Old Greenwich Association Annual Meeting Features Hot Button Topics

The Old Greenwich Association is finally having it’s rain-delayed 2012 Annual Meeting this coming Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30pm (doors open at 7) at First Congregational Church in OG. What with hurricanes, super storms and power outages this past fall and winter, springtime could not come soon enough for residents. In fact, it’s safe to say that every resident has been either directly affected by, or knows someone who was impacted by these challenges. But this is home, and as we’ve proven far too many times this past year, we will all pull together for each other. So two topics will be featured at this meeting, both of which are going to have a tremendous impact on our community in the near future.

Train Bridges

As many have heard, the Metro-North train bridge rebuilding project is scheduled to begin soon, with new bridges being installed over both Sound Beach Avenue and Tomac Avenue. The OGA board has been working closely with the state and the Department of Transportation to ensure that all our concerns and needs are addressed, and freshman state representative Steve Walko will be joining us to update everyone on where this project stands and what it means for the community.

Old Greenwich is just now seeing a resurgence in businesses moving into previously empty storefronts, so of course the question on so many minds is, “how will this affect business?” And getting to school? And what will it mean for the normally congested beach traffic? And what residents will be affected by night work? And so on, and on. 

New Flood Zones

You may not have heard much about this yet, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency is rewriting the local flood zone maps and if you live in Old Greenwich you are either immediately affected or you are one degree of separation away from knowing someone who is. Storms are becoming more violent and more frequent, and so FEMA and the insurance industry are making changes. Many unsuspecting folks who believe their homes are in compliance with the standards for flood insurance will find later this year they are not, and without sounding overly dramatic, this is going to change everything.

Town conservation director Denise Savageau will be on hand to speak about this topic and answer questions. I would suggest that everyone in Old Greenwich visit the FEMA information on the Planning & Zoning page of greenwichct.org to learn more, and them come to hear Denise and ask questions. As of now, more than 450 properties in Old Greenwich alone are about to have their base flood level elevations changed, and this will impact how you can build on your property, what is it worth when you try to sell, and so much more.

The Old Greenwich Association

In 2012, when sewage was spilling into Binney Park, your Old Greenwich Association worked with the town to get this addressed and cleaned up. We worked with the Riverside Association to bring you a presentation on how to protect yourself from identity theft. The board helped residents and merchants in need during the storms, and contributed financially to the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department who spent so much to help us all. But the strength of our organization is always in our membership.

For nearly 50 years, that strength has allowed us to work behind the scenes on issues that positively affect our quality of life.  When we sit down with town or state officials, it’s a powerful thing to say we speak for a majority of families in town, not just many of them. Your membership and donations allow us to support other individuals and organizations, which provide valuable services and contributions to our community, and to make sure your voice is heard. Become a member by visiting the OGA website at www.oldgreenwich.org.  At the website, you will also find “all things Old Greenwich” and you can state your concerns on issues important to you.   

But don’t forget to join us at the Annual Meeting. Come early to meet your neighbors over coffee, learn what’s going on in town, vote for the 2013 OGA board, and maybe even take a role in shaping our future. We’ll see you there.