Rep. Belsito Supports Relief For Homeowners with Crumbling Foundation

From the Office of the Representative: State Representative Sam Belsito (R-53) joined state lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and local municipal leaders this week at a joint press conference to call for real relief for homeowners living with a crumbling foundation.

“The governor’s proposal for homeowners living with a crumbling foundation is not a solution I will except for my residents who are living with a crumbling basement,” said Rep. Belsito. “We need to provide actual relief for these homeowners, and we can achieve this by getting all the stakeholders around one table. I am committed to keeping the pressure on lawmakers and the governor’s office to pass a bill this session that will provide homeowners with a true remedy.”

After the bi-partisan press conference, a public hearing was held to give the public the opportunity to testify on six proposals related to the crumbling foundation issue.

• SB-905, An Act Concerning Failing Concrete Foundations

• HB-7175, An Act Requiring The Testing Of Concrete Aggregate For The Presence Of Pyrrhotite

• SB-881, An Act Concerning A Study Of Potential Methods Of Providing Relief To Homeowners With Crumbling Foundations

• HB-7160, An Act Concerning A Study Of A Loan Guarantee Fund For Crumbling Foundations

• SB-794, An Act Assisting Homeowners With Crumbling Foundations

• SB-806, An Act Allowing Municipalities To Establish A Grant Program To Replace Or Repair Concrete Foundations

Rep. Belsito said there is no reason to study this issue any further and that all the focus should be put on finding a real solution to this far-reaching situation.

Hundreds of homeowners gathered outside the Legislative Office Building early on Tuesday to speak out against the lack of action from the governor’s office. It is estimated that there are more than 30 municipalities and 500 homes in Connecticut which have been directly affected as a result of crumbling foundations. According to CRCOG, the only remediation to these homeowners is re-pouring those foundations. The cost to do so can range anywhere from $150,000 to $250,000.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Representative