Real Hartford

My Disappointing Relationship with 3-1-1: An Update

The fencing that was obnoxiously, and probably illegally, blocking most of the sidewalk on Capitol Avenue has finally been removed.

My other 311 complaint has yet to be resolved. Maybe there’s a reason no one is getting back to me about the status of the single-stream recycling pilot program? Any bets on whether or not it’s going the way of the free Hartford WiFi?

Cleaning Up the Library

Finally, a sensible solution to the eternal problem of unsavory characters using the Hartford Public Library.

Rotting Bridges and Physically Isolated Communities: Welcome to the I-84 Viaduct

On June 12th there was a public discussion on the fate of the I-84 viaduct. I did not attend, but thanks to a tip from Heather Brandon, was able to find part of a website dedicated to this study.

A document on the site describes the impetus for examining alternatives to the viaduct:

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) recently completed an evaluation of the I‐84 viaduct in Hartford. The study concluded that the ¾ mile long structure through the central area of
Hartford is in need of immediate repairs, but will also need to be fully reconstructed or replaced within 10‐15 years.

The image below was taken by the Connecticut Department of Transportation and shows how one part of the structure is deteriorating (think of that the next time you are stuck on that bridge during rush hour traffic).

Continue reading Rotting Bridges and Physically Isolated Communities: Welcome to the I-84 Viaduct…

311– Like Flushing Money, Only Less Certain

I’m going to preface this by saying that my irritation is firsthand, but that I’ve heard gripes about the service from others, one of whom was told that she should clean up the illegally dumped garbage that she had called to report.

I called the number once, and have used the email, which is posted on the website, for two separate issues. Though the person on the phone was rude when I called, the issue was resolved within a few days.

On June 28th, I emailed 311 to request information about the single-stream recycling program.

My original email:

Will the mayor be issuing an update on how the single-stream recycling program is going? Are there any concrete plans yet to expand this to other neighborhoods in Hartford?

Rather than respond to my inquiry, I only heard back after sending a follow-up email on July 2nd. At that time, I was informed:

Ms. Knight will contact you on July 7th. Ms. Knight is currently on vacation. However, I know that the program is a one year pilot program and the plans are to expand it in the City of Hartford. Ms. Knight will contact you with detailed information on all of your very important questions.

It’s now more than a month later, and I am still waiting on any response from Ms. Knight. It’s not a life or death situation, clearly, but with the advanced technology that we have today, it’s not out-of-line to expect a timely response. Even if the answer is along the lines of “we have not decided what to do with the program yet,” it’d still be a response.

On July 14th, I sent 311 this email for a different issue:

A section of the sidewalk along Capitol Ave. between Laurel and Forest has been partially blocked by a broken chain link fence for about a month. It’s hazardous, and probably, someone using a wheelchair would not be able to get through.

This time, the response was two days later–more reasonable, but still a little slow. It was assigned case number 21191.

On July 26, 2008 I took this photograph to show that it was still there:

On August 2, 2008 as I walked home from the events down at the Riverfront, I saw that the fence had birthed a nasty, broken sofa.

On August 3, 2008, the sofas begat a tire. I also found a cute-but-injured black puppy in that location. He was too hard for me to catch, but I had been wishing for a dog lately. I don’t have a television set or a microwave, so I’m hoping that the elves take note of this new drop off spot and leave said presents for me overnight. Since the items left are pre-loved or broken, I probably shouldn’t press my luck and hope for the delivery of Prince Charming. (photo of sofa taken 8/4/08)

If I could have physically removed the fence myself, I would have done that rather than inconvenience anyone working for the City of Hartford. I probably would not have even bothered except that I know a guy who lives on my floor and relies on a wheelchair likes to go downtown via Capitol Avenue, and it is real inconvenient to off-road it in that section of the street. Not only is this obstructed sidewalk inconvenient– it’s also probably not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

UPDATED 8/8/08: The sofa(s) has been removed, but the fencing remains. I should clarify, in case the photos don’t show it well. The fence is very rusted chain link which has fallen off the posts. I’m not sure if the City is planning on resurrecting the rusted out fencing or not, but rather than remove it entirely, it’s been left on the sidewalk. I’m not entirely sure why a fence needs to divide the sidewalk from the roadway in this area. Seems more like a nuisance than anything.

Accessibility Demands Met

Queers Without Borders reports that they were successful in demanding adjustments be made to the Hartford Public Library’s front door. Mayor Perez sent out an email last week insisting that immediate action be taken to come up with an estimate for the installation of the device that will make the front doors accessible to those who use wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and service dogs.

Equal Access to HPL

Queers Without Borders reports that

Seven months ago Claude Holcomb of ADAPT of Connecticut began this effort to get the main doors of the Hartford Public Library accessible for all. Seven months later we bring this unsolved problem to the steps of City Hall. The work hasn’t been started and for seven months we have been given the run-a-round by employee’s in Constituent Services, Public Works and by the Director of Hartford Public Libraries. We have been told by these same people to “go around to the back door.”

This Friday at noon, ADAPT, Queers Without Borders, and other activists will gather at City Hall to protest the lack of access power buttons at the main entrance of the Hartford Public Library. They are demanding that work on installing the buttons begin by July 1, 2008, and that they receive proof that progress toward that end is being made.

Winter Weather?

A public service announcement for people who seem to have forgotten what needs to be done when lots of snow falls:

-Don’t force all employees to leave at once. It puts many more people on the road at once, increasing gridlock and risk of accident, not to mention road rage

-Send out sand trucks and snow plows

-Take care of the sidewalks. Many people don’t rely on vehicles to get around. Others need clear sidewalks for wheelchairs. Whether or not it’s a legal requirement to clear the sidewalks, I don’t know, and really, I don’t care. This is about being a decent human being. If the city can spend money clearing graffiti, they can spend some on making sidewalks accessible.

-Businesses should be kind and allow residents to use their lots when there are parking bans in effect. When people leave their cars on the street, it interferes with snow clean up. Ever wonder how those rock-solid ice chunks end up in the street? Be a good neighbor.

-If the roads are busy and in bad shape, send out a few cops to direct traffic.