Jamie Ramos- New Haven Connecticut Real Estate Agent

WIth the impending opening of Big Y to our little suburb I was wondering what the overall feeling of the community is. I know that there have been numerous letters to the editor of the Totoket Times regarding the traffic situation in that area resulting from the merge at the railroad underpass. I have been there myself a few times and was not pleased to wait 15 minutes to get to the bridge, especially since I am turning right at Rte 139. I now completely avoid going that way after 4pm and go down Twin Lakes. I can only assume that once Big Y opens the traffic in that area will only get worse.

I am also concerned for the businesses in Central Plaza which have been there for years. IGA has plans to stay open and see what happens. IGA has an excellent deli and meat department, I just don't know if they can survive on that alone. And if IGA goes what happens to Poppy's, Great Wall or Central Pizza. I heard a rumor months ago that the post office was moving so if that happens what about Country Home Furnishings? I am confident that McDonalds and Dairy Queen will be okay as well as Wasabi but let's face it new businesses have struggled there.

So I would like to hear from other people about what their feeling on it are. Are you happy Big Y is coming or concerned for the town overall because of it?

North Branford will be offering a recycling program in January for electronics and computers. On January 26, 2008 from 9am to 12pm residents can drop off computer monitors for $5 each. For the first time residents will be able to recycle TV's as well. TV's can be dropped off for $1 per inch of screen. A 20" TV may be recycled for $20. Any other electronic and computer equipment may be dropped off for no charge. Residents in other local towns are also able to participate.

The drop off location is Computer Recycling at 27 Ciro RD in North Branford.

Well here is a way to find out. The Chamber of Commerce is holding a "state of the town" breakfast on January 30, 2008. It will be held at Doody's and speakers include Mayor Michael Doody, Dr. Robert Wolf, Interim Town Manager Michael Palhous and Jim Mahoney from CERC (CT Economic Resource Center).

If you are a chamber member it is $13, if not $15. You can call Frank Mentone for tickets at 484-4729.

I am not sure why but it starts at 7:30am. Which is before my daughter even gets to school so although I want to attend the timing is just a tad early. I wish it would have been at a more reasonable time, say 9am. But maybe I will show up late.

There are a couple of questions that I have that can (hopefully) be answered by some of the folks attending. Like when will the cafeteria at NBIS be complete? What is going on with the Rte 80 trouble at the railroad underpass area?

So if you have questions and want to know what is going on please attend.

Jamie Ramos

Real Estate Adviser

There it was. A traffic light newly installed at the intersection of Rte 139 (Branford Rd) and Twin Lakes Rd. It was still covered in its protective plastic. I couldn't help but wonder..why in the world are they installing a traffic light here? I know that Rte 139 is busy and has a lot of commercial traffic passing through. I live within a block of the light so am very familiar with traffic patterns in the area. Did we really need a light here? I haven't seen any major accidents at this intersection. I don't think there is much pedestrian traffic trying to cross here. That is mostly up by Bank of America and Central Plaza.

So the light hung there, unused for quite some time. When it was finally turned on it was on blinking status only. So I thought OK it is here to slow down some of the crazy fast drivers who treat 139 like they are at the Daytona 500 (whatever that is). But then one day it was actually RED. It really caught me by surprise. I suppose one would argue that it sometimes takes minutes to get out of Twin Lakes especially if you are turning left. I am sure I will appreciate it one day when I am sitting there at the light.

But I guess I am kind of wondering why it was put there in the first place. If anyone knows I would love to get some comments on this. Also any comments in general about whether you feel it is helping with traffic or not.

Jamie Ramos

Real Estate Adviser

I finally have a minute to talk about my favorite little breakfast place around. North Branford has been changing a lot lately but there is one thing that has stayed the same since I was 15 years old.

POPPYS RESTAURANT!

Not only is Poppy's one of the best little breakfast nooks around it also the center for many social connections as well. No matter what day of the week or time of day there is always a familiar face when you walk in. You are greeted by family when you arrive as Poppy's is entirely manned by his sister, children, sons-in law and occasionally grand children. You can expect to see Poppy himself most days as well. He is great! One of my first jobs was working for him on weekends. And he is exactly the same today as he was back then. Always willing to help out others.

The food is delicious and affordable. Even with a recent price increase they still do not compare with the area diners and you are always guaranteed service with a smile. The regulars love it and welcome new folks to come in and try it out.

Meet your neighbors! Find out what is going on around town. And have a great cup of coffee and the best eggs around while you are at it.

Say Hi to Carlos in the kitchen for me! And tell Patty I will be in on Sunday!