Dear Eleanore Turkington:
As a new homeowner and parents of small children, I am very concerned about the 500 tires stored in the backyard on Washington Avenue. It is not only a fire hazard but rodents live in the tires along with mosquitoes. Can something be done about this condition?
Annoyed Neighbor
Dear Annoyed:
I notified Francis Withington, West Haven’s Complaint Officer of this condition. Following his investigation, Withington replied, “Yes, these tires were removed.”
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
Talk about an annoying situation; the missing swings at Morse Park. I have been reading Gripe Vine regularly to see what the outcome is. Just when will these swings be back so the children can enjoy them?
Grandma
Dear Grandma:
I have been consulting with Francis Withington, Complaint Officer for the city of West Haven on this issue. Here is his latest response: “We took down the rotted set. We have one set three with four swings. I am trying to get the Department of Public Works to move the playground equipment from Thompson Street School over to Morse Park.”
Grandma, obviously you are a regular visitor to Morse Park. Please contact Gripe Vine as soon as you see the swings installed.
Gripe Vine Readers:
As my readers are aware, there are many motorcycle complaints that reach my desk on a regular basis. Gripe Vine has been seeking an answer to these “bikes” that have been speeding and roaring through the streets in West Haven, particularly on Ocean Avenue and Captain Thomas Boulevard.
The latest response from Francis Withington, city complaint officer, indicates these motorcycle issues have been reported to traffic engineer Todd Ingarra. With the hot, summer weather coming up, the “bike” traffic increases. You can be sure Gripe Vine will be on the alert for solutions to the ignoring of speed and noise laws mandated by the law. Meanwhile, if you live on a street that has been plagued by this problem, send me a note and I will forward this information to the proper authorities. Gripe Vine is attempting to at least, get speeding fine signs placed on state roads in our city.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
The Cove River Foot Bridge needs to be replaced. I know this isn’t a priority for most, but for those who use the wonderful open space along the shore this has been something that needs repair for a long time. The river outlet is an important part of the estuary ecosystem.
Many people fish and crab in this river. Even though there is a small path around the fence, I was told by a lifeguard that you cannot stand on the bridge because it may collapse?? If it is that bad, it’s imperative that it be replaced for the safety of people and the vital eco-system that flows in and out of the river. There must be a way to secure funds to replace this bridge. It’s the small projects that make secure our shoreline as an ecological health and growth and that of our own. Please consider this as something important.
An Environmentalist
Dear Environmentalist:
Other readers have placed their interest in your concern of safety at Cove River Bridge. Following research, Gripe Vine has learned that capturing funds to improve the safety of this bridge has been met with a “lack of funding.”
I am hoping that a city representative, reading your remarks, will follow up with a new request for funding for the Cove River Bridge.
If you have a complaint or comment for Gripe Vine, please fill out the form near my column and send it to me, or you can email gripevine4wh@aol.com with your concerns. Please include your name and address and phone number, kept in strict confidence with me. Or you can mail your requests to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 666 Savin Ave.