PROSPECT — Need to report a pothole in the middle of the night or find the email for the land use inspector? There’s an app for that.
Mayor Robert Chatfield and Grants Director Megan Patchkofksy last week unveiled the town’s new smartphone application, simply called Prospect. The app can be downloaded through iTunes or the app store.
“We were looking for one more step where we could reach out to residents. We have Facebook and social media, but everything goes right to your phone, and it automatically updates you,” said Patchkofksy, who helped create the app.
Through the app, people can report issues in town, like pot holes or suspicious activity. The app also features a town employee directory with the ability to email an employee directly from the app.
“We get a lot of requests for curbing and pot holes. So if someone is out at 10 p.m. and they want to tell somebody they just hit a pothole now they can go into their app and report it there,” Patchkofksy said.
Chatfield said residents can also let the town know if something is wrong or out of place.
“If you see a car you don’t think should be there and you want to jot the marker number down and send it to us. If something is out of place or a stop sign is crooked or bent over or got hit, they can let us know through the app,” Chatfield said.
Chatfield said the app is not an emergency reporting system. If someone see an accident or needs assistance, they should still call 911, he said.
The app is run by the town and will be updated as necessary, Patchkofksy said.
Patchkofksy said the town is planning on expanding the app’s abilities in the near future. One of the expansions will be an updated and active events section for information on town activities, she said.
“Those that have the app, we can shoot them a reminder. The notifications will go right to their phones,” Patchkofksy said. “It’s just a little easier way to reach out to everybody.”
The town is also planning on incorporating a business section into the app, Patchkofksy said. The section would allow people to look up a certain type of business and get directions to that business.
The business section would also allow businesses in town to make announcements, Patchkofksy said.
“It’s a way to help local businesses get their name out and help residents know what businesses are in town, especially the new residents that might not know what’s going on. This will help them figure out what’s in town and what’s available,” Patchkofksy said.
Chatfield encouraged residents who have smartphones to download the app.
“I can’t be every place all the time. I want people to know what’s going on,” Chatfield said. “This is just to keep people better informed about what’s going on around town.”
While they are hoping the app will be a big hit with residents, Chatfield and Patchkofksy said the app isn’t just for Prospect citizens.
“The people in border towns come here and use the post office, churches, grocery stores, and businesses,” Chatfield said. “We want other people to know why we are the best small town in Connecticut.”
