Happy New Year!
Nineteen years ago one of my first columns appeared in the West Haven Voice. I offered assistance to residents of this city. Cracked sidewalks, apartments with various irregularities, litter on the beaches, traffic violators and so many more gripes.
Throughout these many years, generally speaking, city officials took some nudging and pushing to “get the gripes solved,” but on the whole, representatives of the various departments have been cooperative.
However, this is the beginning of another year, and my readers are invited to join me with a look into the past.
Back in January of 1986, the public complained of unshoveled sidewalks at apartment buildings and condo sidewalls.
This was also the year, The Voice posted photos of homeless pets at the city‘s Animal Shelter hopefully providing homes for these unwanted animals.
Residents who moved out of town and didn’t pay their car taxes received bills for some exceeded $3,000.
Another gripe that caused anger in the town was the broken gyms that were placed on the beaches. However, they became broken frequently and caused many letters to arrive in my mailbox.
Cars parking illegally at Pagels School caused many complaints as well as speeding cars on Morgan Lane. During this year many, many complaints arrived relating to illegal parking at various schools.
A high number of gripes arrived in my mail indicating annoyance of advertising sign posted on telephone poles. Eventually removed by the UI company.
Parents were complaining of children riding their bikes at night without lights and sought a solution.
Additional funds were being sought for an outdoor kennel at the Animal shelter
Volunteers assisted in cleaning up the beaches and residents complained of excessive litter on city streets. Readers wanted clearer- easy-to-read signs when constructions occur causing traffic congestion during construction.
The city began a new task force, residents requested more safety signs on beaches and bike pathways. Parking fees are too high for beach users and readers complained tax office was holding tax payment checks too long.
The library parking lot was filled with cars belonging to baseball fans, Citizens Patrolling volunteers suggested and California Street Beach is in horrible condition.
And………..that was just a portion of Gripe Vine 1986!
You can send your gripes, comments and issues to gripevineatwh@yahoo.com, or to West Haven Voice, 840 Boston Post Road, West Haven 06516.