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State investment program increases demand for residential solar rooftop systems

April 9, 2012 Areawide, Business, Local News No Comments

The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) announced today (April 9) that just one month into a new Residential Solar Investment Program, it has already approved 126 applications for installation of photovoltaic rooftop systems (solar panels).

About the Program

Under Public Act 11-80 (approved by the Connecticut General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy), CEFIA is charged with supporting the installation of at least 30 megawatts of new residential PV systems by 2022.

The program provides support to residents who wish to own or lease a solar PV system.

CEFIA is in the process of developing a webpage dedicated to program results.

About CEFIA

CEFIA was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.

CEFIA’s mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state.

As the nation’s first full-scale, clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut.

For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com

Strong public interest

In a press release, CEFIA President Bryan Garcia states:

“The initial response to our new program has been dramatic, demonstrating strong public interest in solar power and the dynamic nature of our state’s solar industry. “

“We will be providing approximately $1.4 million in funding for these first 126 installations – leveraging $2.8 million of additional private capital, which will produce more than 800 kW of new residential solar capacity.”

“We are well on our way to developing a scenario for the long-term success of residential solar installations that will contribute to bringing cleaner and cheaper energy to Connecticut.”

“Under this scenario, we will ramp up consumer demand, drive down the installed costs, offer consumers attractive financing, and provide a suite of opportunities that ensures the presence of a viable solar PV industry here.”

Garcia also noted that more than one-third of the 70 approved installation companies in CEFIA’s program have been involved in submitting the initial applications for the solar installations.

Ed Steins, Regional Director for the North East SolarCity, states, “We have set up shop in Connecticut and are excited to offer homeowners and businesses the chance to pay less for solar electricity than they pay for utility power.”

“SolarCity expanded to Connecticut in large part due to the efforts of the state – through programs at Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) – to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects,” Steins says.

CEFIA’s release states that the agency “intends to exceed the goals established in the legislation by incorporating financing options for consumers, energy efficiency, consumer aggregation, and other mechanisms to support residential solar PV across Connecticut.”

For more information about the Residential Solar Investment Program, visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/solarhome

Posted April 9, 2012

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Visit some of your favorite farmers at the Storrs Winter Farmers Market March 10

March 10, 2012 Arts & Entertainment, Business, Local News No Comments

Some colorful free-range chicken eggs.

Don’t forget, Storrs Winter Farmer’s Market continues through April. The remaining dates are March 10, March 24, April 14 and April 28, 2012. The market is open 3 to 5 p.m. at the Mansfield Public Library on Route 85 – in the Buchanan Auditorium.

Remember, eating food in season and grown locally is a great investment in the local economy and your good health. And besides – fresh tastes better!

Some of the treats in store for farmers market shoppers this Saturday:

Bailey’s Maple Syrup – New Maple Syrup, Local Honey; Maple Vinegar; Bees Wax Candles; and Honey Sticks

Chaplin Farms – Kale, Spinach, Apples (Melrose, Mutsu, Ida Red, Empire), and Farm-made Jam and Applesauce

Four Mile River Farm – All-Natural Beef: Steaks, Roasts, Ground Beef, Stew Beef, Hotdogs, and Kielbasa, and our own line of prepared foods: Meatballs, Beef Barbeque, and our “Farmburgers!

KD Crop Farms – Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Relish, Chicken Eggs, Duck Eggs; and Cato Corner Cheese (and read more on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=356662745556 )

Quiet Corner Coffee Roasters – Organic Papua New Guinea Tribal Aromas, Costa Rican Tarrazu Asoproa, and Organic Peruvian Royal Select Water Washed Decaf Coffees and Organic Fair Trade Peruvian Cocoa (Email us for cocoa orders)

Spring Acres Farm – Skeins of Hand-spun Wool Yarn

And much more…

You can also keep up to date on the market by visiting the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StorrsFarmersMarket

Posted March 10, 2012

Council OKs Coventry Regional Farmers Market lease

February 22, 2012 Areawide, Business, Local News No Comments

The Coventry Regional Farmers Market, located at the Nathan Hale Homestead for the past four years, draws thousands of market-goers which in turn helps publicize the Homestead's programs. The Homestead is open for tours in the summer. File photo by Marie Brennan

It’s now official.

The Coventry Regional Farmers Market’s return to the Nathan Hale Homestead was made possible by a unanimous vote Tuesday night (Feb. 21) by the Town Council to pick up the lease.

The vote signals a shift in the way the market will be managed in that the town is now responsible for the agreement with Connecticut Landmarks (which oversees the Homestead) and the market is leasing space for 22 Sundays from the town.

Rent will be $ 2,500 for the first year of the lease and will increase by $100 each year, according to the agreement.

This arrangement, reached after months of meetings and efforts to find an alternate location, addresses many concerns that had blocked the market’s return to the Homestead, where it has built a huge following over the last four years.

The council ratified Town Manager John Elsesser’s signature on a 10-year lease agreement that also allows the town to construct a barn on the Homestead site – which the market won in a contest – and to fold the market into the town’s liability coverage. The market will reimburse the town for the insurance coverage.

The new agreement takes effect April 1, 2012 and expires March 31, 2022.

The summer farmers market is held from June to October every year and has been running for eight years, the past four at the Nathan Hale Homestead.

When it looked like the town might lose the market, or that it might not even open this summer, there was a huge response from the market’s fans.

Jonathan Dehoyos, who is in charge of the Coventry Regional Farmers Market operations and is a member of its Board of Directors, thanked Elsesser on behalf of the market and said all are very grateful for the way the town stepped up to keep the market in Coventry.

Council Chair Elizabeth Woolf said “people were imploring the Town Council to do something… I’m glad everything worked out.”

Council member Joan Lewis also thanked the market organizers for their “great commitment” to the town of Coventry. “Everyone came together to make this successful… Everyone is so thankful. The market is certainly the place to go and they’ve made it that,” she said.

Before this agreement was negotiated, market organizers were trying to get all necessary approvals to relocate the market to private property at 307 Silver Street and in fact, the Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously approved a special permit application to do so.

In order to be prepared to open the market in June, market organizers had to be able to assure farmers and other vendors that they would, in fact, have a new location – so the push was on. However, it appeared that a traffic study required by the state would have presented a serious roadblock both because of the time it would take and the dollars it would cost.

Now, plans can move ahead.

In fact, construction of the 24- foot- by-36-foot Yankee Post & Beam barn the market won in a “Great Barn Giveaway,” has tentatively been scheduled for May 19.

Under the lease agreement, the barn will have a 504-square-foot storage addition exclusively for use by the market.

The barn also is to be available for rental for other functions when not in use by the market (rentals will be handled by the town’s parks and recreation department), and fees will be split between the town, the market and the Homestead.

After the meeting, Elsesser said he will meet with Connecticut Landmarks to start finalizing the market schedule for this summer.

“It’s nice to be going ahead on a positive note,” Elsesser said.

For more information about the Coventry Regional Farmers Market visit the web site at www.coventryfarmersmarket.com This Sunday (Feb. 26) is the last opportunity to visit the “Winterfresh” market, at Coventry High School. The summer market opens Sunday, June 3.

Posted Feb. 22, 2012 as edited by and with additional reporting by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

Related link: “Coventry Farmers Market returns to Nathan Hale Homestead,” by Brenda Sullivan, posted Feb. 9, 2012 http://coventry.htnp.com/2012/02/09/coventry-farmers-market-returns-to-nathan-hale-homestead/

Local enterprises qualify for state's new Small Business Express grants

February 22, 2012 Areawide, Business, Local News No Comments

Connecticut Casket Company, based in Willimantic, CT is one of five small businesses to recently qualify for state EXP grants aimed specifically at companies with fewer than 50 employees. Besides caskets and urns, the company also makes keepsake necklaces with glass beads that are infused with the ashes of your loved one (including your four-footed family members). Each one is unique and can be made in any color. Photo source: Connecticut Casket Company web site

Five small businesses have qualified for grants through the state’s Small Business Express Program (EXP) to expand their businesses and create jobs.

EXP is part of the bi-partisan jobs bill passed during the October 2011 special legislative session. Administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the program offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees.

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help qualified small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments.

According to DECD Commissioner Catherine Smitt, “This program is about getting working capital out the door quickly and efficiently so that our smaller companies can put it to work for them immediately and start putting more of Connecticut’s residents to work… This program is building momentum; we’re constantly getting new submissions from interested business owners and we’re approving new applications every day.”

The five small businesses that most recently qualified for the program are:

Connecticut Casket Company started designing, making and selling custom, environmentally-friendly caskets in Willimantic in 2010.

The company, which will retain three employees and hire three more within a year, will receive a $100,000 grant to buy equipment, improve the shop, train workers and expand its inventory. Connecticut Casket also will receive a Job Creation Incentive loan of $250,000.

“This investment will be a big help to the Connecticut Casket Company. It will allow this Windham business to hire more workers and grow our local economy,” said State Rep. Susan Johnson (D-Windham). “Governor Malloy is clearly focused on the needs of small businesses in eastern Connecticut and I want to thank him for his strong support.”

Said Sen. Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn), “Bill Covey and his employees represent the small business success story that is critical to Connecticut’s economy… The programs we passed last year are making a difference at a time when our businesses need it the most.”

Wooden-it-be-Nice, Inc., a consignment furniture company based in Marlborough with a facility in Glastonbury, provides a retail solution for selling second-hand furniture and accessories.

The company will use its $11,500 grant in working capital for inventory and processing, marketing and job creation/retention efforts, including training.

This chair is among the furniture items on consignment at Wooden-it-be-Nice, Inc. in Marlborugh, CT (as of Feb. 22, 2012). This company is one of the latest small businesses to qualify for the new Express grant through the CT Department of Community and Economic Development. Photo source: Wooden-it-be-Nice, Inc. web site

State Rep. Pam Sawyer (R-Andover, Bolton, Hebron, Marlborough) said, “This new approach, giving grants to small businesses in a short time frame, often in small amounts, can have a big impact on a company. Wooden-it-be-Nice is a perfect example. It is what was envisioned when the jobs bill passed last October.”

State Sen. Steve Cassano (D-Manchester), who represents Glastonbury, Manchester, Bolton and Marlborough said, “Our October investment in growing Connecticut jobs and its economy is paying off, and paying off handsomely. And it doesn’t make a difference if you’re a high-tech medical device manufacturer or a furniture consignment shop – if you’re a small business looking to expand, if you’re looking to hire, Connecticut is here to help.”

State Rep. Prasad Srinivasan (R-Glastonbury) called Wooden-it-be-Nice “an exemplary member of the Glastonbury business community.”

Norwich Printing Company was founded and incorporated in 1992 as part of the Minuteman Press Franchise and has since grown from a two-person operation to eight full-time employees. The company plans to grow even further by using its $48,357 grant to buy four new pieces of equipment.

“I am so happy that the Norwich Printing Company is getting this funding to expand its production capabilities,” said State Sen. Edith Prague (D-Columbia). “News like this is proof that the Governor’s jobs bill is working, which is why I voted for the measure last October. This is wonderful news for the Norwich community, and the Governor should be commended for his vision for job creation.”

Elka Precision of Plainville designs and manufactures hydrostatic spindles, tables and slides that improve grinding accuracy and reduce grinding times for the overall improvement of machined products.

Elka Precision plans to begin an aggressive campaign to market its products overseas, including European and Asian markets.

The company, which plans to hire eight new employees, will receive a Job Creation Incentive loan of $250,000 to use for equipment, training, travel and other related expenses.

My Three Sons (Petrini Six Enterprises) is an indoor family entertainment center in Norwalk. The company will use a $50,000 grant from DECD to purchase new equipment that will increase customers and revenue.

For more information on EXP or to apply for the program, visit the Small Business Express Program website or contact Michelle Lugo at DECD at 860-270-8052 or Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov

Posted Feb. 22, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

Gov. Malloy promises more education funds – and bonus for new Alliance Districts

February 19, 2012 Areawide, Business, Local News No Comments

According to a statement made by Gov. Malloy on Feb. 8, 2012 a total of 130 towns will receive more ECS funding than they did in 2011-2012 and no town will see funding drop from 2011-2012 levels.

New, however, is the plan to make additional dollars available to something he calls Alliance Districts.

Alliance Districts will be groupings of the state’s 30 lowest-performing school districts.

Nearly $40 million will go to Alliance Districts – if they implement Gov. Malloy’s education reform strategies.

According to Gov. Malloy, an additional $4.5 million in competitive funding will be offered to all districts, with preference given to 30 Alliance districts, to fuel “ambitious innovations and deeper reforms.”

Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor commented, “The governor’s proposal acknowledges that resource constraints are one obstacle to many of our low-performing districts’ ability to improve their schools – while recognizing that increased funding alone will not improve student achievement…

“Rather, it is essential that these districts also embrace reforms rooted in best practices. The conditional funding model provides added resources and increased accountability. We look forward to working in alliance with these low-performing districts as they implement their reforms and elevate their achievement levels.”

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman added, “I strongly believe that every child in our state deserves the opportunity to get a quality education, regardless of where they live. That is why one of our first priorities after taking office was to fully fund the ECS for all towns, and that is why we are making this targeted investment – to give that equal chance to children who happen to attend an under-performing school.”

Alliance Districts

Gov. Malloy’s proposal identifies the state’s 30 lowest-performing school districts as participants in a Performance Alliance between these districts and the State, which makes them eligible for significant increases in state funding.

To qualify for these funds, Each Alliance District must submit a reform plan that includes elements of “reform strategies” in the governor’s proposal.

The State Department of Education will review these plans and recommend which ones should be approved.

Alliance Districts can choose from these “reform strategies”:

“tiered district interventions” for schools based on school-level student performance;
additional learning time, including extended school day and year;
career ladders for school personnel;
a professional development system “informed by educator evaluations”;
plans to ensure K-3 reading mastery;
coordination of early childhood education services;
creating a community schools approach by establishing “wraparound services” for students with links to health and social service providers;
and other strategies as determined by the Education Commissioner.

Alliance Districts will have new funding phased in at the rate of 2.47 percent of the gap between what they currently receive in ECS funding and the new formula amount – other districts will receive 1.4 percent of the funding amount gap – according to Gov. Malloy’s statement.

Posted Feb. 19, 2012

Related link: More details about Gov. Malloy’s plans for Education Reform http://www.governor.ct.gov/malloy/cwp/view.asp?A=4010&Q=498746

Coventry Farmers Market returns to Nathan Hale Homestead

February 9, 2012 Arts & Entertainment, Business, Local News No Comments

coventry-farmers-market-poster-2011 In a newsletter distributed to “fans” of the Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market, the big news is that the market will return to the Nathan Hale Homestead.

Several months ago, the news was not so good. Market organizers reported that they had not been able to reach a mutually agreeable contract with Connecticut Landmarks (which oversees the Homestead) to remain at the Homestead and so, began searching for a new as-permanent-as-possible location.

After being offered some privately-owned land at 307 Silver St., the market organizers then began jumping governmental hoops – both state and local – in hopes of solidifying the new location in time to get the word out to their farmers and vendors in time for the upcoming summer market season.

The absolute deadline – so that the farmers and vendors could set their own plans – was the last day of January.

Now, it seems, the tide has turned and the market is cruising back to what was a very popular location, one that has grown to draw market-goers in the thousands.

The newsletter states:

After many twists and turns and with much help from the Town of Coventry, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Governor Malloy’s office, and YOUR SUPPORT… This summer, as you have for the past four years and will for the next TEN, you will find us at the Nathan Hale Homestead! … All the stars aligned for us to have landed a summer place, our old and happy home, just in time!

The newsletter also states that the Yankee Post & Beam barn that the market won in a statewide farmers market competition will be built at the Homestead.

To celebrate the good news, market organizer Winter Caplanson announced today that there will be a gathering from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 at the Cassidy Hill Vineyard in Coventry with libations and live music. “Thanks for opening just for us, Cassidy Hill!” the newsletter states. Click here for directions

“Our return to Hale under this arrangement is a win-win,” Caplanson said today. “The market has a beautiful long-term home under lease terms we can meet and we are able to remain in Coventry… and Coventry’s citizens and leadership made it clear to us over the past months that ‘in Coventry’ is exactly where they want us to stay.”

“Excellent news”

In a press release issued by the CT Department of Agriculture today, State Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky acknowledges that it is in the state’s best interests to support farmers’ markets, especially one as successful as Coventry’s.

“This is excellent news for the residents of Coventry and the farmers market… I commend the Town of Coventry and the farmer’s market for their work to ensure this great Connecticut tradition was not lost, and I thank Gov. Malloy for getting the parties talking again. Connecticut has a rich agricultural history, one that we want to encourage and expand,” he says.

The release notes that, of Connecticut’s 125 farmers’ markets, the Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market, now in its eighth year of operation, is “one of the largest and most heavily attended.”

“In 2011, it accounted for $500,000 in sales and was visited by over 75,000 people,” it states.

Describing how the new agreement was reached, the release states:

Negotiations to renew the lease between the Hale Homestead and the farmer’s market stumbled last fall over mutual concerns about expense and liability issues. During winter discussions, the parties reached an agreement to establish the Town of Coventry as the tenant with the farmer’s market subleasing the property. This assuaged the liability concerns and reduced insurance expenses, allowing the savings to be applied to the rental fees. The agreement also outlines that the town will coordinate the use and maintenance of the new barn which will provide shared income with a reserve held for barn maintenance.

Coventry Farmers’ Market organizer Roberta Wilmot, in an interview today, told HTNP.com that the town has signed a lease with Connecticut Landmarks, and the market will become a sub-leasee. She declined to specify, however, what the market will pay for rent for the 22 days it uses the property for the summer market.

As for the barn, the market will transfer ownership to the town, Wilmot said.

While the market will have priority for the barn’s use on market days, the town will rent it for public use (i.e. a wedding reception) through the town’s parks and recreation department, Wilmot said.

Income from rental fees will be split between the market (40 percent), the town (20 percent) and Connecticut Landmarks (40 percent), according to market organizer Winter Caplanson.

When the barn arrives this spring, there will be a groundbreaking celebration – probably in May – and then Yankee Post & Beam (the barn’s manufacturer) will do the actual construction… and once completed, it will be turned over to the town, Wilmot said.

Wilmot expressed relief over the new agreement. “It’s been a very long and twisted road to get us where we’re at… it’s been an exhausting six months,” she said.

She added, “the governor’s office, the Department of Agriculture and Coventry’s Town Manager (Elsessor) put a lot of effort into keeping the market in Coventry.”

When the crisis first made the news, the market received several offers from other towns to give it a new home. “The outpouring was unbelievable,” Wilmot said. “Our hearts were very warmed by that.”

She added, “We’ve been sitting on pins and needles – now we can tell our vendors we will have a home.”

Not time to relax, though

It’s not necessarily a time to relax, however. “Now we have to plan our programs, and we’re about six months behind,” Wilmot said. The summer market returns on June 3.

Wilmot credited the success of the Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market to a strong, motivated and creative market leader, Winter Caplanson who, in turn is supported by a strong network of hardworking, committed volunteers.

And a hard-core fan base of market-goers.

“We’ve exceeded our expectations, although there’s still more to be done,” Wilmot said.

For the market’s first four years, it was located in a field behind a red barn (a local landmark) on North River Road near the intersection with Route 44.

For the last four years, it has been located on the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead.

Commissioner Reviczky, in his release, said the new lease is a win-win situation for the market and the historic site.

“It took considerable time, effort, and energy from everyone involved to reach this new agreement, but it was worth it,” Commissioner Reviczky said. “This is a marriage of one of the state’s most popular farmers’ markets and one of Connecticut’s historical treasures. The complete package is much greater than the sum of its parts.”

The Nathan Hale Homestead was the family home of State Hero Nathan Hale. Richard Hale, Nathan’s father, was a prosperous livestock farmer. The house on the homestead, built in 1776, was deeded to Connecticut Landmarks in the 1940s. Much of the acreage associated with the Hale farm is now the Nathan Hale State Forest, the release states.

Posted Feb. 9, 2012

In Coventry – Towns consider sharing cost of construction equipment

February 2, 2012 Areawide, Business, Local News No Comments

Selected proposals will receive a state grant of 50 percent, if at least one of the towns is a “distressed municipality/targeted investment community/public investment community.” Windham falls under the “distressed municipality” description and Elsesser said he is looking forward to working with Windham.

The nine towns in the Windham Region Council of Governments (WINCOG) have begun talks on a new project that could help save the towns money by sharing public works equipment.

A meeting Tuesday (Jan. 31) brought many of the public works directors and town management staffs together to brainstorm ideas.

WINCOG provides towns with a forum for intermunicipal discussion, coordination and decision making and includes workshops on timely issues and occasions for such discussion and coordination.

Member towns are Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Hampton, Lebanon, Mansfield, Scotland, Willington and Windham.

The project could have the towns take advantage of the state Office of Policy and Management’s Intertown Capital Equipment Purchasing Incentive (ICE) Program.

Coventry Town Manager John Elsesser said a lot of equipment the towns were thinking of getting is “quite expensive.”

He said some of the equipment discussed Tuesday included a portable pothole patcher, a skid-steer loader, or Bobcat with special attachments, and portable lighting, among other items.

“A lot of ideas were thrown out and haven’t been finalized yet and some ideas may be added or dropped,” Elsesser said.

WINCOG Executive Director Mark Paquette said the grant offers towns a way to get the machines they need without carrying the full burden of the cost.

“Many of these towns would never be able to get these types of equipment on their own,” Paquette said. “This is a great deal with a great incentive.”

Selected proposals will receive a state grant of 50 percent, if at least one of the towns is a “distressed municipality/targeted investment community/public investment community.”

Windham falls under the “distressed municipality” description and Elsesser said he is looking forward to working with Windham.

Municipalities must provide matching funds and the state grant cannot exceed $250,000.

Coventry Director of Public Works David Gofstein said if scheduling the use of equipment is done right, there shouldn’t be any problems with availability among the towns.

“All of the towns would split the cost accordingly,” said Elsesser. He added that each town was asked to put a “placeholder” of $14,000 in their capital budgets.

“For $14,000, we can all get $250,000 of equipment,” he said.

Elsesser added this isn’t a new idea for Coventry; the town has shared a catch basin cleaner with Mansfield for almost 15 years.

Windham Mayor Ernie Eldridge, who wasn’t at Tuesday’s meeting, said he is all for sharing equipment with other towns. “Sharing is a great part of keeping cost down for our towns… Why would one town need $100,000 worth of equipment on their own?” he said.

Paquette said there will be more discussions about the idea.

“There is a strong incentive to get this significant savings,” he said, but they “still need to do some research on the whole idea.”

A decision should be made within the next couple of months. Final proposals must be received by the state Office of Policy and Management on or before May 1, 2012.

Posted Feb. 2, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

Congressman Courtney introduces bill to curb student loan costs

January 25, 2012 Areawide, Business No Comments

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act lowered subsidized Stafford student loan rates from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent over a four-year period, to ease the burden on thousands of students and their families. However, without Congressional action, this act expires; loan rates will double later this year and cost students and families thousands of dollars, over time.

Connecticut Congressman Joe Courtney today (Jan. 25) introduced H.R. 3826, legislation that would ensure that interest rates on certain student loans do not dramatically increase this year.

In 2007, Congress made an historic investment in higher education when it passed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.

The legislation includes a provision that reduced the fixed rate on Stafford student loans for undergraduate students.

However, without Congressional action, this act expires; loan rates will double later this year and cost students and families thousands of dollars, over time.

Courtney’s bill would eliminate the existing “sunset” and ensure that rates remain at 3.4 percent.

“A college education is key to success in today’s economy, but for many students, the spiraling costs of higher education are creating an immense barrier,” said Congressman Courtney.

U.S. Rep Joe Courtney, Connecticut 2nd Congressional District. File photo by Frank Funk

“President Obama’s message was spot on last night when he said: ‘When kids do graduate (from high school), the most daunting challenge can be the cost of college. At a time when Americans owe more in tuition debt than credit card debt, this Congress needs to stop the interest rates on student loans from doubling in July.’

“This legislation will defuse that ticking time bomb, and help young people repay the student loans that have weighed them down too heavily for too long,” Courtney said.

According to the non-partisan U.S. PIRG (Public Interest Research Group), if Congress does nothing, borrowers who will take out the maximum $23,000 in subsidized student loans will see their interest balloon to an additional $5,200 over a 10-year repayment period and $11,300 over a 20-year repayment period.

Posted Jan. 25, 2012, as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

CT Agriculture Commission Conference, growing farms in your community

January 24, 2012 Areawide, Business, Local News No Comments

The AGvocate Program is part of the Eastern CT Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc., that was begun in 2009. Funded through CT Department of Agriculture Farm Viability Grants, it provides a forum for municipal officials, agricultural producers and other stakeholders to strengthen the farm-friendliness of Connecticut towns.

Gather information and share resources at a conference for Agriculture Commissions hosted by the AGvocate Program on Saturday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at EastConn in Hampton, CT. The public is welcome to attend.

The conference cost is $15 and includes a farm-to-table lunch.

Topics will include -

welcome from CT Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Steve Reviczky;

update on new Farm Bill, by Congressman Joe Courtney;

new programs and initiatives you need to know about;

getting results from your agriculture commission;

assessing the market channel best suited for your farm profitability;

connecting farmers to farmland;

updates from Agriculture Commissions;

resources for Agriculture Commissions (helping farmers find the answers they need);

and food systems (helping your town consider agriculture in everything it does).

The AGvocate Program

The AGvocate Program is part of the Eastern CT Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc., that was begun in 2009.

Funded through CT Department of Agriculture Farm Viability Grants, it provides a forum for municipal officials, agricultural producers and other stakeholders to strengthen the farm-friendliness of Connecticut towns.

For more information about the AGvocate Program or to register for the conference, contact Jennifer Kaufman, AGvocate Program Director at 860-450-6007, or via email at AGvocate@yahoo.com or visit the Web site at www.AgInfoTLGV.org/AGvocate

Since its inception, 14 towns in Northeast Connecticut have been working with the AGvocate Program. AGvocate Towns include: Ashford, Bozrah, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Eastford, Franklin, Hampton, Killingly, Pomfret, Sterling, Thompson, Scotland, Windham, and Woodstock. Municipalities interested in participating in the AGvocate Program should contact Jennifer Kaufman.

AGvocate Steering Committee

Lois Bruinooge, Deputy Executive Director, The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV); John Guszkowski, President, Eastern CT RC&D; Rick Hermonot, Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm & Farm and Business Consultant, First Pioneer Credit; Jennifer Kaufman, AGvocate (Staff) ; Kevin Kennedy, Director of Planning, Town of Thompson; Joyce Meader, Dairy /Livestock Educator, UConn Cooperative Extension; Leah Mayor, American Farmland Trust; Dawn Pindell, Executive Director, Windham County Farm Service Agency; Norma O’Leary, Chair, TLGV Natural Resources & Agriculture Committee.

Posted Jan. 24, 2012

Coventry Regional Farmers Market gets PZC approval but future still up in the air

January 17, 2012 Business, Local News No Comments

In his study of the new location for the Coventry Regional Farmers Market, Vertucci suggested this queue might be considered unacceptable, and suggested “police control be considered to assist traffic exiting Silver Street from noon to 2 p.m.

Coventry Regional Farmers Market supporters had much to celebrate Monday night (Jan 18).

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a unique special permit application to relocate the market from its former home at the Nathan Hale Homestead to a possible new home at 307 Silver St.

The proposed new site is a privately owned piece of land that has been the topic of discussion for several months.

The market’s approval is dependent on several conditions, which were read by PZC Chair Jonathan Kreisberg.

Of particular interest to all was the requirement for a town-funded traffic study, presented by Mark G. Vertucci, a Coventry resident with Fuss & O’Neill, Inc., an engineering consulting firm in Manchester.

Vertucci, who attended Monday night’s meeting, shared the findings of his report with an anxious crowd.

He said he drives through the intersection of Route 44 and Silver Street on his way to work every day and is familiar with the area evaluated by the firm.

Vertucci said the firm concentrated on the state road, Route 44, as will the State Traffic Commission.

The report’s conclusion states “traffic turning into Silver Street from Route 44 during the entering peak hour will operate safely and efficiently.”

But his report also notes, “the increase in traffic volume leaving the site via the Silver Street northbound approach to Route 44 will result in more significant delays on the Silver Street approach, with typical queues of at least 5-6 vehicle lengths and as many as 11 or more vehicles if 200 vehicles exit the market in a one hour period.”

Vertucci suggested this queue might be considered unacceptable, and suggested “police control be considered to assist traffic exiting Silver Street from noon to 2 p.m.”

This would help alleviate driver frustration and perhaps prevent drivers from making hasty decisions, he said.

Market hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vertucci said an administrative review will still be required by the State Traffic Commission for the Silver Street development, given the site has more than 200 parking spots planned.

Vertucci said he had been in contact with the STC to discuss his findings and that he shared the possible need for police-conducted traffic control.

He said the STC might require a full certification for the development, which could take a significant amount of time.

Market staff clarified with Vertucci that volunteers working as traffic control will not suffice on Route 44, as the state Department of Transportation requires a state officer to maintain order on a state road.

While Vertucci’s report focused on the state road, Todd Penney, Coventry’s town engineer, did a local study focusing on town-owned intersections.

His report was made a matter of public record.

Several residents spoke out regarding the possibility of their neighborhood road being used as a detour when other roads become overcrowded with market traffic.

The commission’s approval was met with some criticism.

William Glenney, a Rhode Island resident whose mother lives on Silver Street, has previously spoken against the permit as an “abutter.”

On Monday night, he voiced traffic concerns and offered conditions he believed should be attached to the special application.

Some of Glenney’s suggestions, though modified and perhaps not based on his contributions, were included in the permit’s approval.

The permit is to be reviewed after the market has been in operation for 60 days and again at the end of each season.

In addition, the approval hinged on the market’s ability to maintain a dust management plan and includes significant insurance requirements.

The motion to approve the market’s move would allow the building of a 24- foot- by-36-foot barn, which was won in Yankee Barn Homes “Great Barn Giveaway.”

The barn will be built to fit in with the character of the neighborhood.

PZC member Darby Pollansky wanted the record to include that the commission’s approval was also based on the fact the town’s plan of conservation and development, adopted in April 2010, states the town “continue the sponsorship and support of the Coventry Regional Farmers Market, particularly as it relates to local farming opportunities and look for opportunities to strengthen and expand the market.”

The market’s executive director, Winter Caplanson, is celebrating the PZC’s approval, but with some reservation.

“I think it’s good,” said Caplanson, “I think we’re in good shape.”

However, Caplanson continued, “I think we, my board, has to review the conditions. I think that’s the piece that’s easily going to get lost in the excitement of the positive outcome.”

Caplanson wondered if there would be any “implications of those conditions.”

“My board needs to review the entire approval tonight,” she said. “Whether those conditions give us room to do what we need to do. I don’t think they’re overbearing. Obviously we’re overjoyed, it just wouldn’t be prudent.”

She looks, along with other members of her board, to have a schedule in place for market vendors by the end of January.

Jonathon DeHoyos, operations manager, was also thrilled but cautious. “This isn’t the only hurdle,” he said.

DeHoyos worried the state traffic study wouldn’t be done in time to start a new season. “Some of the numbers. We also have to deal with some time frames. We can’t be in a threemonth waiting period,” he said.

“We have to meet as a board and figure that out. We have a lot of offers on the table. The first option in our heart and soul is Coventry,” he said, referring to the fact that other local towns have stepped forward to offer a new location for the very popular market.

Despite the PZC approval, leaving town to start up elsewhere is still an option. albeit a painful one, DeHoyos and other members of the market’s board confirmed,

“We’d essentially be gutting the farmers market and recreating ourselves again,” DeHoyos said.

Posted Jan. 17, 2012

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