Letters to the editor of the Record Journal: “Overgrown lawns” and the response “Blighted conditions”

The letters below are “as published” from the original writers to the Record Journal on April 20 and April 24, 2012.

Overgrown lawns
Editor: I have a request for the members of Wallingford Town Council who truly care for the quality of life in our community. It is in the best interest of the town to amend the Blight Ordinance to include overgrown lawns that create a hazard and affect the value of homes in close proximity.

There is a house in my area where the grass grows in excess of three feet and blocks the sight line of vehicles exiting the intersection. I have extended an offer to the homeowner to cut the grass for free on a regular basis because it is unsightly and a hazard, but I was rebuked by him. Because of this sightline hazard, the Town of Wallingford periodically has to cut the grass on the town right-of-way (which I am sure is very large and needless expense for the town).

Now, how about concentrating on quality-of-life issues rather than attacking hard-working town employees like Hank McCulley? McCulley is a dedicated, honest, loyalty employee with a great deal of integrity.

It is my wish that neighbors and others facing this situation would speak out and let the Town of Wallingford know we’re tired of looking at rundown properties with homeowners who do not take pride in their neighborhood.
JOHN J. ANZIDEI, WALLINGFORD

 

Blighted conditions
Editor: My comments are directed to a letter headlined “Overgrown lawns” (R-J Readers’ Opinions, 4-20): The writer expresses his frustration with blighted conditions, and the law is complicated.

Linda Bush and I started a Problem Sites Committee several years ago, and we feel it has been successful. All of the town enforcement departments — Health, Building Dept., Housing Code Enforcement, Dept. of Police Services, Corporation Counsel and the Fire Marshal — meet to discuss problem areas and plan strategies for corrections. The committee reacts to public input and the observations of individual members of the committee. Anyone with a problem can call any of the listed departments or town council members. I do have records of what has been accomplished to date.
BOB PARISI, WALLINGFORD TOWN COUNCIL