Inside the Shoreline’s Best-Kept Secret

Meredith Crawford of Élan Magazine writes about our Borough’s "extraordinary atmosphere":

Choosing to vacation in one’s own backyard is an enviable desire enjoyed only by those residents of the world’s largest, most refined cities and bluest Caribbean paradises…and the Borough of Stonington, Connecticut.

That’s exactly how Borough Warden Don Maranell sees the New England seaside village he calls home.

"Sometimes my wife and I will take a week, pack up, walk down the street, and check into the Inn at Stonington," admits Maranell, who owns and operates Yellow House Coffee & Tea, a popular meeting place. "The borough is just such a cool place to vacation."

Indeed, the compact borough may be the shoreline’s best-kept secret. With a tidy population of 1,000 residents and an annual budget of just $1 million, the borough boasts awe-inspiring views of Long Island Sound and an assortment of shops, restaurants, and attractions eclectic enough to keep the inveterate traveler enthralled. The borough combines authentic New England flavor with a quiet sophistication beyond its narrow physical scope—it’s both the home of Connecticut’s last commercial fishing fleet and a uniquely nurturing Mecca for aspiring artists. [read more . . .]

2009 Village Views

Be sure to see Ingrid Feddersen's latest photographic take on the Borough at Village Views.

SVIA Survey Results

Survey of Registered Voters in the Borough – December 2007

We sent out a total of 700 surveys in late November and received a total of 90 responses. Eighteen of them also enclosed a check, enabling us to totally cover the cost of printing & mailing and actually clear almost $2000.

Many people took the time to submit up to three ideas and we appreciate the terrific response. Partially as a result of the survey, a Cannon Square Beautification Project is now underway. We are working with the Warden & Burgesses and the Stonington Historical Society to bring this Borough treasure back to its proper condition. Watch the local press as this project takes shape later this year.

Also, as a direct result of the Survey, we are proud to report that the Build-A-Boat Program has been resurrected. Borough Resident Bob Abramson will conduct the class each July for up to six youngsters between the ages of 8 to 12. We contacted the Stonington Harbor Yacht Club Sailing Foundation and they will be delighted to sponsor this valuable program.

A few of the respondents suggested that we already have enough on our plates and shouldn’t take on any new projects. This triggered an examination of our current mission and how we handle our human resources. A strategic planning process is being planned to delve into this subject more deeply.

Listed below are the specific results of the survey. Included first is a strong endorsement of the current SVIA programs. Next is a ranked list of the ideas that were submitted for new SVIA projects; and finally, a list of worthy ideas that were mentioned only once.

Current SVIA Programs – A Report Card

1. The respondents were overwhelmingly in favor of the programs that we now have in place. Some were a little more popular than others.
2. The Farmers Market seems to be the best-loved of all the things that we do. Parks and Beaches, Flower Boxes and the Playground were also quite popular.
3. The vast majority are very happy with the Christmas Stroll but one or two think that that the money could be put to better use.
4. The Band Concerts and the Merrill House are appreciated by most of us, but about 8% of the respondents didn’t feel that they were the best use of our funds. FYI, several respondents requested MORE band concerts.

Ideas for New Projects (Ranked by # of mentions with a minimum of two)

1. Plant more trees was the number one vote getter.
2. Improvement of the sidewalks.
3. Get rid of the wires; install underground utilities.
4. Restore and beautify Cannon Square.
5. Improve the lighting in many dark places of the Borough.
6. Improve the streets was tied with lighting.
7. More public restrooms are needed.
8. Several would like to see improvements at Wayland’s Wharf.
9. Mathews Park needs some improvement.
10. We need speed bumps on Main and Water.
11. Several mentioned trash control (wrappers, cigarette butts, etc.).

Other Valuable Ideas (Mentioned one time each)

1. Stronger zoning to maintain the historic quality of the Borough.
2. Benches in the dog walk near the sewer plant.
3. Basketball court at the Town Docks.
4. Dinghy tie-up and public landing.
5. Art/Painting Center for residents.
6. Signage throughout the village.
7. Ensure good use of the Foundry.
8. Organize effort to expand services in the Borough: Things like Pharmacy, dry-cleaning, liquor, groceries, etc.
9. Arrange for ice cream truck to drive through on summer days.
10. Shuttle boats to Sandy Point.
11. Bring back the Build-A-Boat Program. (DONE, as of February 1)
12. Put more benches on Water Street.
13. Reduce the smell of the sewer plant.
14. Improve the Parking.
15. Improve the crosswalks; maybe brick or stone instead of bright paint.
16. Have music at the Farmers Market.
17. Year-round indoor produce market.
18. Maintain top-notch lawn on Wad Square.
19. More professional landscaping at DuBois Beach.
20. Bonfires at the Point.
21. Add a Spring Stroll.

Thank you for your input and your continued support of SVIA. Let us know if you have any questions.

Best Regards,

Jim Hicks, Survey Organizer, 860-535-2212, jmh@ansleygroup.com