For Immediate Release Friday, October 07, 2016
CRCOG Ad-hoc Working Committee Meets to Address Crumbling Concrete Foundations
Hartford, Connecticut – The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is pleased to announce that the Ad-hoc Working Committee convened its first meeting on October 5, 2016. Appointed as co-chairs were Steven Werbner, Town Manager, Tolland and Lisa Pellegrini, 1St Selectperson , Somers. In addition to various town officials, first selectman, and mayors, COG directors, US Congressman Joe Courtney attended the meeting. Lisa Pellegrini, 1St Selectperson , Somers said “This is an extremely serious issue for eastern Connecticut and working with our partners at the State we hope to be able to provide some assistance to residents by looking at issues on a regional basis .”
The Ad-hoc Working Committee reviewed the map of the compilation of current known incidences of crumbling foundations. Based on reports and information from affected municipalities, Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and Connecticut Insurance Department (CID), the number of towns affected is 36 with some towns having in excess of 40 affected properties.
Congressman Courtney discussed possible funding sources and the work his office has done with regards to researching potential federal funding opportunities. Specifically, Community Development Block Grants, administered by each state, could be a source and the Congressman shared various options the municipalities could pursue in this arena. In addition, he discussed efforts with regards to potential tax credits for homeowners and other efforts undertaken by his office.
In addition, the Ad-hoc Working Committee voted to publish suggested guidelines for the re-assessment of homes affected by the crumbling foundations to enable affected municipalities to potentially have similar results for their respective homeowners.
The Ad-hoc Working Committee also formed a number of sub-committees. The first sub-committee relates to building officials, and building fee waivers. The goal is to try to have the municipalities develop a consensus on handling foundation issues. The second sub-committee relates to the creation of a funding pool framework for how funds would be distributed if funds were available.
The Ad-hoc Committee also voted to publish Request for Qualifications for various services, including laboratory testing, structural engineering and remediation services. The goal would be to present a potential list of qualified contractors in these areas for use by those in need of the services related to crumbling foundations.
For more information, please contact Pauline Yoder. More information can be found at crcog.org/crumbling-foundations/
The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is a voluntary Council of Governments formed to initiate and implement regional programs of benefit to the towns and the region. It is guided by the chief elected officials of our 38 Metro Hartford municipalities. The mayors, first selectmen, and town council chairmen who make up our governing Policy Board recognize that the future of our individual members is tied to the future of our region. Our members have collaborated for more than 50 years on a wide range of projects to benefit our towns individually and the region as a whole. CRCOG serves the Capitol Region and all our municipalities by:
- Helping members improve governmental efficiency and save tax dollars through shared services and other direct service initiatives;
- Promoting efficient transportation systems, responsible land use and preservation of land and natural resources and effective economic development;
- Strengthening the Capitol City of Hartford as the core of a strong region, and as our economic, social and cultural center;
- Advocating for the region and its towns with the State and Federal governments;
- Strengthening our regional community by helping coordinate regional agencies and programs; and
- Assisting local governments and citizens in articulating, advocating and implementing the vision, needs and values of their regional community.
