The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Sept. 14, 2011

Changing rules to allow LED digital signs on gas stations in Southington, mainly because, probably, they’re allowed everywhere else, although it’s an interesting argument about changing signs in bad weather. But if rules are changed for gas stations, what reason is there not to change the rule for everyone else so the town can be full of lighted signs – it will be “business friendly” we guess.

Wallingford’s council has affirmed its decision on Simpson Court parking, setting stage for referendum. Signing a petition is not the same as saying “no,” though that’s what everyone seems to think, and there’s still an alternative, the Wooding-Caplan property, which has defied planning for many years now.

Presumably, New Life Church on Bee Street, Meriden, will have its plans examined for compliance with zoning rules, just like anyone else, and we see no sign that the church wants or expects anything different. It’s a growing group, which is great, but that can create parking and traffic issues which may need to be addressed.

Cheshire continues to be pleased with the job performance of Michael Milone, town manager, and to advance his employment terms. It is good to have found a good fit for town and administrator.

Wallingford has received another possible plan for a relocated train station. This one, on Parker Street, is a bit farther from the town center.

United Way of Meriden and Wallingford’s annual Day of Caring, which took place on Tuesday. About 300 people from local employers were dispatched to non-profits in the area to paint or draw or perform other labor intensive tasks which have been beyond the budgets of these helping agencies.

Someone was evidently hoping to make a bit of agricultural profit on an illegal crop in a small field off West Street, Southington. Arrests may or may not follow, but the crop has been sequestered, thwarting plans.

Good results are happening with Meriden's Maloney High School’s career courses. The technical and job-related courses have caught on and the students have been doing significantly better on state testing programs.

An ambitious Eagle Scout candidate has proposed to build for Southington a concrete entrance and platform to the dog park. That will allow those in wheelchairs to enter the park with their pets.