Longtime Hartford Hardware Store Devastated By Flooding: Reports

HARTFORD, CT — A massive state appropriation to help combat flooding issues in Hartford appears to be a case of too little, too late for one city hardware store owner.

According to WTNH Channel 8, Star Hardware on 2995 Main St., Hartford, is partially closing after a massive flood hit the city Tuesday, July 4, during the heavy rainstorm that day.

Owner Max Kothari told WTNH he's closing the general hardware section of his business after about $1 million in damage was done to his store and stock, something he said has happened before. The business has been in existence for 116 years.

WTNH reports Kothari's store saw a foot of water stream into the 30,000-square-foot-building in a matter of minutes.

According to WVIT Channel 30, the general hardware portion of Kothari's business is now shuttered, with other aspects of the operation still in business.

Kothari said the flooding is caused by poor drainage infrastructure and a nearby retention pond that regularly overflows, according to WVIT.

The incident and store closing comes after the state late last month announced $85 million in state funding from the state’s Clean Water Fund and Clean Water Fund to implement a pilot program addressing water and sewage overflows in streets and basements in North Hartford.

For the full WTNH Channel 8 report, click on this link.

For the full WVIT Channel 30 report, click on this link.

From June 26: 'Lamont Grants Hartford $85M To Fight Sewage, Flooding Problem'