Alex Budzinski, the owner of the former Housatonic Wire in Seymour, posted a message on the Valley Indy’s Facebook page Tuesday morning saying the state Department of Economic and Community Development released money for the loan Budzinski needs to clean up the property.
Housatonic Wire was destroyed by fire in September 2010.
The blaze was caused by people using blow torches.
Here is Budzinski’s statement:
“Today CT DECD released funds for my loan to start the long overdue cleanup. My sincerest thanks to my good neighbors and residents of Seymour for their understanding and support through this difficult time.
We all know that large insurance claims take years and government loans take months. With this loan from DECD I can now start this long overdue cleanup process. The demolition company (not me) will be pulling a demo permit with the town shortly.
Be certain, I will not compromise the safety or health of our neighbor’s baby just to see machines moving sooner.
In order to prevent any further misinformation, feel free to ask questions, follow the progress or view pictures on Housatonic Wire Facebook page as this long overdue cleanup is completed.”
Budzinski said now that the money is in his bank account, progress will be made at the site.
He said he left a deposit Tuesday morning with EnviroGuard, a company based in Seymour. The company will be doing demo and asbestos clean up at Housatonic Wire, Budzinski said.
If all goes as planned, the majority of the debris will be gone by Memorial Day, Budzinski said.
“Basically, everything is in motion. If nothing happens now, it means I’m dragging my feet,” he said. ​“I keep getting blamed for dragging my feet, but you can’t do anything without money.”
Housatonic Wire still hasn’t finalized its claim with its insurance carrier.
There is oil in the dirt going back 100 years, Budzinski said.
Here is a photo gallery from the day of the 2010 fire. Smoke could be seen from miles away.