Well, it’s that time of year once again, a Gripe Vine wrap-up of 2017.
Snow removal regulations and odd and even size parking during snow storms became a popular question to Gripe Vine. Broken unrepaired sidewalks came into view in my column with the city indicating home owners were responsible for repairs.
High brush and grass at Shingle Hill irritated motorists who found views of oncoming cars were prohibited here. Phone calls seeking payment of income taxes prompted fear from many of my readers. Gripe Vine published recommendations on how to handle these callers. It is important to remember that the IRS will not initiate calls to taxpayers by phone.
Readers’ letters also complained of residents who place their garbage into large, black plastic bags indicated the crows poked holes in the bags and carried off and left pieces of garbage in the street and on the sidewalk. Readers were reminded to use the proper containers with lids to prevent such occurrences.
Many inquiries arrived on when the West Haven Center for the Arts would open and become active. Also, a large number of my readers wrote and complained of graffiti found on public buildings. Some research provided the West Haven ordinance 129-7 that described the penalties for breaking this ordinance. What offenders fail to realize, police departments throughout the state are well informed on the various types of “penmanship” of so called graffiti arts and have been able to use this information in locating the offenders. Not a good idea to use this form of art.
Many, many complaints of broken sidewalks, pot holes, uncollected trash barrels, abandoned buildings and beach cleanups on Beach Street where plans for new buildings were awaited. Bicycle riders griped about pedestrians walking on their bike paths and receiving irritating remarks from the walkers. We were able to get Walk and Bike signs painted in the area, eliminating this annoyance for both the riders and walkers.
Storm drains on South Forest Road were in need of repair and reported by my readers as well as drain pipes from private property leaking onto the street. Manhole covers, broken and improperly placed also came to my attention.
Availability to mailboxes was brought to my attention with residents complaining of the inability to reach them to collect their mail because of automobiles parked too close the mail receptacle.
Readers also complained of damage to their mailboxes from the city’s plow blades during snow removal. There was also a visual problem at Morgan Lane and Shingle Hill Road with high uncut shrubbery. There was a Pine Beetle infestation complaint and gripes relating to roaming rats.
The uneven pavement across from Forest School was griped about and repaired as well as problems of the Savin Rock Playground. Cracked sliding shoot and other complaints were addressed by the city.
The traffic light at Capt. Thomas Boulevard and Kelsey Avenue irritated motorists because of the slowness to green passage. Speaking of Captain Thomas Boulevard, so many gripes came in about the lack of lighting on Captain Thomas Boulevard. Hurray! They are lit and functioning now!
The crosswalk at the VA Hospital on Campbell Avenue was noted for its lack of view to motorists because of overgrown shrubbery. Speeders on Ocean Avenue and heavy motorcycle use as well. The traffic light at Campbell Avenue and Route 1 and broken children’s swings at Morse Park were also reported.
A drive up mailbox in front of the post office on Campbell Avenue was requested, truck depot complaint, traffic issues and North Forest Circle pot holes and unkempt property.
Blight on Anderson Avenue, dead end signs requested in various areas, crosswalk on Ocean Avenue ignored by motorists and water bottle dispenser usage at City Hall.
Also April Street flooding, cars illegally parked on private property, Florida license plates questioned, deep pot holes on Washington Avenue, deer signs requested on Blohm Street, abandoned cars on Leete Street and a curb complaint on Peck and William Street.
Many house and business without identifying building numbers, flooding on First Avenue, retired trucks and snow equipment inquiries and a broken bench at 378 Campbell Ave.
Readers, this column today only provides a fraction of your complaints. I still have a number of gripes in a folder, waiting to present them to the City.
I hope you have a really healthy, happy New Year.
Eleanore