City gets ‘aggressive’ on potholes

Public Works crews out in force

WEST HAVEN — Potholes were a common complaint at public forums in the city this winter — one resident complained of one so big and deep that it was a drowning risk — but now the holes are disappearing as Public Works crews are out fixing in full force.

“We’re being very aggressive with potholes,” said Public Works Director Tom McCarthy.

The department had a running list of potholes to be fixed and 1st District City Councilwoman Bridgette Hoskie took it to the next level by using the popular “West Haven — the Way it Is” Facebook page to allow residents to weigh in with their pothole locations in case something was missed.

“It was certainly helpful — with her list and our list we were certainly able to get a better feel of the enormity of the problem we have,” McCarthy said.

The pothole sizes vary and so did the complaints, with one resident telling of a five-inch-deep pothole the size of a child’s swimming pool that, when filled with water, posed a driving hazard in winter because of ice and a drowning risk in warmer months because two inches are all that’s needed for a child to drown.

Hoskie said that aside from gathering locations — she received more than 50 addresses — she felt that Facebook also gave a forum for venting.

“At least residents know we’re listening,” Hoskie said, noting other City Council members address pothole locations, as well.

Recognizing not everyone is on social media, Hoskie said anyone with a pothole complaint can also call Public Works at 203-937-3585.

McCarthy said potholes were filled with cold patch in winter, but that’s not a long-lasting solution.

As is procedure everywhere, once the warmer weather came they began using more effective hot patch and, for the first time this year, a ready mix for small to medium holes. The latter is working well and he’s ordered more, McCarthy said.