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Mayor Ganim Letter to United Illuminating 

Mayor Joseph P. Ganim
Bridgeport, CT

For Immediate Release                                                                            
August 13, 2020

MAYOR GANIM RECOGNIZES CITY RECOVERY AND RESTORATION CONTINUES, DEMANDS FURTHER ACTION FROM UI   

GANIM ASKING UI TO PROVIDE $100 GIFT CARD TO RESIDENTS FOR GROCERY LOSSES

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Mayor Ganim, Emergency Operations and Public Facilities update residents on storm recovery efforts, park closures, tree debris removal, and restoring power to residents in the City of Bridgeport, some of whom went for six days in the dark.  Power has finally been successfully restored to all Bridgeport residents but the clean-up continues, as does demand for action.

“First, I want to take a moment to thank the residents for their patience while the City continues to clean up branches, open intersections, and reopen parks. Finally, UI has turned on the power for the last Bridgeport resident; well overdue,” stated Mayor Ganim.  “As we move forward, I’m asking UI to look at their poor response to this storm and consider giving each customer who lost groceries in their refrigerator at least a $100 gift card for all the damage and inconvenience inflicted upon our residents.   At a time when people are out of work and effects of COVID-19 have caused financial hardships, the least UI can do is replace grocery losses.”

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who lost power in the storm which caused food spoilage may request replacement benefits by September 3, 2020 by calling the DSS Benefit Center at 1-855-626-6632 or filling out the Request for Replacement of Food Purchased with SNAP Benefits and Collateral Contact forms. 

In response to the storm, city officials, council members, small businesses, larger companies, residents, and other volunteers joined in the effort to provide much needed resources such as 1,200 meals delivered to apartment complexes with seniors, veterans at Homes for the Brave and others.  Homeless Outreach Team in coordination with the DPH, EOC, and Office of the Mayor continued water bottle distribution to populations at-risk for dehydration which began at first sign of heat waves this summer.

Department of Public Facilities reports more than 340 reported tree incidents continue to be assesses and cleared.  Fallen trees and branches are being removed throughtout the city and DPF begins curbside pickup of branches, brush on Monday August 17th.   Residents may leave their tree debris on curbside for pick up.  Crews will start pick up on the East End and move through the city until all districts are cleared.

Seaside Park, as well as all smaller pocket parks are reopened. Beardsley Park had extensive damage with downed wires and trees - will open Friday, August 14th. 

Emergency Operations Center reminds residents to report any uninsured damages to the Bridgeport EOC by calling 203-579-3829 or apply online here. This information will be provided to FEMA to document loss, damage, and any City of Bridgeport need for financial assistance.

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