Gripe Vine Readers:
In last week’s column, I indicated that since Gripe Vine hasn’t received responses from city officials or Councilmen, I would begin publishing unanswered complaints to the city each week in Gripe Vine. Last week, Councilman Charney from the third district offered residents in his area the opportunity to contact him by phone, email, knocking on his door or inviting him to their home. To date, this is the only reaction this columnist has received from councilmen. We need more people like Charney in this city.
So we begin. Before I get into reader’s new complaints, here are five gripes that I received and forwarded them to the city for assistance. These five date back to earlier in the year:
“Has a sign been replaced warning motorists not to park their cars on the side of Overlook next to the intersection during the summer season? Beach visitors park their cars on private streets (where the sign used to be notifying them no parking during summer months) and change their clothes in the street and head for the beach.”
No reply from the city indicated a replacement of the sign or acknowledgement of the complaint.
“Has the sign been posted on the Green warning dog owners to prohibit their pet’s dropping at this site?
Gripe Vine received a reply indicating a notice would be placed on the city’s website of this illegal activity But, I have not heard of a sign being erected on our Green yet nor a notice on the city’s web site. If my readers have located this information let me know.
Residents who live on Kelsey Avenue have complained there are over 100 pot holes here. When can these pot holes be filled?
Gripe Vine has been notified only some of these holes have been filled.
There is a dump-stricken area on Coleman Street adjacent to the VA Medical Center? There is also heavy speeding at this site. (next to the water brook.)
No reply from the city on these complaints.
There is a broken-down vehicle on a sidewalk on Winslow Drive. This was reported.
No comment from the Blight Department.
Gripe Vine Readers:
You may think some of these complaints are out of season or non-important. I think all complaints are important. Each week, I will go on o the next complaint. If any changes have occurred let me know.
Gripe Vine Readers:
I am waiting for a reply on water draining from a pipe on Washington School property onto a resident’s property. In our area with the possibility heavy rains and hurricanes, this problem should be researched as soon as possible. From what the reader tells me, officials have been notified, however no change yet.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
West Haven’s budget is in trouble. We’re laying off town workers, eliminating services; all this and our taxes have gone up once again. They are going up and we’re getting less. It doesn’t make sense.
So, why are we paying for free breakfast and lunch for 1600 West Haven High students, the entire school? I don’t want to pay for this, do you?
ST
Dear ST:
Mayor Nancy Rossi replied to your comments with, “All students in the West Haven Schools qualify for free and reduced lunch, however there are no local funds used to subsidize the cost. West Haven is eligible based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Government under the National School Lunch program(NSLP). In order to make sure that the district is eligible, we must provide the State Department of Education school nutrition consultants with information based on demographics and economics.”
Dear Mayor Nancy Rossi:
As I said earlier in today’s column, hurricane season is here. All street drains should be clear to avoid clogging and flooding. Your office was notified of a condition at the corner of Ricardo and Ruden and Zegmont Streets. A damaged street drain has had a red cone next to it for some time now and the weeds have overgrown this site. Can this situation be investigated?
Gripe Vine Readers:
I have read all your emails and letters and I will try my best to get your gripes addressed and solved and will continue to follow up with answers. Keep sending them in.
Send your comments, gripes and suggestions to [email protected] or mail them to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 666 Savin Ave. You can also submit them via our online form by clicking here. Please include your name, address and phone number kept strictly confidential with me.