Land Purchase For Bridge Project Land Clears Hurdle In Farmington

FARMINGTON, CT — The town's top elected board has approved a proposed land purchase that would be a jumping off point for a massive bridge project aimed at easing traffic in town.

One property up for purchase is 0.37 acres owned by Kathleen Binkowski at 1535 Farmington Ave. and the other is for 1.09 acres owned by Patrick J. Murray at 1541 Farmington Ave.

The two properties are expected to serve as a staging area and site for what is being called the "third bridge project," a third bridge in Farmington that would span the Farmington River and connect New Britain Avenue with Route 4.

Farmington Avenue is also known as Route 4 in Farmington.

After a public hearing Oct. 11, the Farmington Town Council unanimously approved recommending the land purchase to the Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission, which was to discuss the measure Oct. 24.

Farmington Town Manager Kathleen Blonski presented the council with information about the two parcels.

She said the property is zoned residential and, according to meeting minutes:

• Town staff recommend the town purchase these properties for the future bridge project.

• It is a benefit to acquire the parcels now instead of the state taking the properties through the eminent domain process, which could significantly delay the bridge project.

• It is a benefit to acquire these properties now so they can be used as a staging area throughout the construction.

• These properties are on the riverfront and, therefore, the remaining properties could be used for passive recreation after construction is complete.

A few residents spoke about the project during the hearing, some offering up questions, others expressing concern for the location and claiming folks didn't know much about the project.

Once the hearing was closed, the council later in the meeting voted to recommend the land purchase.

Funding and project designs for the third bridge have yet to be finalized, but according to the latest data submitted to councilmen, the cost could be anywhere from $35 million to $50 million for the bridge.

When bids are complete and a contract awarded, the bridge project would take about two years to finish, according to town officials.

Construction would start on the new bridge about two or three years after funding is secured, so a completed bridge could be a few years away.

Prior to any shovels hitting the ground, the state and town will conduct multiple public forums to inform residents about project developments.

For the minutes of the Oct. 11 Farmington Town Council meeting, click on this link.

From Sept. 28: 'Hearing On Land Deal For New Farmington Bridge Is Tuesday'