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Community Corner

Portland Not Quite Out of the Dark

Town recovering, but many still remain without power.

CL&P's latest estimate shows that the number of customers still without power is down to 13 percent, or approximately 600 homes and businesses. Officials say three to four additional crews were brought in Thursday morning to expedite repairs.

However, a field safety worker with Northeast Utilities said some of the last repairs might be more difficult. As a result, it might be harder to predict when remaining customers might get their power back. Some might not see power until after the weekend.

A transformer blow-out near Rogers Road and Summer Street might take some design work and painstaking installation and testing.  

That transformer issue plus a large tree that blocked Main Street has prevented a number of businesses from doing anything close to normal business.

Val Cavanaugh, the manager of Gildersleeve Spirit Shop said she's been there to do paperwork.

"If the door is open, there's been a few customers," she said.

Cavanaugh said some of her suppliers near New London are in the dark loading trucks by flashlights.

Mary Dickenson, the Economic Development Consultant for Portland, said the state is making loan guarantees to businesses that qualify to help cover losses from Hurricane Irene. They can call 860 270-8215 to learn more.

There also remain safety concerns in town.

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Local officials are urging residents still in the dark not to use candles. If homeowners get a generator, they need a licensed electrician to safely hook it up. CL&P says some downed lines could become "re-energized" if generators aren't properly attached.

Town Fire Marshall Raymond Sajdak said a preliminary investigation of a early Tuesday was accidental, caused by a candle that was used in a bedroom. Making the fire more difficult, firemen on the scene at 629 Glastonbury Turnpike had to call in mutual aid tankers when they discovered hydrants had reduced pressure because of the hurricane.

The occupants of the home escaped injury, but Fire Chief Robert Shea regretted to report the family pets were lost.

In an effort to provide some relief for residents, the town has been utilizing the high school to provide showers. Hot showers are available from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield said many people are taking advantage of the showers. Residents are reminded to bring their own toiletries. Potable water also is available at Company No. 2 Firehouse. There is an outdoor faucet available for residents to fill their containers.

To help residents with the clean up of fallen trees and branches, the town has decided to do another brush pickup this year. Public works will conduct roadside pickup through Sept. 30.

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