This Week’s Letters to the Editor

Editor’s Note: The Letters to the Editor section in the Woodbridge Town Chronicle is a place where community voices can be shared and heard. In the print newspapers of years past, letters to the editor were often the liveliest section, where readers spoke directly to one another, the broader community, and its leaders. To submit a letter for consideration please refer to the submission guidelines.

Advancement of Beecher School proposal raises concerns about approval process and tax impact

To the editor,

The Woodbridge Board of Education has submitted plans to demolish Beecher Road School and replace it with a new school in the rear of the property. This despite the fact that taxpayers approved millions of dollars in improvements that were meant to keep Beecher in top shape until 2035. In fact, the town will be paying for these improvements for the next decade or more while the WBOE levels them. It is doubtful that they considered the devastating effect this would have on taxpayers and the town in terms of the budget and tax bills.

The Board of Selectmen somehow approved this plan without the benefit of any verifiable numbers regarding total cost, state reimbursement, effects on the budget and cost to taxpayers. That’s irresponsible given their role as the board entrusted with the well-being of all taxpayers. Of course, the town is now run by the four Democratic members of the Board with the two Republicans basically nullified and disregarded. Two of the Democrats are former WBOE members who have not figured out that they now represent the entire town. One actually is the lead person on this project, and I believe that is improper. I am extremely disappointed that the First Selectman and Deputy Selectman voted in favor without detailed financial information.

The project is projected to cost $110 million and may be significantly more especially if blasting is required. How will neighbors feel about that? The 50% reimbursement rate being tossed is highly doubtful. The truth is, based on these estimates I project that the mill rate will rise by 3 or 4 mills and taxpayers will pay additional taxes of $1,000 to $3,000 or more per year for twenty years. It will blow up our town budget and negatively impact our bond rating, devastating the town.

— Matthew T. Giglietti

The writer was a member of the Woodbridge Board of Finance from July 1986 to December 2023 where he served as Chairman for 35 years (1988–2023).

Editor’s Note: Letters reflect the perspectives of their authors. They are published to foster dialogue about issues of local concern, including questions of governance, transparency, and accountability, as well as topics such as highlighting upcoming or past events from community groups. To submit a letter for consideration please refer to the submission guidelines.