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Residents press council on Community Towers upkeep, snow removal and Housing Authority appointments
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Summary
Several residents used public input to urge the council and housing authority to address poor maintenance and snow removal at Community Towers, enforcement of sidewalk clearing, and concerns about recent housing authority appointments and an interim director's performance.
During the Jan. 6 Meriden City Council public input period, multiple residents raised persistent concerns about housing authority management, building maintenance at Community Towers, and sidewalk snow removal that impede mobility for seniors and people using wheelchairs.
Dan Zabrowski criticized recent council votes and raised public-safety concerns about the last snowstorm, saying city crews faced unsafe conditions and that enforcement for vehicle removal and tagging did not occur. "It's ridiculous," he said of the city’s handling of some operational matters, and he urged staffing changes.
John Melavenda pressed the council about the housing authority’s appointment process and oversight. He said he did not receive timely communications related to a prior meeting and warned that a resident advisory board could lead to HUD involvement. Melavenda also alleged an interim executive director "has made $127,000" and questioned outcomes tied to that position. He said minutes and records remain outstanding and are being pursued through FOI requests.
Residents described specific access and safety problems at Community Towers. Brian Stedman noted sidewalks are often impassable for wheelchair users and asked why fines or penalties for not shoveling sidewalks are not enforced. Jennifer Addie described repeated, unresolved maintenance problems—peeling paint, cabinets in disrepair—insufficient snow removal and a fire hydrant encased in snow that delayed residents' ability to leave the building.
The mayor closed public input after the in-person speakers; the clerk reported no written comments. Council did not take immediate action during the meeting on the complaints, and speakers indicated they are seeking follow-up through committees, FOI requests and direct outreach to housing authorities and managers.
