10/01/2025
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
On September 1, 2025, the producer of the Chaz and AJ Morning Show on WPLR contacted us with a proposal. They respectfully requested access to the Sterling Opera House for one evening at the end of September to conduct a paranormal investigation. Their plan was to bring 3–4 people into the building, record the investigation, and broadcast the results as part of their October Halloween programming.
The proposal clearly stated their intention: to raise public interest in and appreciation for the Opera House and its restoration efforts. In return, WPLR offered to feature the restoration project on-air, conduct interviews with members of the Sterling Opera House Commission, and provide valuable exposure with the potential to generate donations. They also agreed to comply with all city safety protocols. All correspondence related to this proposal is available upon request.
Following this request, Gino and Dana scheduled a meeting with Mayor Joseph DiMartino and Chief of Staff Linda Fusco. Both responded enthusiastically, calling it an excellent opportunity for positive exposure. Because the Mayor was leaving the state on a family matter, he asked us to forward the written proposal to Linda, who would oversee arrangements. Within 24 hours, we sent her the proposal requesting a late-September weekend. Linda replied that either Friday, September 26, or Saturday, September 27, would work.
When WPLR selected Friday the 26th, we confirmed this with Linda and asked whether a waiver was required. She replied simply: “OK, I’m really interested in what they do!” We later followed up, asking if she would like us to lock up the building after the event, and she responded: “Let’s see how well I hold up.” At that point, the event was fully planned.
However, just 48 hours before the scheduled investigation, we received a frantic call from Linda asking about contracts and insurance policies—concerns never previously raised. WPLR promptly assured us those documents could be provided. Yet, the very next day, the Mayor informed us that the Fire Marshal had denied approval. When we contacted the Fire Marshal directly, he stated that he had never even seen the proposal.
This last-minute cancellation, without explanation, left us to conclude that the decision was politically motivated. The result: the plug was pulled on one of the largest and most influential morning shows in the tri-state area, just 24 hours before the event. The fallout included wasted resources, public embarrassment for the city, and the likely loss of thousands of dollars in potential donations for the Opera House restoration.
WPLR was deeply disappointed, having invested weeks of preparation without a contingency plan. They are now scrambling to find a new venue for their Halloween segment.
The inconsistency is striking. On May 31st, over 500 people entered the Opera House without so much as signing a waiver, and we have tours scheduled for October 11th, yet four professionals from a nationally syndicated radio program were denied entry at the last minute. The result? WPLR is now taking their event to Ansonia—where city leadership recognized the opportunity.
This contrast highlights a larger issue: Derby’s inability to seize opportunities that would benefit our community. Ansonia is moving forward. Derby is standing still. It is time for change.
Dana Florenza, Chair
Brian Coppolo, Vice Chair
Gino DiGiovanni, Building Liaison
Carleigh Paecht
Karleen Guluzzy
PLEASE SHARE!!!
