Oh baby, don’t ya just love the power of incumbency! Two months from a September primary, incumbent Democratic City Council members John Olson and Evette Brantley are rolling out the goods for West Side neighborhood improvements starting with Brooklawn Avenue. This is also a good time for West Side constituents to remind Olson and Brantley about paving their streets. Do we hear another press release coming! Bob Halstead and Trish Swain are expected to wage a September primary. From Mayor Finch:
Mayor Bill Finch announced today that the City of Bridgeport will begin a streetscape improvement project for Brooklawn Avenue between Villa and North Avenues.
The scope of the project calls for improvements of the existing roadway, streetscape enhancements to Clinton Park and Stratfield Park, both located at the intersection of Brooklawn and North avenues, and landscaping and signage improvements.
“Throughout the City, we have focused on upgrading infrastructure and the quality of our streetscapes to create a more attractive, welcoming area for our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Finch. “This will be a significant upgrade to Brooklawn Avenue, a key thoroughfare that links our vibrant West End and West Side neighborhoods to the North End, and our neighbors in Fairfield.”
This project is being partially funded by Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and by a grant awarded to the City by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
“Brooklawn Avenue is a very important thoroughfare for the West Side and West End. Beautifying this road along with Clinton and Stratfield Parks create a welcoming gateway to the neighborhood for drivers and pedestrians,” said City Council member M. Evette Brantley, representing the 132nd District.
“This project will significantly improve the Bridgeport portion of Brooklawn Avenue, an important gateway into our city,” said State Rep. Auden Grogins.
During construction work days, a police officer will be on site for traffic protection and control. The City is working collaboratively with the Connecticut Department of Transportation on these improvements to Brooklawn Avenue.
“Thank you to City Council members Brantley and Rev. John Olson, State Rep. Grogins, City staff and State officials for their hard work in making this streetscape project possible,” added Mayor Finch.
The estimated cost of the project is approximately $300,000 and the scheduled completion date is October 1, 2013.
Wow! Only $300,000. That’s cheaper than a driveway. Does the administration believe dressing up neighborhoods is going to make people forget the corruption that plagues this city? Good luck. If I lived in Black Rock, I’d be voting for Torres.
Better focus on the really busy road, Briarwood. It hasn’t been paved in YEARS!
Thank you, yes.
*** IT’S NOT OF THEIR DOING, NO DOUBT! *** And if it is; any voter with half a brain should be able to figure out city council elections are right around the corner and make the second hand connection, no? *** VOTE FOR ME AND I’LL MAKE SURE YOUR ROAD IS FINALLY PAVED SINCE IT’S ALREADY ON THE CITY’S “DO” LIST! *** TIME TO WAKE UP VOTERS! ***
Ah, municipal election time in Bridgeport. The only time streets get paved. When I lived on Harbor Ave. I think the street was paved once in the 15 or so years I lived there. But I guess that was because I didn’t live near the airport in Stratford [hits self in head]!
I believe the funding for this project was started when Bob Keeley was State Rep.
Public Works must have just gotten the memo I am no longer on the City Council so they can do work in the 132nd District.
I second the sentiment! 132-contact Olson and Brantley. Let them know you are paying attention, and ask them to get your street paved before the primary, because we know it won’t happen afterward.
So, it’s a good thing to have these esplanades improved BUT if this is being touted as the big success story for the West End, West Side, and Brooklawn (“Brooklawn/St Vincent”) then I would call it chump change. Let’s talk about infrastructure improvements in the West End and West Side. Briarwood Avenue, Commerce Drive, Fairfield Avenue … these are the major thoroughfares. They are so deteriorated they make this administration and this City Council look PATHETIC.
Isn’t it interesting Stafstrom and Murphy live on Brooklawn Ave a couple blocks north of Villa?
*** DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE! ***