Janowski Proposes Spruce Up of Lots

Former State Representative and Candidate for Mayor Claire Janowski announced today that she will work with the CT Department of Transportation (DOT) to spruce up Vernon’s commuter lots following numerous complaints to her that the lots are looking shabby and are in need of attention.

Janowski said, “Unsightly tall grasses, lack of garbage bins resulting in strewn litter, bus waiting shelters in need of a good cleaning and very little visual appeal detract from the positive experience we want visitors and residents to have.” Janowski visited all the commuter lots in Vernon for an on-site view. “These lots provide a very valuable service to commuters from Vernon and neighboring towns and we want them to be attractive, well-maintained and inviting to help bolster our town’s image,” Janowski said.
There are currently three major DOT Commuter lots in Vernon with the Rt. 30 and Exit 67 lots also serving as bus pickup and drop off sites.
Janowski, a former State Representative, said she served on the Legislature’s Transportation committee for sixteen years and has forged a great relationship with the DOT having, worked with them to initiate the Vernon bus line to Hartford, the special local Dial-a-Ride Transportation funding, and funding for the local Bridge Program.

“DOT has always been responsive, and I look forward to working with them on this important initiative,” Janowski said.

Janowski said she would also spruce up town sites that need attention, stressing that the town needs to set the example and citing the parking in front of the sports field at Center 375 having unsightly broken parking curbs, overgrown grass, and strewn litter.

“Even a little landscaping in the parking area in front of the fencing would spruce things up and make it a much more pleasant experience for visitors watching the games as well as town residents,” Janowski said.

Janowski said it’s important to be proactive, and she would initiate a process for periodic inspections of town properties to address unsightly issues in need of attention. She would also make the citizen complaint form for reporting property neglect, blight, and other issues “online fillable” and also accept complaints by phone to respect the privacy of citizens who want anonymity.

“We want a user friendly reporting system that also considers citizen confidentiality,” Janowski said.

Janowski served as Vernon’s State Representative for 16 years. She received the 2018 AARP Achievement Award for championing senior issues and is credited with funding for numerous Vernon projects including: Rockville Public Library and Vernon Historical additions, Roosevelt and Talcott Mills rehab, recreation improvements, school construction, bridge and road repairs.