By Ben Rayner
Sound Senior Staff Writer
While national elections (and the national economic crisis) dominated TV screens in 2008, folks in North Branford were accomplished quite a bit in their own community.
A resolution was reached on the Schanz Farm development and long-awaited library renovation projects began at the Smith branch; construction is expected to be completed any day, with the Atwater project gearing up this spring. The North Branford Intermediate School project will also near its final stages in 2009.
January
Farmers in town received state incentives to enhance agricultural opportunities. These important grants were all the more critical in light of the economic downturn.
The town chose an interim town manager after long-time and much-respected Town Manager Karl Kilduff left for another position. Michael Paulhus was selected and held the reins until the permanent replacement was selected.
February
The new Big Y opened on Rte 80 in town. Despite more recent rumors that the grocery giant would be closing its doors, company officials said the store is doing well and here to stay.
The town received much-needed funds for school security from Hartford. The grant of more than $53,000 helped schools get reimbursed for surveillance systems and entry buzzers.
March
Debate began over a proposed subdivision on the Schanz farm property. For more than 10 years the owners have attempted to obtain approval for some type of development on the 64-acre site. A 34-unit project was eventually approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
The Smith library renovation project picked up steam after a few minor delays. The long awaited project neared completion at the end of the year and Hartford announced a million dollar grant for the Atwater renovation.
The much-loved and historic Northford Market burned down on March 16 due to an electrical malfunction. No word yet on if the business will return.
April
Opposition to the Schanz Farm project began to swell as developers attempted to convince town officials that its proposal would not adversely affect the Farm River.
New Town Manager Richard Branigan was thrust into the hot seat as budget season began in earnest.
May
An arrest was made in the assault of an 82-year-old North Branford woman. DNA evidence conclusively linked 49-year-old, Joseph Von Britton to the attack on his landlord on April 27.
The Totoket Historical Society installed a weathervane atop the Gordon Miller Barn in honor of long-time agricultural ambassador Dudley Harrison.
June
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Wolfe announced his retirement. Although Wolfe presided over several contentious issues, allegations of systemic grade tampering were found to be baseless by an investigation of the State Attorney General’s Office.
The Intermediate School renovations picked up momentum as the school year reached a conclusion. The project is still under budget and on schedule for a 2010 completion.
Graduation day was safe and fun as awareness campaigns and supervised events were given priority.
July
A 30-unit subdivision was given approval by the Inland Wetlands Agency on the 64-Schanz Farm property. Opponents wanted more limits, but the project will move forward.
August
The seventh annual Baked Potato and Roasted Corn Festival was the biggest and best ever, according to officials. The event was fun for all and emphasized local produce and agriculture.
Schanz Farms opponents appealed the IWWA ruling that would allow for a 32-unit subdivision on the 64-acre property.
September
The relocation of Wall Field from Rte 80 to the new town complex at the Swajchuk came into focus as the state Department of Transport announced plans to proceed with the Rte 134 and Rte 80 realignment in 2010.
October
Incumbent Republican State representative Vincent Candelora ran unopposed while Democratic incumbent State Senator Ed Meyer faced Republican newcomer Ryan Suerth.
The Board of Education announced its choice to replace retiring Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Wolfe–Old Saybrook High School Principal Scott Schoonmaker.
November
Election results were for the most part uncontested. Incumbent Ed Meyer defeated Republican challenger Ryan Suerth. Meyer vowed to keep fighting for area taxpayers, Suerth has since been appointed to Gov. Rell’s environmental commission.
The town conceded to citizen opinion and declined a state Department of Transportation offer to upgrade sewers on a stretch of Totoket Road as part of the Snake Hill realignment project.
December
Rumors that Atwater library’s renovation funding might be in jeopardy ran rampant with residents. After numerous phone calls and fact checking, the rumors were put to bed–the Atwater project is funded and scheduled to begin in spring.
As The Sound put its final issue of 2008 to press, it was announced that its competitors at the Branford Review would be shutting down the presses forever. The Review served Branford for more than 80 years and the announcement, just days before the holiday, also put more than 20 staffers out of work as the Journal-Register Company also closed several other venerable shoreline newspapers.