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Community Corner

Freda Criticizes State for Slow Response to Last Week's Snow Storm

23 percent of town homes lost power for up to three days.

“It’s ironic that the state denied North Haven an emergency health care facility, but allowed an X-rated video store,” first Selectman Michael Freda stated emphatically at last night’s Selectmen’s meeting.

The comment referred to the state after the Planning & Zoning Commission approved a Superior Court decision that will allow .

Freda was quick to direct criticism against the state last night, most of it regarding the response to last week’s snow storm that left 23 percent of town homes without power for up to three days.

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“When the state deregulated the power industry they reduced the number of crews that can respond to storm damage so they were slow to trim trees back and repair power lines,” he said. “They had to go out of state to find crews and the delay affects all of us.”

He also said he’ll put pressure on United Illuminating to trim tree branches back to avoid the problems that led to storm damage when limbs covered with snow fell and power lines were cut.

After the snow storm the town responded with a reverse-911 phone campaign to alert residents that North Haven had opened an emergency facility to assist residents. A facility was set up at the high school, but Freda called for a new emergency center location that will provide showers and other facilities.

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“The Rec Center may be the best spot,” he said.

He also said the town would update the reverse 911 service so that calls can be placed to cell phones. Residents can sign up for the service online at www.ct.gov/ctalert.

Freda is up for reelection next week but didn’t mention the race during last night’s meeting. During public comments town resident Ray Fowler urged citizens to vote. He lambasted the voting record of town residents, stating only 11 percent voted in last year’s budget referendum.

“Every vote is important, every vote counts,” he said.

Freda also announced that the town has received a $750,000 American Disabilities Act grant that will be used to modernize Town Hall. An elevator will be installed and handicapped restrooms constructed. Work will start on the project next spring. The $750,000 ADA grant is the largest in the state, Freda said.

Claudia Grantham, a member of the Resource Guide Committee, spoke at the beginning of the meeting about Birth to Five, the committee’s guidebook to community services devoted to children. The 26 page book provides listings of day care facilities, children’s physicians and dentists, family activities and more. The booklet will be distributed around town at schools, libraries and retail stores.

Third Selectman Steve Fontana suggested the guidebook be put online and updated regularly. He said it could be accessed at the town’s website.

Fontana is not on the ballot next week and his second two year term is about to end.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with you,” Freda said.

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