From what I witnessed first hand at Monday’s meeting on changes to the Main Street widening plan, I think it’s safe to say that one of the major issues Derby continues to face is a lack of clear communication between Mayor Dugatto and her constituents.
She has continually failed to create an open environment where everyone’s feedback is carefully considered. This meeting seems to be a day late and a dollar short when it comes to keeping not only the citizens, but also her own Aldermen, in the loop about the proposed changes that could potentially delay this long awaited project for another three years.
She has clearly failed to gain buy-in and support even from those in her own party, like Aldermanic President Carmen DiCenso, who made it a point to call her out for making important decisions without consulting the BOA.
We need to get construction started so that prospective developers see progress and choose to invest in Derby.
If we choose to take Elizabeth and Minerva Streets off the already funded project, the city runs the risk of incurring an estimated $4 to $5 million cost in the future for milling and paving.
That is money we don’t have and money that should not come from the already overburdened tax payers of Derby.
We should move forward with the current plan that includes dedicated left turn lanes along Main Street that will help traffic move both smoothly and safely through our new downtown.
I was excited for a “Downtown Now” meeting, not one that promises “Downtown five years from now.”
There seems to be a lot of dissension in the ranks of the current administration and my fear is that yet again, the people of Derby will be the ones that suffer as a result.
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The writer is seeking the Republican nomination to run for Derby mayor.
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