As they say...in real estate it's all local. Talk with anyone in Easton who has tried to sell their home recently (or their beleagured agents) and they will tell you things have come to a screeching halt. Easton's rural environment and lack of amenities does not appeal to everyone. But buyers who used to look at Easton because it was more affordable than Fairfield or Westport now can afford homes in those towns, thanks to lower prices there. Statewide sales were down 13% for all of last year. Prices declined 3% but are expected to fall more as more foreclosures hit the market. I hope the agents listed in the article are right, for everyone's sake. From today's Hartfrrd Courrant http://articles.courant.com/2012-02-01/news/hc-warren-home-sales-connecticut-20120201_1_john-zubretsky-housing-market-house-sales View Comment

While it may sound like great idea, it would only work if the ENTIRE system goes underground. Any remaining above ground lines would remain vulnerable to storm damage. My street is all underground. We lost power in both storms and were the last to get power back on both times because feeder lines nearby were down. The prohibitive cost of such an undertaking would only be passed on to customers. CT residents already pay some of the highest rates in the country. While not ideal, better tree management would be a less expensive alternative. Clearly power companies have failed here. View Comment

Dear Town of Easton - Please don't make promises you have no control over and cannot keep. Imagine our crushing disappointment last night. Returning from trick or treating (in an area that had power) I was cautiuosly optimistic. Both the police (as reported by The Daily Easton) and the first selectman stated power would be restored last night. As we got closer to our street the enthusiasm grew as we saw house after house blazing in fully illuminated glory. Turn our corner - pitch black. We still have no power as of 10:30 Tuesday am. The funny thing is our street has UNDERGROUND lines! Believe me I understand this and hurricane Irene were extreme storms that badly damaged the state. But after nearly 7 powerless days following Irene and now this, residents on the north end of town are at their wits end. The town has done a much better job of keeping residents informed (if they had working phones that is) and they were much faster in setting up help locations for showers, etc. Vs Irene. But, if we are unlucky enough to have another disaster hit please be careful what you promise. Brutal honesty is better than partial truths. View Comment