Naugatuck Construction Updates (SUMMARIZED)

WHat is being replaced:

WHat is being Installed:

DEPTH AND COMPLEXITY OF NEW INFRASTRUCTURE:

Anyone who questions the rationale behind the Borough downtown construction project should look into the deep holes that are located in the downtown construction zones on Church Street and Rubber Avenue.

Here is what you will see:

1. Antiquated and dilapidated water lines which date back to the late 1800’s.

2. A woefully inadequate storm drain system at a depth as low as 17 feet which is being replaced by properly sized pipes which are adequate to handle current and future flows. The new pipes are 4 times larger than the current pipes. The new enlarged pipes also redirect the water away from the areas on Parcel A and B to allow for new development and new tax revenue.

3. All new fiber and communication lines for all current and future needs encased in stone and concrete as opposed to the current plastic conduit. The new lines are better protected and allow for replacement or upgrading without digging the roadways in the

future.We are ahead of the curve going forward.

4. Underground electric vaults which are regularly flooded are being replaced by above ground transformers which allow for more reliable electrical service.

5. All new modern gas lines replacing current outdated lines together with new connections to every property serviced by Eversource gas as well as properties that desire to switch from oil to gas.

6. All new properly sized sanitary sewer lines with proper connections to all downtown buildings. The current pipes also date back to the late 1800’s.

Making all of the improvements at one time is the only way to complete a proper infrastructure upgrade of our downtown core. Church Street, Maple Street, the new section of Water Street, Old Firehouse Road, Rubber Avenue and the new Railroad Alley are all being upgraded in the current construction projects. This will prevent constant future repairs and will also minimize the necessity of digging in the streets going forward. The downtown core would be dug up constantly for the next 8-10 years if all repairs were not properly coordinated into one project. All of the repairs referred to herein are necessary at this time as many of them have been neglected for more than 50 years.

All Borough projects have been tied together. The money is in place from State and Federal grants.The time for all repairs is now. We cannot move into the 21st century without these upgrades.

Upon completion of the infrastructure improvements, not only will the roads be paved but there are many amenities included in the overall remake of the downtown core which connect Church Street to our new train station on Parcel B. All work remains on schedule and is projected to be completed in summer of 2025. Downtown Naugatuck is receiving a total remake with all new lighting and landscaping. Our contractors are doing excellent work and they are doing their best to keep all roads open to the maximum extent possible. There is inconvenience but it is much more efficient to deal with all issues at one time.

A more detailed construction plan is also being disseminated next week. The construction team remains available every day to resolve issues that impact individual businesses. Detailed construction plans are also available for review upon request to the Mayor’s office. See following post for a more detailed explanation.

Mayor Pete Hess

10/1/2