A Message From The Town Manager On Crumbling Foundations
To the Residents,
I apologize if you feel you are reviewing too many communications from me recently but many important issues are being discussed within the same timeframe that you need to be educated on and vocal with your State Representatives.
On February 28, 2017 at the State Legislative Offices in Hartford they are having Crumbling Foundation Day. Currently there are some 20 different legislative bills being considered and several Legislative Committees will be holding joint hearings on the bills starting at 10:00 AM. Tolland has arranged for a bus that will leave the commuter parking lot by Exit 68 at 9:00 AM and returning at 1:15 PM (you must call 860-871-3680 to reserve a spot on the bus). Parking is at a premium at the Legislative Office Buildings. If you cannot attend, you may want to write or call Legislators concerning this matter. Some information:
Tolland has some 2000 homes built during the suspected time period of 1983-2003.
TOLLAND is in close proximity to the quarry in question and many local builders used that source.
Currently we have 40 homes that have requested assessment reductions with 15 more before the Board of Assessment Appeals. Lost Town revenue from these impacted homes is in excess of $100,000. It is estimated in 5 years lost revenue could exceed 1 million dollars.
Of the 40 homes currently receiving reduced assessments, 37 have been determined by the Town Assessor to have deterioration at the 60% or greater level.
This is a multi-year problem that will take some 20 years to fully work through.
Most insurance companies continue to deny claims related to this problem without costly litigation.
As co-chair of the Capitol Region Council of Governments Subcommittee on crumbling foundations we are stressing 3 things:
1. The Governor’s proposal regarding 5 million dollars to offset 50% of the cost of core sampling of foundations needs to be split between testing and remediation.
2. There are homes that need immediate attention now. In Tolland to repair the 37 homes at the 60% level or above would cost in excess of 7 million dollars. We need to get these homes repaired, let the residents go on with their lives and return the homes to their full value. An initial remedial fund in the amount of 35 million dollars is needed to provide homeowners up to $75,000 to assist with repair costs.
3. We need the insurance companies to contribute through a $100 surcharge on homeowner policies to a remedial fund which they would administer that may be capped at some amount such as $100,000. This type of contribution would amount to approximately 1 billion dollars and provide sufficient funds to address the long-term problem.
Even with this type of assistance homeowners may have to make some personal contribution.
This is not just a regional concern but one that should be seen as a statewide concern. If this was a hurricane, a flood or explosion, federal assistance would be flowing. Unfortunately this type of destruction does not qualify for assistance and we have to look to the State and insurance companies for aid.
It is important for concerned residents to submit testimony or appear in person (visit https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/content/yourvoice.asp for a guide to testifying). Legislators need to hear your voice now if we hope to get any beneficial support this Legislative session.
Steven Werbner, Town Manager