With a five-week unemployment benefits backlog, here are some tips and answers on filing in Connecticut during the coronavirus pandemic.

As of April 6, 280,000 workers applied for unemployment insurance benefits, according to the state Department of Labor. The unprecedented number of claims has caused a five-week backlog in processing, meaning some people are waiting more than a month to receive funds after filing a claim. You can collect unemployment if you have been laid […]

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Social Distancing, Shelter Orders Impede Construction Bonds

The surety industry is asking federal, state and local officials to take emergency action to update decades-old surety rules requiring stamped notarizations and ink signatures that the Covid-19 pandemic has made impossible or more difficult while social distancing and shelter rules are in place. The industry seeks permission to use electronic signatures without notarization of […]

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State sees dramatic drop in traffic as residents ‘stay safe, stay home’

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and all of the attendant precautions, traffic on the state’s major roadways has dropped off precipitously, particularly on weekends. Data compiled by the State Department of Transportation show that from early March through the end of the month, traffic volume on most roads was down 40 to 50 […]

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CT maintains funds for transportation, port development, amidst pandemic

And while the State Bond Commission will consider $5 million for emergency supplies for state and municipal public health agencies, most of the $1 billion in new financing is aimed at transportation infrastructure, economic development and long overdue municipal aid. The meeting of the 10-member panel, which is chaired by Gov. Ned Lamont, will meet […]

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City Hall restoration work continues in New London

Work crews have spent the better part of two months in the century-old State Street building performing restoration and repair work. Otis Elevator is working to rehabilitate a broken elevator, while separate crews are restoring historical areas of the third and first floors. Skilled tradesmen and construction companies are exempt from the governor’s executive order […]

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South Windsor building-maker manufactures disaster-response structures

South Windsor-based ClearSpan, which makes fabric and metal buildings and structures for a variety of industries, has transitioned its manufacturing operation to produce temporary disaster structures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ClearSpan, a division of South Windsor’s Engineering Services & Products Co. (ESAPCO), said it’s shipping temporary medical facilities to governments and medical centers […]

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CT processes 33K jobless claims in week 3 of crisis

The Connecticut Department of Labor processed more than 33,000 initial claims for unemployment benefits last week, according to new federal figures Thursday, after cranking out more than 25,000 over the previous week as layoffs spiked with business closures forced by the coronavirus pandemic. This week, Gov. Ned Lamont suggested some newly unemployed workers may have […]

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Trump pushes $2 trillion infrastructure package in next coronavirus bill

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a $2 trillion infrastructure package should be part of Congress’ next response to the coronavirus pandemic, reviving a 2016 campaign pledge to ramp up construction projects despite public health guidance that Americans should stay home and isolated to the greatest extent possible. But lawmakers, for more than three years […]

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Senate GOP Leader Len Fasano not seeking re-election

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, is not seeking re-election, opening a fight to succeed him in a suburban New Haven district and as leader of the GOP minority in the Connecticut Senate. With Donald J. Trump in the White House and the Democratic base energized, Democrats won 23 of the 36 Senate seats […]

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Connecticut setting up ‘hospitals in a box’ to grow capacity

Gov. Ned Lamont said plans are underway to expand hospital bed capacity in Connecticut to prepare for the anticipated surge in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, including transforming the field house at Southern Connecticut State University into a 250-bed temporary hospital. Representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have toured […]

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State-By-State Breakdown: Paving Industry Responds to COVID-19

Construction and infrastructure work, which includes paving, have been classified as essential services. Only two states, Pennsylvania and Washington, have put this work on hold. In other states, work goes on while emphasizing federal, state and local guidelines including social distancing, sterilizing work surfaces and keeping meetings to 10 people or less. Necessary precautions have […]

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NYC Announces Fines of up to $10K if Work Continues on Non-Essential Projects

Project teams in New York City may be fined up to $10,000 if found working on non-essential or non-emergency construction—or if workers on projects that are allowed to continue don’t practice social distancing to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus, say new city Dept. of Buildings protocols. Essential construction includes roads, bridges, transit facilities, utilities, […]

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As Connecticut unemployment numbers rise, economists expect a ‘significant bounce back’ once business resumes

Efforts to curtail the spread of coronavirus, including the shutdown of many businesses across the state, has had an immediate impact on Connecticut’s economy with more than 150,000 people out of work for now and filing for unemployment insurance. But local economists are optimistic that the long-term economical ramifications will not be as severe as […]

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Dillon says quiet Bradley Airport could benefit from $2T federal stimulus

During a Friday afternoon board of directors meeting for the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA), which oversees Bradley, CAA Executive Director Kevin Dillon touted an element of the legislation that provides $10 billion to airports, $7.4 billion of which has few strings attached. Bradley has seen a significant dropoff in passenger traffic amid the COVID-19 crisis […]

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Beacon Falls to bond for road repairs, sewage treatment plant improvements

The Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance approved separate resolutions this month to borrow $5 million to pay for road work, including storm water drainage and sewer improvements, and another $1 million to make improvements at the treatment plant. The wastewater treatment plant, which is over 40 years old, is outdated, officials have said. […]

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Work to start soon on Sunnyside Street Bridge

Patrick McLaughlin, director of Public works in Norwich, said it’s important for Norwich to have well-maintained bridges. McLaughlin said work on the Sunnyside Street Bridge in Yantic is expected to start on April 13. He describes the project as a rehabilitation project, preserving many of the existing features. The project cost is currently around $1.49 […]

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A new coronavirus threat: sidelined subcontractors

While state and city-based shutdowns of construction sites due to COVID-19 have thrown a wrench into projects in many areas of the country, another factor is impacting general contractors​: a lack of available specialty contractors, according to panelists in a Associated General Contractors of New York State webinar earlier this week. A decrease in the […]

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Industry, union officials join together to keep construction activities moving during coronavirus pandemic

Stephen Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, and Sean McGarvey, president of North America’s Building Trades Unions, issued the following joint statement: “Government officials at all levels should treat the construction industry and the work it performs as vital and essential to the critical industries that must remain in operation. […]

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DOT releases figures on how much traffic has decreased

Traffic volume was lower by more than 43 percent on three consecutive days (March 21-23) before increasing to negative-38.6 percent on March 24, the most recent day for which statistics were available. The break in traffic is allowing the DOT to facilitate construction work on its Route 8/I-84 Interchange (Mixmaster) rehabilitation project in Waterbury, with […]

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Working or Unemployed, Construction Workers Are Screwed

Leaders at two major building trade unions this week described an increasingly desperate economic climate for their members. Eric Dean, the president of the 130,000-member Ironworkers Union, said that 30% of his work force was “idle or sitting at home,” and that unemployment continues to rise by the day. Jim Williams, vice president and organizing […]

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Columbus Commons Apartments in New Britain completes Phase 1 of construction

Phase 1 of the Columbus Commons Apartments has been completed. Located off Columbus Boulevard, the brand new Columbus Commons Apartments is a mixed-used space offering 80 apartment homes spanning five floors. The building has a fitness center, community gathering space and bike and tenant storage. In addition to the apartments, it offers 10,000 square feet […]

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Stimulus bill gives unemployment benefits a historic boost

In a historic expansion of unemployment insurance, the federal government would give jobless workers an extra $600 a week on top of their state benefits for four months as part of the $2 trillion stimulus deal lawmakers agreed to early Wednesday. “The generosity of this benefit is unprecedented,” said Michele Evermore, senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law […]

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Construction Workers’ Safety in the Age of Coronavirus

We’ve implemented new measures that go above and beyond in protecting workers from common sources of infection. Worksites will now be mandated to limit the number of workers in confined areas, the sharing of equipment will no longer be common, all shared areas will be sanitized with the highest industry standards for infectious disease control, […]

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2020 Legislative Session Postponed Another Two Weeks

As the number of Connecticut residents testing positive for the novel coronavirus continues to increase, legislative leaders decided to postpone the legislative session until at least April 13. Eleven days ago legislative leaders shut down the state Capitol, Legislative Office Building, and Old State House, and expected to keep them closed to the public until […]

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Shelton looks to its past for tomorrow’s transportation

Shelton’s city landscape is changing. Construction has begun on two new developments with retail and apartments downtown. Plans are moving forward on adding apartments along Canal Street, and Fountain Square on Bridgeport Avenue will add an eighth hotel and numerous restaurants and retail shops. All the development comes with a need for more parking and […]

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Lamont: Town leaders can adopt budgets without going before voters

Lamont’s latest executive order affects more than two-thirds of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns. In these communities it gives the board of selectmen — and not a town meeting or a referendum — final authority to approve spending levels and local mill rates. The governor’s order also directs local leaders to make options available for […]

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Connecticut legislature considering coronavirus relief package by executive order to avoid large gathering at Capitol

Gov. Ned Lamont and legislative leaders are working on creating an economic stimulus package amid the coronavirus pandemic, and much of it could be implemented by Lamont through executive orders under his sweeping powers in an ongoing public health emergency. If the two sides finalize an agreement, lawmakers said that the social distancing required to […]

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State Pier occupants granted 120-day extension to stay in New London

State Pier operator Gateway has extended the deadline for port tenants to move out, giving commercial fishermen and a major local road salt distributor an extra four months to find a new home. The extension is not coronavirus related, rather the result of negotiations among Gateway, the Connecticut Port Authority and tenants who were expecting […]

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When working from home isn’t a choice: Manufacturers, construction companies, warehouses and prisons among the employers operating despite coronavirus

Unlike office employees who take their laptops and smart phones home to help tamp down the spread of coronavirus, workers in factories, warehouses, construction sites and prisons must stay put. Construction companies have put similar plans in place, said Don Shubert, president of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, which represents large commercial construction companies. Job […]

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Airports, Transit Agencies Request Emergency Funds

Construction continues on transportation projects throughout the U.S., but transit and airport groups have called for federal aid in the wake of rapidly decreased revenue from falling ridership due to the coronavirus, with warning of potential long-term erosion of capital programs. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on March 17 requested from Congress $12.9 billion […]

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In most US cities, construction work continues as shutdowns loom

While Boston, and now neighboring city, Cambridge, have been the only U.S. cities to officially stop all construction, other areas are under orders that ban nonessential services, causing some construction leaders to wonder whether their work is considered essential or not. Contractor reaction to the threat of potential construction shutdowns has been mixed, with some […]

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Outlook improving in New Britain Downtown District

About 200 new residencies are expected to be filled by the end of the year, according to Bill Carroll, the city’s director of the Department of Economic Development. “The unexpected growth in residential and businesses is a good sign.” “In some ways, we’re keeping ahead of the curve in terms of getting both residential and […]

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Spat between union and Connecticut DOT drags FIGG into another bridge controversy

A Connecticut state bill, if passed, would require in-house Connecticut DOT (CTDOT) engineers to perform inspections on state bridge and highway construction projects, and a state employees’ union is dragging FIGG Bridge Engineers Inc. into its fight to turn the legislation into law, according to the Hartford Courant.  This is just the latest challenge for FIGG after […]

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Connecticut unemployment claims reach 30,000 since Friday as coronavirus takes toll on state’s economy

About 10,000 claims were filed Monday and nearly 12,000 more came in Tuesday, bringing the number to 30,000 since Friday. The typical number is 3,000 to 3,500 a week, a spokesman said. “I’ve never seen anything like this,’ said Deputy Commissioner Daryle Dudzinski, who has been at the Labor Department since 1992. “It’s unbelievable.” The […]

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After $98M loss, Ideanomics weighing future of West Hartford project

Ideanomics told investors on Monday that it has identified the FinTech Village at the former West Hartford UConn campus as a “non-core asset” and is “evaluating its strategies for divesting of this asset.” Slipped into its annual earnings filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, the disclosure came as Ideanomics reported a $98.5-million loss […]

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Stamford to ramp up mold work with school buildings closed due to coronavirus

Coronavirus has cleared Stamford schools of children through at least April 10, allowing the city to do much-needed mold remediation work in the buildings. Ongoing work at Stamford High School and Davenport Ridge Elementary School will continue, and cleanup efforts at Toquam Magnet Elementary School have been bumped up to this week. Grafstein said work […]

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Plans for second Amazon facility in Wallingford delayed over traffic concerns

A decision on Amazon Logistics’ plan to operate a warehouse and distribution center on South Cherry Street has been delayed as the Planning & Zoning Commission takes a closer look at traffic generated by the facility, particularly during periods of peak volume. The commission voted to table a decision on Amazon’s application until its April […]

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Boston Becomes First City to Shutter Construction Sites Because of Coronavirus

Starting March 17, contractors and builders across the city will be required to shut down all work on construction sites, in some cases leaving skeleton crews to secure materials and monitor the sites, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced in an afternoon press conference. A former construction worker who rose to become the city’s head of […]

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Lamont admin. in early talks about economic stimulus package

On Monday, Lamont ordered all Connecticut bars and restaurants to halt dine-in services, while movie theaters and gyms were also shuttered. The state’s two tribal casinos also agreed to close their doors beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday. DECD has already announced a loan forbearance program for any companies that currently have state government loans. The […]

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6 ways the coronavirus outbreak will affect construction

Contractors, of course, are used to risk. From labor shortages and escalating tariffs to the upcoming presidential election, the industry entered 2020 facing many unknowns, and experts say the fallout from the COVID-19 virus is one more factor poised to affect construction firms. While there have only been a few reports of the virus directly […]

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Gov. Lamont to close all restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters due to state’s coronavirus outbreak

Gov. Ned Lamont will restrict gatherings of more than 50 people and order the closure of Connecticut restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, he announced Monday in coordination with governors from New York and New Jersey. The mandate will begin at 8 p.m. tonight and remain […]

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Glastonbury firm lands Killingly power plant contract

Glastonbury-based Gemma Power Systems will quarterback engineering, procurement and construction work on a major power plant to be built in Killingly starting later this year. Gemma, a subsidiary of Maryland’s Argan Inc., said Thursday that it won the contract from the plant’s developer, NTE Energy LLC. Approved by the Connecticut Siting Council last summer, the […]

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Several Old Lyme neighborhoods to receive water line upgrades

The Connecticut Water Company is bringing new water lines to several beach communities this year, including Sound View, where work began this week. The projects, outlined as part of Connecticut Water’s recent merger agreement with San Jose Water, will fund the new pipes and construction through the company’s Water Infrastructure and Conservation Adjustment program, which […]

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General Assembly approves $7 million for Preston Norwich Hospital cleanup

The state General Assembly Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a nearly $400 million bond package Wednesday that includes $7 million the town requested for the final cleanup of the former Norwich Hospital property to prepare to turn it over to Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment. Mohegan tribal officials said earlier this month that the tribe expects to receive […]

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Lawmakers back state of emergency, consider curtailing their session

The State Capitol and Legislative Office Building will be closed Thursday and Friday, and House leaders said all public hearings scheduled for next week will be canceled. But Senate and House leaders were uncertain at mid-afternoon about how they could continue the public’s business if the public cannot come to the Capitol. House Speaker Joe […]

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Bethel approves $2.24 million water tank

Voters approved a plan to build a $2.24 million tank that is meant to increase storage and ensure water is cleaner. Residents voted 660 to 240 in favor of the 500,000-gallon Chestnut Ridge tank in Tuesday’s referendum, according to unofficial results. Money for the project would come from water customer rates, not taxpayer funds. Grants […]

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Lawmakers approve $5M for coronavirus in bond package that includes funding for XL Center, cities and towns, transportation

The state House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Wednesday afternoon for a combined $3 billion in new state borrowing over two years to fix public schools, improve transportation, help ensure clean drinking water, upgrade the XL Center in Hartford and respond to the spreading coronavirus outbreak. The bipartisan bill passed 126-21 with four members absent. Only […]

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Labor Department apprenticeship rule exempts construction programs

A Department of Labor rule issued yesterday that will help expand apprenticeships in the U.S. leaves out programs that seek to train apprentices to perform construction work. Those groups instead can continue to participate in a separate Registered Apprenticeship Program. The rule establishes a system for advancing the development of Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs), a […]

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Bethel approves $2.24 million water tank

Residents voted 660 to 240 in favor of the 500,000-gallon Chestnut Ridge tank in Tuesday’s referendum, according to unofficial results. The tank would be installed in the woods between Long Meadow Lane and Briar Cliff Manor, despite slight opposition from some residents. Construction could start in the spring, with the tank going online in nine […]

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Long-delayed bond package of construction projects could be approved next week

The state’s long-delayed bond package of more than $1 billion for construction projects could be approved as soon as next week, Gov. Ned Lamont said Friday. After millions of dollars were bottled up for more than eight months, Lamont called recently for releasing $625 million for cities and towns that includes $60 million for improving […]

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Arts magnet school project almost derailed after school board debates sending plans to state

In a contentious debate over approving plans and cost estimates for the Memorial Boulevard Intradistrict Arts Magnet School project, some newer Board of Education members sought to delay approval, which the project backers warned could have derailed the entire project. The city and school board are collaborating on the project to transform the closed school […]

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House GOP leader’s transportation plan includes use of Rainy Day Fund, job attrition

With a toll bill stalled in the legislature, Republican leaders are touting two transportation plans they say would provide sufficient funding to address the state’s infrastructure needs over the next decade, but critics argue both plans rely too much on draining budget reserves. Like Senate Republicans, Klarides’ proposal would rely on dollars from the Rainy […]

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Hartford inks development agreement to kickstart $200M DoNo project

The city of Hartford on Wednesday announced it signed a development agreement with the Stamford developer planning to build a $200-million housing and retail project on city-owned land surrounding downtown’s Dunkin’ Donuts Park. The deal between the city and RMS Cos., led by founder and CEO Randy Salvatore, keeps the Downtown North (DoNo) project on […]

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Stamford Reps again nix funds for plan to privatize school buildings

Members of the Board of Representatives Monday night voted to reject an appropriation of $250,000 to hire a consultant to evaluate proposals from developers interested in becoming the city’s private partner. Representatives reiterated their skepticism about the privatization plan, which would turn over 1 million square feet of school space – a third of the […]

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Hartford’s draft master plan calls for infill development, renewable energy and ‘college town’ atmosphere

The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission developed the 71-page plan relying on feedback from about 2,000 people that participated in public meetings and surveys tailored to asking residents how they view Hartford today and how they want the city to evolve over the next 15 years. A number of recommendations were identified in the plan […]

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Norwich business owners question proposed Route 82 roundabouts

Proposed roundabouts on Route 82 would improve traffic flow, reduce crashes, and make the 1 1/4-mile strip more inviting to customers of the many businesses, but some businesses would be displaced and others would see their properties reduced by eminent domain takings, according to testimony at a public hearing Monday night. The comments were made […]

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Windsor Locks to get downtown train station

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will build a new rail station in Windsor Locks after receiving a $17.4 million federal grant, officials said. The new station will be located in Windsor Locks’ downtown area, about a mile north of a platform that currently serves as a stop on CTrail’s Hartford Line. Additionally, the town recently […]

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New Britain’s Jerome Home eyes $10M expansion, debt refi

Seeking to bolster its finances and meet rising demand for dementia and Alzheimer’s care, New Britain’s Jerome Home hopes to break ground next month on a $10-million expansion. Administrators of the 88-year-old nonprofit skilled nursing and assisted living facility, located along Corbin Avenue, are pursuing a borrowing as high as $20 million through the Connecticut […]

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Officials say Waterbury rail upgrades long overdue

Rail boosters hope the newly formed Waterbury Rail Line Caucus will galvanize support for upgrades to the 27-mile rail line between the Brass City and Bridgeport. The group’s action plan includes new rail stations with amenities, a transfer station in Devon and a study into the possibility of extending the Waterbury line to Torrington. The […]

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Stamford officials call for referendum on school building privatization

Board of Representatives member Nina Sherwood, Board of Education member Mike Altamura and Board of Finance member Kieran Ryan in an op-ed this week have called for a referendum on the issue. The public-private partnership idea involves selling five aging public school buildings to a private developer for $1 each. The developer would then demolish, […]

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EPA to resume project to bring water line from Middletown to Durham Superfund Site

Work will soon resume on the Durham Meadows Superfund project in the center of town, bringing fresh drinking water from a yet-to-be-built water tank near the Middletown line to families and businesses dealing with the effects of 30 years of contamination. The project will encompass building an 800,000-gallon water storage tank at the top of […]

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Mounds succeeds Drajewicz as Lamont’s chief of staff

One of Gov. Ned Lamont’s highest-profile recruits from the private sector, Ryan Drajewicz, is leaving the administration after 13 months as the governor’s chief of staff, a long-rumored departure resulting in a reshuffling of two other appointees, Paul Mounds and Josh Geballe. Mounds, the chief operating officer and deputy chief of staff, succeeds Drajewicz, giving […]

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Waterbury intersection to close for construction

The intersection near The Home Depot, 575 Bank St., will close at 8 a.m. Wednesday and is set to reopen March 6, the following Friday. During this time, sanitary storm drainage and water main work will be performed, mayoral adviser Judith Mancini said in a news release. The work is part of the ongoing reconstruction […]

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Southington looks to improve roads and bridges

A public hearing was held on bonding for the road repairs, during which Town Council Chair Victoria Triano said two residents spoke in favor. Later, the council voted unanimously to go ahead with it. “The roads are repaired based on their condition,” explained Triano. “We go out and check their condition and then assign them […]

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West Hartford approves $7M Corbin’s Corner facelift, Trader Joe’s expansion, new restaurant

West Hartford’s town council on Tuesday unanimously approved a plan by Florida real estate investment firm Regency Centers to upgrade the New Britain Avenue property at an estimated cost of $7 million. Regency is aiming to complete the improvements before this year’s holiday shopping season, according to economic development specialist Kristen Gorski.  According to plans, […]

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Hartford OKs land sale to developer proposing $6.7M senior-housing complex

The city council on Monday approved a resolution authorizing the sale of 126 and 130 New Park Ave., 161 Francis Ave. and 8 Francis Court to New Samaritan Corp. for $87,000. According to city records, the proposed four-story, 23,626-square-foot residential complex will feature a community kitchen, activity area and rooms for physical and occupational therapy, […]

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Wilton gets $1.4 million grant for pedestrian bridge

The town received a commitment letter for a $1,405,200 grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation for the construction of a pedestrian bridge, according to an announcement by First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The bridge is expected to facilitate mixed-used development around the Wilton train station, to increase the value and development […]

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Old Mystic bridge closure may be permanent

The bridge was closed in 2010 after a March flood damaged the small span that connects the two towns and frequently was used by the Old Mystic Fire Department North Stonington Road station to respond to calls. A previous project to repair the bridge was stopped when the contractor doing the work discovered the damage […]

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Developer says Hartford’s DoNo project could break ground in April with more apartments

Plans for the first phase of development, estimated at $46 million, have grown by about 30 or so residential units in recent weeks, city officials say. The quasi-public Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has pledged $12 million towards RMS’ first-phase development. “If all goes well with our approval process, I would expect that within the […]

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Naugatuck Valley leaders make case for Waterbury rail line

Regarding the Waterbury branch line, Hess told committee members that action, not another study, is what is needed now. “We don’t need a study. This has already been studied five times. The studies said we should have what we are asking for,” he testified. Local officials, state legislators and business leaders from the Naugatuck Valley […]

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Tenants sought for mixed-use development in Cheshire

The currently wooded property at the town’s north end has long been eyed as prime real estate for potential development because of its proximity to both I-691 and I-84. Over the last few years, prior plans, such as for a shopping plaza, never came to fruition. Last summer, Miller Napolitano Wolff LLC and Tri-Star Development […]

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No plans for new boat launch at Haddam state park

Boaters nurturing hopes for a second launch at Eagle Landing State Park on the banks of the Connecticut River near the East Haddam Swing Bridge may be disappointed to learn the state says it’s not happening any time soon. There’s also increasing concern among boaters who put their crafts in at Haddam Meadows, on Route […]

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With CT tolls debate on ice, fiscal issues loom large

The transportation fund currently supports roughly $800 million per year in state borrowing, which in turns leverages about $750 million in matching federal grants. But DOT officials say as aging, overcrowded highways and bridges demand more costly repairs, $1.5 billion-to-$1.6 billion won’t get the job done, and something closer to $2 billion per year will […]

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Developer eyes second project attempt on fiercely guarded Avon golf course land

Simsbury developer Anthony Giorgio, whose plans to build 95 upscale single-family homes on a portion of Blue Fox Run golf course were dashed by stiff local opposition and a zone-change denial last September, says he’s plotting a comeback. Giorgio, managing director of The Keystone Companies LLC, told HBJ he is negotiating the purchase of 52 […]

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Investing in Hartford’s aging XL Center would lift the arena’s finances, but not a cureall

Lamont unveiled a revised fiscal year 2021 budget plan that sets aside $55 million in bond funding in the current fiscal year and the next to renovate and improve the arena. Both chambers of the General Assembly and the State Bond Commission would need to approve the proposed borrowing for the venue. The proposed public […]

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Water main project to begin next week in Mystic

The Aquarion Water Company has announced its plans for a water main replacement project on Bruggeman Place that is scheduled to begin Monday and be completed by the end of April. The company said the project, which will replace 1,360 feet of water main, is part of its ongoing program to improve its distribution system, […]

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Study: Investing in Hartford’s aging XL Center would lift the arena’s finances, but not a cureall

Lamont unveiled a revised fiscal year 2021 budget plan that sets aside $55 million in bond funding in the current fiscal year and the next to renovate and improve the arena. Both chambers of the General Assembly and the State Bond Commission would need to approve the proposed borrowing for the venue. The proposed public […]

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If the state borrows to fix the highways, will there be money for school construction, new sidewalks and economic development?

With the political collapse of his plan for truck tolls, Gov. Ned Lamont is now proposing to fund transportation repairs and improvements through borrowing — raising concern that there won’t be state money for other projects. Lamont’s decision has sparked concern that highway, bridge and mass transit projects could monopolize most of the state’s long-term […]

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Legislative Leaders Move On From Tolls

House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, said if anything, the nearly year-long debate over tolls made everyone aware of the issue and the consensus that something needs to get done to improve Connecticut’s transportation system. Looney said he doesn’t place the blame on anyone for the governor’s decision to pull the plug on the debate. He […]

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Former Groton school site envisioned as 280-unit housing development

DonMar Development Corp., a North Haven-based, family-owned business, unveiled conceptual plans for the redevelopment of the site during an informational meeting attended by about 70 people Wednesday evening at the Town Hall Annex. The proposed development is designed to appeal to millennials, as well as empty nesters, DonMar Project Executive Anthony Di Gioia said in a […]

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New high school a win for students, community

The success of Norwalk, or any city or town, depends heavily on education and ensuring that students receive the resources they need to succeed and compete in an every-changing 21st century economy. Given that, there’s no better time than now to think big and embrace the construction of a state-of-the-art, new Norwalk High School. With […]

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Lamont pledges to release stalled town aid, regardless of whether tolls are approved

Lamont didn’t offer a precise date for releasing the stalled grant dollars, but said it wouldn’t take long for him and lawmakers to adopt a bill authorizing the funding, and to then have the State Bond Commission — which also must grant approval — endorse the borrowing. Lamont chairs the bond commission and his budget […]

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Gov. Ned Lamont says it’s ‘time to take a pause’ on tolls after legislators repeatedly delay vote

After pushing the issue for more than a year, Gov. Ned Lamont is pulling the plug on his latest plan for truck-only tolls after the state legislature repeatedly failed to vote on the issue. Lamont said he would instead use state borrowing to increase investment in transportation, which he noted would be paid for 100% […]

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Fairfield spends $4 million on hardening project for wastewater treatment plant

According to a press release from First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, the project will cost a total of $7.4 million but $3.33 million will be funded through a grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Developments’ (US HUD) Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery. The release said the project will project the […]

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Plans to redevelop former Groton school property to be presented Wednesday

The Town’s Planning and Development Director Jon Reiner said an interview committee has recommended DonMar Development Corporation of North Haven as the “preferred developer” for the site, but the Town Council has not yet approved an agreement with the developer. “Although this plan is in the early stages, we would like to share with you our […]

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Bridgeport seeks state grant to overhaul aging Sikorsky Memorial Airport runway

The city has yet to strike a formal deal with an airline, despite negotiations last year between Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim’s administration, an unidentified carrier and the Federal Aviation Administration to launch a revived passenger service by 2021. In the meantime, however, one of Sikorsky’s two runways — 11-29 — is “at the end of […]

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Controversial solar project is back on the table

The developers who proposed a 75-acre solar project off Oil Mill Road that state officials rejected two years ago have asked the state to reconsider its decision. Originally proposed by Greenskies Clean Energy in 2018, the proposal’s application was denied by the state Siting Council after the town and Save the River-Save the Hills raised […]

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Study suggests areas for improvement for CT utilities

Last summer, PURA commenced a review of United Illuminating Co. and Eversource’s performance during an emergency, defined as 10 percent or more of a company’s customers without power for 48 hours. Additionally, the study said it would consider possible updates to the “Make Safe” protocol, which requires that utility companies commit one crew to each […]

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East Windsor casino a long way away

The lengthy legal battle delaying the East Windsor casino has caused the project to be scaled back to reflect the saturated gambling market in the region, Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council, said. “Now that we’re seeing some stabilization, we’re refining the plans slightly,” he said. Another obstacle has been a local […]

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Newington eager to get rolling on road project

The state Department of Transportation is giving Newington $2 million to fix critical issues and facilitate multimodal transportation along a 1.6-mile stretch of road, town engineer Gary Fuerstenberg told a few dozen people who attended a recent public information meeting on the Complete Streets Project. “We expect to increase the quality of life throughout the […]

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Magnet school is on schedule to open in 2022

The complete design set is now on file with the Board of Education’s facilities office, said Dietter, who chairs the building committee for the project. “We understand that we’re up to date and everything has been submitted at the appropriate timelines,” Dietter said. “We do anticipate that in June the work will be moving forward […]

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