Residents press board on community gardens, blasting notices and upstream drainage concerns

Several residents spoke during public comment about local quality‑of‑life and safety concerns.

Ellen Tressel asked the board to help the Valley Community Gardens by listing garden resources on the city website, distributing sign‑up cards at City Hall, and considering modest annual in‑kind or financial support (she estimated $100–$250 a year for seed and materials). She said two community gardens are in Ansonia and volunteers will post contact information in the Zoom chat.

A resident identified as Mike Egan described an apparent failure of advance notification when blasting occurred on the first day of school and urged the city to require warnings for future blasting so parents and schoolchildren are prepared. He also raised concerns that when Ford Street’s bridge was replaced with an underground pipe, the alteration narrowed flow and increased wetland back‑up, which could produce flood conditions like those seen in nearby towns if severe storms recur; he asked the city to have an engineer review stormwater retention and detention on a nearby housing development.

Another resident, Thomas Capaso, described a $30,000 blight lien on a three‑family house he purchased and said he needs the lien relieved or negotiated to obtain financing to complete a year‑to‑18‑month, roughly $350,000–$450,000 rehab. Aldermen representing his ward encouraged him to work with the mayor’s office and building department; staff confirmed the matter had been sent back to the building department for recommendations.

What comes next: Staff pledged to refer the community‑garden request to the mayor’s office and follow up on the blasting and flood‑risk concerns with appropriate departments; residents were encouraged to share contact information in the meeting chat for follow‑up.