Dear Eleanore Turkington:
When will the lighting be improved on Captain Thomas Boulevard? You indicated in a previous Gripe Vine column that this situation would improve soon. When will this happen?
We need lights.
Dear Lights:
I have been told by West Haven’s Complaint Officer, Francis Withington, that the Public Works Director, Dominic Perrotti indicates this should be accomplished in two weeks.”
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
The West Haven VA Hospital entry on Campbell Avenue is unsafe for pedestrians, particularly disabled veterans entering the campus.
At the four-way intersection, there is only one crosswalk and though it has two walk signals, one is obscured by foliage. A safer solution would be four crosswalks and corresponding walk signals that gives preference to pedestrians.
Safety Conscious Pedestrian
Dear Safety:
Once again, I have to thank Francis Withington, Officer of Complaints in West Haven, for promptly responding to your question. His reply, “I am forwarding this complaint to Sgt. William Ciccosanti of the West Haven Police Department for investigating and evaluating.”
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
If a neighbor has grass growing way beyond accepted length, what can I do? What are the regulations in West Haven for such disregard of property?
Really Annoyed
Dear Really Annoyed:
I did some research on blighted residences in our city. The following information may be helpful to you and my readers:
Chapter 129-3 Grass, weeds or vegetation constituting public nuisance; swimming pools.
It is hereby further declared a blight and public nuisance for any person owning, leasing, occupying or having charge or possession of any private property in the City of West Haven to maintain such premises, and/or any public right of way abutting said abutting said premises, in such manner that any of the following conditions exist thereon:
A Premises, occupied by a structure intended for human occupancy, in which grass, weeds or similar vegetation, excluding flowers, fruits and vegetables) is allowed to reach and remain at a height of eight of inches or greater for a period of 10 days or longer.
B Residentially zoned premises occupied by a structure in which grass, weeds or similar vegetation (excluding flowers, fruits and vegetables) is allowed to reach and remain at a height of eight inches or greater for a period of 10 days or longer.
C The presence of dead, decayed, diseased or damaged trees constructing a height or danger to adjacent premises or the occupants thereof or to public property on persons lawfully thereof.
D Residential or commercial zoned property on which landscaping on the premises including but not limited to trees, shrubs, hedges, grass and plants, physically hinders or interferes with the lawful use of abutting or abutting, blocks or interferes with the use of public sidewalks or private street or right of way or any road sign.
E The presence of a swimming pool or other artificial body of water whether on ground or above ground is of which is not chemically treated or covered so as to create an environment or for insect or other vegetation or for other safety or health hazard.
Gripe Vine Readers:
Did you know that in Connecticut no one under 18 is permitted to operate or ride on a motorcycle without wearing a helmet? There is a $90 fine for being cited without a helmet. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles is responsible for adopting helmet regulations.
Most important, because these regulations can change, motorcycle riders and passengers should check with the Commissioner before riding motorcycles on Connecticut roadways. Connecticutdriverslicense.org for additional information .
Coming up: Captain Thomas Blvd complaints…more on VA Hospital crosswalk complaint…broken rail at Savin Rock Trail..trash barrels needed on Beach Street…strip mall owners gripe and much more.
You can submit your gripes, comments and questions to [email protected] or write Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 666 Savin Ave. Please include your name, address and phone number. They are kept strictly confidential with me.