In response to the editorial published in your Sept. 25 newspaper headed "The Ugliest House in Fairfield," it is too bad that the writer failed to do even the minimal amount of research as to develop a story without sensationalizing non-factual items. Obviously everyone is entitled to their opinion. Since the writer is controlling the reporting, he has an obligation to research the facts and look beyond the bashing until all the facts are clear. Plain and simple, let the readers decide.

Fact. Steiner Inc., the builder of this home and the development of the 16-lot subdivision known as Duck Farm Estates, did not "exploit a loophole" to allow the development of these homes. Our reputation means far too much. Steiner Inc. is a family-owned business and has been in business for over 60 years. It is currently in its fourth generation of homebuilders. We take great pride in our homes and developments and work hand-in-hand with the towns that we develop in. If the writer had checked, he would find that Steiner Inc. has an excellent reputation with the Town of Fairfield. It has developed hundreds of homes and building lots in the town of Fairfield around Fairfield Woods School, Greenfield Hill, Glenn Ridge Road, Judd Street, etc. In fact, the town even named a street after us off of Woodridge Avenue. All the departments in the Town of Fairfield (planning, zoning, conservation, building department, etc.) have always treated us with professionalism and respect such as what we feel we have treated them. We developed this property to the same zone as the neighborhood. Fact. We have never exploited any loophole in any towns that we have worked in. Our reputation means far too much.

Fact. Of the 16 acres, approximately three acres were deeded to the Town of Fairfield, at no cost to the town, and approximately five acres were permanently deed-restricted for conservation uses only. The remaining eight acres in a fourth zone could have allowed many more homes than the 16 that are being developed.

Fact. The writer totally missed or purposely left out that the "ugliest home," to our belief, is the only new home less than $1 million that is designed, constructed and certified to Energy Star standards. This Energy Star certification requires energy efficient design, high-efficiency appliances and heating and cooling equipment, additional insulation and tested certified reduction of air infiltration. All these add up to significant savings to the homeowner and, we feel these are the homes of the future. These homes will offer a 20 to 30 percent reduction in electricity, water and gas utility costs.

Fact. This home is hardly small at 1,900 square feet. Many of the neighboring homes range 1,500 square feet and up.

Fact. At $659,900, this is the least expensive, best-value new construction single-family home in the town of Fairfield.

Fact. One-car oversized garage. Again, many of the neighboring homes have a one-car garage.

Fact. The present economy both nationally and locally has been the most challenging business environment in the 30 years that I have been in the family business.

Fact. This home has produced unprecedented interest from the public with between 50 and 100 showings per weekend. Even in good economic times we typically would not see this amount of interest.

Fact. This home is currently under contract.

The writer of this article, in the future, should do more honest and open research, ask questions, talk to the town conservation, zoning and building departments. The writer should identify himself to the realtor when viewing the home so that the realtor could inform him of all the facts and innovative features that are built into the new homes. But if the writer had really wanted to get the facts the writer could have easily picked up his telephone and called Greg, Chris and Roy Steiner directly and gotten the facts before writing an article with so much misinformation.

Roy Steiner
Steiner Inc.
Fairfield

 
Editor's note: In retrospect, the Weekly feels the term "loophole" was too harsh but reserves to the right to criticize, even harshly, products that are available to the public.

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The article "Taken for a Ride" (Oct. 9) paints an inaccurate and incomplete picture of the use of credit information by insurance companies by omitting several important facts. Nowhere are readers informed that the vast majority of consumers save money, or that the use of credit allows more policyholders to buy insurance. Additionally, every serious and reputable study on this issue has demonstrated that there is a strong relationship between credit-based insurance scores and the risk of loss. A University of Texas study found that the average loss per policy was $695, but for those policies in the lowest credit scores, this average loss was $918. This compares to an average loss of $558 for those with the highest scores.

Insurers that consider credit information in their underwriting and pricing decisions do so for only one reason—insurance scoring allows them to rate and price business with a greater degree of accuracy and certainty. By considering credit information along with other familiar factors, such as years of driving experience, previous claims and age of vehicle, insurers are able to develop a more complete picture of a consumer's risk characteristics. This helps to lower insurance premiums for the majority of insurance consumers and enables each consumer to pay a premium that more closely matches his or her individual risk factors.

Paul Magaril
Regional Manager and Counsel
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Albany, NY
 

Editor's Note: The Weekly stands by the story and notes that when insurance companies raise the rates of any group (for any reason), it can then lower premiums for those outside that group without harming their revenues.

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I congratulate Rev. John Gage and his congregation for their joyful witness for same-sex marriage ("The Conjugal Constitution," Oct. 16). As the newly-installed minister at Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society in Madison, I was delighted to come to a welcoming congregation. We also felt a "palpable thrill" last Sunday after the state Supreme Court decision approved same-sex marriage. There are many delighted people in Unitarian Universalist congregations from Meriden and Hartford to New London and Bridgeport. Gay and lesbian clergy have played a key role in this victory, but as a grandmother married over 30 years and a minister, I know that active advocacy by heterosexuals is essential to gaining the civil right of marriage for all.

Having served a Massachusetts congregation when same-sex marriage became law, I had the happy honor of performing many same-sex weddings. Indeed, the local economy flourished with the outbreak of wedding festivities. Despite dire predictions, life went on peacefully. Thanks to the state Supreme Court and their constitutional wisdom, I am delighted to now be able to say once again to two men or two women, "By the power vested in me by the State of Connecticut, I pronounce you married!"

Rev. Claudia Elferdink
Madison