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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Niantic River Drawbridge repairs to begin May 4

The state Department of Transportation is scheduled to begin a $13.9 million project to repair the Niantic River Drawbridge on May 4. The yearlong project will require periods of alternating one-way traffic. The state has hired Middlesex Corp. of Littleton, Mass., to do the work. All roadwork on the bridge is to be completed by […]

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Despite COVID-19, Construction Continues on Milford Bridge

The job has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic with construction jobs not stopped in Connecticut. Though Gov. Ned Lamont has established business restrictions during the pandemic, he has spared the construction industry, with limitations only placed on indoor construction jobs. New England Road of Clinton, Conn., is the general contractor and won the job with […]

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CT could start to reopen ‘sometime in June’

Nooyi — the retired chair and CEO of PepsiCo and top business executive leading the efforts to reopen the state — said the committee to reopen Connecticut has been brainstorming ways to “selectively” reopen the economy when the time comes. “We are never, ever going to not focus on public health,” Nooyi said. She estimated […]

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Long time coming: Project manager selected to get Anna Reynolds School renovation off ground

The project building committee hired Colliers International, which will now be analyzing the building’s needs and formulating a cost for the school’s reconstruction. Newington Town Council has also shown its support, voting unanimously at its most recent meeting to appropriate $50,000 to the committee for the construction manager’s selection. In addition to a failing roof, […]

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Development agreement outlined for New Haven’s $100M life-sciences incubator

Developer Winstanley Enterprises LLC of Concord, Mass. has proposed to build 500,000 square feet of laboratory and life-sciences incubation space at a new address: 101 College Street. The 101 College Street project was first reported in January. That was before the coronavirus pandemic hit, dealing a body blow to economic-development projects in Connecticut and around […]

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Contractors, Army Corps of Engineers transforming buildings into makeshift hospitals

Around the U.S., efforts to flatten the curve have pushed the federal government, often spearheaded by the Army Corps of Engineers, to construct hospitals in convention centers or other similar spaces, or for contractors to speed up construction of traditional hospital projects already underway. One of the first was the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center […]

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New Fairfield approves land purchase for school project

During a special joint meeting Monday night, the Board of Selectmen authorized the purchase of the 2-acre property for $325,000, and the Board of Finance voted to authorize the appropriation from the town’s capital and non-recurring projects fund balance. Officials have said the $325,000 property purchase price will not be an added cost as the […]

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Legislature Won’t Return Before May 6

Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said Monday that they haven’t ruled out a special session, however, the state Capitol will remain closed through the constitutional adjournment of May 6. Looney said they can’t bring people back into the building without the proper protection, such as masks and gloves. He said they are working with […]

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Will the coronavirus kill the state’s transit comeback?

Ridership was breaking records almost every year in the last decade – until the coronavirus pandemic hit. Now ridership has dropped precipitously, especially on Metro-North trains, where ridership is down a stunning 95%. Bus ridership is down about 50% across the state, according to Connecticut transportation officials, though in the past week it has inched […]

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New Fairfield residents question legality of high school building plan

Town officials are looking to acquire 78 Gillotti Road for its high school building project, but some New Fairfield residents are questioning whether that move is legal without a referendum. One resident called for the project to be “formally placed on an indefinite hold” due to construction costs and financial hardships taxpayers are facing as […]

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Labor officials: Having bank account on file can speed up unemployment benefits

Gov. Ned Lamont and labor officials announced earlier this week that emergency programming revisions to the department’s nearly 40-year-old IT system will reduce a six-week average wait time to seven days by April 25. “If we can do direct deposit you will have the funds within two business days” of claim approval,” said DOL spokeswoman […]

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Future of Killingly turf project up in the air

Killingly High School was hoping to get the turf project for its football field approved by the Killingly Town Council earlier this week. A special town meeting to approve the project could not be held since Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has banned all public gatherings. If the turf field is not approved in May, the […]

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Waterbury may save on school’s reconstrution

Bids for the reconstruction of Wendell Cross Elementary School have come in millions of dollars cheaper than city officials predicted. The architect and project manager estimated a $50.6 million cost in October. But on Monday, the Board of Aldermen will be asked to sign off on contract amendments that set the cost at $46.2 million. […]

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Construction tops industries in PPP stimulus loan funds, but still needs additional funding

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which allowed for a cap of $349 billion in loans to small qualifying firms in need due to the coronavirus outbreak​, ran out on April 16. As of April 13, the construction industry had received 114,838 loan approvals, totaling just under $34 billion — more than any […]

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Boston Mayor Considers Bringing Construction Back, Slowly

He also noted that any plan depends on the rate of ongoing infections and hospitalizations. Resumption of construction will move ahead cautiously, with Massachusetts entering what state officials say is likely the peak period for coronavirus deaths and infections. Walsh floated the idea of seeking affidavits from contractors pledging to follow coronavirus safety protocols. He […]

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Paying employees during a coronavirus-related project suspension: What do federal laws say?

The quick answer is that contractors are generally not required to pay employees for time off during a project suspension, but it may depend on the specific circumstances. While federal wage and hour law does not require contractors to pay employees during time off from work, the new federal leave laws do require paid leave […]

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Loan OK’d for Hartford’s DoNo development, summer groundbreaking eyed

The Capital Region Development Authority’s (CRDA) board of directors on Thursday afternoon unanimously approved, via teleconference, an $11.8 million low-cost loan for the first phase of the project led by RMS Cos. Salvatore recently said the first phase, estimated to cost $46 million, could be completed in 18 months. The development will house up to […]

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Brief outbreak of tolls debate marks Bond Commission meeting

Republican legislative leaders charged Gov. Ned Lamont with retaliating against toll opponents after the State Bond Commission scrapped financing at the last minute for rail cars for the Waterbury and Danbury lines. The administration countered that the change was due to a simple, agenda error. But Lamont also told critics that the state’s transportation program […]

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These Real Estate And Construction Industry Insiders Will Advise President Trump On Reopening The Economy

The White House announced the formation of Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups Tuesday night, made up of more than 200 people, largely corporate CEOs, who will give Trump advice on when and how the federal government should reopen the economy. Associated General Contractors CEO Stephen Sandherr, who was among those named on the list, […]

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Multi-building industrial complex eyed in South Windsor

David A. Simler, of Messier Survey LLC, filed an application with the town last month seeking to build a 13,400-square-foot industrial complex at 360 Burnham St. The area near the East Hartford town line is mostly developed with a mix of commercial, industrial and residential use, according to documents accompanying the application. Simler will need […]

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City Council approves construction project to replace Louisiana Avenue Bridge

The City Council Tuesday night approved a construction project to replace the Louisiana Avenue Bridge, with approximately 80% of the $3.7 million cost state funded. Construction is expected to start in May. The project is being funded through the Federal/ Local Bridge program administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, said Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu. However, […]

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Millstone moving forward with reactor refueling amid COVID-19 pandemic

But amid the COVID-19 pandemic, operators have had to restructure this spring’s refueling for Millstone’s Unit 2 reactor to ensure the safety of both resident and visiting workers. That effort will include social distancing protocols but should be carried out successfully, Millstone spokesman Ken Holt said, as workers at the plant already have been practicing […]

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$28M in federal stimulus inbound for Bradley airport

The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday announced more than $30 million in stimulus funds for Connecticut airports, with Windsor Locks’ Bradley International claiming the lion’s share. Bradley, which has seen its customer traffic plummet and its debt outlook dip amid the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus crisis, will receive $28.5 million, according to the FAA. The Connecticut […]

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O&G Powers Quarry with Solar

O&G Industries, Connecticut’s largest privately held construction company, recently went live with a 1.3-megawatt (MW) solar array at its quarry on Roxbury Road in Southbury, Conn. The solar array sits on 5-acres and will produce the energy equivalent necessary to power 150 homes. The project is one of three solar projects that O&G has developed […]

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Southington Public Library announces plan to pursue construction of new building

Southington Public Library announced, at a virtual Southington Town Council meeting, that they plan to pursue the construction of a new building and the demolition of the existing one. The library has agreed to a plan that would cost $13.9 million. Kristi Sadowski, library director and Jeff Hoover, library design director with Tappe Architects, spoke […]

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New Fairfield to vote on land acquisition for high school

The Permanent Building Committee voted last week to recommend the purchase of the 2-acre property to the boards and move forward with a construction plan that incorporates it into the $84.2 million project. During next Monday’s virtual meeting, the selectmen will vote on authorizing the purchase of 78 Gillotti Road, while the Board of Finance […]

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Facing delay, Westport school board prepares contingency plans for Coleytown

The plan to re-open Coleytown Middle School on Sept. 1 may likely face a delay because of the coronavirus. Last summer, the Representative Town Meeting approved a $32 million plan to restore Coleytown after the middle school closed in 2018 due to massive mold problems. But with social distancing guidelines now in place, O’Day said […]

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Crisis averted for $87.35 million Middletown middle school project

Officials were happy to report the $87.35 million middle school project is right on schedule, despite a roadblock involving nonessential business amid the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Ned Lamont’s recent executive order deemed only construction projects already underway could continue, however, New York-based Schenectady Steel’s production was deemed nonessential by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, according to Gene […]

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New Haven’s Grand Avenue Bridge to close Monday for $22 million construction project

The city announced that the Grand Avenue Bridge in Fair Haven will close for construction Monday, allowing for “significant structural improvements.” The bridge is expected to remain closed for approximately 610 days, Mayor Justin Elicker and other officials said in a release. The $22 million project is expected to completely replace the mechanical and electrical […]

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Spring paving programs to begin in May for many roadways in Bristol

The Public Works Department has released its schedule for this year’s spring paving program, which will be completed in two phases. The initial phase consists of milling off the existing bituminous pavement of the road. The second phase consists of installing a new bituminous roadway surface and will commence shortly after the first phase. Once […]

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Mitchell begins work on new outdoor athletic complex

Construction is underway on a new Mitchell College outdoor athletic complex, weeks earlier than expected due to the cancellation of the spring sports season and students leaving campus. The state-of-the-art complex will replace the existing grass fields with artificial turf multi-sport, baseball and softball fields, each complete with a scoreboard, bleachers and elevated press box […]

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Coronavirus concerns delay start of Mystic Seaport hotel project

Mystic Seaport Museum announced Wednesday that construction of a 26-room boutique hotel on the site of the Latitude 41 restaurant will be delayed until early 2022 because of the “economic and market uncertainty caused by COVID-19.” Construction of the $12 million project by Greenwich Hospitality Group had been slated to begin in early 2021 and […]

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Plainville town leaders receive update on White Oak construction site

During a remote meeting of the Plainville Town Council, town leaders received an update on the environmental study of the White Oak Construction site which led to a reduced estimated cost for remediation. Sarah Burkhalter-Sweeney, Senior Project Geologist at Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc., said that by better confining the areas of contamination, she has new […]

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Scannell Properties eyes sprawling $250M distribution facility in Windsor

Scannell, which is currently building a $50-million distribution hub for Home Depot in South Windsor, last month filed an application with the town of Windsor seeking approval to construct an 819,800-square-foot “packaging and distribution” facility at 1201 Kennedy Road and 1 Joseph Lane. The Indianapolis-based company is seeking a special use permit and site plan […]

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Pipe replacement starts early

The Hebron Elementary School Drinking Water Remediation Committee is taking advantage of schools closed by COVID-19 to get a head start on the $1.2 million lead pipe replacement project. Preliminary work was originally set to begin during April break while students were away and kick into full gear in June after students are released for […]

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Thousands of Mass. Union Members Walk Off Jobs Due to COVID-19 Fears

Thousands of members of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters refused to show up for work on April 6 at new housing and infrastructure projects across Massachusetts after a top union official issued a stay-at-home order. The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35 will also follow suit, with the […]

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Lamont issues new guidelines for biz to keep workplaces safe

Gov. Ned Lamont has signed another executive order that prescribe new rules for how businesses that remain open during the coronavirus pandemic should operate to keep workers safe. They range from instructions on how to keep portable bathrooms on construction sites clean to asking for social distancing in the workplace. Lamont signed the executive order […]

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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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