Channel 8 News Report – 3/30/2010

Posted by Bob on March 30, 2010 under Daily Blogs | Read the First Comment

The news story just recently broadcast on one of the statewide media outlets contains certain inaccuracies and is misleading regarding the Borough’s response to flooding issues in the Cherry Street area.  Reference was apparently made by a resident that the Borough took no action until Channel 8 was called.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Borough public safety, public works and emergency management officials have been working around the clock to prepare for and address the potential for flooding in known areas of concern throughout Naugatuck.  In addition to a emergency response meeting held on Monday (3/29/2010), we have all been in constant contact through cell phone and electronic communications.  Storm contact information and weather updates have been included on the Borough’s website, www.naugatuck-ct.gov.

A study of the drainage issues on Cherry Street was recently completed.  The results indicated that a minimum cost to implement recommendations was approximately TWO MILLION SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($2,600,000.00) DOLLARS.  This recommendation required taking approximately six (6) homes.  To remedy the situation without taking property, the price was approximately FOUR MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($4,400,000.00) DOLLARS.  We are currently investigating funding options and researching the best ways to lessen the impact on the area in the interim.

The problem that was the subject of WTNH report Erin Cox’s story along Charles Street involves run-0ff from Pleasant Avenue that flows through a pipe located on private property that empties into a backyard.  The water then pools, again on private property, and overflows through a yard onto Charles Street.  I have personally been in the area on multiple occasions, including this morning well, before Channel 8 arrived.  Last week, Street Superintendent Bob Roland briefed us on a potential solution that can less the impact.  We are currently attempting to negotiate an agreement with a homeowner to gain access necessary to attempt to remedy with would lessen the impact of the water flow during heavy rain.

I am a big supporter of access to information for citizens and news media alike.  It might be prudent, however, to have some sort of background on an issue before reporting a story.  Our office would be glad to comment on any issue provided we are given the opportunity.  In this case, we were not given the courtesy of at least a phone call to comment.

Naugatuck’s public works crews, in addition to our police department and fire department personnel, have done an outstanding job not only responding to concerns throughout the storm, but performing preventative maintenance and monitoring.  Crews have been in the Cheery Street area on a constant basis attempting to manage a very difficult situation during a major rainstorm occurring throughout New England.

I am not naive to believe that such coverage has been a part of certain state news organizations for many years.  News is a business and everyone wants to be the next “Mike Bogoslowski” to shed light on a wrong needed to be righted.  This is a healthy part of our democracy.  We do not expect Channel 8 to cover all the good things that happen in Naugatuck if it does not generate ratings.  It might be more appropriate, however, to realize that many issues facing municipalities in Connecticut are far more complex than a thirty (30) second spot on the evening news can describe.