Current, Incoming Administrations Agree on Storm Debris Pick Up

After much deliberation the town of Southbury has announced it will pick up all storm debris leftover from Winter Storm Irene.

“In the spirit of collaboration, First Selectman Bill Davis and First Selectman – elect Ed Edelson have reviewed with Public Works Director Tom Crowe the current program to remove debris from Town roads and rights of way,” said a release issued by the town Monday. 

Originally Davis said the residents not living on state-maintained roads would not have their storm debris picked up. He said that residents must bring storm debris to the Southbury Transfer Station free of charge.

A week later Davis announced the town was considering picking up storm debris, if it was placed in the town's right of way, due to overwhelming resident requests.

After discussions between the current and incoming administrations a decision has been reached to collect storm debris from all town roads.  

The current effort is focused upon removing the debris that was pushed to the side to clear the blocked roads and which currently present a potential hazard, according to the release.

Crews are now focused on completing work on roads in the Purchase area, Heritage Village and the area between Lakeside Road and Kettletown Road and anticipate that these areas should be completed by the first week in December.

Some situations still present a danger under high wind conditions, according to the release. In addition, this debris would impair the town's ability to plow during a major snowstorm.

Following these roads town crews will move to the areas between Kettletown Road and Route 67 and the area between Route 6 and Old Waterbury Road and anticipate that it will take several additional weeks to clear these areas. The remaining town roads should be cleared shortly thereafter, according to the release.

Edelson will provide updates on the progress of this activity once he takes office.  Some of these expenditures will qualify for FEMA reimbursement. A future communication will clarify the expenditures that qualify.

At this time residents are asked not to bring additional storm related debris curbside so that the existing public hazard can be addressed expeditiously.  A reassessment will be done by late December to determine future town efforts to help residents with debris removal.