LETTER: Woodin Street Fence 'Long, Complex and Emotional'

To the Editor:

The history of the Woodin Street fence is long, complex and emotional.  There is no doubt that the Hamden neighborhood adjacent to the fence feels strongly that the fence must remain in order to guarantee the neighborhood’s safety and security. However, the fence creates problems, for residents on both sides, as evidenced by Hamden Police Chief Wydra, who pointed out that the fence “didn’t stop crooks from coming into town, it only made it easier for them to hide and conceal their movements” from the police.

Some of the concern around the fence stems from a lack of clear understanding of the multitude of steps and public process required under law and ordinance to even consider remove the fence.  Unless compelled by law, Mayor Jackson’s administration will NOT act to remove the fence without neighborhood approval. 
 
Mayor Scott Jackson, on more than one occasion, has pointed out that “those fences are there for a reason" and has stated his support not only for the will of the neighborhood, but also his role as guardian of the checks, balances, and public process.  

One thing is fact: neither Hamden nor New Haven can tolerate a return to the horrific conditions prior to the demolition of Brookside and Rockview. What is the solution?  The only reasonable solution is one that satisfies the concerns of the Hamden neighborhood most directly affected, and the recognition that Hamden must be a leader, not a follower, in seeking real solutions to the regional socio-economic patterns and safety concerns that exist.

Mayor Jackson has visited Brennan Rogers School, the New Haven public elementary school that serves the residents of that West Rock Development, to inspire the young people to make the most of their education. He has demonstrated consistent leadership that recognizes the shameful history of that development, but understands that true solutions to Hamden residents security requires reaching a hand out to our neighboring communities in a careful and thought out manner. We are here for Hamden, but must keep in mind that factors outside of our corporate boundaries impact Hamden residents. 

The Mayor doesn’t believe the fence is the most effective security enhancement that can be offered to the neighborhood surrounding the Woodin Street fence, but be clear, Mayor Jackson is listening to the residents in the area and has committed to making sure they have a true voice in decisions surrounding the fence. Any suggestion by political opponents is ugly election mudslinging designed to bring unnecessary fear and to our residents.  

We should expect more from our political and elected leaders than story telling and misinformation campaigns designed to “create” an election issue for their candidate to rally around when one doesn’t exist.

Lew Panzo
Chairman, Hamden Democratic Party