NEWS

Sewer project still in limbo

By JOHN HOWELL
Posted 9/24/20

By JOHN HOWELL In the face of arguments that it is too costly and would force some people out of their homes, Ward 5 Councilman Ed Ladouceur reaffirmed Monday his commitment to bring sewers to the residents of Riverview, Longmeadow, Highland Beach and

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NEWS

Sewer project still in limbo

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In the face of arguments that it is too costly and would force some people out of their homes, Ward 5 Councilman Ed Ladouceur reaffirmed Monday his commitment to bring sewers to the residents of Riverview, Longmeadow, Highland Beach and Bayside – although, at this point, the decision is up to the mayor, not him or the City Council.

Yet the issue was before the council’s Finance Committee for a second time this month. Prior to the Sept. 9 council meeting, the Warwick Sewer Authority signed a $17.8 million contract with D’Ambra Construction to do the job. Ladouceur’s resolution endorsing the project was on the docket. Ladouceur, chair of the Finance Committee, was taking public comment when the council solicitor ruled the meeting was in violation of the public meetings law because the public could not access the meeting via the telephone numbers advertised. The meeting was rescheduled for Sept. 21.

On Monday, positions were restated, although Ladouceur did not recount his years-long crusade for the project and conclusion that failing to move ahead now will result in higher costs to residents on failing septic systems and cesspools.

Some residents didn’t see it that way.

Michele McMahon called the project “socially unjust” as it would force her and others who couldn’t afford the assessment that the WSA projects at $25,000 to $27,000 out of their homes. Furthermore, she argued the assessment payable over a maximum of 30 years would devalue her property. She accused Ladouceur of trying to push through the project without giving residents the full story and the “bottom line” on costs.

Others likewise focused on costs.

Rob Cote questioned whether the contract contained a commodities escalation clause and if it favored the city or the contractor. If written in favor of the city, the contractor would be responsible for absorbing increases in the cost of materials. On the other hand, the city would be on the hook for the added costs if written in favor of the contractor. Ladouceur didn’t know if the contract contained a commodities escalation clause.

Terri Medeiros, who initiated a petition in opposition to the sewers, called on Ladouceur and the WSA to look at alternatives to sewers and to work together with residents. Marc Geneste stepped through the homeowners’ cost of sewers from the assessment to the connection and annual operational expenses arriving at $3,000 a year expense. His wife, Pauline Geneste, who had been active in circulating the petition in opposition, said the project would force residents from their homes, calling it “socially unjust.”

“I don’t want to give up my house. It is unfair for us to bear this burden,” Lois Graydon said.

Ladouceur questioned the numbers, saying many are “far from accurate.” Based simply on the D’Ambra bid, he pointed out assessments would be $20,000. He repeated his contention that the cost of repaving roads at the completion of the project should be borne by the city and not by the homeowner as part of the assessment. He favors a cap on the assessment and said he would entertain the suggestion of Barbara Richman that general obligation bonds that would be repaid by the taxpayers be used to finance sewers. As now planned and has been the practice, the WSA uses revenue bonds that are paid by the users to finance sewers.

Noting the environmental problems caused by cesspools, Christopher Hamblett of Save the Bay urged the city “to keep the eye on the ball” with the goal of ending pollution of Narragansett Bay. Roger Durand, a longtime critic of the management of sewers and costs, defended Ladouceur for being transparent. Unlike those who accused Ladouceur of withholding information about the project, Durand said Ladouceur has explored alternatives and been clear on what a system will cost. However, he added there are “too many variables [with this project]” and that the WSA needs to get to the bottom of these costs so homeowners know what they are facing.

Also unanswered at this time is whether the Narragansett Indians will sign a memorandum of agreement over the WSA plan to use directional driving rather than an open cut to install pipes in areas where there are know Indian burials and artifacts. Ladouceur reiterated Wednesday that he plans to meet with tribal representatives.

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking.

Under state law, homes within 200 feet of a waterway must be on an approved septic system or tied into a sewer by 2016. Forty-two Bayside homes currently with cesspools fail to meet this condition and another 651 homes in the combined neighborhoods have cesspools, according to Ladouceur. The Department of Environmental Management granted a waiver of the law, which expired this year, as sewers were planned. It could not be determined if the waiver would be extended if the sewer project is shelved.

In reemphasizing the importance of the project Wednesday, Ladouceur cited Cliff Moran’s remarks at Monday’s meeting. Moran said he was attempting to buy a house in Bayside, but the bank refused to grant him a mortgage because it had a cesspool.

“We have got to fix the problem,” Ladouceur said. “If you can’t get a mortgage to buy a house then that means you can’t sell your house.”

Mayor Joseph Solomon has not signed the D’Ambra contract, citing the financial impact on the homeowner and that there are groups opposed and favoring sewers. He said last week he wants additional information and to hear arguments from both sides.

Bayside, sewers

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