Dear Eleanore Turkington:
About the motorized skateboarder we witnessed him two times. Once in front of Jimmie’s and the other out at the point. I don’t live in the condos; I live in the West Shore where everyone has a barking dog, so I go to the walkway for some peace and exercise where the rules of the walkway are only for those of us who ate considerate of others. Until there is a direct police presence every day not when someone calls, the response time is so long its useless. If a few tickets were written, maybe things will change, but unfortunately, I guess upper level administration can’t address that.
This is of course, the new normal. They don’t enforce anything unless you call about it. Blinders seem to be on our leaders of the city. If readers expect change it will never happen voting the same people into office. Ask yourself if West Haven is in better or worse shape? Do people like paying the highest and getting so little? All you have to do is look at the budge pie chart and see that the BOE eats up ½ of your tax dollars.
I never had a child in the West Haven system, yet I pay for that just like the family of six . What is being done to lessen that burden for the ones who already paid our fair share? I would rather see my tax dollars go for enforcement of building codes and zoning violations and better police enforcement. How about a new roof on the conference center next to Jimmies? If this city can’t take care of its own roof, this is sad.
We are looking to move but between dogs, high taxes and a city that has a not so nice reputation anymore for accomplishing anything positive for its taxpayers its not an easy call.
WLA Taxpayer
Dear WLA Taxpayer:
I have received other complaints relating to the of lack of police enforcement and motorized skateboards. I am waiting for a reply from the West Haven Police Crime Prevention Department for Gripe Vine’s request for the number of police officers assigned to patrolling the walkway at the beach area. I feel confident this information will be helpful to my readers.
Dear Eleanore Turkington:
There are illegally parked trucks with commercial writing on them. I have contacted the Connecticut Motor Vehicle Department who says that six-wheel dump trucks are commercial vehicles. I can’t seem to get a clear answer.
GK Curious
Dear GK Curious:
I researched the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and was able to discover a few facts that I hope will answer your and other interested residents of exactly what constitutes a commercial vehicle.
According to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, A commercial vehicle can be defined as a vehicle with a gross weight of 26,001 or more pounds or a vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the drive. Also, a vehicle that carries 11 or more passengers including the driver and used to transport students under the age of 21 to or from school. Also, any vehicle transporting hazardous material which is required to be placarded.
Gripe Vine Readers:
If you live near the Third Avenue Beach parking lot, please let me know if a barrel has been placed at this site. I have received a complaint that one is needed here. I have notified Councilman Nick Ruickoldt twice of this condition and to date have not received a reply. As always, I rely on my readers as well, to keep the rest of us updated.
Gripe Vine Readers:
Over a month ago, I wrote to Councilman Nick Ruickoldt to express complaints from readers about an area on Morse Avenue that was attracting rodents and “pests of all kinds. No reply.
If you live in this neighborhood, let me know if the accumulating trash has been cleaned up.
Gripe Vine Readers:
There was a malfunctioning traffic light at Campbell and Lamson that was reported to Gripe Vine. I notified Councilman Mitchell Gallignano of this condition and have not heard from him.
The courtesy due my readers from all Councilwomen and Councilmen would be expected and appreciated.
Coming up… response on plastic bags…Knox Street broken up…broken curb on Captain Thomas Blvd…Andrews Street parking gripe…barking dogs on Sharon Avenue…vehicle without a plate at Fairfax and Route one and much more.
Send your gripes, comments and issues to gripevine4wh@aol.com or mail them to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice, 840 Boston Post Road. You can also submit through our online form.