MERIDEN — The flood control project known as the Meriden Green is complete, but work to keep the city dry in the event of a massive flood isn’t over and comes with a price.
City officials estimate that roughly $22.5 million is needed to complete flood control and infrastructure projects in downtown’s transit-oriented development district.
Public Works Director Bob Bass outlined outstanding bridge, traffic and flood control projects last week to state transportation officials, U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. The city’s goal is to get as much state and federal funding as it can to bring the projects over the finish line.
“If nobody comes forward, we’ll pay for it ourselves,” said Associate City Engineer Brian Ennis.
At the top of the list is $8 million needed for channel improvements to Harbor Brook in the Cooper Street to Bradley Avenue area, sections of which are in a severe flood plain. The project design is 75 percent complete and construction is expected to start this year.
“We’re rebuilding the channel to improve the flow. The river is too narrow and has choke points,” Ennis said. Another project that is directly tied to the Meriden Green, which acts as a flood basin for Harbor Brook, would eliminate Mill Street by removing the Mill Street bridge and reconstructing the Cedar Street bridge. The project would allow for the continuation of the Harbor Brook flood control project north of the Meriden Green on property now occupied by Mills Memorial Apartments.
The Meriden Housing Authority is awaiting final approvals from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on its application to relocate remaining tenants and demolish the apartment complex.
“Once Cedar Street bridge is complete, we’ll be abandoning Mill Street and extending the (Meriden) Green property,” Ennis said.
The Mill Street bridge removal project also enhances access to a proposed development at 161-177 State St.
The opening of the new train station and transit area is likely to bring congestion to State Street and city officials want to make Broad Street the designated downtown exit off Interstate 691 to steer traffic to Pratt Street. The city has $3 million in place to reconstruct Pratt Street as a boulevard and gateway into downtown.
Signage on I-691 directs motorists to take Exit 7 (State Street) to get to the city’s downtown. CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Black Rock, which will retain its name and operate as its own division under the management of David Aldo, former owner of the company, has been relocated from Bridgeport to East Hartford, said Ken Corneau, president of United Steel.
Commonly known as Bridgeport columns, Black Rock's support columns are in use at construction projects throughout the country, and are known for durability and lower long-term costs, Corneau said. The columns are commonly found in hospitals, schools, dormitories, cafeterias, and shopping centers.
Although Black Rock will have its own dedicated website, it has taken on a new logo and branding consistent with United Steel's. United Steel has also adjusted the company's safety procedures along with its sales and service processes to be in-line with the parent's standards.
Founded in 1974, United Steel is the largest manufacturer and erector of structural steel and miscellaneous metals in New England.
State Bond Commission Approves $6.5 Million For Glastonbury's Center Village Project
The state bond commission has released $6.5 million in funding for the renovation and expansion of Center Village.
The commission approved the funding as part of an $18 million project to renovate and expand 34 units of affordable elderly rental housing units and the construction of a 38-unit, two-story building at 77 New London Turnpike. The funding is a loan at 0 percent for 40 years with interest deferred.
State Sen. Steve Cassano has worked with the town to secure funding for the past six years on several housing projects for the Glastonbury Housing Authority.
"The construction of more affordable housing for elderly folks in Glastonbury is a welcome and essential resource for Connecticut's aging population," he said.
The project, which will begin in the spring, includes renovating six existing buildings with units expanding from 350 square feet to 650 square feet. Other financing includes low income housing tax credits; a $3.2 million mortgage from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority; $1.2 million from the town's housing authority, energy rebates and other small funding sources.
Work is expected to take 17 months with a completion date of August or September 2018.