Groundbreaking set for Dec. 6

By Avice Meehan

First Selectman Henry Tirrell announced that the official groundbreaking for Norfolk’s new firehouse will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m., at the site on Shepard Road. Sitework is expected to begin that week with the erection of protective fencing around the property.

Tirrell signed a $4 million bond anticipation note on Nov. 24 that will provide temporary financing for the town’s portion of the $10.4 million project. Voters at an Oct. 6 special town meeting had approved borrowing of up to $4 million, with the balance coming from a combination of private fundraising, a state grant of $2.5 million, $500,000 earmarked by U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes and a transfer of $500,000 from the town’s reserve account.

Matt Riisksa, who stepped down as first selectman in mid-November, worked with the town’s bond counsel and Tirrell to set up the financing. The bond anticipation was purchased by investment bank Piper Sandler at an interest rate of 2.98 percent. The note comes due in September, at which time the town could extend the borrowing or issue a long-term bond.

Before leaving office, Riiska also signed the contract with Newfield Construction, which will oversee the project. Guerrera Construction will be responsible for the site work and has already handled major projects in Norfolk, including the reconstruction of Maple Avenue and the excavation at Haystack Woods.