Driveways?

[Carolyn]

Hi,

First time homeowner here.  Has anyone put in a driveway and could recommend a reputable local person with a driveway business? 

Thanks!

[Joan Bosson-Heenan]

Welcome to the neighborhood group!
The first step in putting in a driveway is getting soning approval to do so. If you don't have one already, the city has to survey and approve the zoning for a curb cut.

You can email me with questions.

Joan

[Carolyn]

great, the city's website doesn't address that so this is useful information.

[Joan Bosson-Heenan]

We've been thinking about moving our driveway. You can talk to the people in City Records. They were really helpful.
Joan

[Lee Cruz]

Carolyn,
In addition to the steps with the City there is the question of materials. If you are thinking oyster shells, several houses on Quinnipiac and Front have used them; you might want to talk with Chris Ozyck. Chris is a landscape architect. He lives on Quinnipiac Avenue. You can also find him online here on this site. He is very knowledgeable about the use of shells and although he does not sell them, he knows the people that do. For reasons that will be obvious when you see his drive way he has used paving stones on his house and so has a neighbor across from his house. You can get a sense of how this looks from walking by these houses on Quinnipiac near Welcome Street. I would give you the house numbers but I do not know them. If you are looking to do the drive way in asphalt I can check with my neighbor on Clinton Avenue. She just expanded her drive way and the project included removal of concrete slabs and installation of new asphalt, not repaving. I can ask her about her experience with the company she used. From my perspective as a neighbor I can tell you it looks as nice as asphalt can look. Once approved by zoning if you want to get a recommendation from my neighbor just let me know. Good luck.
Lee

[Carolyn]

Lee,

This is great. We actually were thinking of going the oyster shell route since we dig the history of fair haven and have a oysterman's house (most likely, need to go up to hartford to do some research).

My partner just got in touch with the zoning guy--actually the city just left a card about giving us new sidewalks so this all may work out.

Cheers,
Carolyn (and Rachel)

[Will Meyer]

Hi there. I was really impressed by John Ferrie from Ferrie Asphalt Paving Co. of North Haven. I asked for a price quote; he showed up the next morning and gave me a written est. I want 5/8" stone over compacted driveway base which is a little unusual but he was fine with it. I haven't called him yet to do the job, but you may at least want to try them for competitive estimate. BTW I've heard crushed granite makes a really nice driveway material, as long lasting as concrete but cheaper and even nicer looking.