I wanted to update you on latest from Hurricane Sandy. Crews worked today to open blocked roads with the CL&P Crew. Personally today I expressed my displeasure with the amount of CL&P Tree/Utility personnel that was sent to towns. Out of 500 crews, New London County was given 40 Utility Crews and 17 Tree Crews. Today One Tree/Utility Crew were in town with several crews tied up on Liberty Street awaiting authorization to fix telephone pole incident.
I expressed my irritation to CL&P President Brian Quinlan, Southeast Connecticut Operations Manager, Lt. Governor Wyman, Congressman Courtney and the media. Since the Governor stated last night that New London and Stonington were hardest hit by Hurricane force winds, I demanded that we get more personnel to address these blocked roads with downed power lines. We had 65 total issues in town as a result of the storm, 32 blocked roads and the remaining roads (seen below) are a result of wires down. Only three roads with wires down were opened today by the one CL&P crew. I am insistent this be corrected by CL&P.
For Wednesday
Stonington Schools closed,
Town Hall will be open but NO Town Hall Phone & Internet access is available.
Emergency Operations Center will continue to be open.
Landfill will be open extended hours till 5 p.m. and fees for flooded items will be waived.
Garbage pickup will also occur
The shelter is closed. 108 residents utilized the shelter during its peak.
Roads that are blocked due to utility issues:
In Pawcatuck
Liberty
River Rd. (Pole & Tree)
In Stonington
Farmholme at Barnes
Pelligrino Road at 110
North Main St. South Rt 1
Wheeler Rd. North/ Sommers
Al Harvey South Rowley
Al Harvey
Upper Flanders
Stonington Borough is accessable and other outlining areas.
Grocery stores are open in the town including McQuades in Mystic and Westerly, Stop & Shop in Pawcatuck and Big Y in Stonington.
HALLOWEEN-
I have recommended to the press & community and am designating with encouragement November 16, 2012 be declared Halloween in Stonington Day. I am doing this to provide a safe, disruption free and enjoyable environment for our children as they enjoy this activity. With no power and lights, distressed families and difficult lighted roads, I feel this would be an enjoyable alternative date. Please join me in this exciting day of fun. I am even dressing up!
For questions, information and specific road issues tommorow please call 860-599-4411 press #1 or 0 to be connected from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. My town staff will assist you .
I will keep residents informed also through Facebook (Edward Haberek Jr.), Twitter (@First Selectman ), my Blog http://ehaberek.wordpress.com/ and Stonington Patch Blog
Thank you for your patience and I look forward to another productive day tomorrow.
