Sandy Hook Water Line Gains Momentum In The Council

By Steve Bigham

The Legislative Council appears to favor a plan that would extend United Water public water lines 1,800 feet down Church Hill Road into Sandy Hook. However, like all decisions on major capital projects, the plan was sent to the council’s finance committee for further discussion.

The Board of Selectmen indicated support for the proposed project earlier this month. The council is simply being asked to add the project to the town’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which would make it eligible for state and federal aid.

The total project cost is $420,000, of which $250,000 may be paid for through a federal grant. The remaining $170,000 would be the local share, which could be paid through state Local Capital Improvement (LOCIP) funding and/or Sandy Hook business contributions. Local developer Michael Burton has already agreed to put up $25,000 to extend the water line down Washington Avenue and under the Pootatuck River to Crestwood Drive. The line would then run to Sandy Hook School, the firehouse and the senior center, all located along Riverside Road.

 The town recently installed a water line (in addition to a sewer line) under Crestwood Drive in the hopes that it would someday be linked to the main line, which currently ends at the intersection of Church Hill and Walnut Tree Hill roads.

Mr Burton, doing business as Pootatuck Properties, LLC stands to gain from the water line extension as he plans to open a laundromat in Sandy Hook by April. However, according to First Selectman Herb Rosenthal, the presence of public water would be a step in the right direction for the overall revitalization of Sandy Hook. He pointed to the need for pressurized water for fire fighting in that area, and the water problems which currently exist at Sandy Hook School. It would also help boost business and provide a safe, reliable drinking water supply for public, private and commercial users.

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 Mr Rosenthal, United Water and the Economic Development Commission, which has endorsed the plan. Also involved in the project is Elizabeth Stocker, the town’s community development director.

SHOP President Bill McAllister reminded the council of the number of children who would benefit from the public water line. There is Sandy Hook School, the Children’s Adventure Center and the day care center at the Methodist Church.

 

Wendover Road acquired its picturesque name in the 1940’s when residents voted by an 8-7 margin to replace “Carcass Lane.” In the minds of many of the neighbors, the old name brought back unpleasant memories of a slaughterhouse previously located at the end of the street.