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Lower Wharf rebuild running behind; pier likely unavailable for Blessing of the Fleet
Summary
Commissioners reported progress on pilings and partial concrete work at the Lower Wharf but said contract delays mean the pier may not be finished in time for the Blessing of the Fleet; parade routing and public viewing plans were adjusted accordingly.
Commissioners reported on May 19 that the Lower Wharf rebuild is progressing—pilings and deck are installed and some concrete has been poured—but that scheduling and contract delays mean the pier will likely not be usable for the town’s Blessing of the Fleet and related events.
A commissioner said RACE Engineering is reviewing the contractor’s work in progress and that the town has not provided a firm completion date. "They put the pilings in and the deck in ... they put part of the concrete on the north side of the wall," a commissioner said, but added the project will not be completed in time for the blessing.
Because the pier is expected to remain unavailable, the police will block off harbor-area pedestrian access for the parade, the parade route will circle from the church and finish at the Pequot Library, and clergy and the fire department water-arch will be staged at the Yacht Yard. Commissioners expressed disappointment about losing public viewing access at the Lower Wharf but agreed to keep the public informed as the contractor provides updates.
Commissioners asked town public-works contacts for an update on causes of the delay and said they will request a timeline for completion prior to the next meeting. No additional funds or formal vote were taken at the meeting; the commission said RACE and public-works updates will be requested so the panel can determine whether any further action is required.
