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Resident calls on mayor to fully fund Allen Street storm-sewer project
Summary
At the Sept. 10 New Britain Common Council meeting, resident Frank Chase accused the mayor of failing to prioritize and fund a long-delayed Allen Street storm-sewer project and said more than 50 properties face risk; council members said the city contributed $6 million and that state funding fell short.
Frank Chase, 24 Roxbury, pressed the New Britain Common Council on Sept. 10 to fully fund and construct the long-delayed Allen Street storm-sewer project, saying decades of inaction have left more than 50 properties at risk.
"You now claim you have a $25 million unassigned balance in the general fund," Chase said in public comment. "Mayor Stewart, you are $6 million short for the Allen Street project." He told council members the infrastructure was at "crisis levels," cited a 2023 Western Simpson Engineers assessment and urged the mayor to prioritize the work.
An alderwoman who responded during the meeting disputed the implication that the city had failed to act. The speaker said the city provided $6 million toward the project while the state bond commission contributed $2 million, and argued that the state had not matched commitments promised at earlier meetings with the state delegation.
Alderwoman Scott thanked Chase for raising the issue and said she had seen recent photographs of severe localized flooding, including floating trash bins and sunken cars. She described the situation as a safety concern and said the project needs to be fixed.
No formal vote or appropriation for Allen Street construction was taken during the meeting. Council members said they would continue pursuing funding; one member said she remained "committed to keep finding money for Allen Street." The council moved on to its agenda items after the public-participation period.
What’s next: Council members signaled continued efforts to identify funding sources and to press the state for additional support, but no new construction contract or spending authorization was recorded in the meeting minutes.
