City Council Makes a 'Historic' Resolution

Moments before casting their votes in favor of a resolution supporting Middletown’s membership in the Mattabassett Sewer District, the historical significance of the vote they were about to cast was not lost on members of Middletown’s Common Council Monday.

“This is probably one of the biggest resolutions I have voted for in the last 12 years,” explained Deputy Mayor Joseph Bibisi before voting in favor of joining the district during a special meeting of the Common Council Monday.

As part of a new state bill passed by the state legislature and awaiting the signature of Gov. Dannel Malloy, Middletown will become a full member of the district joining New Britain, Cromwell and Berlin who already have full membership.

In order to become a member, the city will have to provide a $13 million “buy-in.” Yet as members of the Common Council pointed out Monday, not becoming a member could cost much more for the city, which would be forced to improve or construct a new wastewater treatment plant in Middletown.

According to Majority Leader Thomas Serra, it has been estimated that if the city did not become a member and instead pursued updating or building a new wastewater treatment facility, the cost to the city could be $15 million more than if Middletown simply joined the Mattabassett District.

In addition, if Middletown becomes a member of the district, approximately 18 acres of prime real estate along the Connecticut River, where the present facility is located, would be freed up.

“Only a few times do you feel you are making history,” remarked Councilmen Ronald Klattenburg during Monday’s special meeting. This is one of those times, he argued.

Klattenburg explained that he is glad the city has decided to take the first step toward becoming a full-fledged member. “I think it is money extremely well-spent,” he argued.

According to Councilmen David Bauer, the city’s decision to join the Mattabassett Sewer District could affect a generation.

“This is one of the most important things I have had the honor to address,” he told his fellow Council members Monday. “We are right at the inception of doing something wonderful.”

Joining the district has been on the city’s agenda for more than a decade. “It was a dream and a goal,” explained Serra, who worked toward Middletown’s membership as mayor.

Becoming a member of the district could have far-reaching consequences beyond how the city disposes of its waste. One of those benefits could be economic.

Councilman Gerald Daley — who chairs the city’s Economic Development Committee — explained that membership will allow the city to close its present wastewater treatment plant along the river — not only freeing up 18 acres that the plant is located on, but also opening up some 85 acres of land along the cove.

That area could be developed commercially and residentially with everything from new storefronts and new apartments to a new marina and boat launch.            

In order for Middletown to join the district, the other member towns will have to approve the city’s inclusion.

According to press reports, New Britain has already voted in favor of Middletown becoming a member.

Serra reminded everyone that this is just the first step before Middletown becomes a full-fledged member of the district.

For starters, the other members will need to approve the city’s membership and then the city will need to approve the $13 million to become a member. In order for that to happen, city voters will need to approve the funding.

“In the long run, this is going to benefit us in every way, shape and form,” he told the public Monday. “Everyone, please vote for this.”

Mayor Sebastian Giuliano expressed his support for the city’s joining the Mattabassett District.

Looking back decades from now, Giuliano explained, future generations will say the Council did the right thing in voting to join the Mattabassett District.

“This begins a new era for Middletown and its riverfront,” he told those gathered.

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