NBC

Help is Coming for Some with Crumbling Foundations

There is a measure of hope for people with crumbling foundations as they learn about the help headed their way.

“Just a little bit of relief that we haven’t seen in a long time,” Essy Piazza of Coventry, said.

Piazza was among those who attended an informational meeting at Ellington High School on Saturday.

Others say this is just the beginning to solve a significant problem.

After the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters spent years focusing on the crumbling concrete issue, the state recently passed a budget with tens of millions in grants for those affected.

"The problem is devastating. For most people this is the biggest investment they’ve ever made," Mayor Carolyn Mirek, South Windsor, said.

Also packed in the budget were tax assistance for homeowners and training for contractors working on basements.

On Saturday, people got up to speed about a $5 million pot to assist homeowners testing their concrete.

"Visual inspections are, will be reimbursed at $400," Pauline Yoder, interim municipal services director at the Capital Region Council of Governments, said.

Some called this assistance package a good start, but not enough.

Amanda Watkins was worried about who will be eligible for aid and that standards to diagnose the problem are not clear.

"I don’t want to give up hope right now and I certainly don’t want to back off of the responsibility on where it needs to be right now," Watkins said.

People also found out an advocacy group – the Connecticut Coalition Against Crumbling Basements – is teaming up with Trinity College to find a cheaper way to test concrete.

Also on the wish list: pushing the General Assembly during the next session to allow people to have more than a year to sue after an insurance company denies a foundation claim.

For more details on the funding, click here.

Contact Us