Gripe Vine Readers:
I have already received a number of inquiries on the status of the Department of Motor Vehicle office that will be opening in West Haven. Today, I am happy to provide my readers with up to date information on this new DMV West Haven service.
Last week’s (March 30) edition of the West Haven Voice published the opening of the Department of Motor Vehicle’s Office located in the lower level of City Hall under the sponsorship of the City and the West Haven Chamber of Commerce.
All I can say, is HURRAH! Even though the motor vehicle’s services are limited, it sure is a lot easier to travel to West Haven rather than Hamden or Bridgeport.
Over the years, Gripe Vine has received numerous complaints relating to long lines at Motor Vehicle Offices. So many of my readers couldn’t understand why a city the size of West Haven couldn’t support its own DMV office.
Bill Riccio, editor of the West Haven Voice, published a very complete, helpful story in last week’s Voice, explaining the hours of the new DMV office and the details in the services that are offered.
I would suggest clipping that article out of last week’s West Haven Voice and placing it in a permanent area for time saving reference information.
The published Voice article indicated that under the terms of the agreement with DMV, the office will serve the area for a term of three years as a cooperative effort of both the city and the Chamber.
A part time staff, trained by the Chamber will pass an extensive background check and drug testing to be employed.
According to Chamber officials, “We expect to be open Wednesdays and Thursdays with an option for Tuesdays or Fridays. The time will open 9 a.m. and closing the line at 3:30 p.m.
What about parking? I am expecting complaints from my readers on this question, but accordingly, parking will not be a problem with the lots of the former Silver’s Drug building and the municipal lot on Curtis Place. Out of towners heading for the DMV will have signs to follow directing them to other parking areas.
Just to ease the possible confusion, here is what the news release stated in the Voice, “The office will not process new licenses or IDs, CDL licenses or renewals, exams, new learner permits or registrations for cars, boats or trailers.
On the positive side, it will process license renewals, including upgrading to a verified license as part of the Real ID act, duplicate licenses or IDs, duplicate learner permits, name and address changes.
Coming up…Lakeview Ave hazardous sidewalk..Benham Hill and Hubbard traffic violators…left turn signals at Elm and Campbell…when will West Haven get uniformed garbage and recycling cans…snow plowing sidewalks into the street gripe…bulk pick up gripe on Mix Avenue..666 Savin Rock Avenue gripe and much more. Several years ago Gripe Vine ran a survey on West Haven Sidewalk conditions. Watch for this information in Gripe Vine.
Send your gripes, comments and suggestions to gripevine4westhaven@aol.com Please include your name and address and phone number, kept in strict confidence with me. Or you can mail your inquiries and gripes, using the coupon found below my column. If you need more room, just include an extra sheet of paper.