More Questions on Patton Brook Well
By Robin Vinci | Editor at July 28, 2024 | 2:30 pm | Print
Selling the Patton Brook Well continues to create controversy across the City.
The Patton Brook Well is located on 0.6 acres of land and is not part of the safe yield plans if something goes wrong at the reservoir.
Southington is offering $1 million for the property. Two years ago they offered $1.3 million and that was turned down by the previous Council.
Due to it being part of the water department, many residents and Councilmen do not want it sold.
“I believe that something of this nature should have an independent evaluation. I don’t think any of us could make an intelligent decision without one. There have been some inaccuracies, misstatements and some changing of opinions,” said Ald. Jim Sanders Jr. “We should always take as much due diligence as possible when it come to any resource.”
During a July 19 special meeting Ald. Carlo Carlozzi questioned Southington officials Robert Berkmoes, commissioner and Fred Rogers, superintendent on various issues. Carlozzi first asked why the officials did not attend a previous meeting. Officials stated they did not receive notice of the meeting and apologized for not attending.
“This governing body told the City ‘no’ on their first offer and it appears that meant nothing to these individuals,” said Carlozzi.
Southington officials said the well was disconnected at that point and they have found other methods for water back-up.
“There is no one here that takes water for granted. We are doing due diligence. We discuss it all the time,” Ald. Daniel Salerno said. “This money would go toward repairing the White Bridge Well which is operational and producing as much or more than Patton Brook. It is functioning and accessible.”
Salerno said Councilmen took a tour of the property and asked many questions then.
“We probably could maintain that well (Patton Brook). We could input a large amount of money into developing something that at this point in time we don’t necessarily require,” said Salerno. “The fact is right now, that particularly well, is not an asset that would take anything away from the City of New Britain.”
“This is not the first time I have had a difference of opinion than the majority regardless of who has been Mayor and it won’t be the last time. I think it’s good we are passionate about our feelings,” said Carlozzi. “This is a gem. Our founding fathers made sure we had all the assets we would ever have. Maybe New Britain suffers from having too many gems. I don’t know what the future of our water resources will be with everything that happens with not getting enough rainwater and contamination. But once you sell the well, it is gone.”
During an interview with Mayor Erin Stewart on the well she said there were many misconceptions. The first is that she is selling the water department.
“I am absolutely not. This is not functioning property of the water department. It is not utilized,” she said. “It has a negative value to it. I don’t consider that an asset. It’s not like a parking garage.”
Two years ago Southington offered $200,000 for the property and the Mayor worked with them to increase the offer to $1.3 million.
Stewart said New Britain has numerous other back-up plans and there is no threat to the water supply.
“This sale increases our water department funds and that increases our water department assets. It does not decrease it,” said added.
The Council will vote on the project Aug. 10. A rally against the selling of the well is planned at 6 p.m. at Central Park, prior to the meeting.
