Bridgeport residents in the North End say they
are furious with a plan to extend their cul-de-sac in both directions.
Residents on Alba Avenue say they were never
consulted about this plan to change the peaceful ambiance their community is
famous for.
Tanya Joseph, one of the residents, says she
loves the quiet little enclave hidden away from vehicle traffic and drug
traffic.
Joseph says the plan will turn the peaceful
area in to the kind of busy area people were trying to escape when they bought
their homes.
The city began by cutting down trees on either
end of the street without telling residents about the project.
"Part
of the reason why my family and I purchased this home is because we were
promised the street would never open,” says one resident who just received
confirmation that Alba Avenue will be opening on both ends.
Residents are concerned about safety, loss of
privacy and potentially their property values.
“I don’t like it,” says Willie Durant, another resident. “Actually, I am scared for the kids and for the
community because there’s going to be a
lot of traffic through here and somebody’s going to get hurt.”
Residents say the city officials told them the
street’s being opened up so emergency vehicles can
have better access.
Neighbors say they have started a petition and
plan to address the City Council.