Dear Eleanore Turkington:
First, I need to express my gripe on this. I think it’s a disgrace that the New England Brewery Company (NEBC) isn’t coming to the city. It would have been a PERFECT opportunity for West Haven. I think it is a disgrace that a certain restaurant and the Land Trust once again prevented this from happening. I think it’s a disgrace that city leaders allowed this to happen! West Haven has nothing to offer. I cannot understand why the city doesn’t do more to attract wanted businesses to improve our city! The only businesses it seems they are focused on are dollar stores, bars, and smoke shops. That’s it!
This could have been an awesome opportunity for West Haven! And what I don’t get is what’s the alternative for West Haven! Why are there some people wanting a falling down building that is nothing but an eyesore on our beautiful boardwalk vs a thriving business that that could have attracted people to WANT to spend time here? We have beautiful beaches to offer, but nothing else to make people want to come!
Have these certain people who blocked or didn’t fight for NEBC to be here, have they ever seen what downtown Milford looks like? Downtown Guilford, Branford, or other desirable communities? These places are thriving day and night because these places WANT businesses to come and attract people to WANT to spend time there. But, for some reason West Haven doesn’t get it!
So, what to do with this building? Good question. I feel that any idea that is presented won’t get approved no matter what because the city leaders are known to drag their feet in getting things done. There could be another possible good business opportunity that comes along, and yet can guarantee NOTHING will happen as that’s what the city does. It’s a shame.
Frustrated Resident
Gripe Vine Readers:
Gripe Vine is seeking West Haven residents’ suggestions on the future use of the Savin Rock Conference Center that was offered as a brewery. If you have suggestions or options on preserving and utilizing this building, send them to Gripe Vine at gripevineatwh@yahoo.com or mail to Gripe Vine 840 Boston Post Road, West Haven 06516.
In my last Gripe Vine Column, a letter was published indicating the dangerous condition of Blohm Street. I contacted Councilwoman Meli Garthwait for assistance. Her prompt reply indicted, “I’ve reached back out to Public Works about this issue, and they said they would be taking care of its ASAP.’’
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I bought a new cell phone, and they gave me a free tablet claiming it won’t change my bill and then only the first month is free. I also got no receipts or paperwork upon request. The phone was $230, taxes, fees and the cover were $20, and I had two separate unexplained charges totaling $56 that were later shown on my statement as cash.
That Sunday my phone was shut off in spite of my bill being paid off. Come to find out, the tablet upped my bill. The store paid the difference but could not pay my bill, remove the tablet, or get my receipt. They exchanged the $56 for the tablet eventually.
I spoke with another store representative, and she said that if the shop couldn’t print the receipt, it should have emailed me.
What is this store trying to hide from customers by refusing to give receipts?
Dissatisfied Customer
Dear Customer:
Gripe Vine notified this store of your problem twice and received no reply. However, a little research indicated “Generally businesses are required to provide customers with a receipt unless the purchase is for a very small amount. There are a few reasons why a business might not provide a customer with a receipt. One possibility is that the business is not aware of the law requiring receipts for transactions over a certain amount.
You can send your gripes, comments and issues to gripevineatwh@yahoo.com Please include your email, address and email address as well as your phone number. Or you can mail your concerns to Gripe Vine 840 Boston Post Road, West Haven 06516. You can also submit through our online form.