Court allows Revolution Wind project to restart
John Penney
New London — Work on the stalled $4 billion Revolution Wind
project being staged at State Pier can resume — for now — after a preliminary
injunction was granted Monday by the U.S. District Court for the District of
Columbia.
The order came a month after the federal Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management (BOEM) ordered work on the nearly finished 704-megawatt wind
farm being built in federal waters off the coast of Rhode Island to be halted
due to unspecified national security concerns.
The injunction motion was filed earlier this month by
project developers Ørsted and Global Infrastructure Partners' Skyborn
Renewables, the same day the Connecticut and Rhode Island attorneys general
announced they would sue the Trump administration over the stop-work order.
Monday’s ruling came after U.S. District Court Judge Royce
Lamberth said the government had provided no new information that could justify
its stop-work order, which he called “the height of arbitrary and capacious
action” and was costing developers $2.3 million a day, according to media
reports.
Installation work — 47 of the project’s 65 turbines are
already in place — will resume “as soon as possible, with safety as the top
priority,” Ørsted said in a press announcement.
“Revolution Wind will continue to seek to work
collaboratively with the US Administration and other stakeholders toward a
prompt resolution,” the company added.
The Interior Department, which oversees BOEM, has said that
the department doesn’t comment on pending litigation.
Paul Whitescarver, chairman of the Connecticut Port
Authority’s Board of Directors, which oversees State Pier, said Monday the
injunction ruling was “good for the wind industry.”
On Sunday afternoon, the Wind Scylla turbine installation
ship that had been docked at State Pier for weeks left the New London deepwater
port. As of 3 p.m. Monday, the ship was en route to the Brenton Anchorage area
about 10 miles south of Newport, according to a marine traffic tracking site.
Since the stop-work order was implemented, wind turbine parts for the remainder
of the project have been amassed at State Pier.
Gov. Ned Lamont and other lawmakers quickly and vehemently
decried the Trump administration’s Aug. 22 order to halt work on the fully
permitted wind project that was nearly 80% complete and poised next year to
begin delivering enough energy to power 350,000 Connecticut and Rhode Island
homes.
Lamont on Monday called the court ruling “extremely
encouraging for workers and our energy future.”
Attorney General William Tong called the ruling a “major win
for Connecticut workers and Connecticut families” and should serve as a warning
to the Trump administration.
“The Trump Administration’s erratic action was the height of
arbitrary and capricious, and failed to satisfy any statutory provisions needed
to halt work on a fully approved and nearly complete project. It was not a
close call,” Tong wrote. “The Trump Administration should see the writing on
the wall with this decision and drop its defense of their indefensible
actions.”
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said Monday’s
ruling boded well for the case filed by him and Tong.
“Today’s legal victory in Washington, D.C. reaffirms what we
know to be true: this President cannot cancel clean energy projects just
because he believes doing so is politically expedient for him,” Neronha said.
“In simpler terms, it came without warning, reason, or legal basis.”
U.S. Sen Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said while he was
pleased with the ruling, Revolution Wind construction should be “permanently
permitted to go forward.”
The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Deputy
Director, Connor Yakaitis, said in a statement: “This is a win for Connecticut,
for the future of renewable energy in New England and, most importantly, for
the hardworking individuals and their families who have spent the past few
weeks uncertain about the future of their livelihood. Revolution Wind has
already delivered over a thousand union jobs and, thanks to their hard work, is
80% complete. It is past time we finish the job so we can deliver clean, renewable
and reliable power to 350,000 homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island.”
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, (D-Conn.) released this statement:
“The Trump administration’s attempt to shut down the
Revolution Wind project – which went through exhaustive reviews by multiple
federal agencies and is 80 percent complete – has nothing to do with national
security. It’s just Trump making good on a corrupt promise he made to oil
executives in exchange for a campaign donation. The court made the right call,
and this administration should abandon its efforts to kill thousands of good
paying union jobs and raise energy prices for hundreds of thousands of working
families.”
On Tuesday morning, Gov. Ned Lamont and his Rhode
counterpart Dan McKee are slated to hold a press conference at City Pier to
discuss Revolution Wind.
Loureiro Engineering celebrates 50 years
Brian M Johnson
PLAINVILLE — Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc.
celebrated its 50 year milestone by reflecting on its legacy of success and
looking ahead to future growth.
The company, located at 100 Northwest Dr., provides
engineering, environmental and construction services, serving clients across
New England and beyond. Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc. generates $100
million in annual revenue according to information provided by Stephen Diaz,
executive vice president and chief administrative officer.
This Thursday, employees gathered under a tent in the back
parking lot to celebrate the company’s success. The event, complete with
balloons, raffles and pizza and salad provided by the Salt & Pepper
Catering food truck, featured several speakers from the company. Town Manager
Michael Paulhus and Daniel O’Keefe, commissioner of the Department of Economic
and Community Development and the state’s Chief Innovation Officer also praised
their accomplishments and impact.
Brian Cutler, CEO of Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc.,
thanked all who made the celebration possible. He praised late founder Julio
Loureiro, who established the company in 1975, stating that he “took a hell of
a risk” and “laid the groundwork” for future success.
“It all started with an idea and an individual who did it
the right way,” he said.
Cutler also acknowledged Julio Loureiro’s son, Jeff
Loureiro, who became company president in 1997 and CEO in 2002. He said that
Jeff Loureiro “turned the company around” during a difficult time. He said that
he continued to foster a culture where everyone “does an exceptional job every
day” and employees “wow” clients with their ingenuity.
Cutler said that in 1998, Julio Loureiro transitioned
ownership of the company and created the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Diaz
said that this move “ensured the company’s independence and cemented a culture
where every employee shares in its success.” This “employee-ownership model”,
he said, “remains central to Loureiro’s identity today.”
Cutler compared the company operating under this structure
to a “valuable gemstone” created under “tremendous pressure and tons of effort”
that “is valuable to those who hold it.” He also expressed how the company
brought together designers and builders to solve problems. He said that while
many of their competitors are “good at one thing”, Loureiro Engineering
Associates, Inc. does all of those things under one roof.
Looking to the future, Cutler said that Loureiro Engineering
Associates, Inc. will strive to continue to scale its growth over the next five
years. Later, in closing remarks, he said that he hopes to create the
foundation that would act as a “launching pad” for the next 50 years.
O’Keefe explained that manufacturers make up 12% of
Connecticut’s economy. He said that their existence is crucial to the state’s
continued growth. He said that while the state does not have a lot of unused
land available, renewal of previously contaminated “Brownfields” sites will
create a path forward. Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc., he said, has done
great work to that end.
“The work you do every day continues to be incredibly
important to the big picture,” he said.
Joy Avallone, lobbyist and attorney, said that Loureiro
Engineering Associates, Inc. makes her job “easy” by creating partnerships with
local and state leaders. She said that their reputation for excellence speaks
for itself. She praised the company’s efforts to remediate Brownfields, turning
them from “eyesores” and reminders of communities’ industrial past into land
“ready to be reborn.” She presented a citation from Congresswoman Jahana Hayes
to Cutler.
“In celebration of your 50th anniversary as an innovative,
employee-owned company leading the state in environmental consulting and
engineering, Loureiro has played a vital role in transforming communities,” she
said. “From ensuring towns have access to clean drinking water to supporting
Brownfields redevelopment, the Loureiro team has made a lasting positive impact
across Connecticut. Your foundation of family values, technical excellence and
client trust is commendable. Congratulations on your 50th anniversary and best
of luck in your future endeavors.”
Town Manager Michael Paulhus said that it was an “honor” to
stand with Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc. for their 50th anniversary. He
said that reaching that milestone was a testament to the “innovation and
commitment” of the company’s leadership and employees. He also praised the work
that they did for the town, which includes upgrades to the Water Pollution
Control Facility, helping the town renovate Robertson Airport after acquiring
it in 2009, assisting the remediation of the
former White Oak Construction property and the capping and
closure of the town’s landfill. Volunteers from the company also helped with
the cleanup of Pinnacle Rock, the creation of the Petit Family Gazebo at Norton
Park, landscaping at the Municipal Center, painting and renovating at Norton
Park and improvements at the Plainville Food Pantry.
Ron Amerose, a longtime employee of Loureiro Engineering
Associates, Inc., said he wished that Julio Loureiro could have been present to
celebrate with them. He said that he was a “wonderful person.” He also
acknowledged the dozen or so employees who had been hired this year. He said
that all of the employees of Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc. “stand
united.” He also thanked members of the military serving around the world for
their service.
Matthew Poniatowski, a staff accountant who was hired this
year, then spoke in praise of the company’s internship program. He said that he
participated in this program while he was a student at UCONN. He said his
friends had spoken highly of it, encouraging him to join. He said that the
company’s culture and willingness to let him become involved in meaningful
projects made him want to come on-board. Of the interns this past summer, he
said that 100% of them recommended the program.
“This internship provided me with valuable, hands-on
experience and had a profound impact on my growth, working as part of a team,”
he said. “It has left a lasting impact on my future.”
Full speed ahead for Mystic River Boathouse Park
Carrie Czerwinski
Mystic — After years of delay, construction is in full swing
at the future home of the Mystic River Boathouse Park on Route 27.
On Monday, John Thornell, director of rowing for Stonington
Community Rowing Inc., said the new home of the Stonington High School rowing
team and community rowing center should be ready to use by early next spring.
In June, the Stonington Board of Finance approved an
additional $435,000 to fully fund the $4.9 million project that began in 2016
when residents approved $2.2 million in bonding to purchase the land and create
a public, 1.5-acre riverfront park just north of Mystic Seaport Museum.
“We’re hoping to have our sidewalks completed before
winter,” First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough said Monday, adding that final
landscape plantings will take place in the spring.
Additionally, she said that boulders and sills for the
living shoreline have been put in place, which will offer protection for the
shore and a favorable environment for marsh grasses, oysters and other
components, that will be planted in the spring. The park and a public boat
launch will be open to the public.
The project, a collaboration between the town and SCRI,
faced years of delay due to the need for environmental cleanup, a requirement
to preserve the historic Lovelace home on the property and controversy over the
initial industrial-like boathouse design.
The state Historic Preservation Office required the exterior
of the historic home to be preserved but allowed interior renovations. When
complete, the boathouse will resemble a historic barn, and a vestibule will
connect the boathouse to the house.
Thornell said the house was moved to its final location last
week. The boathouse foundation will be poured this week, and the slab will be
poured by the end of September.
He said that the wood for the post and beam Jim Dietz Rowing
Center and Hart Perry Boathouse is being milled. Construction should begin in
early October with exterior construction completed in six to eight weeks.
Interior construction will take place over the winter.
“Every time I go by the property, whether coaching
Stonington Crew or rowing myself, there's something new. After working on this
project for so long, it's very exciting to see the pieces coming together so
quickly," Thornell said.
While SCRI has raised $2.4 million in donations and pledges
toward the project, enough to build the boathouse and complete the interior,
Thornell said the group is beginning one last fundraising push before winter so
that interior finishings for both buildings could be completed before spring
when the docks will be installed.
“We may stage the house restoration after the boathouse
construction but would prefer not to. If we want to finish the house with the
boathouse, we have a few hundred thousand dollars left to raise before the end
of the year,” Thornell said.
The first floor of the boathouse will serve as boat and
equipment storage space. The second floor will house a training space, while
the house will include changing rooms, a meeting and waiting area, offices and
storage.
In the new facility, the organization will host a community
rowing program, offer rowing instruction and, in partnership with community
sponsor and neighbor, the Delamar Mystic Hotel, bring back the Coastweeks
Regatta, last held in 2019.
Upon completion, SCRI will turn the center over to the town
for $1.
A growing and significant CT business sees ‘strong need’ for a new 120-room hotel
A developer is proposing
a roughly 120-room hotel as the first stage of a large commercial
development on former tobacco farms along Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury.
Adam Westhaver, a principal in the adjacent
International Skating Center, plans a multi-phase project that would
eventually include a restaurant and several commercial businesses related to
skating, according
to plans his consultant has submitted to the town.
The skating center is in the midst of a substantial
expansion this fall, and has become a significant operation in southern New
England since opening 31 years ago.
Westhaver’s W Development Co. LLC is seeking a wetlands
permit to build on part of the 54-acre lot at 1503 Hopmeadow St., just north of
the skating center in the northern end of Simsbury. The first phase of work
would be restricted to a 15-acre tract north of Saxton Brook and close to
Dorset Crossing Drive, according to Philip Doyle of LADA PC, the landscape
architectural firm working for W Development.
The Inland Wetlands Commission is scheduled to act on the
request Oct. 7.
Westhaver “has a long-term vision of developing all of the
property into a commercial facility which is focused upon sports and skating,”
Doyle wrote in an Aug. 20 letter to the town’s planning department. “The
skating center has identified a strong need to supply hotel rooms for
individual skaters and for ice hockey teams.”
More specifics about the hotel proposal such as the number
and size of rooms, the number of floors, amenities, branding and prospective
room rates could emerge if the wetlands approval goes forward. At that point, W
Development would need to submit more detailed plans for a zoning permit.
“The applicant expects the vision to evolve over a number of
years, with the initial effort being the building of a hotel on the land north
of the brook,” Doyle wrote. “At this time, only the initial earthwork
associated with the hotel and an internal loop driveway is envisioned.
“At some point in the future, additional applications will
be made to the town to add commercial buildings, utilities and a crossing of
Saxton Brook. The site development will happen over a number of years,” he
wrote.
Ian Cole, a Middletown wetland scientist working for W
Development, described the property to town officials as “one of the few
remaining undeveloped parcels on this side of Hopmeadow Street. The parcel has
been farmed with multiple relic tobacco barns that were removed circa 2021. The
proposed building site is mostly field and previously was covered with
pumpkin/squash crops.”
The International Skating Center has about 76,000 square
feet of space with two full ice rinks, one Olympic size with seating for 820
and the other NHL size with seating for 360. It also has a pro shop, locker
rooms, a cafe, the Legends Hall bar and a 3,200-square-foot fitness center.
The new addition under construction will bring about 25,000
square feet for two new half-rinks, additional locker rooms, meeting space,
video review rooms and a second-floor sports performance center for athletes
from multiple sports.