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Residents urge Meriden to tackle downtown safety, code enforcement and tax‑abatement policy
Summary
During public comment, residents pressed the committee to enforce codes, hold property operators accountable and reconsider long tax abatements for apartment projects; staff said police and city officials are engaged but no policy changes were adopted.
Several Meriden residents used the public‑comment period to press elected officials and staff for stronger code enforcement, greater accountability for shelter operators and property owners, and a review of long tax abatements for apartment developments.
Dan Zebraowski (39 Fiesta Heights) criticized prolonged vacancies on Colony and Collins streets and said the city is giving too many tax abatements for apartment projects. He praised infill single‑family work on Yale Avenue for 55‑plus residents and urged the city to enforce existing codes: “Meriden has enough,” he said, arguing that more apartments strain schools and public services.
Jennifer Addie (55 Willow) described a pattern of violence and said downtown is unsafe for residents and potential business owners, citing a recent machete attack and other assaults and stating she would not open a business downtown under current conditions. John Oliveenda urged the city to hold shelter and property operators accountable—naming a shelter director, Sanchez—and said Willow Street and surrounding properties continue to see overflowing garbage and unresolved code issues.
Several commenters raised transparency concerns. Colleen Cyr (online) noted that the economic‑development report omitted 24 Colony Street—previously touted for a pediatric dentist—and said she is concerned about reported closed‑door meetings involving the mayor, the housing authority and the city manager.
In response to public concerns about safety and homelessness, Fest said he and the police chief, mayor and state representatives met at the police substation and that neighborhood officers are active downtown; he said arrests and special procedures have been used and that the police department is working to address the issues. No formal policy or new enforcement staff was directed at the meeting.
The committee approved the minutes by voice vote and set its next meeting for Sept. 16. The public‑comment period and staff responses closed without on‑the‑spot policy changes; residents said they expect follow‑up from staff and elected officials.
