New Haven Independent

Posted by: Our Town | February 15, 2007 9:19 AM

So glad you got to get the OT...it's just not funny that you enjoy burying cars. This morning, my parked car (not in violation of the snow ban) was literally frozen in place by the wake of snow you (PW) pushed up against, and under it. It was soft when you plowed, but frozen this morning, and was impenetrable by a shovel. We don't all have driveways.

Posted by: Cedar Hill Resident | February 15, 2007 4:49 PM

Here Here!! Our Town....

What the hoot people..... I did my part and woke up like OUR TOWN frozen!! My street only has parking on one side so they could of plowed the snow to the other side and we would of all be fine but NOOOOO!!!!! They plowed all the snow on to the side with the cars!!!!!! ohh well over now.
My big question.. nothing in the city was plowed till very late in the day!! Well just around the green and in front of Channel 8 seemed to be done!! So as far as I can tell when was the over time for if the plowing did not start till later in the day and the trucks were already lined up and ready the day before??
Hmm... Is this storm like those $18,000 toilet seats the goverment buys??
ok just kidding I am sure you guys were somewhere plowing.
It was kinda cool to get a bit of winter finally now....WHERE IS SPRING!

Posted by:  you know it | February 15, 2007 10:49 PM

I hate to say it, but I know this department, its staff, and the attitude. This storm was only welcomed by those that work for the city and could now count on milking overtime. Cedar Hill they do wait until OT kicks in, everone at city hall knows it. I used to be there, I know it.

It is a disgrace that the city can't get one side of any street plowed when total accumulation is less than a few inches. I know alot of brandy was absorbed. Get the OT and go home to Hamden, North Haven, Branford, East Haven and take our money while leaving the streets impassable. Just look aqt how Whitney Avenue changes in road conditions within one-quater mile beyond the New Haven Town Line. It is a complete disgrace that our public works dept (which I still believe has no department head, like the assessment office, or infomation tech,traffic & parking or...pick a department)can't appreciate that this city is in financial trouble, and the workers should earn their pay, not drive around with the plows off the roads, which I see all the time, and give a crap, or get out of here. There are plenty of people that live n New Haven that would love to have these jobs. Get the takers out of our city and let the people who live here have the jobs and benefits.

Posted by: Jacki Fitzpatrick | February 16, 2007 1:30 PM

It's been 2 days, and Irving Street still has not been plowed. Thursday I called the Street Dept. Friday I called the Mayor's Office. I realize the city is huge, but still, more than 48 hours later???

Posted by: cedar hill resident | February 16, 2007 7:45 PM

Not to change the subject because we all know what a crappy job that was done on the plowing. but
"you know it" brought up a good point and a complaint I have had for years.
People that work for the city should live in the city. I realize life brings us to different places and that is not always possible. But without that tie how can the job be done right. When a cop goes home to Branford does he really care about the crime on our streets as long as he is getting payed. And the same goes for all the others in jobs that effect us in New Haven. What is the policy on residents holding these jobs? I mean if I worked in New Haven being someone that lived here I would make sure there was no over spending and that choices made were ones that would be a benefit.
Sorry just a bone of mine that naws at me. Thanx for brining it up "you know it"

Posted by: Our Town | February 17, 2007 2:37 PM

I believe state laws prohibit residency requirements for most of the municipal jobs. It used to be a employment requirement, but changed to comply with the law.

When you really think about it, the labor pool in New Haven is not sufficient to fill all the jobs. That's why it's so hard to fill the director's jobs mentioned above, jobs where residency IS required. Among other requirements, a talented and qualified person would have to live in New Haven. Most can earn more elsewhere, live where they choose, and not have to put up with city politics.

Posted by: pathetic | February 19, 2007 3:21 PM

The streets were STILL BAD several days after the storm. Inearly got into two accidents (and i was driving quite conservatively with ABS) because of snow and ice left on the roads. IF THEY AER GOING TO INCREASE OUR TAXES WE'D BETTER GET BETTER SERVICES. I used to live in Boston and other cities in Massachusetts. You could expect well-cleaned roads the next morning after the storm. Here, I didn't see a plow on the road untila t kleas 2 pm--and that was even downtown! Up in Westville it was pathetic--very sloppy (e.g., the corner of Forest and Edgewood.) CAL AND COMPLAIN TO THE MAYOR, and your alderman, and let them know who's paying attention.