Selectmen Back Sandy Hook Water Line Extension
Selectmen Back Sandy Hook Water Line Extension
By Steve Bigham
The revitalization of Sandy Hook Center took a step forward Monday night when the Board of Selectmen indicated support for the extension of United Water public water lines down Church Hill Road. The project may be a public-private venture.
For developer Michael Burton, doing business as Pootatuck Properties, LLC, the selectmenâs favorable stance will help his plan to open Newtownâs only laundromat. On a larger scale, however, public water in Sandy Hook (it already has sewers) could help boost business and provide a safe, reliable drinking water supply for public, private and commercial users.
Currently, the water line stops at the intersection of Walnut Tree Hill and Church Hill roads. To extend the line further down Church Hill Road would cost an estimated $180,000, $25,000 of which Mr Burton has agreed to pay. Of course, his pledge is contingent on whether or not his laundromat plans receive land use approval. As for the $155,000 balance of the cost, the town may be able to receive assistance from the state Local Capital Improvement Plan (LOCIP) funding and/or a federal grant.
The town would pay to extend the line to the Church Hill Road bridge, which crosses the Pootatuck River. Mr Burton has agreed to pay to run the line under the bridge to Washington Avenue. This would allow the town to offer the public water supply to Sandy Hook School, the Sandy Hook firehouse and the senior center, which are all located off Riverside Road. Mr Rosenthal had hoped that other Sandy Hook business owners would also come forward to pledge money.
The Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) has been seeking to extend the water line, which currently serves 1,100 Newtown users. SHOP, which also seeks water for fire protection purposes, has had several meetings with First Selectman Herb Rosenthal, United Water and the Economic Development Commission. Also involved in the project is Liz Stocker, the townâs community development director.
Mr Burton said he hopes to have his laundromat open for business by the spring.
The sewer-line extension is expected to be on the Legislative Councilâs next agenda. The council would need to add the project to its capital improvement plan in order for it to be eligible for LOCIP funds.