Major Monroe Restoration Expected Over Next 2 Days

Editor's Note: The Jockey Hollow Production of "The Miracle Worker" is next Thursday, not this Thursday as previously reported.

Monroe Public Works has already coordinated power restoration efforts with tree and lines crews from Tennessee and Ohio. On Thursday, eight crews from Western Massachusetts rolled into town, according to First Selectman Steve Vavrek.

Private contractors also arrived to assist with the massive cleanup of fallen trees and branches, he said.

"CL&P tells us there will be major restoration work over the next two days," Vavrek said during an interview in his office at Monroe Town Hall."

The first selectman had no breakdown on how many of the eight West Massachusetts crews are tree and how many are lines. Hurricane Sandy knocked down hundreds of trees and closed over 50 roads in Monroe, where 60% did not have power as of Thursday morning.

"It's catastrophic," Vavrek said. "Trees are snapping as we speak. The power is being restored. There are moving parts. We fix an area and another tree falls down."

Vavrek praised the DPW for the job its done at dispatching trucks as they come in, sending them to areas on the priority list.

He said Fairway Acres, which had an issue with two transformers, is back on line, as well as High Meadows condominiums.

Residents are looking out for trucks in their neighborhoods and Varek said the tree and power company trucks are from several areas and are different colors, including red, yellow and white.

He also noted that the CL&P Outage Map often fluctuates as power is shut off to restore electricity in other areas.

"For the most part, people have been patient," Vavrek said. "But some are still going through the barricades and there have been instances of officers and crew members being yelled at. They're just trying to do their jobs."

"The state delegation has been active to work above our liaisons to make sure we get crews. Monroe is not forgotten. DebraLee Hovey and Kevin Kelly have been in constant contact with me."

Hovey is the state representative for the 112th District and Kelly is senator for the 21st District.

"CL&P has not lived up to their promises and all first selectmen are saying the same thing," Vavrek said.

Vavrek said rumors have been circulating around town during the restoration period. For instance, he disputes reports that the Newtown first selectman has been providing updates by specific roads and says she told him it's not the case.

"No first selectman is getting information on what roads are fixed," Vavrek said. "We know what grids are being fixed and what grids are being worked on."

The first selectman said in some cases a street can get its power back when a street next door does not, because they are on different grids.