BROOKFIELD — Construction crews began work this week to relieve flooding in Meadowbrook Manor, making residents hopeful that the days of backyard canoeing and devastating damage will soon be over.
Since the first homes were built more than 40 years ago in this neighborhood south of Limekiln Brook, residents have been plagued by torrential rains that overwhelm the 24-inch storm water pipe designed to deposit runoff into nearby wetlands.
But after years of residents lobbying for relief followed by meticulous planning, crews from Mark IV Construction are finally installing a 60-inch pipe spanning one-third of a mile that will supplement the system and divert the water elsewhere.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Jean Hartnett, who owns a home in the neighborhood and has for years called for a mitigation plan.
“It’s going to be a dirty, dusty and disruptive summer, but everyone’s looking forward to having it resolved. We’re very grateful to all Brookfield officials who helped through years.”
Future of iconic Bridgeport smokestack uncertain
What does the future hold for Bridgeport’s 498-foot tall iconic smokestack?
Is it a historical landmark or a mark against Bridgeport’s reputation as a leader in green industry and conservation?
The plan to build a 485-megawatt power plant on Bridgeport Harbor is winding its way through a maze of government agencies to secure nearly two dozen permits and approvals. PSEG Power Connecticut, which operates the coal-burning power plant, plans to replace it with a more environmental friendly gas-fired facility.
In plans filed last week with the Connecticut Siting Council, PSEG says it hopes to have the new plant up and running by June 1, 2019 and to retire the coal plant by July 1, 2021. After that, the smokestack — used for decades as a navigation aid on Long Island Sound and visible from the top the Empire State Building — faces an uncertain future.
When the plan to retire the last coal-burning plant in the state was announced earlier this year, it was cheered by residents, environmental groups and city officials. PSEG committed to hiring minorities, women, veterans and local businesses for the construction, and to invest $5 million toward renewable energy and $2 million for a Community Environmental Benefit Fund. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Bill would adjust municipal aid for water treatment plant upgrades
HARTFORD — Lawmakers are looking to extend the timeframe for which municipalities can receive greater reimbursement from the state to upgrade water treatment plants and remove phosphorus, a mineral considered dangerous to waterways when released at high concentrations.
But local legislators say a pending bill advanced this week by the General Assembly’s Planning and Development Committee is ineffective and doesn’t address municipalities like Cheshire, which has already upgraded its plant to remove additional phosphorus but is not eligible for the higher reimbursement due to the project’s timing.
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the federal Environmental Protection Agency want to reduce the amount of phosphorus released into waterways because the mineral causes algae blooms that deplete oxygen, which could harm wildlife. In 2013, the legislature approved a bill providing for 50 percent reimbursement to eligible municipalities that upgrade treatment plants so as to limit the release of phosphorus to 0.2 parts per million.
Prior to 2013, municipalities could only receive 30 percent reimbursement for such projects through the state’s Clean Water Fund. The 50 percent reimbursement was initially offered as an incentive through 2018. The bill advanced this week would extend the timeframe until 2025.
Because Cheshire upgraded its treatment plant prior to the 2013 legislation, the town isn’t eligible for 50 percent reimbursement for the portion of the project relating to phosphorus. Overall, the project cost the town around $25 million. About 15 percent of the total cost can be attributed to phosphorus removal measures.
“Why would you punish a town for doing what they’re supposed to do,” said state Rep. Mary Fritz, a Wallingford Democrat who represents a portion of Cheshire. “I think it’s disgusting, how do you do that.” CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
FARMINGTON — The committee in charge of steering renovations at Farmington High School voted in favor of issuing a request for proposals early next week, following minor revisions discussed at Wednesday's meeting.
According to the seven-page RFP document drafted by the Farmington High School Renovation Committee, the process will require interested architectural firms to meet a series of objectives, as well as participate in a walking tour of the school.
The bid is tentatively scheduled to be awarded in May. The schematic design deadline is in December.
The committee was formed in January and is charged with reviewing the Farmington High School facility report and gaining better understanding of the conditions of the entire building.
The committee will prioritize needs for the project and develop strategies for how to meet those needs, Town Manager Kathleen Eagen has said.
Town officials have said there is $100,000 set aside that should cover the preliminary design plan costs until the 2016-17 fiscal year starts on July 1.The RFP includes a list of 20 objectives that request applicants address education, building and fire code, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and space needs, as well as air quality and improving energy use.
Four finalists will be chosen after the committee's initial evaluation, and the committee will recommend a firm to the town council and board of education. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE