Water Is Life: Citizen Opposition Nixes Another Threat to Wetlands and Watershed

Withdrawn Plan for Truck Stop Near Batterson Pond Echoes Past Fights Over New Britain Watershed by John McNamara http://nbpoliticus.com Residents of Farmington and New Britain rose up as one voice in recent weeks to oppose the plan of Noble Gas Real Estate Holdings to build a diesel-gas refueling facility and warehouse on about six acres … Continue reading Water Is Life: Citizen Opposition Nixes Another Threat to Wetlands and Watershed

Batterson Park Reopens: Nature Awaits This Summer

By John McNamara - nbpoliticus.com FARMINGTON - Batterson Park, closed and unused for more than a decade, will be open to all visitors this summer as a place for picnicking, short hikes, birding, bald eagle watching, kayaking, fishing, splash padding or just communing with nature on the New Britain-Farmington line. Officials from Farmington, Hartford and … Continue reading Batterson Park Reopens: Nature Awaits This Summer

Farmington Commission Hears Public Opposition to Travel Center Near Batterson Park and Slater Rd. Neighborhood

A Fourth Hearing Will Be Held on June 3 By John McNamara NBpoliticus.com FARMINGTON - The Inland Wetlands and Environment Commission heard residents from Farmington and New Britain on May 20th strongly oppose an application to build a Travel Center and a gas/diesel fueling station on the town line near Interstate 84 off ramps. In … Continue reading Farmington Commission Hears Public Opposition to Travel Center Near Batterson Park and Slater Rd. Neighborhood

City Seeks $5 Million Grant for Allen Street Storm Water Project

City officials confirmed last week they are seeking a major grant to close the gap in the funding of the Allen Street Utility-Road Phase II project where flooding and sewage overflows have caused problems in the neighborhood for decades. The regional Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) received the New Britain application for $5 million … Continue reading City Seeks $5 Million Grant for Allen Street Storm Water Project

Officials Provide Update On Allen Street Project to Upgrade Stormwater System

City officials have provided an update on plans and financing to complete the Allen Street project to replace an outmoded storm water and sewage system that causes neighborhood flooding during heavy rains and extensive damage to basements and property. Mayor Bobby Sanchez said Allen Street improvements have been the priority for his office and the … Continue reading Officials Provide Update On Allen Street Project to Upgrade Stormwater System

It’s Time For State To Address Stormwater Crisis In More Hard Hit Neighborhoods

State Aid Needed To Implement Allen Street Capital Improvements In New Britain By John McNamara The damage to homes and properties caused by intense rains has accelerated over the last two years in New Britain and other communities across Connecticut. Public stormwater and sewer systems built a century ago are routinely overwhelmed whenever a hard … Continue reading It’s Time For State To Address Stormwater Crisis In More Hard Hit Neighborhoods

City Needs To Address Neighborhood Flooding Issues Sooner Rather Than Later

Remaining Pandemic Relief Funds Are An Option For Long Delayed Drainage Improvements By John McNamara Heavy rains have overwhelmed two New Britain neighborhoods this summer causing basement and street flooding on streets in the Allen Street and Overlook Avenue areas. The recent storms are raising new concerns and outrage from residents who have been asking … Continue reading City Needs To Address Neighborhood Flooding Issues Sooner Rather Than Later

Matt Ritter’s Batterson Park Redux

State Park Status Proposed To Bring Abandoned Recreation Area On Farmington-New Britain Line Back To Life By John McNamara Will Batterson Park, the abandoned recreation area and pond shared by New Britain and Farmington and owned by the City of Hartford, become Connecticut's 91st state park? Last week State House Speaker Matt Ritter of Hartford … Continue reading Matt Ritter’s Batterson Park Redux

City Taps Patton Brook Well For Water After Calling Off Bargain Basement Sale, Hiking Rates To Pay For MDC Water

By John McNamara More than a year after the Stewart administration and Common Council sought to sell off the Patton Brook Well at an undervalued price of $1 million the unused well is replenishing the Shuttle Meadow reservoir. Mayor Stewart and her Council majority authorized the sale in August 2016, seeking to give up the … Continue reading City Taps Patton Brook Well For Water After Calling Off Bargain Basement Sale, Hiking Rates To Pay For MDC Water

Legislature Takes On Water Issues; Rep. Lopes Bill Requires Fair Market Value For City To Sell Wells, Watershed Land

By John McNamara State Rep. Rick Lopes (D-24) has filed a bill requiring municipalities or water companies to "complete a fair market appraisal of any property encompassing a watershed, well or reservoir before such property may be sold, and to make such appraisal public at least 90 days prior to such sale." Lopes' proposal is … Continue reading Legislature Takes On Water Issues; Rep. Lopes Bill Requires Fair Market Value For City To Sell Wells, Watershed Land