All of our recent storm-sewer flooding updates and narratives with photos and documents are published on-line in the New Britain Progressive’s Flooding Series.
To: Allen St. Flooding Victims, Concerned Citizens, City and State Officials
As flooding victims participating in the claims process we submit the following:
Many of our neighbors are exhausted with the process and they are disappointed by all of the broken promises from our local politicians. Some are intimidated and are unwilling to step up to apply for their legitimate reimbursements.
It seems victims with legitimate claims may be discouraged from applying. For most victims this should be a straight forward process. Is there a tutorial of some sort available for injured victims covering the claims process?
In our case, only after many months of disciplined due diligence did we learn that the city concealed serious flaws in our storm-sewer system serving our neighborhood causing storm-sewer flooding and sanitary back-ups and breaks. Therefore, we held the City of New Britain accountable for our damage. Neglect and mismanagement caused by our city officials harmed us and many others.
1) This notice is handed to anyone requesting claim forms in the City Clerk’s office. ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY OF NEW BRITAIN MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE TOWN CLERK WITHIN NINETY (90) DAYS OF THE DATE OF INJURY! See the attached form below. This notice does not include any New Britain designations, notations, etc. Is this realistic, lawful, discriminatory, etc? Is the city protecting the rights of their injured citizens or are they deliberately complicating the process with no regard for the injured folks?
2) Claim forms must be completed in triplicate. The claimant must have all three documents notarized before submitting the claim forms or signed in front of city officials when the completed documents are returned to City Hall. Photos, receipts, videos, etc. are needed to help legitimize your case. Depending on your comfort levels, an attorney may be needed to represent you.
3) All damage claims must be inspected and evaluated by insurance adjusters assigned by Old Republic. We received 2-3 estimates from local contractors to keep the adjusters honest.
4) Claim evaluations from the adjusters are available 30+ days after the inspections which appears to be a delay tactic. 3 adjusters were sent to our property which seems to be an intimidation tactic.
5) The insurance company assigns a hearing date with the New Britain Claims Committee. Usually the 1st Wednesday of each month. 6 representatives from the city were present for our hearing; 3 alderpersons, 1 insurance litigator, 1 assistant corporate counsel and 1 city council clerk. Appears to be another intimidation tactic. A settlement can be reached during this hearing.
6) Once a settlement is agreed upon the agreement is placed on the city council’s agenda for approval. Usually the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Our’s was conveniently postponed for 30 days. The elected and appointed officials could not process the agreed to reimbursement amount fast enough for the next City Council meeting. Appears to be another delay tactic. Meanwhile, the victims were inconvenienced again.
7) If this process end’s in January or July the claimant must have all city taxes, water bills, etc. paid before any settlement checks are released. In general, all victim’s must be paid up with no city taxes, water bills, etc, in arrears. The victims are not notified of this requirement in advance. We were not notified. Fortunately for us, we pay our taxes on time.
As one outspoken member of the City Council noted recently regarding our claims, “It seems your damage claims are not as extensive as you portrayed to us”. Thousands of dollars in damage claims verified by experienced insurance adjusters is more proof that the city has neglected and mismanaged the Allen St. Problem.
The classic cause and effect scenarios:
As Mayor Stewart noted back in 2013, “The Allen St. Project is our most pressing need. The Allen St. Project is critical to resolving chronic issues including flooding due to storm-sewer failures, sanitary back-ups and breaks due to insufficient capacity and the system’s age”.
Stewart also identified storm-sanitary cross connections on Allen St. further contributing to this public health crisis. These local flooding issues contributes to the flooding experienced by the Mattabasett Water Pollution Control Facility in Cromwell, CT which serves New Britain and other towns.
The Weston-Sampson Engineers’ review from August 2023 details that the Allen St. Project must be a high priority because the infrastructure is at crisis levels. Meanwhile, our neighborhoods, properties and structures will continue to flood.
Enough is Enough! City and State Officials Redeem Yourselves! No More Delays!
Our City and State Officials Must Prioritize, Fund and Construct the Allen St. Project!
Thank you.
F&S Chase
Allen St. Basin Flooding Photos:
Stanley-Roxbury-Newbury Typical Retention Pond Flooding.
Hampton-Eton Typical Flooding.
Newbury Typical Flooding.
24 Roxbury Typical Flooding.
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