Less than 24 hours after losing electrical service, the NH+ crew’s home towards the bottom of Town Hill Road regained power. Our sense of gratitude is tempered by the sound of a generator from Highland Avenue which lost power before our section of Town Hill and from the sound of it, still has not regained power.
The commercial center of New Hartford lost power for approximately the same 20-hour period. Both traffic lights at the Routes 44 and 219 and the Route 44 and Bridge Street and Central Avenue were not functioning for most of today, with the effect of keeping the businesses in that area closed: from Dunkin’ Donuts to the Post Office and all the businesses in between. Once the power was back, only Chatterley’s Bar sprang back to life.
We hope everyone regains their power – and thus their normal life routines – in a speedy manner. At least the school children are happy: School has been cancelled for Wednesday, for the third straight day!
For our readers’ information, the following was posted sometime this afternoon/evening on the Town of New Hartford website:
“The Town of New Hartford is continuing to recover from Storm Sandy. CL&P crews have been in Town and have been in “make-safe” mode. This means that the first priority is to open blocked roads so that safe access and egress can occur. MANY roads in New Hartford were blocked by trees and downed powerlines. CL&P crews are responsible for de-energizing the lines and removing the trees to the side of the road. After ALL blocked roads are deemed to be ‘safe.’ a second crew is called in to repair and restore the lines, thus restoring power to the affected areas. As you can imagine, this is a very time-consuming and lengthy process. As of TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 at 5:00 PM – there are still 3 areas that ‘make-safe’ crews need to attend to. There is no estimate for restoration at this time. Crews will continue to work through-out the night. First Selectman Jerram has been in constant communication with CL&P – he has followed the crews from location to location to insure that they continue to do whatever it takes to bring the power back to ALL residents.
The TOWN HALL will be open again on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 for those who need to charge their electrical devices or stop by for a cup of coffee. At this time, the shelter at Ann Antolini has not yet been opened. The shelter is for extenuating circumstances and is not opened unless there are circumstances that effect more than “a few people.” Shelters are staffed by volunteers and they are asked to offer their services only during extreme situations. Thus far, we have received very few calls for shelter services; if the calls increase and it is deemed to be a need – the shelter will be opened. Please let us know!
PLEASE take the time to make sure your elderly friends, family and neighbors are ok.”
If you have lost power be sure to call CL&P Customer Service to let them know at 1-800-286-2000.
If you have other concerns please call the First Selectman’s Office at 860-379-3389.
West Hill Road was blocked by a tree that had brought down power lines at the Perkins Road intersection on Tuesday afternoon, October 30. Photo: Maria Moore
