[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6079352,"mediaKeyId","2956082-e493218d0ebb4da5badb492c27fbadbf","parentId",2956082,"title","Public Works updates committee on major drainage and roadway projects, ribbon cutting set for April 9","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4275000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956082-e493218d0ebb4da5badb492c27fbadbf&start=4275&end=4275","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956082-e493218d0ebb4da5badb492c27fbadbf/thumbnail_4275000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6079352/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Public-Works-updates-committee-on-major-drainage-and-roadway-projects-ribbon-cutting-set-for-April-9","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079352-0271b8f81fe54eb24663b679e231d28d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439983&Signature=G1iwdi~cgyH4vQsuWU~qfmhd5RXiZHcsKwOcAnRidklH5xs3RWVFclyu6P39KBSKo39-3Xe2y2osH2kIXZ4H08GY8vFPOk~4ia8cdUDkWE~ZfbVc~aNcQsW1x4xNfXYpoM7cQk9A4MLGgRzwJ97beuh28I1bHcmxjFq2kceB5KnrsS68qZcpAjzzYfEY6VL8jfUibHsE-EH7X~87olpbHltrXJdbKdzcuAkIJOT0jMXWkvzEtw-VplfNmLjOnFQ6wsg6PRqjZa9crNpB4CsY9FQLB1QCYykMOR5Mq2e8pk3aL26oGVlZbcVCFy8jqWLf7oOTvTJiR2xpQ34qkE15ng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Norwalk, CT","date","2025-04-01T00:00:00Z","article","Department staff updated the committee on several ongoing and planned construction projects across the city, including major drainage work and preparatory steps for upcoming paving seasons.

Vanessa Valadares, Department of Public Works staff, said the Lockwood/Heather drainage project has progressed with work completed on Lockwood Road, George Avenue and the George Service Road; crews continue on Heather Lane despite challenging rock excavation and poor soil in some areas. Beacon Street work has resumed and includes sewer connections to private homes, followed by sidewalks. Preparatory sidewalk installation is under way near McAllister, Richmond Hill and Francis Avenue ahead of paving.

Valadares reported that Grumman Avenue work has resumed, tree postings have been performed and final removals are pending a 10-day posting period. She said some handicap ramps could not be installed until the roadway realignment is completed and that extruded curb installation depends on subcontractor availability. Staff estimated Grumman paving and associated work could take several months once paving authorization and contractor scheduling align.

A state-managed West Cedar Street bridge replacement project over the Five Mile River began road closures; staff said no significant resident complaints have been reported and variable message signs will remain to inform drivers during the reconfiguration.

Valadares and staff announced a ribbon-cutting for the Jermy Hollow drainage rebuild on April 9 at 2 p.m.; the project was partly funded with ARPA and WPC funds and was described as one of the largest drainage efforts in recent city history. Staff also said they advertised the second phase of the Flax Hill Road project (Arbor Drive to Washington Street) and expect bids at the end of the month.

Committee members asked for estimated completion windows. Valadares said schedule completion estimates depend on contractor availability for paving and curb subcontractors; she estimated Grumman work would likely finish later in the summer but said exact timing required contractor confirmation.

No formal action was taken on these project updates; staff will return with schedules and ribbon-cutting logistics.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Norwalk Public Works Committee 04-01-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff reported progress on Lockwood/Heather drainage, Beacon Street sewer connections, Grumman Avenue preparations and a ribbon cutting for the Jermy Hollow drainage rebuild on April 9; West Cedar state project work has begun with road closures.","taxTitle","Norwalk City, Fairfield, Connecticut","taxId",4245,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6079358,"Public Works reviews recycling, composting and Earth Day plans; uniform carts and contamination tagging due by July",1909,1691000,3600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956082-e493218d0ebb4da5badb492c27fbadbf&start=1691&end=3600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956082-e493218d0ebb4da5badb492c27fbadbf/thumbnail_1691000.jpg","/articles/6079358/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Public-Works-reviews-recycling-composting-and-Earth-Day-plans-uniform-carts-and-contamination-tagging-due-by-July","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079358-fd2d55c1c5f7a0d6ec6064e6d7b796f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439983&Signature=Bmq7T8GgtJJWHayaQW-2VUSyNRIBGl610Ux3-QpN2uaBawJpsiT~HypBI~bH~Hp5cFyyu0oYpzP0ml~PLyMLd2lF8L8bLuJXlYR9hwKjBrc0qOSiifVmgUtDjtBnLjHuV8qmboHALlq-NIWHG~YAQ5hIAsRnK3U0fOR~Dvb1-Ho-mOP3oaS8-QZMpCVSsM3~7s4L9a~Q9FP0AYD1sbwwYgRPLTxeihSMwmB~mlnCXWXW~pKn0zfArE7SJ9MZuGLohGKBUGuNE3TgjzUYZ4ZUjrvzVeYVzMRnobNDu0~Kir6cWgWNYobWMEILeD9rv6rih7hqaVxJrdNgwI2UZlyP3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works staff updated the committee on recycling, composting and upcoming Earth Day outreach, and described a transition to uniform 65-gallon carts for eligible households beginning July 1.

Tom Zebo, Department of Public Works staff overseeing solid waste and recycling, told the committee that some recent monthly variances in recycling tonnage stem from transaction-reporting changes at the transfer station and from targeted enforcement of contamination (truck crews now tag carts with unacceptable items). Zebo said the transfer-station software change required manual transmittals for some receipts but that revenue and volumes are roughly in line once manual reconciliations are included.

Zebo said the city and its contractor will mail program information and educational materials ahead of the new cart rollout; beginning July 1, eligible residents will receive a 65-gallon garbage cart and a 65-gallon recycling cart. The department plans targeted mailings and a sticker with a QR code for recycling carts that will point to an up-to-date web page about acceptable materials. Zebo told the committee the cart uniformity and expanded education are intended to improve recycling rates and reduce contamination.

Composting and diversion: Zebo reported compost tonnage is tracking roughly in line with last year (projected 105 tons for the fiscal year) and said Cranberry Elementary and other schools are piloting food-scrap programs; staff will work to publicize neighborhood food-scrap drop-off at Cranberry Park. Zebo confirmed the food-scrap program is still a pilot but that the coming fiscal year budget includes an operating-line for the program if the pilot continues successfully.

Events and outreach: the city's iRecycle pop-up can-and-bottle events restart April 21 (moving from John Ryan Park to Vets Park while the community center is under construction). Earth Day on April 26 will run 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on the Norwalk Green; staff plan outreach materials that include a display bale of #2 plastic to demonstrate how household recycling aggregates into a marketable commodity. Zebo also announced a mattress-recycling event on April 12 and that disposal passes for the city's waste facilities are available to residents.

State and regional coordination: Zebo attends state webinars and a revived Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management; he noted the state is pursuing extended producer responsibility (EPR) proposals (he cited tires as an example) that could affect municipal costs.

Committee members thanked staff for outreach and commended school-based diversion efforts. There was no formal vote on program policy at this meeting.","Department staff reported on recycling tonnages, contamination enforcement, a July rollout of uniform 65-gallon carts, iRecycle events and expanding composting, including school pilots and Earth Day outreach on April 26.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6079363,"Committee hears tree canopy master plan and monthly tree operations update",775,932000,1707000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956082-e493218d0ebb4da5badb492c27fbadbf&start=932&end=1707","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956082-e493218d0ebb4da5badb492c27fbadbf/thumbnail_932000.jpg","/articles/6079363/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Committee-hears-tree-canopy-master-plan-and-monthly-tree-operations-update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079363-22420bb21df37e862ebc035351560729/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439983&Signature=eqpXJ7rchVGKPoMiAGnLQzWObbkglSG5EbGu~rjmEgojM-wqvG7HnXBDysjfO5hw3FDD771X4cH3TpIQn0kvDvUoEfs1TfVuE67gPoe2lbvIWfnAocZNnuYZZ4SZYAqCJeg-eGP8fQMgROR9TeRUQ3bJQrJqp40NT7jpwTaBepubnVSKQ8d4HGCNUFgnT8WAg~FFiVhvISiMAxx-xNVY3m53oLzDucAznRSlusrilF3uv-KF2V93QJHZZnE59YwXDnB6WGbnC5q9DBkL3FB1fuG~41aibKv5PNErBLnd1YyR-3Hm3OIjBZZSnspcw~BJLIw3TRLMLWRvTvazVxGQaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works staff presented last month’s tree removals and pruning, and updated the committee on a draft tree master plan that aims to expand the city’s canopy and set maintenance priorities.

Chris Torrey, a Department of Public Works staff member who delivered the report, said the department removed trees across parks, schools and city right-of-way (three park removals, two school removals, and 11 right-of-way removals listed in the report) and pruned an additional 24 city right-of-way trees. He described two workshops — a Parks & Recreation tree canopy workshop and a Traffic Mobility & Parking workshop — that identified priority planting locations and obstacles to establishing sustainable trees in the right-of-way.

Torrey said the draft master plan maps areas needing canopy expansion and that staff are aiming to raise canopy coverage from about 43% to 53% over a multiyear program, a goal Torrey characterized as \"very ambitious.\" Torrey and other staff emphasized that achieving the goal will require both increased planting and ongoing maintenance, and that the master plan will include maintenance protocols and hazard-tree removal guidance. Torrey said the council should expect to see the plan on an April or early-May agenda for formal acceptance.

Committee members welcomed the plan and urged stronger coordination with the planning and zoning department to ensure development requirements and tree-replacement rules support canopy goals. A member noted the city already applies a 2-to-1 replacement ratio for trees removed during development — if developers cannot replant on site they must fund equivalent plantings or pay into the program — and staff said the arborist will direct where replacement plantings will be located. Members also pressed for public education and volunteer coordination to maintain plantings and for leveraging funding sources.

Why it matters: committee members called the master plan a turning point for canopy policy, noting both the long-term timeline for new plantings to mature and the need to align internal permitting, development review and public outreach to protect and expand street trees.

There was no formal committee action on the master plan during the meeting; staff said they will finalize comments and return with the plan for council acceptance.","Public Works staff presented a monthly tree operations report and an aggressive tree canopy master plan recommending expanded planting and maintenance; committee members urged coordination with planning and zoning and called for continued public outreach.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6079368,"Public Works Committee OKs Flax Hill Road contract with Grosso Companies and $400,000 PO increase for Burns Construction",544,130000,674000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956082-e493218d0ebb4da5badb492c27fbadbf&start=130&end=674","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956082-e493218d0ebb4da5badb492c27fbadbf/thumbnail_130000.jpg","/articles/6079368/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Public-Works-Committee-OKs-Flax-Hill-Road-contract-with-Grosso-Companies-and-400000-PO-increase-for-Burns-Construction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079368-8dc452a0dd3e8ab60de01638511c70c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439983&Signature=JpLSGCMZ1vNHoY4-g9oXUCmXEAakyls8160ajnAo7zGA1L2bhYD0s7x1E2BQL1m9n8LQVDgWD8sb8vxZsfJE6dP2SCZwlMrJpLoBuqUNqN8d70A9KtZol22ahhO7XFaqu6hFU3d5kKdStZEl1RK8dcJ6ekOCOvJZX96uLBmeni7UaEA2KidcalBtpXmWxVQXmmB6AE5VV0nD9tnt~2nN5XwrwX0k20UG4ADJznN1Xaz5mXoICoKf2oFgspws~dWvsQ4zHvMFTf-t0khhZyzNfl0R6kJARVpNigoPPorBy1jf-92N4tMjFoMmNHe68mY1ygqXr9xofCzwYJtueM7wgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Public Works Committee authorized the city to contract with Grosso Companies LLC for roadway paving and sidewalks on Flax Hill Road and approved an increase to a Burns Construction purchase order for permanent roadway repairs following utility work.

The authorizations included (1) allowing Mayor Harry W. Rilling to execute an agreement with Grosso Companies LLC for project RD2025-1, Flax Hill Road from Arbor Drive to Highland Avenue, not to exceed $1,001,704.30, and (2) allowing the chief of operations and public works to execute contract orders for the same project not to exceed $180,190.33. The committee also authorized the purchasing agent to increase the purchase order for the first amendment to the April 9, 2024, agreement with Burns Construction Company for project PM2024-2 by an amount not to exceed $400,000; that item responds to recent Eversource utility work on multiple streets.

Why it matters: the Grosso contract launches a multi-element street realignment intended to add accessible sidewalks and a bike facility along Flax Hill Road; the Burns amendment is intended to speed restoration after recent utility work on West Cedar Street, Elizabeth Street and South Main Street.

During discussion, Jim Meehan, a Public Works staff member who presented the Flax Hill item, said the bid process produced three bids and the department is recommending Grosso Companies. Meehan described the project as \"ambitious\" and said the contractor assured the city \"they are able to keep on schedule, within the combined budgets.\" Committee members noted Grosso's bid was about $200,000 lower than the engineer's estimate; Meehan said the department reviewed the bid, spoke directly with the contractor and that the contract includes an asphalt price adjustment and contingency funds to address material-price changes.

Committee members asked about traffic and neighborhood impacts. Meehan said work is planned to start as soon as contract finalization allows, with construction scheduled to be completed by October, and that residents will be notified in advance of major disruptions. He also said drainage work by another contractor will be completed before the city installs concrete curbs and sidewalks, with paving and striping following.

On the Burns item, Public Works staff said Eversource recently completed transmission and gas work on several streets and Burns Construction has agreed to carry out restorations under the city's contract to expedite repairs. The committee heard that Elizabeth Street will still be part of an eventual larger undergrounding capital project but that immediate repaving is needed because the road surface condition is poor after utility work.

Votes at a glance
- RD2025-1, Grosso Companies LLC: Motion to authorize execution of agreement and to allow contract orders (mover: Darlene Young). Outcome: approved (committee vote recorded as unanimous in the transcript; individual vote names not read aloud). Notes: Authorizes Mayor Harry W. Rilling to execute agreement not to exceed $1,001,704.30 and authorizes chief of operations and public works to execute contract orders not to exceed $180,190.33; schedule: completion by October; includes asphalt price adjustment and contingency.
- PM2024-2, Burns Construction Company: Motion to increase purchase order for first amendment by up to $400,000 (mover: not specified in transcript). Outcome: approved (recorded as unanimous). Notes: Restoration following Eversource transmission and gas work on West Cedar, Elizabeth and South Main Streets; logic is efficiency under an existing contract.

Committee members who spoke on these items include Chair Jim Frayer, Darlene Young, Jim Meehan (Public Works staff) and Vanessa Valadares (Department of Public Works). No statutory citations were read into the record for either authorization; accounts were \"so noted\" in the agenda reading.","The Norwalk Public Works Committee authorized a contract with Grosso Companies LLC for Flax Hill Road paving and sidewalks and approved a $400,000 increase to a Burns Construction purchase order to accelerate permanent roadway repairs after utility work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public Works updates committee on major drainage and roadway projects, ribbon cutting set for April 9

Public Works reviews recycling, composting and Earth Day plans; uniform carts and contamination tagging due by July

Committee hears tree canopy master plan and monthly tree operations update

Public Works Committee OKs Flax Hill Road contract with Grosso Companies and $400,000 PO increase for Burns Construction