Federal Regulators Clear Way For East Windsor Casino

Federal regulators are clearing the way for the tribal operators of Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun to partner in building the state’s first commercial casino in East Windsor. The U.S. Department of the Interior is expected to publish a much-delayed notice Friday that satisfies concerns in Connecticut that the Mohegan tribe’s revenue-sharing agreement with […]

Share This Article:

read more

Meriden diner demolished to make way for bridge project

The former diner and a small red building at 367 W. Main St. were recently razed to allow the state Department of Transportation to begin the $6 million project to replace the 88-year-old bridge. Those properties will be landscaped after the work is completed, said DOT spokesman Judd Everhart. http://www.myrecordjournal.com/News/Meriden/Meriden-News/Meriden-dinner-demolished-to-make-way-for-bridge-project.html

Share This Article:

read more

Smalley Elementary project finally, officially begins

It was a long, bumpy ride, but Smalley Elementary School’s extensive renovations are officially underway. For years, legislators and educators have been pushing for money from the state, and the budget passed in October 2017 included $42 million for the project. The city will borrow the remaining 20 percent of the project’s $53 million cost. The […]

Share This Article:

read more

Developer Plans Elaborate Food Market For Hartford’s Parkville Neighborhood

For more than a year, plans have inched along for a 20,000-square-foot food market in the building Mouta purchased at the turn of the century in the city’s Parkville section. He is talking with more than 40 vendors in and around Hartford to form the Parkville Market, reminiscent of Manhattan’s Chelsea Market and Brooklyn’s Dekalb […]

Share This Article:

read more

Developers say demand for commercial, residential development in New Haven area is strong

David Salinas, real estate developer and co-founder of Digital Surgeons in New Haven, said because of the presence of Yale University, the city has an international reputation. While Salinas is busy trying to bolster New Haven’s reputation as a technology hub, another member of the panel, developer Juan Salas-Romer, is focused on trying to increase […]

Share This Article:

read more

Towns, cities to get more state aid next year

The bipartisan state budget passed by the legislature late Wednesday restores funding to municipalities and calls for $70.5 million in increased state aid to towns and cities next year than in the current fiscal year, according to a statement from Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, co-chairman of the Appropriations Committee. The spending plan approved Wednesday also calls for no new taxes and “fully funds” […]

Share This Article:

read more

State budget agreement close, lawmakers say

House Democrats anticipate that a budget adjustment for fiscal year 2019 will be passed before the legislature adjourns at midnight Wednesday. With more revenue coming into state coffers this spring, lawmakers are eager to reverse some of the more draconian cuts they approved to municipal and education aid, the Medicare Savings Program and transportation. https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/local/article/State-budget-agreement-close-lawmakers-say-12900931.php

Share This Article:

read more

Bridgeport lawmakers say not enough time to pass casino bill

The two-part bill requires the commissioners of Consumer Protection and Economic and Community Development to develop and issue a request for proposals from casino developers. Those responses, which would include everything from a market analysis to designs and a construction timeline, would be due by Jan. 1, 2019. The state agencies would then evaluate the […]

Share This Article:

read more

Construction Jobs Rebound in April after March Decline

Construction jobs bounced back in April, adding 17,000 positions, after shedding 10,000 in March, possibly because of bad weather during that month in some parts of the U.S., the Dept. of Labor has reported. All but one construction segment gained jobs in April, led by specialty trade contractors, whose combined workforces rose by 11,000. Buildings […]

Share This Article:

read more

Bridgeport casino may live another day

A bill that could bring a new casino to Bridgeport may live for another day as House leaders on Friday promised discussion and a possible vote over legislation that was suddenly revived late Thursday evening. Lawmakers from the Bridgeport and New Haven House delegations Thursday evening forced a debate over the bill that would call […]

Share This Article:

read more

Push for return of Connecticut’s tolls looks unsuccessful

State Democrats have predicted tolls could eventually generate about $1.2 billion a year. But skepticism remains as to whether tolling would generate that much and whether Connecticut should join neighboring states like New York and Massachusetts with tolls. Opponents argue that state citizens are already taxed too much. https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Connecticut-drivers-would-get-a-discount-under-12880199.php

Share This Article:

read more

House aims for Wednesday vote to create highway tolling plan

House Democratic leaders moved forward Tuesday with plans to vote on a watered-down bill that could lead to electronic tolling on the state’s highways. The measure specifically would direct the Department of Transportation to develop a detailed plan for legislative consideration next year. Aresimowicz and other advocates have said critics have spread grossly inaccurate rumors […]

Share This Article:

read more

Farmington is on the cusp of another development wave

The affluent, suburban enclave seven miles west of downtown Hartford has about 25,000 souls who lay heads there at night, but its daytime population swells to 32,000 — the result of commuters who arrive daily to work at UConn Health, Jackson Laboratory, Carrier, Otis Elevator and Stanley Black & Decker. Farmington’s fiscal 2018 property tax […]

Share This Article:

read more

Some lawmakers still pushing for tolls as session winds down

Democratic House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz said he hopes the House of Representatives will vote this week on a bill that would require the Department of Transportation to come up with a plan for tolling, including discounts for in-state drivers and commuters and possible long-term reductions in the state gas tax. The Berlin lawmaker said he’s […]

Share This Article:

read more

Bradley International Airport officials prep new 20-year, $1.4B master plan

Bradley International Airport officials are recommending $1.4 billion in projects over the next two decades as part of an ambitious master plan that would prepare the state’s largest airfield for millions of additional passengers. There were 6.4 million Bradley passengers last year, still below the 2000 and 2005 peaks of roughly 7.4 million and 7.2 […]

Share This Article:

read more

Buyers Sought For Hartford’s XL Center As General Assembly Opens Bidding For Aging Arena

The Capital Region Development Authority is issuing the “request for proposals” for the purchase of the aging XL Center in hopes of attracting a buyer that would relieve taxpayers, at least in part, of the costs for operating and upgrading the arena. One bidder — Oak Street Real Estate Capital, a Chicago private equity firm […]

Share This Article:

read more

I-84/Park Road Construction In West Hartford To Pick Up Next Month, Lane Closures Expected

Construction costs are estimated at $6.8 million, 80 percent of which will be paid for through federal funding, with the state and town each contributing 10 percent to the cost. Construction to align the I-84 exit ramp with the entrance ramp started in October. The project has largely been contained to the area between the […]

Share This Article:

read more

Aresimowicz promises House vote on tolls

House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, said Tuesday he intends to call a vote next week on legislation making an initial commitment to implementing electronic highway tolls, despite Republican opposition that could brand Democrats as the party of tolls. Aresimowicz said he did not fear Republican campaign mailers accusing Democrats of opening Connecticut motorists to tolls […]

Share This Article:

read more

Parties sharply divided over higher ed, labor costs, transportation

Democrats devote $26 million more to the Special Transportation Fund than Republicans did, nearly matching the resources Malloy sought. Malloy has been warning since November that the fund is headed for insolvency. Absent more funding, the state would need later this year to scrap some rail services, drive up fares, and suspend 40 percent of […]

Share This Article:

read more

New AG opinion a blow to tribes’ East Windsor casino

Attorney General George Jepsen strongly warned the legislature Tuesday against allowing the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to jointly develop a casino in East Windsor without the approval of the Interior Department, a condition of the 2017 law permitting the project to compete with MGM Springfield. The Interior Department has refused to accept or reject […]

Share This Article:

read more

Long-delayed development in Bridgeport back on track

After several setbacks that delayed the project, developer Mark Reed said he and his partner Patrick Normoyle are looking to ramp up construction after closing on much-needed loans last month. Construction of the mixed-used development is expected to bring 104 apartment units and 8,000 square feet of retail space to what had been decaying sites. […]

Share This Article:

read more

State OKs $6 million loan for Columbus Commons

The State Bond Commission approved a $6 million loan to go towards the first phase of New Britain’s Columbus Common project Friday morning. The $6 million, 50-year, interest-free loan will help project stakeholders with the first phase of the project: the building of the first structure. The L-shaped building will contain 80 new units of […]

Share This Article:

read more

Developers pitch $1B N. Britain fuel-cell powered data center

The developers, Energy & Innovation Park LLC (EIP), recently submitted a $1 billion proposal to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to build a 20-megawatt fuel-cell park and high-tech data center on the manufacturer’s historic campus. Stanley is in support of the project, and Mayor Erin Stewart also submitted a letter of support […]

Share This Article:

read more

Fed. Agencies Set Two-Year Goal for Infrastructure Project Reviews

Under a memorandum of understanding that department and agency heads signed on April 9, a “lead agency” would take charge of drawing up an environmental impact statement and record of decision for eligible projects. Signatories included the Transportation and Interior departments, Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers. There is wiggle room in the […]

Share This Article:

read more

Hartford city council approves Dillon Stadium redevelopment

The Hartford city council on Monday approved a major redevelopment plan that authorizes the Capital Region Development Authority to manage Dillon Stadium for at least five years in an effort to bring pro soccer to Hartford. The license agreement allows CRDA to manage Dillon Stadium while the Hartford Sports Group (HSG) lures a United Soccer […]

Share This Article:

read more

Speaker: Legislature May Take No Action On Casinos This Session

House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz said Tuesday he would not be surprised if the legislature takes no action this year on casinos. MGM Resorts International has been lobbying hard for a Bridgeport casino, but eastern Connecticut lawmakers have been pushing equally hard to preserve jobs and the money the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes have been […]

Share This Article:

read more

Construction decelerating, but not declining, experts say

Total construction starts anticipated for the coming year amount to a 3% gain, which, although lower than last year’s 4% rise and more substantial increases in previous years, is still in positive territory. Bob Murray, Dodge’s chief economist, said that the market is functioning at a decent clip and that despite rising interest rates and […]

Share This Article:

read more

Program in Meriden helps women break into male-dominated fields

Building Pathways Connecticut is an apprenticeship program that focuses on helping women and minorities break into the construction and industrial careers. The four-year program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Grant Program and gives participants the opportunity to gain real work experience, earning essential certificates and preparing for jobs in the industry. […]

Share This Article:

read more

Bid awarded, work to begin in May on Waterbury Mixmaster rehab project

The state Department of Transportation awarded a $153 million contract to rehabilitate the Mixmaster to a Chicago-based company Friday. The DOT received six responses to its invitation to bid on the project, which involves renewing the 10 bridges that comprise the Route 8 and Interstate 84 interchange, and Walsh Construction’s $152.9 million bid was the […]

Share This Article:

read more

Business leaders, transportation execs talk infrastructure woes at senator’s summit

Local business leaders and transportation executives gathered on Tuesday afternoon for a transportation forum that touched on the viability of public-private partnerships, rail siting and transit outlook for the coming decades. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., hosted the summit at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. Instead of federal funding, Trump would like to see more public-private […]

Share This Article:

read more

DEEP details three offshore wind proposals

A day after two offshore wind developers announced proposals for Connecticut, state regulators released details of three total projects submitted this week, including one from New Bedford, Mass.-based Vineyard Wind LLC. Developers said Vineyard Wind could create 450 jobs in Connecticut during construction and operations, starting as early as 2021. The proposal includes $10 million in […]

Share This Article:

read more

Boost in federal transportation money unexpected, but welcomed in CT

The massive federal omnibus spending bill increased transportation spending by $10 billion, a windfall for Connecticut’s struggling transportation system which will benefit from Washington’s unexpected generosity. In the spending bill, which will fund the federal government until Sept. 30., Congress rejected President Donald Trump’s proposal that local governments and private entities pay more for the […]

Share This Article:

read more

Facing deadline, Wallingford council waives bidding to design $47M sewage plant upgrade

The Town Council unanimously approved a bid waiver this week for design work on a state-mandated phosphorus removal upgrade at the town’s wastewater treatment plant. Utility officials said the waiver was needed for the town to enter into a construction contract by July 1, 2019, the deadline to be eligible for the maximum amount of grant funding for […]

Share This Article:

read more

Bethel police station almost $889,000 over budget

The new police station is only halfway completed but already $889,000 over budget, owing mainly to higher-than-expected costs for the electrical, heating and cooling system. The police station has long been a contentious project. Residents rejected a $14.1 million proposal for the new building in 2014, but a year later approved a $13.5 million version. […]

Share This Article:

read more

Builders, trades launch ad to bolster CT’s transportation program

A coalition of Connecticut construction businesses and trades launched a new advertising campaign Wednesday to press for a major state investment in transportation. Absent more funding, the state would need to scrap some rail services, drive up fares, suspend 40 percent of planned capital projects — worth about $4.3 billion in construction activity — including […]

Share This Article:

read more

The Haven upscale outlet mall is alive and moving forward in West Haven, developer says

The Haven upscale outlet mall project is alive and moving forward, although an executive for the developer acknowledged it is taking longer than expected to complete the site acquisition. “I think you can say we’re still very committed to the project,” said Matt Armstrong, executive vice president of The Haven Group LLC. https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/The-Haven-upscale-outlet-mall-is-alive-well-and-12782923.php

Share This Article:

read more

Construction Employment Increases, New Metals Tariffs Threaten Future Sector Job Gains

Construction employment increased in 248 out of 358 metro areas between January 2017 and January 2018, declined in 68 and stagnated in 42, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that future construction job gains could be undermined, however, as new […]

Share This Article:

read more

Price tag for Wallingford sewer plant work is estimated at $47 million

Work to bring the town’s wastewater treatment plant into compliance with new phosphorus discharge rules is estimated to cost $47 million.Phosphorus is considered an environmental hazard because it causes algae bloom, which depletes oxygen in water bodies and poses a threat to wildlife. The town is eligible to receive just under $20 million in state […]

Share This Article:

read more

State, tribes, Interior agree MGM lacks standing to intervene in third-casino lawsuit

Both sides in the legal dispute over the U.S. Department of the Interior’s failure to act on gaming agreements between the state and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes agree on one thing: MGM Resorts International shouldn’t be allowed to weigh in. In filings Monday, attorneys for the tribes and the Interior Department and its […]

Share This Article:

read more

PLAs good for construction industry

A project labor agreement, or PLA, is a pre-hire agreement that sets construction project employment terms. They’re often used on complex projects that require the services of multiple contractors and subcontractors over a sustained period of time. PLAs are a common procurement method for the state of Connecticut, municipalities and private developers. http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20180305/PRINTEDITION/303019927

Share This Article:

read more

Goodwin Hotel owner is sole DoNo bidder

A team led by Stamford landlord-developer RMS Cos., owner-operator of The Goodwin Hotel in downtown Hartford, has emerged as sole bidder to redevelop the city’s Downtown North quadrant into a potential $200 million mix of residential and commercial spaces, the city and RMS say. MS Principal Randy Salvatore also declined to detail his group’s DoNo […]

Share This Article:

read more

New Connecticut Rail Bridge Vital To Economy

Connecticut is an important piece of the Northeast Corridor transportation network, and the state’s regional railways help move people to and from some of the nation’s most economically crucial metro areas from Boston to Washington, D.C. Thousands of workers reach their offices each morning thanks to the Metro North, Shore Line East and Amtrak, making […]

Share This Article:

read more

With Bonding Capped At $1.9B, Agenda Receives Scrutiny

The state Bond Commission approved $70 million Friday for investments in a handful of projects and businesses, including a parking garage, a soccer stadium, and a hydroponic vegetable farm in Torrington. The state Bond Commission can only borrow up to $1.9 billion in general obligation bonds this year based on the new bonding cap that […]

Share This Article:

read more

TheaterWorks wins $2.5M CT renovation grant

TheaterWorks said Tuesday it has received a $2.5 million urban act grant as a grant-in-aid from the Connecticut Bond Commission to assist with renovations to its home at City Arts on Pearl in Hartford. Funding will be used to support extensive improvements to the historic 1927 building, including replacement of the HVAC system, electrical and […]

Share This Article:

read more

Public Transit, Road And Bridge Projects Could Suffer Cuts

The Special Transportation Fund, which finances the state’s transportation system, will be in deficit by fiscal year 2019 unless the state takes action. Gov. Dannel Malloy has suspended $4.3 billion in projects, affecting every town in the state. On Jan. 31, Malloy proposed additional revenues for the STF so that critical state and municipal projects […]

Share This Article:

read more

Latest plan for $130M West Haven High School project restores 8 classrooms to design

The latest — and according to the state, final — major tweak in the design of the $130 million West Haven High School rebuilding project restores eight of 14 classrooms that previously were cut from the plan to keep within budget, officials said. The state’s reimbursement rate for the project is 75.36 percent, with the […]

Share This Article:

read more

Nearly half of all construction worker deaths are fall-related, database finds

New research has found that 42% of construction worker deaths involve falls, according to data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed by Safety + Health. The data, which represented a 33-year period, also revealed that 54% of those killed did not have access to a personal fall arrest system, while […]

Share This Article:

read more

CT offers paperless bidding for construction projects

Connecticut has introduced an online bidding process for “design-bid-build” construction projects to expedite the bidding, according to state Administrative Services chief Melody Currey. The new paperless system, which began Feb. 1, is expected to increase the efficiency of the bidding process, Currey said. http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20180205/NEWS01/180209957

Share This Article:

read more

Casino Expansion Bill Resurrects Push For Open Competition

A bill that would scrap the license for a casino in East Windsor and open up competitive bidding for the state’s first casino off tribal lands is being proposed by legislators in Bridgeport. Allowing another operator into the Connecticut market would violate the state’s exclusive agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to operate […]

Share This Article:

read more

Customers vent against Eversource Energy at regulatory hearing in Branford

A settlement reached in January between Connecticut’s Office of Consumer Counsel and Eversource Energy regarding an increase in distribution rates isn’t sitting well with some of the utility’s customers, if a regulatory hearing held Wednesday night is any indication. A decision in the rate case is scheduled for mid-April. The new rates, if approved by […]

Share This Article:

read more

Voters pass $15.7 million Plainville water pollution project

Less than 250 voters showed up to the polls Tuesday to decide on a $15.7 million upgrade project to the town’s water pollution control facility in order to comply with the state-mandated removal of phosphorus. Town Manager Robert Lee said 193 people voted yes while 31 voted no on the project. Bids for construction are expected to be received […]

Share This Article:

read more

Trump infrastructure plan seeks to shift burden to states

When President Donald Trump called for a $1.5 trillion infrastructure investment in his State of the Union address, he didn’t pledge that the federal government actually would provide that much money for roads, bridges, rail and waterways. The federal government typically provides 80 percent of the funding for capital expenditures on highways, with state and […]

Share This Article:

read more

Hartford Rail Line Set To Open In May, But Fiscal Troubles Loom

The long-awaited $769 million New Haven-Hartford-Springfield commuter rail line remains on track to start up in May, but the huge project still doesn’t have enough funding for completion and is facing new financing problems. Malloy said earlier this month that the legislature must take swift action to provide new revenue for Connecticut’s Special Transportation Fund, […]

Share This Article:

read more

The Latest, $55 Billion Solution to Long Island Sound Crossing: Underwater Tunnel

Tasked with solving the Long Island Expressway bottleneck and handed $5 million to do it, a Montreal consulting firm offered its prescription last month: An underwater tunnel, a bridge, or some combination of the two, with a price tag ranging from $8.5 to $55.4 billion. The study, conducted by Montreal group WSP, proposes three crossing […]

Share This Article:

read more

New Groundwork Set For Hartford’s ‘Bushnell Park South’ Development

A planned parking garage near The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts would lay the groundwork for transforming a sea of asphalt parking lots into a neighborhood of housing, shops and restaurants connecting Bushnell Park to south Hartford. Revitalization would add to tax rolls and dramatically boost the vibrancy of an area that has morphed […]

Share This Article:

read more

CTrail Hartford Line launches website that offers fares, schedules

Interested rail passengers can now get information on events, fares and schedules at the new CTrail Hartford Line website launched Thursday. The $700 million Hartford Line increases rail service from New Haven to Hartford by 11 more trains per day, bringing the total to 17. Twelve will continue north to Springfield. http://www.myrecordjournal.com/News/State/Hartford-Line-launches-commuter-website.html

Share This Article:

read more

With a price cap proposed, North Stonington school building project on track to break ground in February

Over a year and a half after the town approved a $38.5 million project to renovate the town’s schools, the project is nearing the end of its planning stage and town officials expect to break ground next month. The proposed GMP of $33,875,455 is lower than the maximum approved in the resolution the town passed […]

Share This Article:

read more

Amazon could be leaning toward Boston for new HQ2

Amazon is in negotiations to lease up to 1 million square feet of office space in Boston, a move that might indicate the internet retailing giant has chosen the city as the location for its $5 billion second North American headquarters (HQ2), according to Fortune. Boston has already been floated as a prime candidate for […]

Share This Article:

read more

Construction firm with 43,000 employees collapses

Carillion, which employs 43,000 people around the world, said in a statement Monday that rescue talks with stakeholders including the British government had collapsed. Carillion, which has roughly half its global workforce in Britain, has its roots in the construction business. But it also builds infrastructure for high speed rail and power distribution projects, and […]

Share This Article:

read more

Gov slams brakes on $4.3B transportation projects

The governor slammed the brakes on $4.3 billion worth of planned transportation projects, claiming poverty and imploring the General Assembly to finally allocate needed money. A more than $200 million plan to improve the West Rock Tunnel on Route 15 in New Haven is off the table, along with improvements to the Merritt 7 train […]

Share This Article:

read more

Killingly council approves pair of power plant agreements

After months of discussion, the election of several new local representatives and a slew of amendments, the Killingly Town Council this week approved two agreements with a proposed power plant developer that could net the town millions in tax revenue. The contracts are contingent on the NTE energy company building a electric generating plant — […]

Share This Article:

read more

Malloy: CT’s $4.3B of roadwork on hold

The governor says Connecticut is postponing indefinitely $4.3 billion worth of transportation projects until lawmakers come up with new revenue to pay for them. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker released the full list of projects Wednesday that are dependent on funding from DOT’s Special Transportation Fund (STF). […]

Share This Article:

read more

Private construction spending beats public spending in 2017

In an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s November construction spending data, the Tribune-Review reported that private construction spending for the first 11 months of 2017 outpaced that of public construction. Private-sector spending from January to November increased to $878.6 billion, up 6.5% from the same period in 2016. Public construction spending fell 2.8% to $259.7 […]

Share This Article:

read more

BLT provides details on newly-branded Harbor Landing development in Stamford

Building and Land Technology has formally announced Harbor Landing, a mixed-use waterfront development that brings together the Stamford Landing office complex and the Davenport Landing boatyard and residential properties. The newly connected waterfront destination, across from Harbor Point and overlooking the Long Island Sound, will offer 200,000 square feet of waterfront office space, 218 residential […]

Share This Article:

read more

Southington bridge work ‘substantially complete’

Work is nearing completion on the West Center Street Extension bridge replacement project. Public Works Director Keith Hayden said work on the bridge, which spans the Eight Mile River, is “substantially complete.” It was originally scheduled to be completed in November. Hayden said the cost of the project is about $1.2 million. http://www.myrecordjournal.com/News/Southington/Southington-News/Southington-Bridge-Repairs-Still-Ongoing.html

Share This Article:

read more

Five Hartford area transit projects to receive portion of $15M in grants

Eleven transit-oriented development projects in Connecticut will receive $15 million in funding, including five in the Hartford region. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said this week the funding will come through a competitive grant program that supports responsible growth, and noted it is targeted at boosting economic activity and creating jobs. http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20171228/NEWS01/171229933

Share This Article:

read more

State DOT: Failing To Keep Up Highways And Mass Transit Would Hurt Connecticut

The agency notes that, since 2012, other states have addressed funding problems by increasing their gas taxes and diesel taxes, expanding highway tolls, creating a hotel tax and even imposing fees for electric and hybrid vehicles. “If the state fails to rise to these challenges, citizens can expect a pattern of stagnation — deteriorating highways […]

Share This Article:

read more

S. Windsor green-lights luxury retirement project

South Windsor has given the green light to a Nebraska builder-developer to erect a $30 million luxury retirement community on Buckland Road at Evergreen Walk. Bob Lewis, the developer/builder’s director of development, told the panel at public hearing that the company plans to break ground this spring and take 14 to 18 months to complete […]

Share This Article:

read more

Zeoli says state spent millions on Orange train station plan before killing the project

The state’s budget crisis has derailed longtime plans for a train station near Yale’s West campus off Marsh Hill Road that town officials hoped would provide convenience and an economic boost to the area. The project, expected to have cost $50 million to $60 million, and around which the state already has spent at least […]

Share This Article:

read more

Report: Construction worker fatalities up 6%

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2016 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries revealed that construction worker fatalities increased by 6% from 2015 to 2016, ConstructConnect reported. The four major causes of construction deaths — dubbed the Fatal Four by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration — are falls, struck-by incidents, electrocution and caught-in/between accidents. They were responsible for […]

Share This Article:

read more

Downtown Hartford’s High School Inc. could relocate as part of school restructuring plan

Downtown Hartford’s High School Inc. could relocate to the northern section of the city and be absorbed as part of a completely rebuilt Weaver High School within two years, according to the school restructuring plan unveiled Tuesday by Hartford Superintendent Leslie Torres-Rodriguez. The proposed restructuring plan, if ultimately approved, would require High School Inc. to […]

Share This Article:

read more

Best Buy distribution center to be built at Northrop Industrial Park on Meriden/Wallingford line

Developer John Orsini has a deal with Best Buy to construct a new 80,000-square-foot distribution center in the Northrop Industrial Park. Orsini said the company chose the site because it’s centrally located and has easy access to the highways. Construction, which recently began, will be completed by the end of July. http://www.myrecordjournal.com/News/Wallingford/Wallingford-News/Best-Buy-distribution-center-warehouse-going-in-Wallingford-industrial-park.html

Share This Article:

read more

$8.6 million fed grant will enhance, enlarge State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown

Officials broke ground Tuesday at the State Veterans Cemetery on two projects totaling $8.6 million that are designed to expand and beautify the Bow Lane grounds. Construction on that portion of the project is estimated to be finished by February 2020. It is being paid for by a $3.18 million federal grant. Also, an expansion […]

Share This Article:

read more

Hotel plans for Fort Trumbull hit potential snag in New London

Development of an aquaponics farm is off the table at Fort Trumbull but the Renaissance City Development Association, the city’s development arm, is expected to start the new year with continued negotiations for a hotel on the Fort Trumbull peninsula. The hotel plans face an obstacle, however, with the nine-month negotiating period with J-Patel Hotel […]

Share This Article:

read more

Centerplan Construction sued for falling behind on Middletown rent payments

Centerplan Construction Cos., the original developer of Dunkin’ Donuts Park that was fired from the project by the city of Hartford after falling behind on the development schedule and going over budget, is being sued for failing to pay tens of thousands of dollars in back rent on its former Middletown headquarters and ignoring a […]

Share This Article:

read more

How the GOP tax overhaul could affect construction

The bill slashes the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, and also includes massive changes to how income earned or kept offshore is treated. Every industry could see effects — including higher education. Tax reform is expected to impact several areas of interest to HR: paid leave, fringe benefits, automation and offshoring. Overall, tax reform […]

Share This Article:

read more

Report: Closure of Millstone wouldn’t hurt workers

If the controversial Millstone nuclear plant were to close within a few years, its many highly-skilled employees would have no trouble finding new jobs, according to a new draft report commissioned by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. But the report says the nuclear station is on […]

Share This Article:

read more

Regional Water Authority approves $15 million to repair water system leak in North Branford

Members of the governing board of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority Wednesday night unanimously approved a $15 million fix of the tunnel and pipe system that brings water from the utility’s largest reservoir to a treatment facility in North Branford. The largest portion of the project’s overall cost, which includes $1 million for […]

Share This Article:

read more

Construction workers putting in longer hours, industry hiring down

U.S. construction companies this year hired fewer workers than they did in 2016, and their existing employees are working longer hours, according to TSheets.  TSheets analyzed payroll data from 12,000 construction companies and found that employees are working a 39.6-hour week, compared with 39.2 hours in 2016 and 38.4 hours in 2015. https://www.constructiondive.com/news/report-construction-workers-putting-in-longer-hours-industry-hiring-down/513148/

Share This Article:

read more

CSCU board authorizes system consolidation

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Board of Regents has voted overwhelmingly to restructure CSCU, consolidating 12 community colleges into one accredited institution. The controversial move, which is projected to save nearly $28 million a year in administrative costs, but not affect faculty positions, was approved Thursday afternoon with 12 board members voting in favor […]

Share This Article:

read more

A new push to tackle an old problem: transportation neglect

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Thursday a day of reckoning has arrived for Connecticut’s depleted special transportation fund and the services and projects it finances, outlining what is likely to be an election-year challenge for the General Assembly next year and, perhaps, the last major initiative of a lame-duck governor. With a long hit list […]

Share This Article:

read more

OSHA fines CT contractor $330K for mercury-related hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined a Connecticut contractor $329,548 and issued the company two willful and six serious violations for exposing workers on a Concord, NH, project site to mercury and respirator hazards, according to an agency press release. After OSHA responded to worker complaints by visiting the site, agency investigators […]

Share This Article:

read more

Senate Passes Tax Bill with Break for ‘Pass-Throughs’

Construction and engineering groups are sifting through the sweeping tax-code rewrite that the Senate approved on Dec. 2, but some see it as better than the House-passed version, particularly in its treatment of partnerships, sole proprietorships and other “pass-through” entities. Stephen Sandherr, Associated General Contractors of America CEO, noted that a majority of construction firms are […]

Share This Article:

read more

Monroe looks ahead to post-Walmart future

While Walmart has dropped plans to open a supercenter here, members of business community remain steadfast that their “mom and pop” town will stand strong as developers look to salvage something from the project. While there were mixed feelings about the development project and its impact on existing retailers, some saw the development as a […]

Share This Article:

read more

Norwalk NAACP plans outreach for SoNo Collection jobs

The city, Norwalk NAACP and General Growth Properties aim to engage women and minority-owned businesses in the construction of The SoNo Collection. GGP, a Chicago-based mall developer, broke ground in August on the 728,000-square-foot upscale regional shopping center off West Avenue and Interstate 95. The company had targeted October 2019 for completion. Under its development […]

Share This Article:

read more

Bloomfield Council Weighs Restoring Spending On Building Project

The town council will hold a special meeting Monday to discuss restoring spending on the proposed $22.3 million human services building project. Current estimates show that the project is about $3 million over budget, but that could change once bids are received. On Tuesday the council’s finance committee voted unanimously to recommend that the council […]

Share This Article:

read more

CRDA recommends Hartford Sports Group to develop Dillon Stadium

The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) on Thursday selected the Hartford Sports Group (HSG) to renovate Hartford’s Dillon Stadium. Led by Bruce Mandell, president and owner of Newington-based Data-Mail, HSG was one of three project bidders. CRDA, which is a quasi-public state agency, will recommend HSG to the city of Hartford, which will make the […]

Share This Article:

read more

Bond Commission Approves $40M For Hartford’s XL Center

The State Bond Commission Wednesday backed borrowing $40 million for improvements to the Hartford’s aging XL Center arena, with the intent of seeking a private buyer for the downtown sports and entertainment venue. In a 7-2 vote, the commission approved the expenditure, with two Republicans opposing it, one of them, Rep. Christopher Davis of Ellington, […]

Share This Article:

read more

Trump: White House will reveal infrastructure plans ‘soon after taxes’

President Donald Trump said Monday that he will reveal his plan for a $1 trillion infrastructure package after Congress passes tax reform legislation, The Hill reported. The House passed its tax bill Thursday, but lawmakers aim to pass a Senate bill and negotiate a final deal by Christmas. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), chair of the Transportation […]

Share This Article:

read more

Connecticut Economic Growth Slowest In New England

Connecticut’s economy grew more slowly from April through June than any other New England state and was 43rd among the states, according to federal statistics released Tuesday. The state’s economy, which is measured by the sale of all goods and services, amounted to $260.1 billion in the second quarter of the year and expanded by […]

Share This Article:

read more

City receives $2 million grant to restore vacant hospital

Meriden Economic Development Director Juliet Burdelski says the commitment by the state will allow them to get the project started. The Record-Journal reports the hospital has been vacant since the 1990s and has continued to degrade since then, despite efforts at remediation. Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy’s office said Monday a total of $13.6 million in […]

Share This Article:

read more

Hartford’s XL Center May Be Put Up For Sale Soon

The XL Center arena could go on the block sooner than 2019, if the State Bond Commission approves $40 million for the aging sports and entertainment center in downtown Hartford. Michael W. Freimuth, executive director of the Capital Region Development Authority, said the agency, which oversees the arena, is considering seeking buyers sooner. The $40 […]

Share This Article:

read more