Author: kathrynwboughton@gmail.com

It’s the beginning of August and that means it is time for the ninth annual Weekend in Norfolk celebration, a three-day festival that encompasses the entire town.

WIN kicked off last night (Thursday) for early birds with a sneak peek at the Norfolk Artists and Friends exhibition and an Emerging Artists Showcase, and continues through Sunday afternoon. Many future events—such as fly-fishing seminars, the Hike the Peaks Challenge, self-guided history tours, art shows, music on Robertson Plaza and stained-glass window tours, can be enjoyed on all three days.

Other events, including concerts in the Music Shed on the Battell-Stoeckel Estate and at Infinity Hall, are individual events offered only once. Visitors and residents alike may enjoy sun-gazing at Dennis Hill Park, an open house at the Little Red Schoolhouse, a garden tour featuring woodland pathways, tours of the impressive Whitehouse on the Stoeckel Estate, an ice cream social, weddings or vow renewals on the Village Green and more.

A full schedule of events, times and places can be found here.  

—Newsletter Editor

The Department of Transportation will hold a Zoom webinar Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. to describe plans for Smith Road bridge, which was washed out last year in a flash flood. The DOT planned to replace Smith Road bridge before the nearby Old Goshen Road bridge, but is now reevaluating its plan because Smith Road would better accommodate a temporary span.

Marc Byrnes, program manager for the DOT’s Local Bridge Program, said this week that the Smith Road breach would be easier to span with a temporary structure. “Our intent is to accelerate the process,” he said.

Construction of a temporary bridge would fall under the purview of the town and not the state, however, and no decision has yet been reached about whether it will be done.

Old Goshen Road was also destroyed during the flood and South Norfolk residents have grown impatient after a year of detouring around the breaches. They are demanding a temporary bridge to provide direct access to Route 272.

Design work for Smith Road began last fall and the DOT has been working its way through procuring documentation, preliminary surveys, soil analyses and the like. Byrnes said the biggest scheduling delays include negotiating relocation right-of-way purchases, procuring a federal flood management permit and an Army Corps of Engineers permit. “Those are long-lead items,” he said. 

The design for the first bridge to be replaced will not be complete until next year with construction slated for the first quarter of 2026. At best, if 2025 produces a mild winter, work could start then. “We could investigate winter construction, but it would depend on temperature-reliant materials like cement. We want to make sure the town is not inconvenienced for a long period,” Byrnes said.   

“The ultimate goal is not to have the same problem in 20 years,” he continued. “These are 75-year designs.” The bridges will be designed to handle the flow produced by the more intense storms resulting from climate change.

Ironically, the 68-year-old Old Goshen bridge, built in 1956 following the disastrous Flood of ’55, was a slapdash affair built with recycled boiler pipes. “It was a very economical design,” Byrnes observed.

The Smith Road bridge was built in 1999, probably as the result of a washout. 

Byrnes said both bridges will be replaced through a program funded by the 2021 federal infrastructure bill. The money is channeled through the state, which pays 100 percent of permanent replacement costs. A temporary bridge would have to be purchased by the town, however.

Any permanent local bridge with a 20-foot span is part of the National Bridge Inventory even if owned by a town. This makes it eligible for federal funds. 

The DOT website page for the project can be viewed here. To register for the webinar, click here.

—Newsletter Editor

Ever wondered about the “castle” on Westside Road? Who built such an extravagant estate amid a New England village? The Norfolk Historical Society’s 2024 exhibit delves into the history of the property and celebrates one of its most distinguished early summer residents, Mihajlo Idvorski (Michael) Pupin.

Pupin, a brilliant physicist, professor and inventor, held 34 patents that brought him world-wide fame. He came to Norfolk at the suggestion of Dr. Frederic Dennis, a Columbia University colleague, who thought the climate and beauty of Northwest Connecticut would be a tonic for the bereaved Pupin, who was mourning the untimely death of his wife.

Pupin, who had already revolutionized medical science with his inventions, found Norfolk to be his “Haven of Happiness,” and soon considered it to be his home. 

He built two significant residences here: The Knolls on Westside Road, which became the talk of the town in 1898; followed a decade later by Hemlock Farm, the European-style “castle” reminiscent of his Serbian homeland (today used by the Connecticut-Asia Society).

Hemlock Farm was a far cry from the circumstances that confronted the 16-year-old peasant boy when he disembarked in America in 1874. With five cents in his pocket and no knowledge of English, he started his hard scrabble toward world renown. He worked days in fields and factories while studying at night. So successful was he, that he earned a scholarship to Columbia, later studying at Cambridge University and receiving his doctorate from the University of Berlin in 1889. 

Pupin cared deeply about Norfolk and contributed financially to several important projects, including the construction of the Royal Arcanum building in 1903 and the Center School in 1915. 

The exhibit is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., through October 13.

—Newsletter Editor

A contingent of concerned South Norfolk citizens met with First Selectman Matt Riiska July 19 to urge construction of a temporary bridge across Hall Meadow Brook. The neighborhood has been cut off from direct access to Route 272 since a flash flood last July swept away bridges on Smith Road and Old Goshen Road.

Since then, the state DOT has promised to replace the bridges at a cost of $5.8 million dollars, but the timeframe for the work could extend into 2028, according to Riiska.

Residents attending the meeting expressed frustration that no progress had been made in a year to provide convenient access to their homes by emergency and other services. They were adamant that their isolation is a safety issue and that moves should be made to provide a temporary bridge to their community. They suggested several options that could provide temporary access in two weeks for as little as $20,000.

Riiska said he has held discussions with Guerrera Construction about how a temporary connection could be established. “I understand how nauseatingly slow it is for the DOT to make a decision,” he said. “I pleaded with them to stop work on Mountain Road and to put their efforts into Smith Road, but it has fallen on deaf ears.”

But he added there is no a clear-cut answer to the problem. “Herein lies the problem,” he said. “Once you get within so many feet of the stream, everyone wants you to go by their rules and regulations. All we really need is a one-lane that can handle 50,000 pounds, but you have to get back away from the river. You can’t just put a pad in, level it off and say good enough.”

He looked at temporary bridges in Scotland, Conn., and received information that that town paid $440,000 for a temporary bridge. “Realistically, we are looking at $125,000 to $150,000,” he said. “We have to build to specifications that satisfy the insurance company and the DOT. Those organizations, in this day and age, are not going to let you put in something they don’t approve. They will shut you down.”

Thursday, Riiska said he understands the residents’ frustration. He has looked at options this week, but added, “It’s not as simplistic as people think it is.”

He bemoaned the bureaucracy of the DOT, saying a meeting about Smith Road the day before included 38 people. During the meeting, he expressed concern about why it was taking so long to restore the area.

Meanwhile, he is seeking quotes for a temporary bridge and has set an Aug. 2 date to again meet with the residents of the area. There is money in the town’s surplus funds, but before it can be tapped, he needs approval from the Board of Finance and a town meeting.

—Newsletter Editor

The ninth annual summer Weekend in Norfolk, a three-day town-wide festival, returns August 2 through August 4 with activities for all ages and interests.

There will be familiar events—concerts, art shows, open studios and art lessons; a historical society exhibit on one of Norfolk most important summer residents; a historical walking tour; stained glass window tours; hiking opportunities and even a chance to be married or renew your vows on the village green.

And there will also be some new additions to attract visitors, such as a chance to visit the historic one-room schoolhouse on Ashpohtag Road, a yarn sale at the HUB, and a sound installation in Barbour Woods that is looped to play every 10 minutes.

Click here for a full schedule of events and times.

—Newsletter Editor

The town has launched a search for a new Zoning Enforcement Officer following the resignation this week of Karl Nilsen. 

Nilsen had held the position since early winter and was the second ZEO appointed since Michael Halloran resigned December 30.

When Halloran resigned, the position was briefly offered to a younger, inexperienced man who never actually took over the office. 

The position is part-time and Nilsen attended Planning and Zoning Commission and Inland Wetlands Agency meetings and had brief office hours at Town Hall twice a week. He was paid $40 an hour.

First Selectman Matt Riiska said the town is looking for someone with experience “who will work with the town.”

Finding candidates for positions such as the ZEO, assessor, treasurer and the like is becoming more difficult for small towns as the training and demands of the positions become more intensive. Many small towns have trouble attracting candidates because larger communities can pay more.

“We have couple of people currently looking for us and one that might be interested,” Riiska reported. “We’ll get through this.”

—Newsletter Editor

Town finances may get a boost from an anticipated insurance payout and a possible federal grant. With construction on Maple Avenue complete, First Selectmen Matt Riiska said, “Now is the time we have to start negotiating with the insurance company.”

He explained that, although Maple Avenue had been slated for a major overhaul anyway, the gas spill of November 2022 created substantial damage that had to be remediated. He met Thursday with representatives of Guerrera Construction, the company that did both the remediation work and reconstruction of the road, “to review some of the extra work charges and the remediation work to see what goes to the insurance company,” he said. He estimated that more than $500,000 was expended on the cleanup portion of the project and should be paid to the town by the insurance company.

With Maple Avenue complete, the town has turned its attention to routine maintenance of other roads. Riiska said Mills Way was milled and paved this week, and work on Old Goshen Road is expected to be complete today (Friday). Wheeler Road was also on the list of roads to be paved this summer. 

In other good news, Riiska received notice from Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy that Congress has passed the Congressional Directed Spending component of its budget. Congressional Directed Spending is more commonly known as “earmarked” funds for projects in legislators’ various districts. 

Riiska applied for a $1 million grant to help with construction of the new firehouse. The town is not assured of the money, but Riiska said “it is one more hurdle we have passed.” He added that he also applied for a $500,000 grant through U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes’ office to help with the construction.

Looking at the North Brook Trail project, he said the town has most of the money needed to complete the project, which is estimated to cost around $500,000. The town received a $399,000 matching grant from the state to build the nearly one-mile long multiple-use trail, which received approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission last week.

The town must provide 20 percent of the cost of the trail and Riiska said that percentage will be met through donations already in hand and in-kind services, which can include donated materials and work by the town crew. “We have the majority of the funds for the boardwalk and the access component,” he said. Work is expected to begin in late summer or early fall.

—Newsletter Editor

The Board of Finance voted Tuesday night to invest the $1.2 million remaining after the termination of the town’s defined pension fund in a one-year Treasury bill, earning 4.88 percent, or about $49,000 (less an approximately $2,000 management fee). Susan MacEachron, head of the Pension Committee, said that investing for only a year gives the town access to the funds to meet expenses expected next year. 

The town terminated its defined benefit plan—which had about $1.8 million in it—in January and has since purchased annuities for the few town employees still receiving retirement benefits. When obligations to employees were satisfied, the town was left with about $1.2 million, McEachron said, and a custody account was opened at Union Savings Bank.

A small portion of the money, about $135,000, is needed this November to pay this year’s installment on the debt on Botelle School windows and doors, and toward at the ambulance building. That money has been transferred to the National Iron Bank and invested in a five-month CD earning 5.125 percent. 

—Newsletter Editor

The Planning and Zoning Commission set two public hearings for its August 13 meeting during a session held Tuesday. Slated for discussion in August are an application from William G. Gridley for a subdivision of land at 59 Sandisfield Road, and an application for a text amendment to the zoning regulations from the Friends of Norfolk Community Dog Park, Inc.

The text amendment requested by the Friends seeks reduction of the area required for the dog park from 20 to two acres. When the original application was considered in May 2023, there was no provision in the zoning regulations for a dog park. The commission considered the dog park to be a recreational facility, which carries with it the requirement for 20 contiguous acres.

The approval stipulated, however, that while 20 acres must be set aside, only the two acres detailed in the site plan can be used for the dog park.

Members concurred with P&Z member Jordan Stern’s suggestion that the Friends be required to submit a definition of a dog park in the application. After the meeting, P&Z chairman Tom Fahsbender explained that it would be up to commission members whether to accept the provided definition, amend it or devise their own.

The Gridley application seeks to divide a plot of slightly less than 15 acres into two lots. There is currently a large home on the land. 

An application for a zoning permit/special permit for construction of a new maintenance shed at the Norfolk Country Club was removed from the agenda because Zoning Enforcement Officer Karl Nilsen had issued a zoning permit for the project.

Neighbors of the Manor House, an inn located at 69 Maple Avenue in a residential zone, brought their concerns about expansion on the property to the P&Z. The Manor House owners have sought a zoning permit to construct a garage and install a hot tub.  

Joseph Kelly, who lives opposite Manor House, said he was unclear about what was being accepted or approved despite efforts to meet with Nilsen. “I do have concerns and want more clarity,” he said. 

He contended that as “a large business in our residential neighborhood” operating under a special permit, changes should require a public hearing.

Fahsbender said that a special permit allows certain uses and that operation within the original permit does not require another second hearing. Nilsen, who issued a zoning permit for the garage, explained that it would be for residential and not business use and is replacing one that will be razed. 

Also questioned was the addition of a hot tub. Nilsen said he considered it to be a recreational use allowed within the special permit. He issued a zoning permit for that as well. Both projects are pending.

Both Fahsbender and Nilsen advised the neighbors that they should take their concerns to the Zoning Board of Appeals. 

—Newsletter Editor

Work on the North Brook Trail is expected to begin in August, according to George Johannesen of Allied Engineering Associates, who designed it for the Rails to Trails Committee.

Johannesen appeared before the Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday night where he secured approval of the site plan for the project, which follows the former Central New England Railroad right-of-way and will extend about three-quarters of a mile to the Stoney Lonesome Trail parking lot off Ashpohtag Road. An easement from Norfolk Center Cemetery Association will allow parking on the Norfolk end of the trail.

Johannesen said the entire trail meets ADA requirements and is designed for both pedestrian and bicycletraffic. It will also be firm enough for strollers and wheelchairs.

The Inland Wetlands Agency has approved the plan, as has the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, owner of the land. “We have all the letters of authorization,” said P&Z Chairman Tom Fahsbender.

Johannesen said that most of the trail traverses wetlands and that several beaver dams in the area have created pools of standing water. A 150-foot-boardwalk, constructed of pressure-treated lumber, will span the pools. The remainder of the trail will be surfaced by compacted aggregate, which is permeable. 

The Rails to Trails Committee has labored for more than a decade to bring the project to fruition. In May 2023 it received a $399,725 Recreational Trails Program grant from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The grant represents about 80 percent of the total cost of construction. The balance is to be covered by other grants, donations and in-kind services.

—Newsletter Editor