Storm Debris Collection To Begin In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — As the cleanup from last week’s major storm, including a tornado that touched down in Hamden, about 590 residents remained without power as of 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, officials said in a Sunday evening update. Mayor Curt Balzano Leng and Hamden’s emergency officials said in a press release that recovery efforts are proceeding at a steady rate thanks to the stellar work of United Illuminating, Hamden Public Works, and other local contractors.

“In total, more than 500 trees have been reported down across various roadways and easily double that when counting private properties,” officials wrote in the press release. “The town has been in constant communication with United Illuminating and emergency personnel to manage recovery efforts.”

The Public Works Department plans to begin conducting a street-by-street collection of storm debris, trees, brush, limbs, etc. starting the week of May 20. Residents can also bring their brush and tree limbs / natural debris to the Public Works Department at 1125 Shepard Avenue, Hamden, 06518 for disposal during the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays or to the Hamden Transfer Station.

Also on Sunday, the Hamden Police Department delivered supplies and water, which were donated from the SEPTA tornado “stuff-a-truck” donation drive, to residents currently blocked off due to storm restoration.

“I couldn’t be more appreciative of our new Special Education PTA (SEPTA) for organizing a ‘stuff a truck’ for donations to help folks still affected by lack of power, or who have difficulty getting around the neighborhood as a result of the tornado that hit Hamden last Tuesday,” Leng said. “And I couldn’t be more grateful to all the generous residents who outperformed everyone’s expectations in making donations to help their fellow community members.”

The Town “Emergency Assistance Center” has adapted, with West Woods School (350 W Todd St, Hamden, CT 06518) continuing to provide both drinking water and water for plumbing and with the Public Works Department becoming the center where other supplies such as batteries and food products will be made available as needed. All Fire Stations will serve as 24-hour device charging stations, as well as all town buildings during working hours starting Monday (May 21).

All homebound residents should call the Fire Department at 203-230-4000 ext. 0. Special assistance will be provided.

Additionally, the following facilities are open for residents to shower:

1. YMCA

1605 Sherman Avenue

Provide ID and sign waiver

Monday – Friday: 5:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Saturday: 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

2. LA Fitness

46 Skiff Street (access from Dixwell, local traffic)

Monday-Thursday: 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.