Dear Eleanore Turkington:
Thank you for printing my original letter relating to removing litter at bus stops throughout the city and for your responses. I will definitely be willing to compile a list of bus stops that need trash barrels. Adding more trash cans is a step in the right direction, also having them decorated helps. They should be CLEAN and decent looking. Otherwise, we have the “ick factor” where people don’t want to use the can because it is so dirty. Many bus stops do not have them, and people need to be at those locations. I am not sure about the differences in state and city roads, but I am willing to learn. Trash cans are only a small part, but it’s a step in the right direction and it will hopefully bring more discussions and action!
I do have a Litter Educational Program that I have created. Being a teacher in town, my hope is to teach the children and families in West Haven. Again, as I mention in my original letter, it has to be residents and city employees working together to make permanent changes.
The mayor mentions the trash cans that are included along the CT. Transit bus stops in one of her responses. I am in the process of surveying how many bus stops have trash cans and I haven’t come across one yet. Now, I still need to do more research, but my initial findings show no cans and lots of litter.Also, Malloy Road, Railroad Avenue, West Spring Street, Water Street, Fairfax Street and underneath the train tracks are to name only a few of the areas that I drive by and see heavy litter accumulation. The problem with organizing clean ups in these areas is that I would be concerned for the safety of the volunteers. It would be wonderful to have a town initiative. I will continue to work on this.
Stacey Giaquinto
Litterawareness.org
Dear Stacey Giaquinto:
West Haven is a city often visited for its beautiful beaches and attractive Green. However, it is imperative that all of us work at keeping the City clean and attractive. The other day, as I left the city of Milford and entered West Haven at the roundabout, I was disappointed at the number of weeds and dried flowers that greeted me from the flower bed atop the site. I had heard that a West Haven resident had volunteered his skills and time to maintaining this site, however, presently, it is in need of upkeep and attention.
Thank you, Stacey, for meeting the challenge of beautifying West Haven. Perhaps after a resident reads your letter today and my comments about the condition of the flower garden at the roundabout, other residents who care about West Haven will contact you at the email address at the end of your letter today.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
No matter where you go in town it is very shabby looking. The beach at the boardwalk was well pointed out eight weeks ago and remains neglected. I am soured but this is not sour grapes. I live here and care about this city. It has no curb appeal. There is a dumping ground on Heffernan Drive. This condition was reported the early part of July. It, at this writing, is still a mess and slobs are adding to it because they think it is OK. The mayor’s team has responded to some of my complaints, but it takes 6-8 weeks. Eleanore, keep pushing. Residents are very upset.
F. of Heffernan Drive
Dear Gripe Vine Readers:
Here are a few complaints that Gripe Vine forwarded to Louis Esposito when he was investigating problems for the city:
Trucks driving illegally on Voss Road. The police said they would monitor this road and obtain license plate numbers.Did they?
Coleman Street- readers are complaining this road has become a main road and accidents have occurred here. Can we put speed bumps here? Esposito’s reply, “I don’t believe we can put speed bumps on city roads, but I will check on it. I gave this problem to traffic and they will monitor it.”
Did they monitor Voss Road?
Gripe Vine Readers:
The following gripes have not been solved:
Is there a list available of residents who have piled up trash? Who received fines for this ordinance?.
Has a final solution been provided for the water pumped onto private property from Washington School onto private property?
What is the city’s ordinance for noise or music after 9 p.m. in the evening?
Has the hazard red cone placement on the corner of Ruden, Riardo and Zegmont been reported and removed and the problem solved?
Washington Manor pear trees were cut down with stumps left and huge branches blocking the sidewalk. Can the tree be reshaped or cut down?
Dear Mayor Nancy Rossi:
Can taxpayers and residents receive answers on the above complaints?
Gripe Vine Readers with comments, complaints and questions can email them to gripevine4wh@aol.com or write to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 666 Savin Ave. You can also submit via our online form by clicking here. Please include your name, address and phone number, kept in strict confidence with me. If you prefer to remain anonymous to the public, you can also include your first initial and the neighborhood where your complaint is occurring.