Gripevine

Dear Gripe Vine Readers:

Many of you have written to Gripe Vine seeking assistance in replacing or improving the sidewalks in your neighborhoods. Conditions such as cracked, broken or crumbled sidewalks that posed dangers to pedestrians and family neighbors in your area.

“The sidewalks on Linden Street are in disrepair; broken, crumbled, splitting and very dangerous They are a hazard to the children, elderly and handicapped in our neighborhood.”

“The sidewalks are in disrepair on Andrea Drive; pieces of the sidewalk are broken, crumbled, splitting and very dangerous. People cannot walk on them. They are a hazard to children, elderly and handicapped in our neighborhood.”

These are just excerpts of several examples of the letters Gripe Vine has received in the recent past. Through the assistance of your local councilmen and councilwomen , Gripe Vine has been able to receive their cooperation and some progress has been made.

Further information has been provided by portions of a news release from the Department of Public Works, which I feel will provide further clarification of that department’s sidewalk plans for improvement.

“The Department of Public Works sidewalk repair program is slated for spring in West Haven. This program repairs and replaces sidewalks that have been damaged by trees.”

“The Department of Public Works is continuing its sidewalk repair and replacement program this spring. City sidewalk Inspector Eric Chiarelli recently announced that 372 addresses were reported and inspected last year. City trees are defined as those located between the sidewalk and street curb. Otherwise it is the owner’s responsibility to repair the sidewalk fronting their property, according to Article 1, Section 1 of the Streets and Sidewalks” ordinance under Chapter 206 of the West Haven Code.” Anyone who has a sidewalk in need of a repair due to a city tree can have their address added to the 2020 inspection list by emailing the Department of Public Works at sidewalks@westhaven-ct.gov or calling (203) 937-3585.

Dear Gripe Vine Readers:

I have sent requests to the mayor’s assistant, Lou Esposito and the West Haven’s Chamber’s Director Alan Olenick for information on what plans the Chamber and the city have to increase West Haven’s business population. To date, no reply from either of these gentlemen. Soon as I do you will read it here.

Coming up. Broken traffic light at 960 Campbell Ave….missing streetlight at 389 Platt Avenue…early morning business trash pickup gripe…dog droppings on West Haven Green.pot holes from Brown Street to Chestnut Streets, messy yard at Park Street and much more.

You can send your gripes, comments and issues to gripevine4wh@aol.com or mail them to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice 840 Boston Post Road, West Haven 06516. You can also submit through our online form.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

This is the third time I have written you about commercial vehicles (dump trucks included) that park in a residential neighborhood on Jones Hill Road, Bellvue and Hillside Avenue upper and lower.

I have included with this letter to you portions of the automotive ordinances listed in West Haven:

“6-13.2 referring to ALL RESIDENTIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS C: In no case shall any non-passenger motor vehicle or other commercial vehicle including construction equipment. Other than camp trailers, campers, personal boats or commercial vehicles that do not exceed 3$ ton load as specified by the Connecticut Motor Vehicle Department, be parked or stored in any residential district, except as service vehicles on a temporary basis. No such commercial vehicle shall be parked or stored overnight, whether on public or private property, public street or other vehicular right-of-way in any residential district.”

G.K.Irritated

Dear G.K. Irritated:

When I received your previous complaints, they were noted by the police department that this area would be observed for violations. Obviously, the parking you described continued.

Following your most recent letter, I asked your 9th District Councilman, Robert H. Bruneau, to investigate the area you described. He replied, “”I have spoken to the Traffic Department at the West Haven Police Department. They assured me it will be addressed. If on the street, they will be ticketed and if in the driveway, the Zoning Enforcement Officer will be notified.”

Please let me know if the condition is improved or continuing and I will follow up once again.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

Now that waste disposal is getting more costly, the city needs to take a closer look at our recycle system: We need an update on our recyclable items; Do not pick up trash with recycle items in it; Issue more tickets for littering.

Jones Street Resident

Dear Jones Street Resident:

I have notified your district Councilwoman, Elizabeth Johnston of your inquiries for an updated recycle regulation comment. You can be sure I will publish her reply in Gripe Vine as soon as I receive it.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

There are numerous potholes that keep getting a shovel of fill instead of a real repair at 1 Dee Street. Please take care of this. Three years and the holes are still here.

Tired of Waiting.

Dear Tired of Waiting:

Councilwoman Robbin Watt Hamilton received your inquiry and replied to Gripe Vine with, “I have forwarded this very pot hole to the Commissioner of Public Works (Tom McCarthy) Those have been filled in the past and I am confident they will be taken care of.”

Gripe Vine Readers:

I have received a request for information on why those who use out of town restaurants instead of local businesses for celebrations, meetings, etc. I made a request seeking some suggestions on how residents can help support local businesses to the West Haven Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps it can offer ideas that could be beneficial to both business operators and residents. I also sought some answers from Lou Esposito, Assistant to the mayor, on what the city’s protocol is on recruiting new businesses to West Haven. You can be sure these replies will be published in Gripe Vine as soon as they arrive on my desk.

Coming up: Readers question sidewalk repairs and details on the city’s response to these inquiries.

You can send your gripes, comments and suggestions to gripevine4wh@aol.com or write to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice 840 Boston Post Road, West Haven 06516. You can also submit through our online form.

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Dear Eleanore Turkington:

There is more than just this picture. There are three more potholes on Everett Street. This is bad; we have kids that take the bus to school. They walk the street everyday and this is the condition we have.

Our street is been like this for over 3 months and no one is doing anything about it. We have people from city hall passing by. Please, someone needs to come around and look at this street and see the condition of how the entire street is. Please help.

ET Concerned Parents

Dear Concerned Parents:

You will see the deep pothole picture you sent in today’s column. I have submitted your complaint to Councilwoman Portia Bias for investigation. It is extremely important that you notify me with two weeks, whether or not the potholes in your neighborhood have been filled.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

I am complaining of the sidewalk that goes up the hill when you are going into the side entrance to city hall.

When you are leaving city hall, the sidewalk the sidewalk goes downhill. It is also when you are cutting through the city hall parking lot when it is icy. Some parts of the sidewalk are downhill, and they are usually sanded down to the ground, but sometimes it could be a little more even with the sand. That spot needs a railing. It is steeper than the spot that has railings. Some persons are seniors and if they fall, they could sue the city.

JG Worried

Dear JG:

I notified Councilwoman Bridgette Hoskie of your safety concern. The replied, “I will forward this to Public Works.” Please let me know when you see any activity at this site.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

I read your recent article about headlight laws in Connecticut (vehicles driving without headlights on during poor visibility). This is one of my pet peeves. I drive less than three miles to pick up my daughter from work. Recently on one of these trips, during a torrential downpour, I witnessed 50 vehicles without their headlights on. The worst part of this was one of these vehicles was a school bus and several were city and state vehicles.

During five minutes of waiting in front of my daughter’s workplace, I counted 65 more vehicles not observing the law. I feel this is not only dangerous, but it is also a violation.

We have cameras on our highways and at most intersections and our police are patrolling constantly. Why not ticket these people and get people to change their practices and raise some much-needed revenue?

CD Just A Thought

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

There are several 3 x 4 potholes from Brown Street to Chestnut Street. Chestnut Street is the worst. My daughter got a flat and was stranded recently. It is a severe safety hazard and there are several potholes on Chestnut up to Painters Park. Police and Highway Departments please patch before someone gets seriously hurt in a car accident.

IC Dangerous Area

Dear J:

I notified Councilwoman Bridgette Hoskie of the pothole dangers on Chestnut Street to Painters Park. Her response, “I have sent the request to have the potholes filled.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

There are large potholes at the corner of Winslow and Woodmont Roads. The oncoming traffic forces you to run over it and I’ve already blown out a tire.

IA Irritated

Dear Irritated:

I notified Councilman Barry Cohen of your complaint. He replied, “I received your email and as is my normal protocol, I drove to this area. Upon arrival, I recorded the exact location of the hole and took photographs of the road condition. The request has now been sent to the appropriate Public Works team for their kind and immediate follow-up. I will also place a call immediately. I expect to get back to you once the repair has been completed.

Furthermore, separate reports on pot holes and hazardous driving conditions have been reported to me on nearby Kaye Road, as well as a major hole on Ida Lane that I identified as part of my Sunday 10^th district tours (weather permitting)to inspect and report any major pot holes., safety conditions and any other blight issues. I select different portions of the district each week. These holes on Kaye and Ida have since been repaired.

Pending requests that I continue to follow up include potholes on Northrup Road as well as a more serious longer-term repair issue on Flaum Drive.

I welcome all 10th District neighbors to call or email any concerns or comments to my attention. If desired, I will come to your home and discuss with you in person. As always, I am blessed to serve you.

Barry Lee Cohen

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

I read in your column a couple of weeks ago about the laws in Connecticut regulating when motorists should turn their car lights on. After dusk, poor weather, etc. After reading this item in Gripe Vine, I have become aware of this policy and do remind myself to follow this law.

However, being so prompted I have noticed a very interesting occurrence while on the road. I am asking your readers through Gripe Vine, how many of them have seen trucks, big ones, small ones, panel trucks, landscaping trucks etc., WITHOUT THEIR HEADLIGHTS ON at dusk or doing bad weather. Can I ask your readers seeing this dangerous practice to email Gripe Vine or drop you a note in the mail verifying this dangerous practice? I am aware that cars disobey the law, but truly, TRUCKS more so.

Come on truck drivers, get with the program.

VG No longer a law breaker.

Dear VG:

Your inquiring letter was and is very interesting. I have found myself making mental notes lately to see how many trucks are not displaying headlights during poor visual weather. Yes, I would like to see readers’ comments in providing this information, pro or con. Email gripevine4wh@aol.com if you agree or disagree with this complainer. You can always regular mail your opinion to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice 840 Boston Post Road, Box 4.

Once again, to clarify the law, Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-96, states that “motorists are required to use headlights from anytime from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, as well as when driving in poor weather when visibility is 500 feet or less or if there is precipitation.”

Dear Gripe Vine Readers:

There was an abundance of wood, trash, etc. dumped on a property at Stevens Avenue, located near the VA Hospital recently and after the clean up was completed, Gripe Vine received a number of compliments for the West Haven Public Works cleanup of this area. Once again, Public Works, good job!

You can send your gripes, comments and issues to gripevine4wh@aol.com or mail to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 840 Boston Post Road, Box 4. Please include your name, address and phone number, kept in strict confidence with me. You can also submit through our online form.

Coming up: huge pothole right after Cleveland Road heading to Route 34..how can I get a street named after me….what’s new with the plastic bag issue..sidewalk repair and/or replacements…Sorenson Road potholes…and much more.

Gripe Vine Readers:

Recently I was asked an interesting question, what happens to unused prescriptions? Do they just throw them away? What about the people that can’t afford medicine? Are some of these medications available to those in need?

My curiosity was aroused, so I decided to perform a little investigating. In my opinion, after paying thousands of dollars over the years and having to throw some of them out, I wondered if there wasn’t an organization or someone who can benefit from these unused prescriptions? You must admit, this is truly a gripe, especially when you open your wallet or checkbook and have to pay hard earned cash to the pharmacist.

I learned that every single year in the United States $5 billion dollars of unused medications are discarded. If these medicines haven’t expired and can still be used by needy people, why not have our state follow as well? There are at least of this writing, 38 states that have, through law enactments, utilize prescriptions that have been checked by health officials for expiration and quality and then distributed to folks who could not afford these medications.

Here’s another wake up discovery: in our state there are $50 million of unused, discarded medicines from nursing homes, correctional facilities and various institutions.

Now, according to a news story published in a local paper recently, a 20-year-old law dictates that unused drugs go back to the vendor pharmacy and the state gets reimbursed and the procedure is saving Connecticut over a million dollars a year.

So, how does my research gripe project end? On an interesting note for sure. The National Conference of State Legislatures checked drug recycling efforts in all 50 states and discovered that Connecticut passed laws on drug recycling but indicated its program as defunct.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

I have been a follower of Gripe Vine for many years. Sometimes I am elated when gripes are solved, but sometimes I just chuckle, like I just did. To quote one of your readers who asked, “When is the clock on the Green going to be fixed?”

JD Timeless

Dear JD Timeless:

I’ll keep asking this question until I get an answer!

Gripe Vine Readers:

The trash story in The Voice last week, was thorough and informative. May I suggest you clip it out and keep for future reference. The details are explicit and helpful.

You can send me your gripes, questions and comments to gripevine4wh@aol.com or write to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 840 Boston Post Road, Box 4. Please be sure to include your name, address and phone number kept in strict confidence with me. You can also submit through our online form.

Gripe Vine Readers:

We are beginning a new year and with my wishes for a healthy, happy year, we’ll begin by opening 2020 with anticipation and accomplishments. Perhaps you found your gripe wasn’t solved last year, send it again, gripevine4wh@aol.com or mail them to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 840 Boston Post Road, Box 4, and Gripe Vine will follow up on your complaint.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

Good Morning if anyone is reading this, please, my street Everett Street needs help. This street is full of potholes everywhere from the beginning of the street to the stop sign where children get dropped from after school.

I am embarrassed to see myself living on a street like this and no one is doing anything about it. This street has been with holes over a year now and it is getting worse. There is a new house up the street and the potholes are not even from that construction. I have seen people from the city driving around and they see how the street is and nothing gets done. I have a neighbor that lives around here, and she says this is why she doesn’t vote anymore. We need a better West Haven.

Neighbor on Everett Street

Dear Neighbor:

I have notified the Councilwoman from your district, Portia Bias. I and my readers would like to hear if your complaint was acted on by Councilwoman Bias. If you don’t hear from her within the week, please contact me.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

I would like to know why Stop Signs, Red Lights, Right Turn on Red and Signal Lights on cars don’t mean anything anymore. No one seems to obey the laws. If laws where enforced, West Haven would collect a lot of money.

OB Motorist

Dear OB Motorist:

A little research provided my readers with the latest on traffic signal violations and their fines if ignored. According to Connecticut Law the fine for a Stop Sign violation, a motorist will typically pay $129.

The fines and fees for a Stop Light violation, $146 what could be paid in fines and fees.

At a red light, solid or flashing or a stop sign, motorists must come to a complete stop prior to the nearest of reaching a marked limit line, entering the crosswalk at the near side of the intersection or entering the intersection itself.

The right on Red Rule in Connecticut allows motorists to make a right turn after stopping at a red light unless there’s a sign that prohibits this action. Connecticut doesn’t allow left on red rule.

A yellow light is a warning that the signal is about to turn red. Motorists must stop at a yellow light unless they are so close to the intersection that a stop can’t be safely made.

Hopefully, OB Motorist, this information will help eliminate motorists that are careless behind the wheel.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

Once again, I am complaining about all the trash on Plainfield Avenue and also people are not stopping at Fenwick and Yates Street. Too late when someone is injured.

I Care H.C.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

I live in East Moriches, NY and have occasion to read your column. Today, my only gripe is why aren’t there more people like you and me?

FPB

Dear FPB:

Thanks for the chuckle!

Readers, you can email your gripes, suggestions or comments to gripevine4wh@aol.com or mail to Gripe Vine, c/o of The West Haven Voice, 840 Boston Post Road, Box 4. Please include your name, address and phone number, kept in strict confidence with me. You can also submit through our online form.

Gripe Vine Readers,

This is the time of year when we all reflect on the past days and months and for years, going on 17 years, at the end of each year, I publish in Gripe Vine, the highlights, both good that had occurred during 2019.

Speeding on Union Avenue really angered some of my readers, prompting the city to install speed bumps at this site.

Linden Street residents wrote to complain of the “hazardous condition of the sidewalk should be looked into by the city. Also, complaints came in concerning water from Old Field Creek Flood plain, flooded neighbor’s back yards.

Meloy Road residents vehemently complained of the heavy truck traffic on Meloy Road, asking Gripe Vine to try and get a No Thru Truck Sign installed here. Gripe Vine was also asked to have the speeding bikes that travel through stop signs at Main and Third Avenue.

An old Chevrolet car, seemingly abandoned parked illegally with its rear bumper leaning over the sidewalk, giving pedestrians little safe opportunity to walk at this site.

Many of my readers wrote to complain of the lack of concern from the mayor’s office when the wrote and complained of issues that were being ignored at the mayor’s office. At one point, an administrator was placed in charge of complaints to facilitate taxpayers’ complaints. However, this solution didn’t last long, apparently the individual in charge did make some efforts, but found the job overpowering. At this point, I performed some research, worked up a street by street listing covered by the representing council persons and proceeded to notify these individuals of your complaints. At first, there was little cooperation, but presently, these individuals have shown concern and do follow up on your complaints that Gripe Vine forwards for their investigation.

Speeders on Benham and Hubbard have been sent to Gripe Vine, forwarded to the police department for follow-up investigations.

An abandoned Timberlane Drive residence gripe was sent to me, a follow up provided a new resident was planning to make improvements and move in soon.

Also, so many complaints referring to the slow improvement of the Beach Street are always arriving on my desk. A drive by the boarded-up homes at this site….not looking good and an invitation to crime. Just when will something start improving here?

There was flooding on Peck Avenue, Potholes are a huge concern in West Haven, to mention a few 1^st Avenue, Morgan Lane, Shingle Hill Road and too many to list here.

Residents of Barbara Lane complained of a 60-foot dead tree that should have been removed for safety sake. Folks wrote to complain the commuter parking lot at 1^st Avenue where someone was regularly leaving bags of bread for seagulls and birds. Apparently, this practice invited bird feces of great proportion.

Blasting music in the Westfield Street neighborhood in the Sixth District irritated many of my readers. Pick up of grass clips was no longer performed by the city and many of my readers had difficulty with this practice.

I was asked why the American Flag was flying at half staff at City hall? A number of complaints came in requesting additional signage prohibiting dog droppings on the Green. And, speaking of the Green, readers asked Gripe Vine why the public portable bathrooms placed on the Green were in such unusable condition.

Several complaints arrived from readers who feared for the safety of school children at various school bus stops throughout the city. Apparently, many motorists were driving right through the stop signs, some drivers, even as the children boarded the school bus. Gripe Vine asked the West Haven Police Department to keep a close eye on school bus stops throughout the city. And, readers, when there are serious issues such as this and you don’t see any improvement, it is very important you call the police department or me and I promise I will make a dedicated effort to improve this dangerous practice.

Angry readers wrote to complain of the one side street parking during snowstorms, folks wanted to know why there were so many lights left on at the school after hours and nights? Speaking of lights, Gripe Vine received many “light” complaints….traffic lights not working, blinking traffic lights when they shouldn’t be blinking and requests for traffic lights in suggested areas.

Now, here’s a good one! I have been traying for months to have the clock on the Allingtown Green repaired! Just what’s the story here

Many questions being raised on West Haven’s Boot Law. In case you’re not familiar with it, if you owe taxes, your car could be locked until you pay your taxes.

Complaints arrived referring to piles of trash not being picked up in front of resident’s homes. Apparently, there is a $100 fine for not observing this ordinance. Questions have been asked why isn’t this law being enforced?

Questions came in, “When will the new roof be placed on the conference center and why was the veteran’s walk allowed to unpresentable with weeds?

Various Allingtown residents wrote seeking more representation,” We pay taxes too!” Beach Street Condo folks wanted to know why it takes so long to get roads paved here and residents on Sharon Avenue wondered why an old rotten tree hasn’t been removed?

Gripe Vine Readers:

It was quite a year, wasn’t it and in today’s column I only touched the surface. Don’t ever stop fighting! If you or your neighbors have complaints whether they are local or state or otherwise, write to Gripe Vine. The City of West Haven is extremely fortunate to have The West Haven Voice on their side. The owners and editor are just as determined as I am, to show pride in West Haven.

Have a happy holiday and I will see you on the other side in 2020!

Eleanore Turkington

Dear Gripe Vine Readers:

I have received complaints concerning this illegal dumping and have sent them out to the affected councilmen. No results: I thought I would like you to read the following  notes and look at these photos.

Dear  Eleanore Turkington:

This is what Stevens Ave near the VA looks like quite frequently. Unfortunately it is private property without any lighting or fence to deter It from happening.

I would like to thank the public works crew that cleaned all that trash, furniture, multiple sets of tires up on Saturday Nov 30th! They did a great job! So thanks!  

Stevens Avenue Resident

My thanks to the Public Works Department and a special note to the dumpers who leave their trash here- Please keep this neighborhood clean!

Ed. Note: Eleanore Turkington was under the weather last week, and sent this over as her column. We hope she feels better by the time this hits the streets.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

I saw your question in the Nov. 28 edition of the West Haven Voice asking who runs the Apple Festival and whether it would be possible to relocate it to the Grove. I am the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the First Congregational Church of West Haven (FCCWH), and I am also on the Apple Festival Committee.

The Apple Festival is supported by generous donors and volunteers spread across many organizations throughout the city of West Haven and Greater New Haven County, but it is organized and operated by a group of dedicated volunteers from the FCCWH.

To answer your reader’s specific question about relocation, it would not be possible (to hold the Apple Festival at the Grove). The majority of the food is prepared on premises in the church’s commercial kitchen. The food prepared outside is done using the church’s health permit. The Grove does not have the facilities necessary for us to prepare all the food and operate the food service station. This is important as the FCCWH food service station generates a sizable portion of the proceeds from the festival. Those proceeds are not only allocated to the various missions of FCCWH, but thousands of dollars each year is given right back to community organizations such as the WHHS Band, Community House, Cub and Boy Scouts, and many others.

While the committee works from February through September to plan each festival, the actual setup and breakdown takes 3-4 weeks, which would not be possible if it were not hosted on the green and on the church’s property.

I hope this answers your reader’s questions. If I can ever be of assistance regarding the Apple Festival or anything else to do with the First Congregational Church, please feel free to reach out to me at any time.

Christopher E. Vargo, Jr.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

On Beach Street, there’s a vacant lot. It’s on a little hill with cement steps and iron handrails leading up to it. Would you know who lived there? I walk past this area frequently and I am curious the actual name of the street it’s located on. The property is located on the corner.

RF Main Street Resident

Editor’s response: It was once the site of a large building that became the original Our Lady of Victory Church until the present edifice was constructed in the 1950s. The steps are remnants of that era.

You can send your gripes, questions, suggestions and comments to gripevine4wh@aol.com or write to Gripe Vine c/o of The West Haven Voice, 480 Boston Post Road, Box 4. Please include your name, address and phone number. Your information is kept in strict confidence with me only. You can also submit through our online form.