New Haven Independent

Posted by: walt bradley | August 18, 2008 11:02 AM

Do the Fitchs live IN fair haven?
We've got plenty of absentee landlords in this city who care less about the tennants and neighbors and neighborhood then they do that monthly check. Plenty.

Posted by: David Streever | August 18, 2008 11:41 AM

Hi Walt,

it looks like she raised 5k in a fundraiser, representing New Haven:
http://www.northbranfordrelay.org/

Posted by: walt bradley | August 18, 2008 2:44 PM

David, that is good - not really - in any way shape or form - related to my statement - but good, the world needs more good deeds.
My issues is that New Haven, and more so in fair haven, has many many landlords who live in other cities, and only come around to buy the house, maybe show the house and collect their rent. Often these landlords (and i am not suggesting these folks will follow suit) let the house fall into disrepair, don't cut the grass, don't hear the loud tennants at 3am like the neighbors do, and aren't emotionally vested in the neighborhood. Hell the city of new havne owns properties on my street - Central Ave., and those houses, well, suck.
So you see, although Ms. Fitch is good at fundraising, my concern is - Is she good at improving the neighborhoods where she owns property? Does it bother her if a tennant keeps up a working man until sunrise? Is she concerned if a unit has a big garbage pile in the back where rats live, and then go into neighbors yards and basements?
I do not think for a moment this woman is evil or that the bank would care more about the neighborhood, or it's effect on my neighborhood or car taxes (i rent). I'm simply stating that this town has many many land owners who use their new haven properties as income and nothing more. And the neighborhoods with more absentee landlords tend to be not as good (good meaning safe, attractive or in MY opinion livable) as those with landlords who either live on the property (as mine does - love you Drew!) or at least in the same zip code.
But, yes David, i'm glad she was able to raise money, and if she lives in the neighborhood and makes sure her properties contribute to new haven's well being - or does so without living there - then she rocks.
by the way, were you able to find my charitable contributions? i couldn't locate my recipts and needed them for my taxes - if you find them i'd appreciate some info.

Posted by: Fair Haven Res | August 18, 2008 3:15 PM

I think if you'll search the Independent for the term "marina," you'll find that the Fitchs are well invested in the Fair Haven area, not just landlords.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 18, 2008 4:07 PM

OMG I know this family!! They are the kindest people. Now I am really sad :(

Posted by: DEZ | August 18, 2008 5:53 PM

I am always suspect and a little worried when one person owns too much of any neighborhood. In Fair Haven, on the waterfront, that suspicion gets cranked 10 fold. Although Lisa Fitch and her husband Bob do not live in Fair Haven, their roots here are deep. Lisa's father, Herman Dostie, did raise the family for many years in the neighborhood. The business he started is still located on Front Street adjacent to their many properties. Although I will always defer to an owner occupied home, The Dostie/Fitch team has done wonders for the properties they own. Not taking the easy way out, they have tastefully renovated many homes and have been great neighbors while doing so. Of course, business is business and the name of the game is to turn a profit. Lisa and her family have been giving back to the community while doing that. I have seen them at many charity fundraisers and they more than do their share. The Gore family who lost their house to foreclosure, were as well, a wonderful neighborhood asset. Hardworking and always willing to lend a hand. I worked with Anthony Sr. in greenspace along Front St. with URI. Our thoughts are with them too as they transition to a new home. They will be missed!

Posted by: David Streever | August 18, 2008 8:05 PM

Hi Walt,

I apologize that I wasn't clear.

I don't know where they live. I found that she represented New Haven in a fund-raiser: this makes me suspect that she does live in New Haven. That's why I posted it, not to say she is a good/bad/neutral person. You know? I'm not trying to comment on any of the issues you raise in your second post.

I share your concern, as well, for the community we all live in. Let's hope that we can continue to attract sustainable development & locals who care about this community.

Posted by: dede | August 19, 2008 8:22 PM

God will guide the Gore family.....be good and good will come amen

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 20, 2008 10:00 AM

Dede I hope.
One of my sons childhood friends is the gores child. They were always good people. there property cared for. Although this is the fitches gain, lets not forget this is a family that lived here at least a decade and life has ended this being their home. This is sad. At the time that I lived there they were the watchdogs for that end of the street. Good people

Posted by: dede | August 20, 2008 6:26 PM

Cedarhillresident..
I agree i know the mother off the family...and they are good folks....one door closes another opens....the hardship is terible this lady is working two jobs...her husband just got a job....i'm sure the city could have done something....i know the feeling i lost my home to foreclosure also.....