To the Editor:

My name is Joan Alexander, and as a newcomer to Newtown, I’ve come to appreciate the sense of community that makes this place special. However, I would like to share a recent experience highlighting a significant concern to raise awareness and encourage a conversation within the community.

In December 2023, a town-maintained catch basin near our home clogged during a heavy rainstorm. The overflow flooded our basement, ruining a new water heater, softener, and other electrical components. The water remained for a week, causing extensive damage.

We contacted Fred Hurley (Newtown’s Director of Public Works) and John Curtis (Town Engineer), who are our contacts at a town level. Both were responsive and understanding. However, Fred informed us that Newtown has 9,000 catch basins, making it impossible to maintain each regularly.

John Curtis committed to replacing the metal drain piping and installing curbs and aprons to prevent future flooding. Anthony, another dedicated employee, also recognized the urgency of these repairs. Their dedication is commendable. However, it has been six months, and the issues remain unresolved despite our follow-up emails and calls to the department. Besides the concern of another flood on my property, this delay raises a broader question: Is our water department overworked?

With 9,000 catch basins to manage, our current water department might need more resources to handle such a significant workload. Thank you, Newtown Bee, for providing a platform where residents can share their concerns. By addressing this issue, we can ensure our water department is equipped to protect our homes and maintain our infrastructure.

Sincerely,

Joan Alexander

Newtown