A Recurring Problem At Snipsic Village Is Getting Worse

ELLINGTON, CT — The Ellington Housing Authority is seeking town help to address recurring sewer backups that officials say have sent sewage into apartments at Snipsic Village.

Tree roots must be cleared from the sewer lines two or three times each year, according to the authority’s Sept. 22 meeting minutes.

“This is not a solution,” the minutes state.

Officials reported problems involving toilets and showers, with sewage and dirt entering apartments at the town’s 42-unit housing complex for older adults and people with disabilities.

“Work must start now,” the minutes state.

Housing Authority Chairman Charlie Sandberg and tenant commissioner Debi Newton met with a town finance employee about obtaining a grant to repair the system. They learned that one possible grant would not become available until 2027.

The authority now wants an engineer to inspect the sewer system, including a representative apartment in each building, and determine what work is needed.

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Newton was seeking the paperwork needed to request town funding for the engineering work and planned to contact Deputy First Selectman Mary Cardin for assistance, according to the minutes.

If the town approves the request, the authority would obtain proposals and select an engineer. A contractor would then be chosen after the inspection determines the scope of the repairs.

The minutes do not contain an estimated cost for the engineering work or permanent sewer repairs. They also do not say whether the town has since agreed to provide funding.

No residents attended the meeting, and the minutes contain no public comments supporting or opposing the request. First Selectman Laurie Burstein and Cardin were listed as guests.

The authority also discussed replacing eight water heaters at Snipsic Village at an estimated cost of $800 each, or $6,400 altogether. The existing water heaters do not have alarms, which the minutes say became mandatory for commercial properties Oct. 1.

Snipsic Village is located at 20 Main St. Its first 30 apartments opened in 1968, followed by another 12 units in 1980, according to the Housing Authority’s website.

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