We have some exciting news.  Attorney Barry Hawkins of Shipman and Goodwin LLP, one of the most highly regarded law firms in Connecticut, has agreed to provide us with legal representation for the DEP Hearings on the Toner dock.  We are very grateful and appreciate this amazing gift.  We will still incur expenses for expert witnesses, transcript services, etc., but we must act quickly or the DEP will carry through with its approval of this 60 foot dock with a boat lift for a 24 foot powerboat.

We realize that legal remedies are not the best route in terms of controlling dock proliferation on Ash Creek.  Instead of opposing docks point blank which to some is extreme, and a more difficult road, we plan to work to work with the Fairfield and Bridgeport municipalities to limit powerboat use in July and August, the vital shellfish spawning season.  This will in turn limit the docks that people build because those summer months are in prime boating season.  We will also work with the municipalities on creating dock ordinances that limit the size of docks.

The Black Rock NRZ has recently approved the drafting of a dock ordinance for Bridgeport.  The time line for implementation is two to five years and no committee has been formed on this issue.  With the support of the NRZ, ACCA will approach our Harbor Commission to help us move it forward.  

We are looking into other potential solutions at the municipal and state level as well.  Thank you all for your support. 

The schedule for the Toner Dock hearing is as follows:

PRE-HEARING DATES

September 16 for submission of witness lists, exhibits and legal issues to the Hearing Officer and simultaneously to all parties.

September 23 at 10 am in Hartford - Prehearing meeting with all parties.

September 25  site visit at Toner property for the Hearing Officer and a limited number of parties. ACCA will be represented by Attorney Hawkins and someone from ACCA assuming Toner consents to it.

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing in Fairfield Town Hall has been scheduled for 6:30pm on Tuesday, October 7 at 6:30 PM in the First Floor conference room at Sullivan Independence Hall in Fairfield..

DEP HEARING IN HARTFORD

Finally, evidentiary hearing in Hartford on October 15, 2008 starting at 9 am and concluding first day at 2:30. If we are not done with evidence by 2:30 we just pick another date to continue.

APPEAL FOR FUNDS

If you would like to renew your membership or make a donation, please fill out the attached form and send it it.  A special thank you to Patricia Scott for her generous contribution to help us meet expenses.

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