Gripe Vine Readers:
Well, it finally has begun…from what information I was able to obtain, after the necessary approvals have occurred, construction on the Haven will begin in the spring. Of course, demolition has begun and we can now look forward to an “upscale” $200 million shopping center with about 60 stores, restaurants, a waterfront promenade and a 200-seat amphitheater.
Over the past three years, this columnist has received countless complaints of abandoned buildings, overflowing trash barrels, pot holes in this area and a general unattractive appearance. Fortunately, I was able to have a good rapport with Francis Withington, West Haven’s complaint officer, who kept Gripe Vine abreast of the region’s possible upgrade and problem solutions whenever possible. So, onward and up…we can all be visual participants in this new, valuable asset to our city.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
On Forest Circle, the water company last summer, did some pipe repair and dug up all the streets from Alden all the way around the circle. The streets were fine before and now the streets are just crumbling away. Please help us, Eleanore to improve our neighborhood.
Seeking Better Streets
Dear Seeking:
Francis Washington, West Haven’s Complaint Officer, replied to your complaint with, “I will check with the water company to see if they are responsible.” Please let me know ‘Seeking’ if there has been any kind of activity in your neighborhood relating to your complaint.
Fixit
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
There is graffiti at 78 Sawmill Road on the train trestle, bridge support and the bridge as well. Can we get this cleaned up?
Disgusted
Dear Disgusted:
Francis Withington forwarded your complaint to the Department of Transportation. As always, I ask my readers to take a moment and let me know if their gripes have shown any sign of improvement. Email me, please at [email protected] with your comments on this gripe.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
Over in the 613 Ocean Ave. area, there is graffiti on the retaining wall between South and Tyler Streets. Can this be removed? I don’t know why people desecrate property. There is just no respect these days. The rest of us shouldn’t have to look at this filth.
I Care
Dear I Care:
Your complaint was forwarded to the Highway Superintendent James Cavallaro for graffiti removal.
Coming up: Speeding on Ocean Avenue complaints…left lane traffic light over the left lane at Campbell Avenue and Route 1…dead end traffic signs requested at Taft Avenue..pedestrian crossing signs removed…yellow traffic posted signs complaint…Hazardous conditions on Richmond Avenue…school buses blocking driveways…heavy odor on Simon Place and much more.
Send your gripes, questions and comments to [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number, kept in strict confidence with me.