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Residents press Meriden council on code enforcement, housing authority security and police cadet program
Summary
At public comment, residents urged stronger code enforcement at problem properties, raised security concerns at Meriden Housing Authority properties, and called for pausing the police cadet program amid allegations of misconduct involving youth.
Several residents used the council's public-comment period to press city leaders on neighborhood conditions, housing authority management and policing practices.
Neighborhood blight and code enforcement Dan Zabrowski of Fiesta Heights said the bodega at East Main and Pratt is "the biggest eyesore in the whole city of Meriden" and called for committees (public safety, public works, parks and recreation) to meet and enforce city codes. He said too many properties and businesses "just arbitrarily do what the hell ever they want" and urged stricter enforcement.
Meriden Housing Authority security and leadership concerns John Malovanda described a security breach at Community Towers in which a door was forced open and a vending machine was vandalized. He said security guards are present only overnight and urged the city manager to review board attendance and leadership at the Meriden Housing Authority; he also reported that a Landmark Architects representative attended a meeting and that money may be owed to the firm.
Accessibility and police cadet allegations Jennifer Addy asked the council to add a handicap parking space on Saint Casimir Street and described difficulties navigating a small public-works office while using a wheelchair. She also raised concerns about the Meriden Police Department cadet program, saying the city had appropriated more than $200,000 and that she believed the program should be "shut down, put on pause," citing alleged mistreatment of vulnerable children and warning of potential lawsuits.
Police staffing Another resident, Brian Steadman, echoed criticisms of the police department and questioned whether enough officers patrol the streets, saying he was "disappointed" in current staffing and response times.
Council response Council did not take action during the public-comment period but closed public input after the scheduled speakers and moved into the agenda. The mayor and city manager did not announce immediate follow-up actions on the specific allegations; the council later proceeded to consent and budget items.
