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City staff outline winter warming-center plans, eyeing 345 Main and 81 Bartholomew
Summary
Director Acker told the committee the city will use 110 Washington as a warming center this winter and is evaluating 345 Main (first floor usable; second floor needs sprinkler work) and 81 Bartholomew (large remediated building) as additional or alternate sites; officials aim to have adequate beds by Dec. 1.
City development staff told the Planning, Economic Development and Housing Committee on Nov. 5 that they are pursuing multiple options to ensure adequate winter warming-center capacity.
Director Acker said 110 Washington — previously cleared to have development rights assigned — will serve as a warming center this winter. Because that removes one potential long-term asset from available shelter options, staff have been searching for alternatives, he said.
Two candidate properties emerged: 345 Main and 81 Bartholomew. Acker said the first floor of 345 Main is immediately available and could provide roughly 20 beds as configured now, with the whole building able to reach up to about 60 depending on layout and separations. The second floor, however, requires a new sprinkler system per the state fire marshal before it can be used. Acker said the city will inspect the space and determine whether to pursue a limited stop-gap on the second floor or focus on other facilities.
81 Bartholomew, he said, is a large remediated structure with heat, hot water and some bathrooms; its internal areas are open and could provide substantial bed capacity rapidly. Acker cautioned that 81 is not an ideal long-term solution but could meet winter needs.
Council members asked about separation of populations, square footage, transportation access and staffing. Acker said the city must have an adequate plan by Dec. 1 and that staff hoped to have a substantive update within a week. He noted staffing remains a constraint and that deploying two sites could require additional volunteer or paid staffing resources; the team is assessing whether volunteers and modest funding adjustments could cover incremental staffing and other needs.
Councilman Gail and others also raised concerns about impacts on neighboring businesses if a site such as 345 Main operates with an early opening time; Gail said the council would consider allocating additional funds if needed to reduce impacts. Acker said he would confirm whether Connecticut Transit will support transportation to potential sites and will keep council members informed, especially ahead of public inquiries.
Director Acker also introduced Jack Benjamin, the new economic development director, who outlined his background in municipal planning, development and grants and said he will work with council and housing staff on longer-term solutions.
The committee scheduled a License & Inspection presentation for Dec. 3 to follow up on related operational and safety questions.
