WHERE DO HOMEOWNERS GO FROM HERE? Behind the Scenes of Connecticut’s Crumbling Foundation Crisis
Lack of Oversight A Department of Consumer Protection study determined that Becker’s Quarry, the primary source of concrete at the time, has a significant amount of pyrrhotite. While the rock has proven to be an issue, JJ Mottes, the company that extracted the aggregate, maintains that all materials met regulation standards for use. They point the finger at multiple unregulated building contractors who are no longer in existence. Left Holding the Bag While everyone tries to blame each other, residents of Connecticut are left without a solution. Insurance companies are denying claims, the statute of limitations has run out, the state can’t cover all the funding, and the federal government has declined an attempt to bring disaster relief from FEMA. With projected costs of $150,000–$250,000 to repair a single affected home, many homeowners are left with no choice but to abandon ship. There is one glimmer of potential hope. In early May, the Connecticut Legislature passed a relief plan aimed at assisting families facing this disaster. An added $12 annual surcharge to the 900,000 homeowner insurance policies would create a $9.3 million fund aimed at relief for those who suffer this horror. That’s one potential step torward solving a billion-dollar catastrophe.
The people of Connecticut are being hung out to dry. Imagine watching helplessly as your home, the most prized possession you’ll ever invest in, collapses before your eyes, and you’re not able to do anything about it. For thousands of homeowners, this nightmare is a reality. We are in the middle of a crisis. Homes built in the late ‘80s aren’t just experiencing cracks in their foundations. Their concrete base is giving way to the earth and taking the American dream with it. The wake of disaster this epidemic has caused goes beyond just the loss of physical property; it extends into the financial future of each family affected. Rep. Kelly Juleson-Scopino is one of the many local politicians who is pushing for intervention on the matter, but it’s not just because of her calling to the community. She bought her dream house in 2012 for $300,000. It’s now worth only $86,000. Pyrrhotite When concrete is quarried from a work site, it is supposed to be tested for impurities. The most common foundation killer for our region is pyrrhotite. When this mineral is exposed to oxygen and water, it will eventually swell and crack.
Jack?
BLUE CHEESE
Where’s
Buffalo Dogs and Celery Slaw
Happy birthday to Jack! Jack just turned 6 in June. Jack and Kelly are a certified therapy dog and handler teamwith Healers With HalosTherapy Dogs. Jack is a rescue collie adopted fromCollie Rescue of the Carolinas. He is certified by the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program and attained his CGC title from the American Kennel Club. Jack works many venues, bringing comfort and happiness to the young and old.
Ingredients
• 1 package of your favorite hot dogs • 1 package hot dog buns • 1 bottle Frank’s RedHot sauce • 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest • 2 teaspoons • 1 teaspoon olive oil • Celery salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste fresh lemon juice
For Celery Slaw: • 4 celery stalks,
very thinly sliced
Instructions
1. For slaw, toss all ingredients together and season with celery salt and pepper. 2. Grill hot dogs and toast buns. 3. Assemble hot dogs, douse with hot sauce, and top with celery slaw. 4. Top with blue cheese, add another splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling extra spicy, and serve.
JACK RELAXING AT THE LAW OFFICE
Inspired by Bon Appetit magazine
Attorneys Paul Levin & Kelly Kasheta
(860) 560-7226 • 3
www.connecticutinjuryhelp.com
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