The non profit museum, which leases space off West Avenue within Lockwood Mathews Park, wants to expand by 22,000 square feet, adding exhibit and office space as well as additional parking.

Citizens questioning the proposal, including the Norwalk League of Women Voters, cite parking as a primary concern, saying additional spaces may encroach on the park's green area. The city has a clause in the proposed deal that says the parking spaces could be relocated at a later date.

Zoning officials say they are looking at all the documents provided to them by the museum and want the public's input before a final vote. The meeting is at 7:30 PM in the third floor Common Council chambers at Norwalk City Hall.

"We have to exhaust everything and that means every cut possible," Rell says.  "We have been going through the budget and in some areas you can find duplications of services."

Today's meeting of the three groups is also expected to touch on how federal aid could possibly be changed under the Obama administration.

"He's charged with conspiring with the co-defendant who was represented in the movie so I'm not happy that it taints the jury pool," Sherman says.

Prosecutors allege Carlos Trujillo, Kissel's chauffeur, hired his cousin Leonard to carry out the murder.

"Orientation is largely about making sure we know what exits and entrances to use and where the bathrooms are," Himes jokes.

The House Speaker traditionally hosts a dinner the first night strictly for members of his or her own party.  However this year Democrat Nancy Pelosi chose to also include newly-elected Republicans.  Himes believes it's an ideal way to set the tone for what many are hoping will be a bipartisan Congress.

"It's just a great way to kick off this new Congress," Himes says.  "It symbolizes the fact that we're really going to need to come together if we want to solve the very challenging problems we have."

The freshmen Congressmen Friday will draw lots for office space.

                                                                                                                                                                              Stamford hospital may tear down 12 purchased properties before the end of the year. The homes are abandoned multi families. The reason, according to hospital spokesman Scott Orstad, is continuing the west side facilities long term expansion and modernization plans, which have been met with overall support rather than resistance by the neighborhood. 

Over the past 12 month's, the hospital has purchased 35 properties totaling over $24 million dollars. The purchases on adjacent streets have given the hospital a wider footprint in each direction. This creates greater expansion possibilities. Orstad says that the bulk of the real estate purchases are done even though the hospital is negotiating with a few more homeowners.

                                                                                                                          Norwalk's Grace Baptist Church on West Avenue was the scene of prayer and great happiness Thursday night.

The congregation, at least 200 strong, led by community activist The Reverend Dr. Lindsey Curtis, commemorated the election of Barack Obama and the milestone of his being the first black man elected to the presidency.

Reverend Curtis explained the celebration service was based on public demand stemming from election night.

In attendence at the church was Mayor Richard Moccia and congressman elect Jim Himes.

"I asked them in a letter to re-instate it, it took them a couple weeks but we were able to hammer out a new agreement.  We're back to making sure people in North Stamford are going to be safe," Malloy says.

The city is also working with a consultant to see what other steps can be taken in terms of Stamford fire service.

The vote Wednesday night paves the way for greater efforts in hiring minorities for city jobs in all departments. City officials commenting on the vote included Mayor Moccia who says the city wants to treat everyone with respect. Council member Carvin Hilliard former Norwalk NAACP president, feels the city has "a ways to go" and wants city employees to "look like the city of Norwalk itself."

The plan comes at a tough time due to Mayor Moccia's recent budget cuts due to the economy. Currently a hiring freeze is in place excepting police and fire.

"Our goal is to make the shot as easily available for people as possible," says Norwalk Health Director Tim Callahan.  "We want to be where the people are.  The convenience factor is there."

The widespread flu shot distribution isn't solely about staving off influenza.  It's also a state-mandated test of area health departments' ability to work together in the event of a public health emergency requiring such swift response.  The shot is being offered at the train stations from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

"This is an opportunity to streamline government and to return to our core functions," Rell says.  "It puts us in a position to finally address some of the long term problems and yes, some of the goals we had hoped to be able to achieve in state government."

The projections are based on current service requests of state agencies in addition to the cost to maintain state programs over the next two years.