STATE EXTENDS PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE FOR SALT SHED PROJECT--August 19, 2013 Public Information Meeting Being Held

First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced today that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) has extended the public comment period to Tuesday, September 3, 2013 for a salt shed facility to be built adjacent to the Merritt Parkway near exit 46.  

In addition, ConnDOT is holding a second public information meeting on Monday, August 19, 2013 at the Board of Education’s Conference Room, 295A, which is located on the second floor of 501 Kings Highway East.  At 6:30 pm, there will be an open forum for individual discussions with DOT officials.  A formal presentation will be given at 7 pm.

The purpose of this state project is to rehabilitate the existing salt shed site.   The rehabilitation is required to upgrade the existing site to comply with current environmental regulations and to improve safety and operational efficiency.  The rehabilitation will consist of a new salt shed, associated site, drainage and landscaping improvements.

ConnDOT is proposing to demolish the existing shed and build a new one centrally located within the state-owned parcel of land adjacent to the Parkway.   The dimensions of the new shed will be 96’L x 45’W x 35’H.  ConnDOT has offered to work with any neighbor who may be impacted by ConnDOT’s removal and replanting of vegetation.      

Major written comments can be sent by September 3, 2013 by email to Project Manager Robert Messina at robert.messina@ct.gov or by mail by to:

Mr. Robert C. Messina

Supervising Engineer

Facilities Design

Bureau of Engineering and Construction

Connecticut Department of Transportation

P.O. Box 317546

Newington, CT 06131-7546

A copy of the design plans are available on the homepage of the Town’s website, www.fairfieldct.org, or they can be obtained in the Town’s Engineering Department, which is located on the first floor of Independence Hall, 725 Old Post Road.

First Selectman Mike Tetreau said, “In an effort to make sure everyone in the community, especially those living near the site, has the opportunity to comment on this state-funded project, the Town suggests residents send major comments on the plans to ConnDOT by September 3, 2013.   I also encourage the public to attend the August 19th meeting to learn more about the project and to provide your input.  I would like to thank ConnDOT for extending the public comment period and showing flexibility to work with the surrounding neighbors on a better understanding of the project.”  

The present project schedule indicates the design would be completed in fall 2013 with an anticipated construction start date in spring 2014 and completion in early autumn 2014, prior to the winter season.