February 10, 2015

CT Construction Digest February 10, 2015

Stamford boat delay raises legal questions

STAMFORD -- In what has become a long-running development saga, a cease-and-desist case involving the city's former South End boatyard that had been expected to be heard next week in state Superior Court has instead been postponed to April.
Last week, a judge granted a request by Building and Land Technology to continue the case in an effort to give the Stamford-based development company, led by Carl Kuehner, more time to resolve its dispute with the city. In 2012, the city issued a cease-and-desist order against BLT for illegally dismantling the former Yacht Haven boatyard from a 14-acre peninsula that is part of its Harbor Point development. Among other regulations it claimed BLT had violated, the city cited the Harbor Point general development plan which mandates the continued operation of the boatyard.
In its motion for a continuance filed in court last month, BLT said it had submitted zoning applications to build a new boatyard in Waterside as well to amend Harbor Point's general development plan so that it would no longer be in violation. More critically, the developer also stated that the city's Zoning Board of Appeals, which is the defendant in the case, supported a continuance.
But in fact, the issue was never brought before the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The discrepancy has raised questions about who is controlling a case that will impact two key stakeholders: a boating community that is fighting to reclaim what was once considered a regional resource; and a city that is counting on BLT to finish an estimated $3.5 billion development that is remaking the South End.
Representing the city in the case are the city's Zoning Board, which approved the cease-and-desist order, and the Zoning Board of Appeals, which denied BLT's appeal. But critics have charged that the city's corporation counsel, which is responsible for representing the land use boards, has often tried to steer the case according to the administration's agenda. They point to the latest failure to consult the ZBA as an example of that.  CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE

Developer aims to renovate city eyesore
NEW BRITAIN — A Hartford developer has a plan to purchase and renovate the old Berkowitz Building, which has long been one of the city’s most blighted properties.
Douglas Bromfield is hoping to build retail and residential units at the 24,000 square-foot building, located on the 600 block of Main Street near the intersection with Beaver Street and the eastern gateway to Little Poland. Bromfield’s proposal includes the purchase of several city-owned parcels on the 600 block, along with two Beaver Street properties, for a total of $130,000.
Initial plans include the construction of a new building on Main Street next to the Berkowitz Building that would include retail and residential units, officials said. There might also be a third building constructed on Beaver Street.
“We are setting the stage for a gateway to the community,” said Mayor Erin Stewart. “This is another step toward really beautifying New Britain. It is another part of our comeback and we are really excited.” The Common Council is expected Wednesday to refer Bromfield’s proposal to Planning, Zoning & Housing, a council subcommittee. Bromfield, who is affiliated with Capital Restoration Inc., is expected to make a detailed presentation to city leaders at the subcommittee meeting, which will be scheduled soon. The council is then expected to vote on the proposal at its Feb. 25 meeting.
If approved, city leaders say, Bromfield would not demolish Berkowitz, but would renovate and restore it. The plan calls for the first floor to feature retail spaces and the top three floors to be residential.
“We have seen the preliminary sketches and they are very impressive,” said Ken Malinowski, the city’s acting director of municipal development. “He has a great track record.”
If approved, the project would begin sometime this year. Bromfield has not said how long the project would take to complete or how much he intends to invest. He could not be reached for comment Monday. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE

Stall tactics alleged as BPD awaits action

BERLIN — Town Council Democrats and Republicans are pointing fingers at one other yet again on a familiar subject: which party is holding up progress on providing the Police Department with additional space.
Democrats say the quickest and most cost-effective way to move forward is for the city to keep the architect and construction company hired to analyze, design and guide it in building the proposed $21 million station, which failed at referendum in November. Republicans believe that’s a mistake. They say that a new architect and contractor would proved a fresh perspective on the project.
Both sides, however, agree that the other’s opinions are significantly delaying progress.
“Personally, until the Republicans go on record and state how much they are willing to spend to build a new police station, they are going to engage in stall tactics,” Deputy Mayor William Rasmussen Jr. said. “This is one of them. They will kick this can so far down the road until it’s in Newington.”
Republican Councilor Charles Paonessa had a different view.
“I would like to explain my position so that other members of the council don’t feel the need to tell the public what I mean by what I mean,” he said. “To choose the same people to do the same job and expect a different result is foolish. I think that’s a stall tactic.”
Paonessa added that he has no problem spending money to get an estimate on what it will cost to build a new station on Farmington Avenue as well as to add on to the station on Kensington Road. But, he said, “we need some viable options, not just regurgitation from the same people doing the same thing.” CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE

Pomfret sewer map public hearing on Tuesday

Pomfret hearing: A public hearing to approve a new Pomfret sewer service area map — a step needed before a nearly $6 million proposed sewer project can move forward — is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Pomfret Community School.
The map: The hearing is aimed at garnering public opinion on a new map which shows properties to be included in the planned $5.9 million sewer project. The project would entail constructing a sewer line with hook-ups to the Pomfret and Rectory schools and Loos & Company, which manufactures aircraft rope and wire. Officials hope to run the line over a portion of the Airline State Park Trail to the Putnam waste water treatment plant. Comments at tonight's meeting will be taken into consideration before the town's Water Pollution Control Authority gives its final approval to the map.
The cost: Funding for the sewer line will be paid for with $4.4 million in loans and $1.5 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Because federal funding must flow through a municipality, the Town of Pomfret is listed as the project's administrator. The town will not incur any costs associated with the project and no private residences will be allowed to hook into the proposed line. The Pomfret Community School will be allowed to use the line, if necessary. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE