Bidders Questioned For

FFH Demolition Work

By Kendra Bobowick

Standard Demolition, which is affiliated with work taking place at the much-opposed Housatonic Railroad transfer station, is one of two low bidders for upcoming demolition work at Fairfield Hills.

Standard’s bid to take town both Litchfield House and Yale Laboratory was $590,000 compared to the Manafort Brothers Inc bid of $659,000. Encompassing Standard Demolition is Stamford Wrecking, which also has ties to Newtown Transload LLC — the company subcontracted by the railroad to carry out work at the transfer facility.

Aware that the town and state Department of Environmental Protection have recently cited the railroad’s onsite activities for violations, and that grass-roots groups are enmeshed in a campaign opposing expansion work and materials handled at the 30 Hawleyville Road location, First Selectman Joe Borst agreed Wednesday that the relationship may be part of the town’s decision for awarding the bid.

In light of controversy surrounding the railroad site in Hawleyville, he said, “We’re investigating.” The town has 60 days to determine who will receive the work. He has contacted town counsel David Grogins seeking legal advice. “We’re trying to be careful with the situation,” the first selectman added. Mr Grogins could not be reached in time for publication.

Roughly 12 companies submitted demolition bids for which the Parks and Recreation Department currently has funds budgeted from the last round of Capital Improvement Funding, Director Amy Mangold confirmed. Clerk of The Works Bill Knight said bids ranged from $1.8 million to $590,000.

Ms Mangold explained that in the last year $1 million had been approved for her department to both prepare initial design work for a community center, which will stand in Litchfield’s place, and the remainder for the demolition costs.