City officials continue to pursue dual paths regarding the long-vacant Reid & Hughes Building on Main Street, with one office opening three bids Tuesday for the demolition of the building, while another office is finalizing its analysis of whether a proposed renovation plan is viable.
Wiese Construction of Norwich submitted the low bid for the demolition Tuesday at $697,000. A second bid of $765,990 by Nasdi Demo of Woburn, Mass., also fell within the city's $800,000 bond limit for the demolition, while a third bid by Standard Demolition of Trumbull was much higher at $1.6 million.
The City Council voted in October to bond up to $800,000 — the maximum allowed without a referendum — to tear down the long-vacant building at 193-201 Main St. But at the same time, the Women's Institute for Housing and Economic Development proposed to take on a project to renovate the decaying building into 20 apartments and retail space.
The Women's Institute has proposed a $300,000 plan to stabilize the decaying roof and upper structure to allow time to seek financing for its $6 million renovation project.
On Dec. 7, the state Historic Preservation Council voted unanimously to deny the city's demolition application for the historical structure and to refer any such proposed action to the state Attorney General's Office for a possible court injunction.
That prompted city leaders to hold three closed-door negotiation sessions with the Women's Institute, state historic preservation officials and local historic preservation advocates.
City Manager John Salomone said Tuesday after the demolition bids were opened that city leaders are close to completing their review of the Women's Institute's proposal and might be ready to bring the issue to the City Council on Monday for a possible vote to issue a formal request for development proposals. Salomone said that would be a necessary step for a city-owned property.
“We're working on deciding on whether the Women's Institute's proposal has enough merit to bring it to the council,” Salomone said.
The demolition bids will be forwarded to the city Public Works Department for review of whether they meet the technical bid specifications, the normal process before awarding a bid. Public Works Director Ryan Thompson, who attended the bid opening, said he will follow that process “unless I hear otherwise.”
Gas main construction in New London to last into June
New London — Work has begun on a $4 million project to upgrade the city’s gas distribution system, according to an Eversource news release.
Eversource officials said the project includes replacing more than 11,200 feet of cast iron and bare steel gas main with plastic pipe that’s safer, more durable and better able to handle fluctuations in underground temperatures.
Construction will take place from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays for the duration of the project.
Roads that will be affected include:
- Ocean, Bentley, Highland, Pequot and Glenwood avenues
- Aitchison and Bayshore drives
- Park, Stuart and Eldane streets
- Eastridge, Greenway, Niles Hill and Woodlawn roads
- Elrin Place and Shermor Place
- Neptune Court
- Alewife Parkway
Eversource officials expect the project will be finished by early June.
Since 2012, Eversource has replaced more than 100 miles of older gas main around the state.
"Proactively upgrading the system helps to ensure the continued safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to our 226,000 customers in Connecticut," Al Marsocci, vice president of gas operations, said in the release.
For more information about Eversource’s natural gas expansion efforts, visit eversource.com.
Delays Expected On Route 4 In Farmington As Road Work Begins
Motorists traveling on Route 4 in Farmington should plan for additional delays in the coming months as the state Department of Transportation implements a temporary traffic pattern in the area.
The traffic shift, expected to last about three months, will allow crews to install new drainage systems and relocate utilities in the area, according to a press release.
One lane will be maintained in each direction for Route 4 westbound and eastbound. Turning lanes will be maintained at the intersections of Route 4 with Garden Street, Route 10 and Mountain Spring Road.
Drivers can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area or seek alternate routes, town officials said. Officials encouraged travelers to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
Local businesses will remain open during construction.
The work is part of a $12.6 million planned reconstruction project scheduled to be completed next summer. Since last April, crews have been clearing and excavating near the former Parson's Chevrolet dealership. Most of the ongoing work since then has been underground, such as creating a new water main, tying in water services to the buildings and installing major drainage fixtures. The town is exploring potential redevelopment concepts of a 40-acre area that Route 4 runs through. The area is adjacent to the Farmington Center historic district with the Farmington River to the west.