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Public commenter says Allen Street storm‑sewer delays are harming Ward 4 residents
Summary
Frank Chase told the New Britain Common Council that city leaders are failing Ward 4 by not completing the Allen Street storm‑sewer project, accused them of political delay and questioned a reported $4 million transfer; councilors acknowledged the state's $2 million contribution but no formal corrective action was announced.
Frank Chase, who identified himself at the start of the public‑comment period, accused city leaders of allowing failing storm‑sewer infrastructure to flood neighborhoods in Ward 4 and of refusing to fully fund the Allen Street project.
"Since Stewart, Beloyne, and Savedra have the cash on hand and the favorable financing options to fund these essential taxpayer services, why do they refuse to fully fund and construct the Allen Street project?" Chase asked, naming local officials and saying residents experience "third world flooding and sanitary backup conditions."
Chase said Governor Ned Lamont and state Representative Bobby Sanchez secured $2,000,000 in state bonding for the Allen Street project, and he characterized a previously reported $4,000,000 transfer to Public Works as "contrived" and "phony." He urged the council to use available bonding and favorable financing to complete the work rather than blaming the state.
A council member responding during the public‑comment discussion thanked Chase for highlighting the state's contribution and said it was time for the city to hold itself accountable; the speaker called the reported $4,000,000 transfer a"huge concern" and said it was misleading to voters when it occurred at the end of a prior term.
The council did not record a formal response from Mayor Stewart during the meeting and took no immediate vote or directive on the Allen Street project during the Oct. 8 session.
Next steps: Council members and staff may follow up in committee or through department reports; the transcript does not record a motion or schedule for further action on Allen Street during this meeting.
