Gripe Vine Readers:
I have received requests from readers interested in learning what efforts the local Chamber of Commerce and city officials utilize to bring new businesses into the city of West Haven.
Several months ago I posed this question to Alan Olenick, Chamber of Commerce Director. I have not heard from Louis Esposito, mayoral assistant. If you have been following this column you, no doubt, have noticed that I have been prying both these gentleman for answers.
However, I finally heard from Alan Olenick and here is his reply on how the Chamber of Commerce encourages new businesses to West Haven:
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
The West Haven Chamber of Commerce and the city of West Haven work every day to court new businesses to come to the city.
The Chamber offers an online resource for a new business to open up shop here whether it’s a small mom and pop store to a large corporation. This source can be found at https://www.westhavenchamber.com/business-resources
This resource is designed to get a potential business all the information they would need in one place whether it federal, state or local resources. The chamber then acts as an advocate for anyone interested in opening or relocating here. We guide them in the right direction and make introductions to any chamber member that can help them.
Don’t forget, we also operate the DMV Express office which brings more than 10,000 people annually to West Haven’s Center Business District. More than 60 percent of the visitors are from a 15 mile radius from West Haven.
We have a great working relationship with the City of West Haven when attracting and retaining businesses.
Alan Olenick, Director
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I AM VERY CONCERNED. There is a two-way intersection behind Seth Haley Elementary School on South Street. It seems that not everyone even slows down let alone come to a complete stop. They just squeeze through it as if there were no sign at all.
This is a neighborhood with families with young children. It is a high traffic area, with bike riding, dog walking ,etc. I know that it is just a matter of time before someone gets hurt. I am hoping something will get done before there is a tragedy. It would be great if the West Haven Police Department would put an unmarked car there in the area to view this activity and view this situation.
A Very Concerned Parent.
Dear Concerned Parent:
I have placed this dangerous activity in the hands of Councilwoman Elizabeth Johnson who replied this condition was not in her area but she contacted Sgt. Joseph D’Amato at the WHPD about the possibility of a traffic study and she copied Councilwoman Crystal Fanelli on this email to alert her as well.
Councilman Robert Bruneau was also notified of this traffic problem and here is what he forwarded to Gripe Vine, “I, along with an officer of the WHPD Traffic Department spent some time at that intersection Monday, April 27 and witnessed an issue there. I reached out to Sgt Joseph D’Amato who is head of the Traffic Department and he has assured me they will increase patrol in that area.. I will also keep an eye on the intersection and update the Police Department as well.”
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
Please have someone check out the corner of Forest Road an the Boston Post Road. It is extremely dangerous there.
JD Dangerous
Dear Dangerous:
I reached out to Councilman Peter Massaro who warned drivers to stay away from this area. “There is major construction going on here and there are cones in the road. Urge everyone to stay away from this site.”
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
The traffic light at Campbell and Lamson located at the VA Driveway is supposed to be solid during rush hours. It has been blinking. Please correct it.
PIA Frustrated Driver
Dear Frustrated Driver:
Councilman Mitchell Gallignano responded to Gripe Vine’s request to offer some aid at this traffic light site. Here’s his reply, “That light is on a timer. I will make sure it is working properly.”
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
The customers steal the New Haven Toters and bring them to the recycle center at 163 Boston Post Road. We have around 20 of them. Please come get them.
Toter Griper
Dear Toter Griper:
Here is what Councilman Peter Massaro said after Gripe Vine posed your complaint, “There is nothing I can do about people stealing the cans. At one time they were leaving them in the parking lot at Gilbert Street and Boston Post Road. I will try to call New Haven.”
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
There is a missing light post at 385 Platt Ave. When you go up and down Platt Avenue the street lights are present except for 385. This area is very dark and can be hazardous when visibility is very low during the evening, snow, fog, etc.
Fearful Resident
Dear Fearful:
Councilwoman Elizabeth Johnson received your complaint and she replied: “I have contacted Sgt. Joseph D’Amato about this and will gladly get back to you once he replies. I will also contact United Illuminating about this.” Readers, as soon as Councilwoman Johnson sends her reply to Gripe Vine you will read it here.
However, this is what Sgt. Joseph D’Amato said on the missing street light at 385 Platt Ave. “This issue is more for the United Illuminating. Looks like the resident is complaining about lack of a street light on a pole that may never have had a light in the first place. By looking at the poles on Platt Avenue, not every pole has a light attached to it. I can’t answer as to why that is. This question is better suited for the UI Company.”
Coming up….Pot holes on Plainfield Street , pot holes on Dix Street, water puddling on Nonquit Street sidewalk, deep hole with cone inside on Fairfax Street, cars ignoring stop sign at 64 to 70 Nonquit Street, problems at Aimes, Anawon and Contact Drive, early trash pick up gripe at Island Lane, Chestnut Street potholes, graffiti on Second Avenue investigated, utility company questioned on Hillcrest Avenue, huge hole at Main Street and Washington and much more.
Send your gripes, comments and issues to gripevine4wh@aol.com or write to Gripe Vine c/o The West Haven Voice 840 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516. You can also submit through our online form.