Stamford pounces on more TIGER money
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $10.5 million for upgrades to the Stamford Transportation Center, among the busiest stations in the Metropolitan Transit Authority”™s network.
It marked the third time Stamford has received funding under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant program, or TIGER. The city sought $15.5 million in its original application.
Among other upgrades, the funding will support construction of two pedestrian bridges over the train tracks and will enclose an outdoor area on the north end of the station in order to increase overall capacity.
“Making these essential improvements to the Stamford train station is like hanging a welcome sign to the city for visitors, commuters and businesses alike,” U.S. Rep. Jim Himes said in a prepared statement. “Investing in transportation infrastructure is one of the most important things we can do to improve the economy, and this project will bring needed construction jobs to our community while making a long-term investment in the efficiency, productivity and vibrancy of southwest Connecticut.”
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Report: Colt to manufacture outside state
In a potential blow to Connecticut”™s longtime heritage as armory of the nation, Colt agreed to set up a small manufacturing plant in Florida, its first outside the Hartford area.
The Hartford Courant cited a United Auto Workers official saying the company planned to eventually employ hundreds of people in Florida, but at present has secured just 16,000 square feet of space for some 65 workers.
FuelCell generates another loss
FuelCell Energy Inc. narrowed its losses to $7.9 million in its fiscal fourth quarter ending Oct. 31, but still posted a $57.9 million loss for the fiscal year despite a 76 percent increase in revenue to nearly $123 million.
The company”™s fiscal 2011 results were impacted by repair and upgrade work for some fuel cells in which sealants failed and boosted by a $3 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to study how to use fuel cells to separate carbon dioxide from coal plant emissions.
The Danbury-based company”™s biggest customer is Posco Power, a South Korean company creating a utility-scale electricity plant from fuel cells. In December, South Windsor manufacturer Carla”™s Pasta took delivery of a 300 kilowatt unit from FuelCell Energy, and the company is also delivering a 1.4 megawatt plant to Central Connecticut State University.
Schlumberger deal approved
Ridgefield voters approved a $7 million plan to buy Schlumberger Technology Corp.”™s property, with the deal now reportedly subject to a due-diligence period extending through January.
The Schlumberger site includes 10 buildings on 45 acres of land. According to the Ridgefield Press, the town plans to raze most of those buildings and sell the parcels.
“I think it”™s an important move,” said Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, as quoted by the Ridgefield Press. “It was important for the town to control the destiny of this property.”
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Builder arraigned in worker death
The owner of American Building Co. was arraigned in Stamford Superior Court, following the death of a worker at the Chelsea Piers complex under construction in Stamford.
John Dosky, 52, of Trumbull did not immediately enter a plea to a charge of illegally not carrying workers”™ compensation for Javier Salinas and other workers, according to the Stamford Advocate. The estate of Salinas has sued for wrongful death.
“The death of this worker was completely preventable and compound it with the lack of payment or workers”™ compensation insurance is really appalling,” said Ted Duarte, a union organizer with the New England Regional Council of Carpenters union, in a prepared statement. The union led a rally near the site of the accident in early December.
JLL expands Stamford lease
Commercial real estate broker Jones Lang LaSalle is expanding at 100 First Stamford Place, while extending its lease there to 2017.
Jones Lang LaSalle now occupies some 6,500 square feet in the Stamford building, which is owned by Malkin Properties.
Metro Center recertified for Energy Star
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded its Energy Star designation for a second straight year to the Metro Center office building in Stamford, a 285,000-square foot structure owned by New York City-based Malkin Properties.
The designation certifies that the property meets strict energy performance standards set by the EPA and uses less energy, is less expensive to operate and causes fewer greenhouse gas emissions than buildings that lack the rating.
Café to open at Harbor Point
Le Pain Quotidien, a Belgian-based bakery and caf̩ chain, is set to open next May in StamfordӪs Harbor Point community under development by Building & Land Technology L.L.C.
The caf̩ will be at 711 Canal St., marking Le Pain QuotidienӪs third location in Connecticut; the chain has stores in Greenwich and New Canaan. In addition to organic and rustic breads, the menu will include European pastries, Belgian waffles, salads and quiches. Le Pain Quotidien will be available for in-store catered events and evening room rentals and will also host bread-baking classes.
Report: Nursing home locks out workers
HealthBridge Management reportedly locked out workers at its West River Health Care Center in Milford as part of a union negotiation.
The Fort Lee, N.J.-based company runs three Fairfield County nursing homes: Danbury Health Care Center, Long Ridge of Stamford and Westport Health Care Center. According to the Hartford Courant, workers at those three locations are also negotiating a new contract.
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Stamford to host energy summit
The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership will hold a summit in Stamford next June, with the Connecticut Light & Power subsidiary of Northeast Utilities signing up as the first platinum sponsor.
The conference, with the theme of “The Business Case for Efficiency,” is scheduled for June 13-14 at the Hilton Stamford Hotel. Past summits have drawn between 200 and 400 attendees.
