in Norwich with the city's Planning and Zoning Staff. I know, you're pretending to be unsure if you have anything to share but let's be honest, we all have opinions and ideas on the manner and method by which we've been developing the blueprint of the ongoing reinvention of our city. 

When it comes to explaining what we want Norwich to look like both to one another and for those whom we hope to attract to join us here, both zoning maps and text (for ordinances and/or amendments) are really a combination of the Rosetta Stone and a Swiss Army Knife when it comes to creating and developing the language to define us in the years ahead. 

Walk down Broadway and admire the efforts of energetic entrepreneurs who are working hand in glove with a variety of staff from various city agencies and then walk the length of Main Street, in both directions to see how far along that revitalization has come (and how much is yet to begin). Big things, if I read the same newspaper you do, are around the corner, literally and figuratively for Franklin Square. But…

The saying goes, "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted," and I believe we already have all the experience we need to finish rebuilding the Chelsea District and our entire city. Energy and engagement along with a double dollop of hope are essential but none of them, by themselves or together, is a plan and a plan is what we’re being asked to help with. 

This is our moment next Wednesday evening. Of course, bring your appetite but make sure to bring your ears and an open mind to listen and evaluate what we each share with one another as well as the Planning and Zoning Staff and make sure your thoughts are reflected in the plans that will be developed after all the pizza is gone. 

Don't hold back. We need to be relentlessly honest with one another and to speak in clear, unambiguous language that doesn't need a decoder ring or subtitles. Where yes and no are clearly understood. Perhaps most importantly we need to agree that it's okay to disagree without becoming disagreeable. 

We should collaborate to create from the very best individual suggestions and ideas even better communal ideals to drive us forward together. I love a quote from Henry Ford who made quite a name for himself by improving ideas who said,  "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." 

Make sure to share a pizza your mind next Wednesday night.

-bill kenny

Dog Day Afternoon

Driving home yesterday on Washington Street I saw a lady walking with two dogs-one barely a dog at all, in terms of carbon footprint while the other looked like a Great Dane crossed with a Brick House. I flashed on that expression always attributed to people from the South about 'it's not the size of the dog in a fight but the size of the fight in the dog.' while looking at the pair take their mistress for a pull.

She had her hands full. The big one, whom I named Lenny, was slow and plodding just taking it all in. The tiny one, George, was pushing to get ahead and move on--possibly not even sure where he was heading, but making great time while doing it. He barked at every falling leaf as Lenny moved seemingly in slow-motion while we were back up in the booth reviewing the replay.

It was entirely possible that one of Lenny's umm, movements (quick save on my part) would probably weigh more than George with his leash and collar on and from the distance that George kept from Lenny it seemed, perhaps, he had come to the same realization. A chopped Honda with a rear spoiler, because that's what keeps the rear wheels on the ground when the nitro kicks in on the 1.8-liter engine, went Humpty-bumpy down Washington, windows wide open, the driver sharing his music with the world.

The microscopic rep from the Canine Kingdom was the first to voice his displeasure, I suspect because the bass was so overdriven (cracks seemed to appear in the sidewalk and birds and bugs were plummeting stone deaf and dead to earth) it was probably painful for such sensitive ears. George, as befit his size, actually sounded like a squeak toy as he registered his protest.

Lenny, on the other paw, seemed at first to not notice or mind, as he plodded on oblivious to the SOHC of the Apocalypse heading in his direction, boom chakalaka boom. When the Honda could have been no more than ten feet from him, Lenny let out a HUGE bellow, the force of which may have actually slowed the Honda down and stepped into the street, dragging his dog-walking companion with him.

The Honda hot rod stood on the brakes, at least as good as his subwoofers, and Lenny stood on his back legs with his front paws on the car's hood and howled in a piteously pathetic tone that simultaneously told you he was hurting and promised he wouldn't be in pain alone for much longer. Even I, who have difficulty telling which end of the dog to pet and which not to, knew there was no translation needed from the Dog Whisperer.

The driver fell out, more than exited from, the car, frantic that he'd hit the dog. He should have had such luck, instead, he had the animal's fullest attention. The woman was struggling to control George who was doing that small dog classic barking while straining on the leash routine that translates as 'let me at him and I'll murder the bum!'

Meanwhile, woebegone Lenny yelped for relief from forces he could not perceive. Eventually, the driver realized the sound system was the culprit and turned it all a tick to the left of eleven, the dogs quieted down and he got back into his ride. I drove past all of it just as George, always quick to hold a grudge I suspect, christened the guy's front tire. I figured as angry as he'll be about that later, he should be grateful Lenny hadn't followed George's lead.
-bill kenny