
The homes of at least a dozen Derby residents were significantly damaged on September 25, 2018 when mud and rock cascaded down from the new athletic complex being built off of Chatfield Street.
Heavy rains caused a mudslide because the required erosion control measures weren’t taken, resulting in over $350,000 of damage to property according to attorneys for the plaintiffs. While I wasn’t one of the folks hit, I live down the street and listened to neighbors and homeowners in my travels and while out canvassing. I found out structures were damaged, finished basements were filled with mud, and private drainage systems were destroyed.
What I found out added insult to injury was the fact that our current mayor didn’t even come out to investigate or offer any assistance. Homeowners told me that Mayor Dziekan left them to fend for themselves throughout this ordeal, leaving many of our citizens to fight against the large corporations involved in the project including Kaestle Boos Associates and Turco Golf Inc, and even being forced to sue the city itself.
To this day I see signs on homes and on the front lawns of homeowners asking Mayor Dziekan why he abandoned them. This is not the only time our Mayor has turned his back on our citizens after professing in countless articles and speeches that he was there for them. We always expected our mayor’s actions to represent and protect our interests in City Hall, whether it’s how they staff the finance department in City Hall or how they react when disaster strikes.
The only real help that the city provided was by way of the Derby Fire Department and the Storm Ambulance Corps, who responded quickly and provided as much help as they could. This is (of course) was automatic for them in their desire to serve their community, and they exemplify the level of leadership that our citizens deserve.
Brian Coppolo is a firefighter himself. When firefighters don’t pay attention or don’t get involved, not only can property be destroyed, but lives can be lost. Our citizens lost a lot that day, and thankfully the damage was limited. I believe you can be sure Brian will be looking out for you and your family, responding at the first signs of injustice and malfeasance, because a first responder is who he is and that’s what they do!
The writer is running for the Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation on the Democratic line.
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