By John Reese
In his April 3rd address to the Retired Men’s Association, Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo discussed challenges and opportunities facing the town, with a talk entitled “Greenwich: Knowing the Way. Showing the Way. Leading the Way.” Camillo, a lifelong Greenwich resident who graduated from Greenwich High School in 1980, has served as First Selectman for three terms after spending 11 years as a State Representative for the 150th District.
During his talk, Camillo highlighted Greenwich’s high rankings in safety and its triple-A credit rating, while also emphasizing the need for the town to continuously evolve. He addressed the challenge of meeting the state’s affordable housing mandates under 8-30g, with Greenwich currently at 5.8% vs. the required 10%.
Camillo’s address included two significant revelations that were previously unknown to the public. First, he announced that the Glenville project, which had been delayed due to residents’ concerns about tree cutting and the pandemic, is now fully funded, with construction expected to begin next year. Second, he disclosed active discussions about relocating the Board of Education offices, which would free up valuable space in the heart of the business district for a potential public-private partnership that could include the addition of up to 100 new parking spaces.
Throughout the address, Camillo fielded a wide range of questions from the audience. When asked about the RTM’s consideration of an ordinance to control clear-cutting of trees on private property, Camillo mentioned that the current proposal had been ruled out of legal order. He emphasized the need to strike a balance between private property rights and the town’s ability to regulate actions that may impact neighbors, stating that the proponents will return with a revised proposal that addresses these concerns.
Regarding riverine flooding in Central Cos Cob, Camillo acknowledged the financial burden homeowners face in raising their houses or building flood control structures. He encouraged residents to assist in maintaining the town’s drains, as it is impossible for the town to check all drains constantly. Camillo also expressed support for Greenwich Communities’ plan to build 48 affordable housing units over the commuter parking lot at the Cos Cob railroad station, but stressed the importance of ensuring neighborhood approval through public hearings.
When asked about the lack of housing alternatives for seniors looking to downsize, Camillo recognized the issue but emphasized that many people wish to remain in their homes. He stated that he never wants to encourage long-time residents to leave the town they have contributed to for many years.
Camillo addressed questions about the town’s budget, defending the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) and its role in creating a budget that delivers services, keeps taxes low, and maintains public safety and health. He expressed frustration about the town losing a $2.8 million grant for ADA upgrades on Greenwich Avenue due to misinformation spread by some RTM members, highlighting the need for accurate information when making decisions.
When asked about the increase in healthcare benefits and the cost per pupil in Greenwich, Camillo noted the importance of balancing competitive employee compensation with fiscal responsibility. He acknowledged that while Greenwich has done a good job at keeping costs lower than many other towns, there is still work to be done to ensure a fair and sustainable system.
Parking issues on Greenwich Avenue were another topic of concern, with Camillo outlining potential solutions such as relocating the Board of Education offices and creating underground parking spaces. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing these challenges and maximizing the use of valuable real estate in the town’s center.
Regarding the town’s policy on Airbnb regulation, Camillo stated that the issue had been discussed in the past and that while most rentals are likely fine, the town needs to be cautious in its approach to regulation to prevent potential problems.
Camillo also expressed interest in exploring the use of trash as a fuel to generate electricity, as implemented in some European countries. He requested more information to assess the feasibility of such a system in Greenwich, highlighting its potential for fuel efficiency and financial benefits.
When asked about his future plans, Camillo emphasized the importance of focusing on the present and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Greenwich. Addressing the current rift within the Greenwich Republican Party, he acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism about the future, stressing the importance of rising above negativity and working towards positive change.
As Greenwich tackles the intricacies of affordable housing, infrastructure, crime, and other critical issues, First Selectman Camillo’s leadership and vision will be instrumental in guiding the town’s future. His talk was followed by a robust question-and-answer session, in which he responded to many questions from the audience.
The talk can be viewed by going to the RMA website at https://greenwichrma.org, and clicking on “Speakers.”
The RMA’s upcoming presentation, “Our Greenwich Environment: Looking to the Future for Our Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren,” by Beth Evans, Greenwich Director of Environmental Affairs, is scheduled for 11 AM on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Beth Evans will speak about the future of Greenwich’s environment as it will impact our children and grandchildren, and our responsibility for working to insure their future health and wellbeing.
As Director of Environmental Affairs for our Town, Evans is responsible for the Conservation Commission and the Inlands Wetlands & Watercourses Agency. She is a professional wetlands scientist, field biologist, wildlife biologist, and grandmother.
Previously Evans ran an environmental consulting business which she founded in 1988.
Evans holds a Master’s Degree in Regional Planning and a Master of Science in Geology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in Biology from Cornell University. Evans lives in Bethany, Connecticut.
The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to participate in a Q&A session following the presentation.
To stream the presentation by Beth Evans at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 17, click on https://bit.ly/30IBj21. This presentation will also be available on local public access TV channels, Verizon FIOS channel 24 and Optimum (Cablevision) channel 79.
Note: The views expressed in these presentations are those of the speakers. They are not intended to represent the views of the RMA or its members.
RMA speaker presentations are presented as a community service at no cost to in-person or Zoom attendees, regardless of gender. Any member of the public who would like to receive a weekly email announcement of future speakers should send a request to members@greenwichrma.org. The RMA urges all eligible individuals to consider becoming a member of our great organization, and thereby enjoy all the available fellowship, volunteer, and community service opportunities which the RMA offers to its members. For further information, go to https://greenwichrma.org/, or contact members@greenwichrma.org.
