Old East Haven High Outcome on November's Ballot

When town residents cast their votes in November for mayor and other town officials, they will also get the chance to decide the fate of the former high school building at 200 Tyler Street.

Earlier this year, Mayor April Capone announced her plan to involve the entire community in making the decision about what to do with the building. The current high school building opened on Wheelbarrow Lane in 1998.

Capone, a Democrat, is seeking re-election in November. She will face former mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., who at press time was an independent candidate but expected to win a Republican endorsement.

Capone sent letters to members of the community to join a committee to discuss potential ideas for the building. Once the committee was formed, it was tasked with creating three potential solutions that Capone wanted placed on the November ballot.

During its meeting last week, the Town Council authorized a referendum in which the town's voters will choose the future use of the old high school building based on the committee's three suggestions. The three questions voters will be asked are:

1) Shall the property located at 200 Tyler Street be rehabilitated at a cost to the town and used for educational purposes?

2) Shall the property located at 200 Tyler Street be rehabilitated at a cost to the town and used for community purposes?

3) Shall the property located at 200 Tyler Street be sold by the town for condominium use?

Town Attorney Patricia Cofrancesco explained that by authorizing the referendum, the Town Council would also be authorizing the town clerk to place the three questions on the ballot and expend funds for informational postings around town.

Before the Town Council vote, resident Donna Richo said she felt two of the questions were redundant, suggesting instead that the questions just ask if the town should sell or retain the property.

Council member Janice Donahue responded, "There is a big difference between educational and community [use]. I think they need the choice of the three" questions.

Resident Ed Foley, who said he lives across the street from the school, said he wanted a fourth item added to the questions, an option for voters to select "none of the above."

Foley also asked if the results of the referendum were binding; Cofrancesco said they were.

Council member Paul Carbo asked if the questions could be included in January tax bills, so all residents, not just registered voters, could express their opinions. Cofrancesco said the matter required a vote.

"You have to call a special election," she said. "This is the most cost-effective way."