Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Brownfield Remediation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $160,100 VHB contract to assess Zeller property ahead of remediation
Summary
Council approved awarding a VHB contract of $160,100 under a $200,000 assessment grant to evaluate soil, groundwater and hazardous building materials on the Zeller family property on Norwood Street/Route 4 (just under 3 acres) to inform remediation and potential redevelopment or sale.
The Torrington City Council voted to award a contract to VHB (Weathersfield, Conn.) for up to $160,100 to complete a state grant‑funded environmental assessment of the Zeller property at Norwood Street and Route 4.
City economic development staff said the $200,000 assessment grant will fund groundwater and soil testing, hazardous building materials surveys and a building feasibility study. The assessment, which staff aim to complete by September, will produce the information needed to pursue a larger remediation grant and to attract potential developers or to negotiate a sale of the property.
Staff noted the site—owned by the Zeller family and composed of three parcels totaling just under three acres—has documented industrial contamination from historic operations. The city’s approach is to use the assessment results as a platform to request remediation funding if needed and to determine realistic redevelopment pathways, including housing, commercial or manufacturing uses.
Council members asked about ownership and the Zellers’ involvement. Staff said the family approached the city for grant guidance, that the family requested some details remain confidential and that the city will provide nonpublic updates to council members on request. The council approved the VHB contract by voice vote.
Next steps: VHB will complete the assessment tasks, with staff aiming to use results to prepare a remediation grant application in September.
