Selectman’s Corner

by Matt Riiska

The water main project on Route 44 is wrapping up, and I don’t think any of us will be sorry to see the construction company driving out of town with their excavators, loaders and giant jack hammer. I apologize to all who live along Route 44 who had to put up with all the hammering and shaking. Unfortunately, this was just a prelude for what is to come. The replacement of the wall on Route 44 on the way to Canaan is scheduled for late 2022. This is going to be a major disruption to traveling to and from Canaan.

The Fire House Committee met on Oct. 15 to start the discussion and planning of a replacement for our firehouse. As I mentioned last month, this is an overdue project. With that said, I believe that many on the committee understand that the cost will be a large part of the upcoming discussions. The plan is to generate plans, engineering specifications, cost estimates and funding opportunities over the next year. Once this is completed, there will be meetings for residents to review the project and eventually a town meeting to approve the project and funding.

Last year as part of the charrette and the Plan of Conservation and Development, there was a discussion of how we could increase the number of parking spaces in the center of Norfolk. One suggestion was the parking area around Town Hall. The problem is that if people cannot see the parking area from the center, they will not use the available parking. To alleviate this, the town, with the assistance of the Norfolk Foundation and the Community Association, will be opening up the sight line between Town Hall and Station Place by removing the invasive Norway maples and some of the other vegetation. In addition, we will be reworking the path and adding needed lighting to make the path safe. The lighting plan is being done in conjunction with the lighting plan for the library. This will create continuity with the lighting used throughout the entire center. 

Make sure you take some time off from your fall chores and winter preparations to enjoy the weather before winter sets in. Last year our first snowstorm was Nov. 18. 

Take care & stay healthy.