Owners of homes in northeastern Connecticut who believe they are affected by the crumbling foundation problem can begin applying to receive reimbursements for the testing of their homes.
Gov. Dannel Malloy said the state is making $5 million available to provide assistance with costs of testing foundations for homeowners, which his office said will better provide the state with data related to the scope of the situation while providing homeowners with another level of financial relief.
The issue of the crumbling basements is connected to concrete poured from 1983 through about 2013 that has the naturally occurring mineral pyrrhotite in it. When exposed to air or moisture, it can cause cracking.
After the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters spent years focusing on the crumbling concrete issue, the state passed a budget with tens of millions in grants for those affected.
“The launch of this testing program marks a significant step forward in addressing the needs and concerns of homeowners affected by crumbling foundations,” Malloy said in a statement. “From day one, we recognized the need to develop a better understanding of the scope of this issue while working with our partners in the public and private sector to provide property owners with some much-needed stability and support. I look forward to continuing our progress in providing relief for those affected by this natural disaster.”
Homeowners can begin applying for reimbursements now by visiting www.foundationtesting.org and submitting an application. A phone line has also been established at 860-724-4277 to provide additional assistance.
The program makes homeowners are eligible for a 50 percent reimbursement – up to $2,000 – for the testing of two core samples within their homes. Homeowners who have visual testing conducted by a licensed professional engineer are eligible for a 100 percent reimbursement – up to $400. The homes must have been built after 1983 and be located within a 20-mile radius of the J.J. Mottes Concrete Company in Stafford Springs, according to the governor’s office.
The program, which is being funded by state bonding, will run until Dec. 31, 2020 or until the funding has been expended, whichever is earlier.
Governor Malloy is coordinating with the Capitol Region Council of Governments to administer program and the organization will provide quarterly reports on testing results to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s Office.
The eligibility requirements outlined by the Connecticut Department of Housing for the program are as follows:
- The year the home was built must be on or after 1983.
- If the home was built before 1983, but there is an addition that was built after 1983, the addition is eligible for the program. The homeowner must supply proof that the addition was built after 1983 (building permit, CO or other similar documentation).
- The home must be within a 20-mile radius of J.J. Mottes Concrete Company in Stafford Springs.
- Homeowners are eligible for a 50 percent reimbursement, up to $2,000 for pyrrhotite testing of two core samples.
- Homeowners who have a visual inspection conducted are eligible for a 100 percent reimbursement, up to $400.
- Visual Inspections must be performed by a licensed professional engineer.
State Senator Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) released the following statement:
"I am happy to report that the state has taken an important step forward in addressing the crumbling foundation crisis. I’ve seen first-hand the shattering impact this disaster has had on my constituents and even my neighbors – it is truly heartbreaking. We must continue to provide relief to those who have been affected and do everything within our power to help make these families whole."
The last statement from the attorney for JJ Mottes is that the company is now out of business.
The last full statement released to NBC Connecticut in August 2016 read:
“In the 15 years since we took over the management of the Joseph J. Mottes Company, we have adhered to rigorous standards set forth by the American Concrete Institute and the state of Connecticut. We continue to cooperate with the ongoing state investigation so that homeowners can get the answers and real solutions they deserve. One thing that is clear to us is the extensive media and governmental scrutiny has led to another issue arising – in addition to homes affected by damage, there are now large numbers of homeowners and potential home buyers who do not have problems but are being told they will.
“Certainly, those homes with damage need to be remedied, but a comprehensive solution is called for - one that helps those who are not financially capable of helping themselves, guards against predators of all kinds and eases the burden placed on the real estate market. We believe that effective lower cost preventive remedial actions exist, that appropriate independent authorities can and should identify these techniques, and this information needs to be widely shared and adopted.” – John Patton, spokesman, The Joseph J. Mottes Company.
