Billboard still vacant

Infamous vacant billboard

A popular billboard with Forestville residents normally used to promote a note worthy product or a local establishment remains blank.  The billboard located in the parking lot behind 150 Central Street has gone unused for years.  All that remains of the aging billboard is the faded advertisement for a failed restaurant featuring northern Italian cuisine.  Efforts to reach the owner of the billboard were unsuccessful.

Star Light Market Closed

Star Light Market Rest in Peace

The Star Light Market located on the corner of Birch and Pine Streets is officially closed.  The popular convenience store, which had a variety of names and owners over its many years, was sold to the city of Bristol so Forestville could expand Green Hills School to a K-8.

Former MLB Umpire visits Forestville

Terry Tata speaking at Nuchie's

Terry Tata, a retired major league umpire and Connecticut resident, will be in Forestville Saturday night at Nuchie’s as the guest speaker for the Hartford Chapter of Connecticut Board of Approved Baseball Umpires (or something like that).

The last time a “famous person” visited Forestville is when actress Drew Barrymore was allegedly spotted at Mike’s Pizza earlier this year.

 

Forestville prepared for Halloween

The center of Forestville circa October 29, 2010 3:15 PM.

The center of Forestville looks festive this Halloween season in anticipation of the pagan ritual celebrated by children and adults in costumes.

My wife and I are attending John and Barbara Deavers’ annual Halloween party.  I am going as The Hulk and she as “Recently Divorced Woman.”  Should I be worried?

 

Forestville’s new attraction

Pond at the end of Route 72 looking north

At the west end of the still incomplete Route 72 extension lays Forestville’s newest attraction, a drainage pond.  The body of standing water, filled with mosquitoes, algae, dead trees, and debris from the construction, was created as drainage catch for Pine Lake and the water issues raised as a result of the new construction.

Pond looking northwest

Local government officials do not know if the unnamed pond is a temporary structure or if Forestville residents will be able to enjoy it for decades to come.

Route 72 Graffiti

Looking west below the Forest Street Bridge

The graffiti below the Forest Street Footbridge was recently removed by DOT officials in preparation of the grand opening of the Route 72 extension this August.  No word from local trouble makers when the graffiti will return.

Below is how the bridge appeared in October of 2009.

Below bridge October 2009

Forestville has a new traffic light

Forestville's new traffic light

The village has a new traffic light at the intersection of the still uncompleted Route 72 extension and Pine Street.  The traffic light has three distinct colors: Red for stop, yellow for caution and green for go.  It is expected that when the traffic light is illuminated motorists will exit Route 72 in a safe manner.

A local resident who wished not to be identified was happy about the new light, “This is just what Forestville needs.  I can’t wait to stop at the light.”

Unknown Person Dies in Forestville

Forestville Cemetery

Tragedy hit Forestville one night last week as an unknown person unexpectedly died surrounded by strangers, unfamiliar free loaders and people he generally did not know that well.  The cause of death is unknown and police have no leads.  It is not known if the deceased will be buried in the Forestville Cemetery or cremated.  As more information develops, the details will be posted.

New business in Forestville

The site of a new package store on East Main Street

The former location of Bank of America in the center of town (East Main Street) will soon to be a package store, pending approval of the all necessary permits.  Word on the street is that party goers, alcoholics, casual drinkers and drunks have been lobbying village leaders for another package store. God knows there are not enough of them in the area. No doubt this will be a boom of tourism.  We’re so lucky.

What does it say about us that a single book store cannot stay open or struggles to survive in the Forestville/Bristol area but package stores, which specialize in the sale of alcoholic beverages, flourish. 

Okay. Went of the reservation there for a bit. Feel better now.

I am sure the owners intentions are good and it will create 3 to 5 jobs. I’m just sayin is all.

AB

Carol sing moved indoors

The Forestville Green empty due to cold temperatures

Many of Forestville’s residents braved a bitter cold December night to attend the annual Christmas Carol sing at the former Forestville train station.  But the carol sing was moved indoors to Nuchie’s due to the swirling wind and cold temperature.  Bummer, I was all set with my Thermacore insulated sherpa jacket and accessories.