Dear Editor:

At least twice a day, I, as well as hundreds of other Downey citizens, had to endure driving over a trench on one of our neighborhood streets.

The trench had been dug by a private developer in the process of building three huge houses. The trench extended from the gutter on the east side of the street to approximately two thirds of the way across to the west side of the street. When the developer was finished with the task that necessitated the trench, the trench was partially filled, but below the level surface of the surrounding street. 

After at least two months of this nonsense, it was becoming pretty apparent that the developer was in no rush to fix the mess he had created. A call to City Hall connected me to Mr. Phil Cokkinos. I explained the situation to Mr. Cokkinos who in turn told me that he would visit the site that day.

Within a week the trench had been filled in, as well as the damaged gutter. There is not a hint of a dip or bump in the road. 

Orchids to City of Downey employee, Phil Cokkinos, for his rapid and caring response to one citizen's plea for help!

Paula Mayfield
Downey