Gripe Vine Readers:
As you know, I have been publishing complaints and gripes as my readers have been submitting them in this column. In the past, Gripe Vine has forwarded your gripes to the mayor’s office, but they have been ignored. I have opened these complaints to West Haven’s Councilmen and to date, have heard from just two of them, Councilman Peter Massaro and Aaron Charney.
I have asked Councilman Charney to supply Gripe Vine with a list of streets within each district of West Haven. The last has arrived and from now on, when a complaint comes in from a resident, I will forward it to the Councilman of that district. In addition, the question, solution and identification of the district’s councilman will appear in Gripe Vine.
So, today, here are gripes, located in Councilman Peter Massaro’s district and his look into the problem and their solution.
A reader complained to Gripe Vine that Woodside Path in Allingtown is a mess, indicating that UNH recently completed a construction project and “while it looks great, they left the curbing on Woodside Path and Sunset Drive all broken and in pieces and there is curbing that has been damaged from a city plow for over two years now. And, the street could really use a good street sweeping.”
Councilman Massaro’s investigation into this gripe provided the following answer, “I spoke to the Public Works Director Tuesday, January 29th. He told me because of the weather he can only send the street sweeper there, but in the spring, I spoke to him about replacing the curbing and also spoke to UNH (University of New Haven) for the area.
“Also, Councilman Robbin Watt Hamilton, (A complaint arrived recently,” there are two huge pot holes that were extremely dangerous on Nonquit Street,” were patched two weeks ago.”
Another reader had complained about a house on 3 Timberland Drive that had been vacant for years and had become dilapidated with tree limbs down causing power lines to be exposed. According to the reader, the property had become an eyesore. According to Councilman Peter Massaro, “ The house was vacant ,but now someone had purchased the house and they are doing repairs on the house; new windows, doors and roof.”
Thank you, Councilman Peter Massaro.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I have written in the past about subjects concerning me and my neighbors and you have always passed them along to our mayor who, in my opinion, has done nothing but pass the buck with these complaints.
I have called the city four times in the last three years to have the city tree located in front of my home on Sharon Avenue, removed because it is rotten. It is so bad that I have to call after every strong wind storm to have the branches picked up. I have informed them any damage done to my home will result in a legal issue. Still no response!
I have asked why garbage trucks are waking up the neighborhood at five thirty a.m. when I understand we have an ordinance concerning what time trash trucks can pick up along with a noise ordinance. We don’t allow construction to happen unless it’s an emergency. Selective enforcement?
You were looking for feedback on issues and frankly, I have about given up along with my friends and neighbors; thinking anyone was listening.
Ii have paid high taxes for years, paid for an education system (big part of tax bill) and my wife and I don’t have children. So, it appears that I cost the city very little. Still can’t get a rotten tree cut down and when they, leave a stump 10 plus feet high to rot and attract bugs.
Sad in Waste Haven
Dear Sad in Waste Haven:
Don’t give up! I have a great deal of faith in our Councilmen and I am sure that tree will be removed soon. Be sure to let me know!!
Coming up..grass clippings pick-up gripe.. Fire District questioned on cause of high taxes…public bus stops questioned..American Flag flown at half staff for long period of time..and much more.
You can send your complaints, issues and comments to gripevine4wh@aol.com or mail them to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 666 Savin Avenue. You can also submit your gripe via our online form by clicking here. Please include your name, address and phone number, kept in strict confidence with me.