'Stop Being Angry' Says Shakespeare Theatre Advocate

Mayor John A. Harkins was not present at the public forum held Monday night, but residents made it clear they had a message for him about the historic and White House.

"I suggest you stop being angry and feeling unconvinced," said Henry Bruce of the historical preservation group FORStratford as he addressed Joseph Kubic and the other Town Council members present.

"You are not going to put a sports complex on that property in our neighborhood," he said, referencing in which Councilman James Connor suggested the land could be used for such a facility.

Terry Masters, Stratford resident and Democratic candidate for State Assembly, said that preserving the Shakespeare Theatre has and calls for leadership from the Town Council.

"This is a grassroots reaction," said Masters. "This is an opportunity to show some leadership."

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Others pointed out that Stratford has money bonded to fixing the dilapidated buildings and that land deeds prohibit any non-residental construction.

Aamir Kadeem, 16, attends and spoke about his theater experience and how he believes other kids will come to enjoy the theater.

"As someone who appreciates art, as someone who loves it, I wish it would just be open, it's a great place," said Kadeem.

Other notes

Other topics brought up for consideration during the forum included concerns about flooding from a creek that lies alongside Bowe Avenue. Council member Stephanie Philips said during the Town Council meeting that the town engineer plans to address this soon.

Matthew DeBernardo also gave an update on the in Roosevelt Park and announced there will be a fundraiser 5K road race in August.