Connecticut Resident Told to Remove Sign Opposing Group Home

OLD SAYBROOK - One Anchorage Lane resident recently learned that there are limits to free speech in this shoreline town.

Mark Caputo, owner of 10 Anchorage Lane, has set up several displays on his property expressing his opposition about a group home which will open across the street at 7 Anchorage Lane.

The group home, which will house five teenage boys between the ages of 14 and 21, will be run by Gilead Community Services, a group which contracts with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

"I tried to accept it at first but something inside of me says this is wrong and I need to stand up against this," Caputo said.

Caputo said his display included blue lettering on his garage spelling the words, "Jail Long Lane, but for prisoners of the state, take it eminent domain (Governor) Jody (Rell)."

The sign refers to the now-closed Long Lane School, which housed troubled juveniles and compared group homes to eminent domain.

The display angered the group home, Caputo believes, prompting them to notify the Old Saybrook Land Use Department.

Zoning Enforcement Officer Chris Costa wrote a cease and desist order to Caputo stating the lettering is "considered signage" and to "remove the sign immediately."

The letter threatened Caputo by stating that failure to comply could result in "a fine of $2,500 for failure to comply with this order...and for willful violations, between $100 and $250 for each day of violation."

While Caputo removed the tape, he said, "I should be able to express my free speech," explaining the town and state are violating his constitutional rights.
Caputo believes the display led the group home to install three video cameras inside its windows which point towards his property.

An Old Saybrook Police Department incident report stated that Caputo on July 4 requested an officer to investigate claiming the cameras were an invasion of his privacy.

While Patrolman Larry Smith noticed the cameras sitting on tripods aimed toward Caputo's property, Smith told Caputo that there is no law prohibiting video surveillance unless there is voyeuristic intent.