Dear Eleanore Turkington:
I know it has been quite some time since the cancelled big rubbish pick up and piles of trash remain at curbside all over town. Is anyone cruising around giving out those $100 per day fines? I don’t think so. If they are giving out fines, how about publishing a list of the offenders? I’ll bet there is no list.
JP Washington Manor
Dear JP Washington Manor:
I have made attempts to receive a reply from city officials for quite some time, however, as my readers have learned, city representatives have ignored my requests. As many of you are aware, I periodically publish a list of West Haven’s Councilmen’s email addresses and phone numbers for my readers to contact for help.
However, I have decided to contact these Councilmen directly and promise to place their replies to your complaints in Gripe Vine. If these Councilmen decide NOT to provide replies to my readers’ issues, I will publish that information, enabling my readers the opportunity to see who cares and who does not.
So, I have a reply from the Councilman in your area, District 4, Mitchell L. Gallignano: “ I will look into this and do my best to get an answer ASAP, but that citizen is correct. The city does not pick up grass clippings as they do not have a permit to do so.”
Gripe Vine also received the following reply from Councilman Aaron Charney, “The city has one full time Property Maintenance/Zoning Enforcement Officer and another who does it for ten hours a week. The city lost its second full time officer last year when the mayor laid off staff. The part time officer has to split time with another department. These officers do cruise around, but the public can also call 203-937-3590, extension 3005. As a councilperson, I forward any complaints to the proper person. I do drive around my district and will note areas of concern. I don’t know how many people fined, but I’ll ask. I’ll also check to see if there is a list of offenders.”
Can any of my readers tell me what they do with grass clippings? I have contacted Public Works for additional information and as soon as they respond I will let you know!
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
Will you please look into the numerous holes from the bridge to West Spring Street and Stevens Street?
Neighbor on Spring Street
Dear Neighbor on Spring Street:
I contacted the Councilman in your district, 4, Mitchell Callignano who indicated he would look into your complaint According to Councilman Callignano, “I will look into this street as I know it is horrible as I live right near there.”
I feel confident Councilman Callignano will investigate your gripe and will keep my readers informed as quickly as possible.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
Highland Street is a two-lane street with cars parked on both sides. Cars drive up and down Highland Street at speeds way over 30MPH. Speed bumps are needed at Highland Court and Greta Street. It is a very dangerous street with speeding.
CC Highland Street
Dear CC Highland Street:
Your District (4) Councilman is Mitchell Gallignano. I contacted him and described your complaint and your hopes for improving the area and making your neighborhood safer. He replied, “I will look into this as I live on Highland Street.”
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
This letter (that appeared in an earlier Gripe Vine) is for ZP from Lester Street. I live on Second Avenue. During a parking ban you can’t park on either side of the street. In my 19 years of living here, I have only seen it enforced about three times. You will just have to live with it. The parking ban rule is just one of those laws that West Haven doesn’t enforce.
JC Lester Street
Dear JC:
You don’t have to live with it. I will reach out to your Councilman, Bridgette Hoskie District 1 and see if this situation can be investigated.
Readers, you can send your gripe, complaint or comments to gripevine4wh@aol.com or mail them to me at 666 Savin Ave. Please include your name, address and phone number kept strictly confidential with me. You can use the coupon next to my column. If your need more room, use an extra sheet of paper. You can also submit via our online form.