Dartmouth turns off the lights?

So whatever. As we all know Dartmouth has no money and they now have to tighten up the purse strings in order to make ends meet.

The latest hairbrain idea is to turn off between 1,100 and 1,200 streetlights in order to save $85,000. *ruh-roh*

You can read the article from SouthCoastToday Here.

Does this make sense to anyone? I mean the streetlights were put there for a reason, mainly, umm SAFETY. I grew up in Dartmouth and I know all too well how narrow and winding some of those roads are. Even with the streetlights on navigating some of those back roads after dark is quite the chore.

Once Fall rolls in, it gets dark between 4PM and 5PM, otherwise known as rush hour. Kids and parents are on the roads getting home from school, work, or events. Now, they will take their lives into their own hands praying that all other Dartmouth citizens slow the fuck down and drive safely. What are the chances of that happening?

How many lives are worth $85,000? I know I will think twice about driving into Dartmouth after dark.

*note to self - tell Mom Christmas Eve is at my house, where we have streetlights*

Before I go, I have an idea. Why don't Dartmouth officials stop coming up with these petty, punishing ideas (because that's really what this is - punishment for the override failure), and do some real work to cut costs. Such as bidding out the health care, you know something you haven't done in 10 years. Or getting rid of the archaic pensions and move to 401K's like every other responsible entity on the planet has.

Oh, and the best way to save money would be to stop creating cushy jobs within the school department for your family and friends. Move out of the way, the gravy train has run out of steam.

- SouthCoast blogger

Dyer Maker Studio - I would have liked to have known you.

So whatever. I've lived in New Bedford for about 12 years now and know very, very little about the City. Today I decided to change that. I went to SouthCoastToday's calendar to see what was going. I was impressed with the number of Galleries and exhibits downtown and figured that would be a good place to begin.

I selected the Dyer Maker Studio, which promised "... natural, hand-dyed fibers and other works by dyer maker/artisan/instructor Rhonda Fazio and friends." Oooh, sounds fascinating. What is a "dyer maker"? I must know!

With my Map Quest directions in hand, I set off for my first adventure. I excitedly made my way through the maze of one way streets and detours due to road work and within a few minutes was on Williams Street with the Dyer Maker Studio within my sight. Yee-Haw!

Now where to park? I spent 10 minutes circling the block looking for a parking spot. None was to be found. Instead I saw alot of "No Parking from here to the corner" signs or signs like this:


I also saw alot of these:

Not only could I not find a parking spot due to no parking zones or unloading zones, but I didn't have any quarters for those turn of the century parking meters. Now, I ask you, who on earth in the year 2007 carries cash, let alone quarters?

In case the City hasn't realized this yet, it is a plastic world. Everything I do is done with my debit card. From paying bills, to grocery shopping, to even the $1.51 it costs to get my Dunkin Donuts fix each morning. Quarters? You have got to be kidding me!

Frustrated and not wanting to risk a ticket due to an expired parking meter, I left downtown without visiting the Dyer Maker Studio and with the feeling that the City does not really care about re-vitalizing Downtown. I mean how can you re-vitalize a once popular shopping area with outdated and archaic parking meters? Don't even get me started on the alternative, the Elm Street parking garage, with it's broken elevator and pee filled stairwell. I think you can get herpes just by breathing the air in that parking garage. Disgusting, with a capital "D"

My first adventure didn't turn out so well, perhaps if I avoid Downtown tomorrow will be a better day.

If anyone knows what a "dyer maker" is, please feel free to let me know.

-SouthCoast Blogger

Let's get this blog rolling ...

So whatever. I live on the SouthCoast, specifically in the South End of New Bedford. I enjoy living here, with the beaches and ocean breeze. The sound of seagulls waking me in the morning, or gun shots, same difference, right? ... and of course the bizarre political scene that influences all things SouthCoast.

For an area that constantly complains they are the "dumping ground" for those on Capitol Hill, it amazes me that nothing changes year after year, except the faces of course, and if truth be told, even some of those don't change, like Tony Cabral for example. Why on earth does he get re-elected year after year? So people have something to complain about? Well, I guess it's working then. Carry on.

The SouthCoast acquiesces to defeat before it even begins. Really people, the "whaling days" are over and they are not coming back. I know that might be shocking to some, but it's true. So put your harpoons away. There is no need for them.

I am here to blog daily about all things SouthCoast, to celebrate the rich culture and art scene, to give my point of view on local politics and happenings, and of course to point out all the inane things that happen around here, and there are alot of them.

-SouthCoast Blogger