MIDDLETOWN >> As the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine celebrates the opening of its Farmington campus on Tuesday with a ribbon cutting, images from its 16-month construction process will go on display at MAC 650 Gallery on Main Street. An opening reception for the exhibit, titled “Means & Methods: Building JAX,” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday and the photos will remain on display through Oct. 24. The photos are part of a larger collection of images created during the 2013-2014 construction process of the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine at the University of Connecticut in Farmington. The images are the work of Middletown photographer Michael Vaile Garner, a full-time commercial photographer and environmental photographer, who creates “portraits of people, the places they work, the things they make, and the tools they use,” he said. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Southington voters decide on three projects worth $19M
SOUTHINGTON – Town voters will decide on nearly $19 million worth of road and sewer improvements during November’s election. Three referendum questions will be on the ballot. The first is a $5.2 million upgrade to the Water Pollution Control Facility that would reduce the amount of sludge that needs to be hauled from the plant by half. That will save up to $145,000 a year according to sewer officials, and eliminate bad smells resulting from recent changes to water treatment techniques. The second is $2.64 million for the construction of a new sewer line and pump station on Welch Road. The final question is $11 million for the maintenance and repair of 279 roads.
Town Councilors from both the Republican majority and the Democratic minority agreed on the necessity of sewer improvements but one Democratic councilor hoped residents were aware of the cost associated with approving all three items. Cheryl Lounsbury Town Council vice chairwoman said the water treatment plant received more complaints of odor over the weekend. The odor problem, caused by a water treatment process mandated by the state, needed a permanent fix. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
GLASTONBURY — The patio overlook and handicapped accessible ramp at the new boathouse will be unavailable for the next few weeks as the town addresses drainage issues due to a high water table.
Town Manager Richard J. Johnson said geotechnical experts have recommended the town install additional below-grade drainage to relieve groundwater pressure that is causing an area of the patio to sink. "We have groundwater where we don't want it and will open up a trench to fix it," Johnson said of a project that began Monday. "It's something you wish was identified earlier. It's obviously something you don't want to continue." The $12 million Riverfront Park expansion had its grand opening celebration a week ago. The project includes a boathouse/banquet facility, motorized boat launch, canoe and kayak launch, lighted basketball court, picnic pavilions, skating area, playgrounds, a fountain and trails. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE