Eye on Town Government

By Susan MacEachron

The Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) meeting on June 14 began with members of the public expressing views, pro and con, about the decision to retain the cement peninsulas and trees in front of the Berkshire Country Store in downtown Norfolk.

Ryan Craig, owner of the store, explained his reasons for lobbying for the removal of the trees and peninsulas, citing the lack of additional parking in front of his store as one of the challenges to running a small business in a small town. He also noted the issue of winter snow piles on and around the peninsulas, making the handicap parking space less accessible at times.

Walter Godlewski, a local resident, spoke in favor of retaining the peninsulas, highlighting the importance of trees in the overall appearance of the town center and the concept of a walkway connection from Robinson Plaza and the newly created City Meadow to the path between the peninsulas. He also noted the original impetus for creating the peninsulas was to slow the cars moving through the town center. He pointed out that the significant investment in City Meadow comes with the hope that there will be more people walking around town and their safety should be kept in mind.

Another local resident, Kelly Kandra Hughes, expressed hope for a compromise that would allow the town to better manage the slippery conditions during winter snows but also preserve the appearance of the town center.

P&Z Chair Tom Fahsbender advised Craig that he would need to work with the town, since it is the landowner, if he wishes to pursue changes to the town center. He noted that applications to P&Z must come from landowners. 

P&Z then reviewed the draft letter supporting the use of land at the town farm to install a solar array and voted to send the letter to the selectmen.

Dawn Whalen, executive director of the Norfolk Foundation, introduced Lisa Sigal, co-director of the Yale Summer Art Program. Sigal said that Yale and the foundation had received a grant to produce a temporary art exhibit on public spaces in town. P&Z said they should request a temporary permit.

In a follow-up conversation with Whalen, she said the grant came from the Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity. The art is intended to spark a conversation about the town housing plan and help to connect the art students to the community, since they no longer board with Norfolk residents during their program.  

First Selectman Matt Riiska mentioned that the Norfolk Community Association is planning to commission public art for display in various locations around town.