Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I’ve lived across the West Haven Beach for the last five years. I can’t tell you how many times I have called the mayor complaining about people driving and seeing people trying to cross the street. It’s a law that you STOP at a crosswalk when you see someone trying to cross the street.
A few weeks ago, as I was at the sidewalk going to the beach across from Dunkin Donuts I was halfway across when the lane on the left stopped for me to cross. I had the right lane to watch when a SUV wasn’t going to stop. I yelled and pointed to the huge sign for him to stop. He did stop but was yelling at me. When I got to the other side I didn’t realize a police car was there taking a right turn. He saw everything and pulled him over.
The next day I called the mayor’s office and complained. I’m still waiting for results. I feel there is nothing that can be done until there is a serious accident.
I’m Terrified- Ronnie
Dear Ronnie:
Here is how the state of Connecticut Crosswalk law reads: Connecticut’ crosswalk law has been changed several times. Starting in 1978 Connecticut law required drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, provided the pedestrian was in half of the road in which the vehicle was driving or crossing to it from the opposite side. The pedestrian also had to be approaching so quickly or be so close to the portion of the roadway on which the vehicle was traveling, that he or she was in reasonable danger of being struck. (PA78-309)
Then, in 1994 legislature enacted (PA 94 -189) which required drivers the right of way(1) not only to pedestrians on a crosswalk, but also to pedestrians who had stepped to the curb at the entrance to a crosswalk and (2) regardless of whether the pedestrian was in danger of being hit.
In 2007 legislature again changed the law, requiring that drivers grant the right-of way a pedestrian has stepped “off the curb or into the crosswalk”.(PA 07-167)codified as CGS& 14-300c)
Bottom line: It is a state law that decrees how to safely, as a driver, enter a crosswalk area or a pedestrian, when to step out onto the crosswalk safely.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I have taken photos to show you what was on the beach recently. It included two dirty baby diapers, two baby wipes, food cans, soda cans and water bottles.
It is very disheartening to try and take a walk on the beach and find that people have no respect for the environment and our community.
My daughter and I came prepared this time and brought a trash bag, gloves, and a trash picker to clean up what we could. We tried to pickup as much plastic trash as we could before it could be carried into the sound. The sea creatures do not need to eat any of our poison.
Please clean up after yourselves and take some pride in our natural resources and community.
We Care -West Haven Resident
Dear West Haven Resident:
First, a special thank you for being diligent and caring. According to Mayor Nancy Rossi’s City Website, to keep the city’s three-mile beaches clean, carry out what you bring in.
Might be well to remember readers, littering is also a state of Connecticut offense with a hefty fine.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I want to thank you for all the fine work you do. Gripe Vine has done a lot that we have been lacking for so long.
I am writing this information for your readers. I bought a box of tissues and on the package in small print, was a notice that said, “Do not throw tissues in the toilet.” They plug up the system and the wet wipes are bad for the same. I also read recently, that New York had a big back up in their septic system because of what I have written today.
Florence Palermo
Dear Florence Palermo:
Thank you for your concern.
Dear EleanoreTurkington:
Hundreds of children and adults walk the Boardwalk. Why is it necessary for bicyclists to be there? Shouldn’t they be on the roadway with other vehicles? I have nearly been run down many times by cyclists who speed along through the crowds of people.
I think they should be banned and forced to ride along Captain Thomas Blvd. There is no reason to be on the boardwalk. It’s not as if they are cruising along looking at the scenery. Most of them are working out at a fast pace which can be done on the shoulder of the roadway.
A West Haven Walker
Dear West Haven Walker:
Gripe Vine has been receiving pros and cons on bicycles on the Boardwalk. I welcome any comments from my readers on this issue and perhaps suggestions will arrive that may be helpful to both sides of this issue.
Coming up: Plainfield Street pot holes…pot holes on Dell Street…trash on Stevens Avenue…pot holes on Nonquit Street…deep holes on Fairfax Street…more potholes on Isadore and Simon Place… pot holes on Main and Washington Streets..The appropriate Councilmen and Councilwomen have been notified of these pot holes.
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, CT 06516Please be sure to enclose your name, address and phone number, kept in confidentiality with me. You can also submit through our online form.