Why does OIB love to chronicle poop stories? There’s lots of moolah in it. The City Council’s Contracts Committee had a strange request from the construction manager of an office building at 495 Hawley Lane, Stratford where Bridgeport, Stratford and Trumbull come together.
According to Councilman Bob “Troll” Walsh, who attended the Contracts Committee session Tuesday night, a construction representative of a medical office building is seeking permission to hook up the development into Trumbull’s sewer line that’s connected to the city wastewater system. Bridgeport processes Trumbull’s waste. Stratford has sewers but the commercial connection to the Stratford sewer line would apparently require expensive blasting for the developer. Trumbull’s sewer line is a nice, close, easy, inexpensive hookup that requires Bridgeport’s approval.
Dudes, how about doing us a favor and let us hook up to Trumbull? came the request.
And what are you going to do for Bridgeport? the Troll chimed in. If we say no, Stratford doesn’t have this on its grand list generating tax revenue. How about sharing the revenue stream with Bridgeport?
The response: Well, gee, I’m not sure, don’t know, let’s talk, maybe.
The committee tabled the request. It was also disclosed at the meeting that Dr. Anthony Musto, dad of State Senator Anthony Musto, is leasing medical space in the building.
Bob Walsh isn’t assigned to CONTRACT Committee but it’s good he “sniffed” this one out. About six months ago Bridgeport presenters Rob Russo, Andy Nunn and a lawyer F.O.B. spoke with Trumbull’s three governmental bodies dealing with their long-term sewer planning. They probably have less than 60 months remaining on their agreement with Bridgeport. Funny our public has not been addressed on this subject.
So how does a matter get to CONTRACTS Committee for permission or a vote? What is the administration advocating? A great chance for regional cooperation? More suburban “s – – t” to save a contractor an expense but be yet another limitation on the overall capacity of our system? How much could such a building add to our output? Don’t we want whatever the City might do to be a part of our overall WPCA long-term plan (which is what?) and consistent with what might be advocated relative to Trumbull? Sorry for the questions Bob, but perhaps you can provide some answers. It seems too many of our City meetings are not covered by the CT Post or anyone.
In case anyone hasn’t noticed, more and more doctors are moving from Bridgeport to the suburbs. Why is that? The reason is they pay less taxes in the ‘burbs than they do in Bridgeport.
Look, if this developer has the money to build a medical office building he has to have the money to tie into Stratford’s sewer system. If he doesn’t, tough shit.
When was the last time Stratford has done anything for Bridgeport?
Just look at the airport and all the grief they have given us when we wanted to make safety improvements. They have thwarted us on everything we wanted to do at the airport.
Unfortunately we have a weak-kneed administration and a council that will do what it’s told to do by this weak-kneed administration.
*** Be sure Musto Jr. will get involved via the Mayor’s office, no? Once again Mr. Walsh has pulled the cloak of disguise from another shady deal! *** BRAVO ***
The committee was told in order to hook up with the closest Stratford sewer line they would have to create a connection 80 feet away. They would need to tear up a road and blast out ledge at a cost exceeding six figures.
Although many of the committee members sought something in exchange, my point was if we were changing a contract to be address specific then we need a long-term revenue stream from the town of Stratford. Neither the town or its WPCA even sent representatives to the meeting.
If we were ever going to demand a piece of the revenue stream this is the perfect opportunity to do so.
Does this mean the developers will be back when they start to build the IHOP that is scheduled to be built next to the medical building?