Allen Street Project Faces Budget Shortfall as Concerns Over Infrastructure Issues Persist

New Britain’s Allen Street neighborhood residents are intensifying their demands for immediate infrastructure improvements to address chronic flooding and sanitary system failures that have plagued the area for over a decade.

The outdated storm-sewer system, which serves 177 acres of densely populated residential neighborhoods, has been overwhelmed by heavy rainfall events at least 13 times since 2018, according to community reports. These flooding incidents have created what residents describe as “open air cesspools” containing bacteria, fecal matter, oils, and other contaminants that pose significant public health risks.

“The cause and effect is undeniable,” states a neighborhood report citing engineering firm Weston-Sampson, which declared “the Allen Street Project must be a priority because the infrastructure is at crisis levels.”

At the heart of the controversy is what residents characterize as 12 years of inaction under Mayor Erin Stewart and Public Works Director Mark Saavedra’s administration. Community members claim the officials have used “excuses, distortions, neglect and disinformation” to delay critical infrastructure improvements despite having access to substantial funding.

The Allen Street storm-sewer system was designed decades ago and is now considered severely undersized for current development and increasingly intense rainfall patterns. While the area is not officially designated as a flooding zone, the elevated terrain channels uncontrolled water through properties, causing widespread damage.

Beyond the visible flooding, residents are concerned about hidden dangers. Rising water tables saturate the land, creating underground pressure that threatens foundations and structures. This is compounded by soil erosion, settling, and potential sinkholes that further compromise property integrity.

“Our quality of life continues to suffer, our safety continues to be in harm’s way, and 50+ properties and structures are all at risk,” community advocates state.

The engineering solution has been ready for years. Cardinal Engineering has developed an updated plan that is “bid and shovel ready,” according to community documents. However, the project’s estimated cost has more than doubled from approximately $7 million in 2013 to nearly $15 million in 2025 due to delays.

Residents argue this price increase represents fiscal irresponsibility by city leadership, who they claim have received “hundreds of millions of earmark-free dollars” from state and federal partners while increasing local taxes, yet have not allocated funds to the Allen Street Project.

The financial implications extend beyond the immediate construction costs. Residents point to expensive ongoing expenses being passed to the city from the Mattabasett Plant due to excessive ground-storm water pumping and treatment fees. According to cited consultant estimates, inflow and infiltration issues similar to those affecting the Allen Street system cost U.S. cities approximately $100 billion annually.

Additional costs include basement flooding repairs, private property damage, regulatory penalties, potential litigation, and environmental degradation—expenses that ultimately fall on taxpayers and affected homeowners.

City officials have acknowledged the severity of the situation in past statements, with public documents quoting Stewart and Saavedra describing the Allen Street Project as “critical to resolving chronic issues” and “our most pressing need.” Despite these admissions, residents contend meaningful action remains absent.

The issue has become political, with mayoral candidate Bobby Sanchez pledging “Action On Day One” for Allen Street improvements if elected.

Community advocates Frank and Stephanie Chase have been documenting flooding incidents and advocating for resolution. “When the contaminated flooding water recedes and during dry spells, we are conveniently forgotten by our city officials,” they stated in a community report.

The situation highlights broader infrastructure challenges facing aging New England cities as they confront more frequent intense weather events attributed to climate change, while balancing limited municipal budgets against critical infrastructure needs.

For affected residents, the issue transcends politics—it’s about public health, property values, and community well-being. As one resident put it: “When injustice is normalized, resistance becomes our duty.”