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Norwalk: Moccia Outlines Priorities


by turfgrrl


November 8th, 2007 · 23 Comments

Heading into his second term Mayor Moccia spoke to the Hour about his priorities. A charter review committee might be in the near future as he examines the term of mayor and council salaries.

Reducing flooding, repaving streets, getting more state dollars, advancing redevelopment projects, tackling rising energy costs, improving the South Norwalk Train Station, building a new fire headquarters, and putting a ballot question to voters on four-year mayoral terms.

On Wednesday, a day after handily winning reelection, Republican Richard A. Moccia explained to The Hour what he’d like to get done during his second two-year term in office.

“I do think that now that we’ve uncovered some of the infrastructure problems that had sort of surfaced in my second year, I think we’re really going to have to start to address that, and how we handle the (2008) revaluation,” Moccia said. “And I will continue, even more so, to press hard for our delegation get more state aid to Norwalk. … We did get more this time, but I still think we’re getting shortchanged.”

By spring 2006, three months into his first term, Moccia had made good on campaign promises to pass a “fiscally responsible” budget, hire a grants coordinator and negotiate a firefighters contract.

Starting his second term, Moccia, a former councilman and fire commissioner, said he plans to continue ongoing initiatives, such as repaving streets, alleviating flooding, pushing forward urban renewal projects and getting Hartford to return more dollars to Norwalk. Moccia said he hopes to again meet with Gov. M. Jodi Rell and state budget Director Robert Genuario on that last matter.
New to Moccia’s plate is energy conservation.

While the city and Board of Education last February locked in favorable heating-oil prices for municipal and school buildings for the coming winter, the long-term issue of rising energy costs will not away, according to Moccia. Early this week, crude-oil prices hit a record high of nearly $100-per-barrel.

Moccia, no fan of forming committees, said the city must act to develop a long-term plan.

source: The Hour, Mayor outlines priorities for his second term, by Robert Koch, November 8, 2007

Tags: In the News

23 Responses so far ↓ “Norwalk: Moccia Outlines Priorities”



  • 1 Anonymous // Nov 8, 2007 at 8:02 am

    Hey, Turfie - big words, let’s hope they’re not all empty. Why don’t you use the wayback machine in a hundred days to see where he’s taken them?

  • 2 Anonymous // Nov 8, 2007 at 9:15 am

    Alvord is on vacation and could not attend the annual harbor meeting. Mayor Richard A. Moccia had a scheduling conflict, but sent his regards to the commission, according to its chairman.

    So as a city of this size there was no one else to answer questions or listen about the lack of quality of life a phrase heard many times by both the commision and the residents?

    The amount of sewage going into the treatment plant is said to double when it rains heavy , all things we are working on as a city to correct, but to listen to some of the experts time is running out before it effects the harbor, fishing and recreation from the sentiment given last night by many on both sides of the meeting.The figure last night maybe not factual but was given just the same was 30 million gallons a day entering the plant during a 2 hour storm, as a normal day is only about 15 million.This would seem to be a priority in the coming months.

    Now one of the things that seem to be present at the Norwalk Harbor Management commission was the fact in order to do anything money is needed simple verbal support is not going to cut it from the mayors office. More Money will be needed for both fire and police on the water a very important area now that Norwalk sea port and surrounding area is attracting both tourists and the money they bring into the city.it was said and agreed upon its one of the busiest harbors in the state.

    Interesting that the parks and recreation with the enforcment of the police dept on the islands in the harbour will need more help and more money as the city grows . Plans to add more docks for commercial and recreational will only add to the enforcment and safety all the way around.

    because we are considered a recreational harbor than a service one the three larger ones along the coast seem to attract more money from the state and feds then we do so yes seeing more dollars coming to Norwalk is a great start from Hartford the mayor has my support.

    Understaffed and over worked seem to be the sentiment along with the fact it sounded like we as a city have at least 5 boats in the water and another one coming to serve the fire police and harbor master again something to plan on next year I assume we will hear more about this in our news outlets.

    I think our short term plans should address the quality of life issues and prevent any more delay in addressing issues that are going to cost money, either tell us now we have no money for the services that enhance the tax base here in the city or find some way of paying for what needs to be done.

    It was hard listening to others speak about the kids who row on teams suffering that smell on the water and those who come to the aquarium who for whats it worth are stunned by the smell visiting one of the gems Norwalk has to offer. Its funny we heard from so many defending the aquarium and its benefits to the city , where are they now defending the same turf when in comes to the outfall that is treated but sometimes not fully processed dumping its waste at the front door of the Maritime?

  • 3 Anonymous // Nov 8, 2007 at 9:42 am

    Anybody else catch the pinkie ring on Mo in the photo on this morning’s front page of the Hour? Give me a break. Will there be a line at his door this week for favors?

  • 4 anonymous // Nov 8, 2007 at 9:52 am

    He’s been wearing that ring since before the 2005 election.

  • 5 anon // Nov 8, 2007 at 9:53 am

    #3-he always wears that ring so not sure why that is relevant. Yeah the dems will be lining up for favors and to let him know they are in control once more.

  • 6 Anonymous // Nov 8, 2007 at 10:05 am

    I don’t trust men who wear pinkie rings, bow ties or pencil-thin mustaches. My gut instincts are usually right.

  • 7 Anon Again // Nov 8, 2007 at 11:06 am

    My exception to that rule would be John Waters.

  • 8 Anonymous // Nov 8, 2007 at 11:52 am

    That for the out of town developers to kiss so they can squeeze in a few more condos.

  • 9 Anonymous // Nov 8, 2007 at 12:02 pm

    “Yes, my son, what is is you ask of me?”

    “Don Veto, I have a problem. There’s this piece of property. The problem needs to go away…”

    “Say nothing more, my son. An offer will be made which can’t be refused…”

  • 10 disgusted // Nov 8, 2007 at 12:21 pm

    #9-Let me explain that your disgusting constant referrence to Italians is getting old and tired. You are not insulting one person, you are insulting an entire nationality. People like you are ignorant and biased and have no place in Norwalk. We can only surmise that you are a racist as well.

  • 11 Baddabing // Nov 8, 2007 at 12:30 pm

    #10…I think #9 was just trying to be funny. It’s just a goof on the film, the Godfather. I find that many people who make those types of references are themselves Italian…we DO have a sense of humor.

  • 12 anon // Nov 8, 2007 at 12:39 pm

    Some don’t find it amusing when it is constantly used in the same context. Yes, we Italians have a sense of humor and we often make fun of each other but reference to crime and coruption just isn’t funny. There are people in all nationalities that are considered mobsters so perhaps we should just refrain from biased statements that attacks ones heritage. As with other comments made on this site about Italians it does get old and it does get tired.

  • 13 Anonymous // Nov 8, 2007 at 12:43 pm

    Now what is Norwalk getting for grants? affordable housing? referesh our memories please

    Mayor Dannel Malloy joined representatives from several social service agencies and the federal government Wednesday to announce the city’s 10 year plan to end homelessness.
    The group used the front porch of a house at 24 Fairfield Avenue reconstructed to provide four units of housing for homeless individuals and families as the venue for the announcement.

    “You know we live in America, we live in one of the wealthiest parts of America, and there really is no reason for people to be homeless here,” Malloy said.

    Most of the people in the area who are homeless, said Malloy, need special and supportive services as the result of addictions, mental health issues, or backgrounds that prevent them from being employed.

    “Stamford actually gets the housing issue better than anyone in the state,” he said, building market rate housing, affordable housing, going after dollars to build supportive housing, and putting its own money into housing.
    John O’Brien, New England Regional Coordinator of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said the continuum’s plan represents the partnership of federal, state and local governments, joined by faith-based and community-based organizations, with the intent to end the “spiritual, social, moral and, yes, even the economic wrong of homelessness.”

    we are part of this in Norwalk correct?

    O’Brien said in adopting its plan, Stamford joins 310 other communities in the U.S. whose mayors have committed to ten year plans to end homelessness, targeting the most vulnerable, the most disabled, and the most likely to die on the streets

    The Bridgeport Community Land Trust has received a $158,900 state grant to upgrade eight communal gardens and put in two new garden plots in Bridgeport, one with a new basketball court.

    pushing forward urban renewal projects and getting Hartford to return more dollars to Norwalk. Moccia said he hopes to again meet with Gov. M. Jodi Rell and state budget Director Robert Genuario on that last matter. better hurry there isn’t a lot to go around

    In addition to Bridgeport, five other Connecticut municipalities - Enfield, Hamden, Hartford, New London and Putnam - received a total of $389,000 in grants in 2007 to upgrade urban open spaces. Bridgeport received the largest grant

    BRIDGEPORT — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport broke ground Wednesday for a $6.8 million affordable housing project within walking distance of downtown.
    The project, to include 22 units on the campus of the Thomas Merton Center on Madison Avenue and around the block on Catherine Street, is set for completion in early spring 2008.

    The list goes on, vision in other cities are outlined in black and white.

    a four year term for mayor is the last thing on some minds.

  • 14 Truthfull Taxpayer // Nov 8, 2007 at 4:14 pm

    I would only vote for a 4 year term if Term Limits were part of the proposal. If a government official can’t get the job done in 2-two year terms or 1-four year term, it should be up to the next guy.

  • 15 Mr Greenpeace // Nov 8, 2007 at 7:53 pm

    I agree never thought of it that way but it makes a whole lot sense. Great mindset.

  • 16 Truthfull Taxpayer // Nov 8, 2007 at 9:54 pm

    Greenpeace: Did you find out if Jerry’s art was already on display or not? I myself heard that it was going to come to Norwalk, but not when or where. I guess I missed it in the local press - or maybe not.

  • 17 Mr Greenpeace // Nov 9, 2007 at 5:59 pm

    I did I called and it was gone Truthfull Taxpayer it ok I know for a fact at least one Advocate employee would of liked it as well.

  • 18 Truthfull Taxpayer // Nov 9, 2007 at 6:41 pm

    Thanks Greenpeace. It’s too bad that the good things in Norwalk get no publicity at all. I feel that this blog is the only place to get good news. The Advocate IS much better than the Hour, though it could improve. Maybe it will, let’s wait and see. Have a good weekend.

  • 19 Mr Greenpeace // Nov 9, 2007 at 7:12 pm

    I agree with you Truthfull Taxpayer,I’m sure the Advocate will shed more light as well. Seems The Hour may be too close to some issues than first thought.

    The Advocates police report and Nickerson do a great job just a shame the guy isn’t on 24/7 and like both papers they seem to leave us hanging on the weekends.

    The bridge story , the Hour show’s us a picture of the bridge from outer space, the blog shows you the drains from under the bridge.Your right about the Blog theres news here, not one reporter misses a beat out here.

    read about it in the news get the facts and pictures here for the most part.

    and to think It was suggested by a newsroom someone who writes out here had only Dead concerts in their resume, the laughs on them.

  • 20 Anonymous // Nov 12, 2007 at 6:50 pm

    Four years is too much for any mayor in Norwalk since the quality of people running has been so poor. The only bonus is they could take a little longer to over build since they would have more time so instead of 1000 condos in two years it would be spread over four years. My vote is NO way, four years is to long, let them earn the next two. I vote to raise the pay for mayor so qualified people will be interested. Norwalk needs a change before it’s to late. Norwalk is on its way to over population, over crowding, over burdened infrastructure, over burdened roads, over burdened schools, and lots more traffic and crime to go with all the above. I see it why cant they. When the dust settles from all the demolition to make way for all this over building our taxes will go up to pay for more police for the increase of crime and to fix the over burdened roads, over burdened schools, and over burdened infrastructure. We will still have all the same problems we have now just bigger, watch and see.

  • 21 Anon // Nov 12, 2007 at 7:42 pm

    Sounds like there are plenty of spaces for homeless in bridgeport, hartford, and enfield. I am willing to pay for a few train tickets and pass them out on the corner

  • 22 Anonymous // Feb 28, 2008 at 8:40 am

    BRIDGEPORT Mayor Bill Finch will hold his first “Mayor’s Night In” open forum session from 5:30 to 7 this evening. In the session. Finch will be joined by representatives from the Fire Department, the Police Department, and the city’s Economic Development, Public Facilities and Anti-Blight departments. “Bridgeport residents are encouraged to attend to ask questions and make suggestions about improving Bridgeport,” said Kaitlin Lesnick, the mayor’s spokeswoman. It will take place at City Hall Annex, 999 Broad St., in the first-floor conference room.

    learn by example comes to mind reading the Bridgeport article.

  • 23 Anonymous // Feb 28, 2008 at 4:58 pm

    what are the priorities now?

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