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Residents urge action on sidewalk obstructions and local gas prices at Bridgeport council meeting
Summary
Two residents urged the council to address sidewalk obstructions that force students into streets and said Bridgeport gas stations are uniformly pricier than nearby towns; the council signaled staff would follow up on the trash-can/flyer rules and outreach.
During the public-comment period on Aug. 11, two residents raised neighborhood concerns for the council.
Sophie Hot urged the council to clarify and enforce city code to prevent structures and other objects from blocking sidewalks, saying students sometimes must walk in the street to avoid obstructions. "Especially with our students they shouldn't have to walk on the street cars," she said, and she thanked Councilor Kenny for assistance.
Later, resident Barry Balon, of 145 Pennsylvania Avenue, presented a price comparison for gasoline in nearby communities and said Bridgeport stations were all posting $3.19 per gallon on the day he checked. "Why are they gouging Bridgeport residents? It's consistent. This has been going on for years and they consistently do this," Balon said, adding that while the city has limited authority over market pricing, the council could "put them on notice" by using its permitting and approval process where relevant.
City staff later told the meeting that a flyer explaining trash-can rules will be included in this month's water bills to address some sidewalk/curb issues raised during public comment. The council did not propose immediate regulatory action on gas pricing during the public meeting; members thanked the speakers for bringing the matters to the council's attention.
