Like a long cookout, this summer’s controversy over barbecues at Westport Housing Authority properties has simmered for a while — but may once again burst into flames.
A few weeks ago tenants at Hidden Brook, Sasco Creek Village and Hales Court learned of a ban on grills. The reason: a Sasco Creek fire in July destroyed 2 trailers.
Residents countered that 1 case of negligence should not result in wide-scale penalties.
A Housing Authority resident recently contacted “06880.” The email said:
I live in Hales Court. Well I did, until I was relocated while they demolished the houses and built new ones. I got a letter from WHA a couple of weeks ago, as did the rest of the people that rent from them, regarding barbecues on the property. They will no longer be allowed on any property owned by WHA.
There was a meeting with just the residents of Hales Court, and we discussed it. They have built decks/patios on all the new houses. The Westport Housing says it is a public safety issue. I said I didn’t agree with them.
They cited an incident that happened in the trailer park on the 4th of July. A person with a gas grill, but using charcoal in it, had the grill up against the trailer. Apparently the trailer caught fire and destroyed another trailer. Luckily no one was hurt.
I grill all the time and have never had a fire. I don’t know anyone who has. I understand the standard is a grill must be 10 feet from a building. Although I’m sure there are some fires, just as there are a million other home accidents. It doesn’t mean it is a public safety issue.
They went on to point out an explosion with a gas truck, and how horrible that was. I would say that is a terrible accident, but nothing to do with us. We are getting new gas lines underground for our new houses — what about the recent gas line explosion in California? Are we to consider the gas lines unsafe?
You can see where I’m going with this. There are so many things — candles, stoves, etc.
They invited us to go to board meeting on Monday (Sept. 20, 7 p.m. at Canal Park). They said they are still deciding. Of course I plan to speak up, but I don’t want to be considered a troublemaker.
For that reason, the writer asked that I not use his or her name.
First the residents fear their grilling rights will be taken away.
Then they worry that if they speak up, they might lose their homes.
This is a journey down streets of our town that most Westporters seldom see.
