Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I have lived in West Haven for the past seven years. I live in one of the condos near the od Chick’s Restaurant. The city has always maintained the grass and the upkeep of the property right in front of the beach, that is until this year. At least for this part of the year, the grass, which is now weeds is now knee high and I have noticed garbage thrown into the grass area. To be specific, it is the area, starting from Stowe’s, and past the skate park.
There is a bench, right near a tree, which is just about covered by the grass and people are unable to sit on the bench to enjoy the view. It looks terrible, and unfortunately, someone has taken to cut the wooden fence that is on the beach, so that it now serves as a gate, in which people are now utilizing as a way to cut into the beach, especially to place their grills which are not supposed to be there in the first place. The gate is now an easy way to cut to the beach, instead of using the main entrance of this beach.
Cars are now pulled over, unloading the cars, through this opening. But, I do have a question, how is it the city passes all of this grass and go straight into a beautiful, large piece of property, to maintain that piece of property. This piece of property is past the old Captain’s Galley. I understand, a community maintains the flowers there, which is wonderful.
I have documented all of my calls, for the past two months, to the mayor and Public Works, with only promises to look into it. I understand there have been cuts, starting from the concerts. But the beach is all we have left.
Please look into it for me?
C. Old Chicks Restaurant Area
Dear C:
I will be looking for your reply when you see an improvement here or not within the next week or so. Thank you for your diligence in seeking an upgrading here. West Haven taxpayers expect to see results of their thousands of dollars in tax pay outs each year. West Haven beaches are a major attraction to the city; a wise investment to maintain their beauty and comfort for residents and visitors.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I live on Washington Manor. A few years ago, either UI or the city, decided to come and cut down all the pear trees on our street. They left the stumps resulting in one of those stumps leaving branches growing back. Unfortunately, this tree that is growing back is now more like a huge bush that is blocking the pathway of the sidewalk and also the street. In addition, the people who live in this house that has this tree growing, refused to trim/shape the tree.
We can’t see any cars coming until we are literally halfway out of the driveway into the street. Since the people who live in this house refuse to do anything about it, I have called the city myself since he tree is on city property only to be told that they would notify the tree warden. It’s been some time since I made the call, with no results. Maybe you would have better luck?
Can the city please come and either cut down the tree again or reshape it?
M. Washington Manor
Dear M:
Since you have already notified the city, let’s allow another week to go by to see if you will hear from the tree warden. Let me know your progress.
Gripe Vine Readers:
You will notice, I have italicized a sentence in each of the letters above, to highlight the letter writers have already contacted the city with no results. The city has indicated they want all complaints to be directed to city authorities. Obviously, this directive has not worked. Perhaps we will be surprised.
To Mayor Nancy Rossi:
On behalf of Gripe Vine’s thousands of readers, I would like your cooperation in having the department heads under your leadership, send off quick responses to my readers’ gripes. Perhaps a resident lives near an area that is unsightly, or a street where cars are speeding permitting a hazardous condition; a prompt, short reply indicating the complaint was completed or being surveyed and worked on would provide satisfaction for residents.
In previous administrations, city administrators followed this procedure. Everybody wins. My readers learn their complaints are being heard, a hazardous , unsightly site is cleared, the city is beautified and respect is twofold.
Unfortunately, Gripe Vine has only heard from three city councilmen. I was under the impression, Mayor Rossi, that my readers would be receiving assistance from these individuals. Thank you for your anticipated assistance.
And..Councilman Peter V. Massaro, referring to a recent communication from you: thank you for investigating any gripes that are forwarded to you. Following forwarding your investigations to the proper department heads, let Gripe Vine know the conclusion. I will also ask my readers to confirm JOB DONE as well. I have had too many instances when I heard, “I have forwarded this complaint to the proper authorities.” This is fine but results still should be published. However, if you are asked to check out an empty lot, as it occurred recently, the empty lot had been cleaned up prior to your visit. Let’s give the benefit of doubt when we can.
Complaints forwarded previously to the city and no response received:
Coleman Street has become a main road and traffic speeds. Accidents have already occurred here. Readers have asked for speed bumps and have been told this cannot be done. Can increased police surveillance be offered at this site?
For 14 years we had a trash can at the entrance to our beach near 1000 Ocean Ave. Now it’s gone.
Main Street, near the liquor store, cars go flying by here even at 1:00 a.m. Help!
Bad sidewalks on Campbell Avenue near the diner.
Prospect Avenue( reported many times) Tarp roof flapping, yard filled with debris.
Gripe Vine Readers:
If you have submitted a gripe and it has or has not been resolved, following two weeks after sending it to me, please let me know. I feel confident (I am working diligently) there will be city representatives checking out your complaints and your cooperation will ensure positive results.
Readers with comments, suggestions or complaints, please email them to gripevine4wh@aol.com or fill out the coupon next to my column, use a larger sheet of paper if necessary and mail it to Gripe Vine 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.