Editor,
The business of how this lovely town of Standish is run at times arouses my curiosity.
In the past I have come down on our town manager and town council. But today I’ll give them a breather and take issue with our public works director, Roger Mosley.
Having discovered Standish 12 years ago coming from Greater Portland, I guess you could say, “I’m from away.” I note that because whether it’s a town, city or even state it’s normally the people from “away” I have found over the years who speak up to improve the living and quality of life environment.
My primary issue with our public works director is the safety of our streets for our children and also the maintenance to prevent future costly repairs.
Let me give you some micro examples: I live on Maple Ridge Drive. When this development was constructed somewhere around 1990-1992, when the street was graded and paved, some pitches were incorrect for rainwater runoff. Consequently, we have puddling which deteriorates the pavement tile. It breaks up and creates potholes and whole sections need to be repaired.
Also, gravel is washed out beneath the pavement and gravel driveways wash away. It would seem to me that someone from the town would be responsible to inspect these streets before accepting them from the contractor. Oh yeah, it’s Aug. 20 and still no one has inspected the street to fill the potholes. Same thing happened last year. I had to bring it to their attention.
As you enter my street, there are two blind driveways. We thus far have had three accidents. I asked public works last year to post a “Blind Driveway” sign, but was told not needed by Roger Mosley. I also brought to his attention at night the entrance to the street is so well-hidden that one must almost come to a stop on Route 35 to find it, thus creating an accident waiting to happen. I asked if a light could be installed on the utility pole at the street’s entrance. I was told there is a light on a utility pole up from the street entrance and that is enough. This is untrue. I was also told that I had to request the town council for it. Every side street entrance should automatically have a street light for safety.
Also, upon exiting the street on the left side is a huge bush obstructing the view and forcing one to stick the hood of their auto out onto Route 35 to see if anyone is coming. It’s another accident waiting to happen.
My street is just one nano infastructure example of our town.
Is it lack of public works leadership, incompetency or what? Doesn’t anyone do periodic inspections? Or if done, don’t they know what to look for? Small repairs become large costly projects. But the larger issue of the safety of our people on our streets should be addressed, and someone should be given the responsibility of who understands the issues. If there is some just reason why all the above is not addressed, then I apologize for taking Mosley to task, otherwise, let’s get with the program.
In a past letter to the editor I commended our town employees for jobs well done and suggested pay raises for all of them. I’m afraid I’ve made a bad judgment based on certain workers who do an excellent job.
I don’t want to hear any excuses such as we can’t afford to take care of these problems. Our real estate taxes are about some of the lowest in York and Cumberland counties, thanks to the frugal practice of our Taxation Committee. But one must weigh the importance of safety for people and money.
Thank You,
Peter Hassapelis
Standish
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