DEVELOPER OWES BACK TAXES
Norwich officials say the owner of the nearly 50-acre portion of the former Norwich Hospital property owes the city more than $81,000 in back taxes. The property could be slated for a tax sale auction early next year if the taxes aren’t paid. Norwich officials said they don’t want the city to foreclosure and take ownership of the property. Instead, it’s hoped, if the taxes remain unpaid, the parcels will be added to a list of properties to be sold at tax auction in early 2018. Thames River Landing LLC Developer Mark Fields says he plans to pay the back taxes and is moving forward with plans to develop the Norwich property with hospitality projects and a luxury apartment complex. A city ordinance prohibits property owners from obtaining building permits for renovations or new construction if they owe back taxes.
PRIMARY DAY TOMORROW
New London’s registered Democrats head to the polls tomorrow to finalize the Democratic slate for City Council for the Nov. 7th municipal elections. Tuesday’s primary is the result of a petition by incumbent Councilor John Satti, who was bumped from the list of endorsed candidates during this year’s Democratic Town Committee caucus. There will be eight names on Tuesday’s ballot, with six incumbent councilors seeking re-election. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone who needs to register to vote in time for the primary has until noon today to register in person at the Registrar of Voters office.
NEW GRASSO TECH BEING BUILT
Construction of a new 220,000-square-foot school began in June on the grounds of the Ella T. Grasso Technical High School in Groton. The project to replace the current school, built in 1977, was approved in 2004 but was halted several times. While Grasso Tech has about 485 students now, the new school will be built for a capacity of 800. The new building is expected to be open for students in the fall of 2019. It will feature the combination of the hospitality and culinary programs with a restaurant, and a new welding program, to help meet the needs of Electric Boat and other area manufacturers. The roughly $135 million facility is state funded through bonds. After construction is finished, the current school will be demolished, and Grasso Tech plans to put a football field and track in its place.
FAMILIES MAY BE STRANDED
Sterling town officials want to make sure some residents aren’t left stranded on their dead-end road when a bridge replacement project begins in the coming weeks on Sumola Road. First Selectman Russell Gray says discussions have been held to look at several options, including putting the affected two families up in a hotel or rented space. Gray said he plans to meet with the residents to hammer out a plan.
FIRE QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED
Norwich firefighters say a Sunday morning fire that started under a front porch on Division Street was put out before it did any serious damage. Firemen found smoke in the basement and first floor of the multi-story home before locating the fire. No injuries were reported and the rest of the house was not affected. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
DNA DOES IN BURGLAR
A Coram, New York man suspected of breaking into three unoccupied homes in Waterford and Montville back in April 2016, and taking items worth thousands of dollars has been arrested after DNA on a gray work glove left at one of the homes led back to him. Police have charged Gabriel Cabral with burglary, larceny and criminal mischief. His bond was set at $65,000. A court date was not released.
FAMILY DAY THIS WEEKEND
The 14th annual Norwich Family Day celebration will be held Sept. 17th at Mohegan Park with free entertainment, food, safety demonstrations and information booths. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and starts with the Harry “O” Youth race, with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. For more information contact Angelo Callis, coordinator, Norwich Youth & Family Services, at (860) 823-3782.
