Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I recently moved to West Haven. So far, we are enjoying your city, especially the beaches and the friendly people we have met. While waiting in line at the grocery store, I heard two people grumbling about a boot law that was taxing everybody. I see by your column that you answer questions as well as gripes. Tell me: just what is the boot law in West Haven?
A Newcomer
Dear Newcomer:
As you can see by the title of my column, Gripe Vine, this column is a recipient of gripes, complaints and questions. Today, I will address your boot question.
For a number of years, Gripe Vine has received complaints about West Haven’s Boot Law. Let’s see if briefly, I can explain it for you and other residents who are not familiar with this ordinance.
If you are a resident who has unpaid, overdue motor vehicle taxes, the taxes must be paid before April 15. If you don’t pay these taxes your vehicle will be booted, which means, a wheel locking device will be attached to your car which immobilizes your vehicle.
Now, once you pay your back taxes and boot fees, your vehicle will be released. To all my other readers who have posed questions related to the “Boot Program”, here is an email address you can reach to answer any of your questions, www.cityofwesthaven.com and click onto Tax Collector, listed under government heading.
Just an added note, Gripe Vine has been seeking updates and answers to your boot questions for some time. I hope today’s responses will be of some help.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I have lived on Lakeview Avenue since June of 2009. I have called at least three times about the hole in the corner sidewalk and I don’t believe it is finally going to be fixed.
I started fixing cracks in the sidewalk. I also walk around it every month and pick up trash in the neighborhood. With the high taxes I pay, I shouldn’t have to do either.
Lakeview Avenue Resident
Dear Lakeview Resident:
I have been in touch with Mayor Nancy Rossis’s Assistant, Lewis Esposito with various readers’ complaints and yours is one of the gripes I have asked Esposito to look into.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
There is a Pine tree planted on the corner of Laurel Street and Soundview Avenue which is obstructing views of oncoming cars to the right when coming from Sumac Street to Laurel Street. Can someone looking this hazardous area?
Fearful
Dear Fearful:
Your complaint has been placed on Mayoral Assistant, Lewis Esposito’s list to investigate. If you see an improvement, please let me know as soon as possible.
Coming up: Dangerous pot hole on Dewey Avenue… “No Parking Sign in Summer” located at the next intersection up from Ocean Avenue…Benham Hill and Hubbard speeding traffic…left turn signal at Elm and Campbell not working… house and business identification numbers requested…uniform trash bins sought for City..snow plowing into streets and much more.
Readers can submit their questions, concerns and comments to gripevine4wh@aol.com or write to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 666 Savin Ave. Please include your name, address and phone number, kept in strict confidence with me. You can also submit by using our online form here.