Development has begun at 135 Millerton Rd., Sharon. As seen from the Sharon Land Trust nature trail across the street, construction of a long, winding driveway on the farm has begun.
SHARON — Paley Farm’s new owners have begun to develop a multi-million-dollar home on the property despite pending resolution of an injunction request to block construction.
In March 2022, a couple from New York purchased 187.33 acres of protected farmland at 135 Millerton Rd. Since then, the owners, David and Liza Bainbridge of Rye, have received approvals to construct a residence on the historic farm.
The land known as Paley Farm was owned by the Paley family going back to 1939. In 1982, the Paleys moved to the location of the current Paley Farm Market and sold the original farm on Millerton Road.
In the early 1980s, farmland in the state was being swallowed up by developers. Morris Paley set out to protect his family’s farm with the help of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DOA) and American Farmland Trusts.
The team succeeded in conveying the development rights of three parcels totaling 187.33 acres to the DOA, thus conserving the land for farming. In total, the state paid more than $300,000 for the conveyance. The New York Times reported on this effort under the headline, “Trust Acts to Save a Farm in Sharon.”
With development rights now in the hands of the state, Paley sold the property to Timothy and Patricia Parry. The land changed hands twice more in the 1990s and made it to 2022 when the Bainbridges bought the farm in its protected state. Land sale records show the purchase price in 2022 was $1,475,000.
The land is still used as a farm today, specifically for hay production. The hay is harvested by a nearby dairy operation that requested to remain unnamed.
After purchasing the plot, the Bainbridges applied to DOA for building approval in November 2022. The application proposed a two-story home with a two-car attached garage, pool, outdoor spa, septic system/leach field, well, electricity installation including buried utility lines and three utility vaults, back-up generator with transformer and wood-clad fence, driveway, driveway court, and garage court.
Sharon Land Trust (SLT) and a group of concerned citizens took steps to intervene in late 2022 and early 2023. When lobbying efforts to DOA, state legislators and the Council of Enviornmental Quality yielded no results, the group offered to buy the farm from the Bainbridges.
By summer of 2023 a verbal agreement to purchase the land had been reached at a cost of $1.5 million, set to close on or before Aug. 31 of that year. On Aug. 17, 2023, DOA approved the Bainbridges’ application to build, and the land sale agreement was abandoned.
In its decision, DOA stated, “the Department has determined that the proposed residence does not materially decrease the acreage and productivity of arable land for crops and that due consideration was given to the impact of any decrease in acreage or productivity of arable land upon the total farm operation.”
The Bainbridges have continued to seek building permits in 2024. Most recently, on July 15, a building application was approved by Sharon Land Use Administrator Jamie Casey, who reported that the applicants met all planning and zoning requirements. The application was not put before the Planning and Zoning Commission since dwelling construction is considered a by-right activity of landowners and does not require a special permit.
Permits were issued to the Bainbridges to construct a foundation, valued at $371,000, and a wood-framed home valued above $3 million. More than $30,000 in permit fees were issued to the Town of Sharon by the Bainbridges.
Before the permit approval, on July 5 legal proceedings were filed by SLT and Carol Flaton (concerned citizen) with Torrington Superior Court. SLT and Flaton are represented by Cohen & Wolf P.C. of Danbury and the Bainbridges are represented by Halloran & Sage LLP of Hartford.
The plaintiffs claim DOA “misconstrued the 1984 conveyance and applicable statutes” in its decision to approve construction.
The filing states the Connecticut regulatory definitions have changed over time and DOA must consider the language in place at the time of conservation (1984). A statute in the regulations allows for “other improvements” that are directly incidental to agricultural enterprise, but the language of this statute has been modified since the conveyance went into place.
“Thus, whether the residence materially decreases land for crops is irrelevant — the only relevant consideration is whether a proposed residence is ‘directly incidental to farm operation’,” the filing states. “Neither Morris Paley nor the Department of Agriculture in 1984 intended to allow for large weekend homes in the middle of prime farmland.”
SLT requested a court-ordered injunction take effect to prevent construction on the property while court proceedings are ongoing. On Aug. 9, Torrington Superior Court requested accompanying documents for the injunction. The Bainbridges received a summons to appear in court Sept. 26 for an opportunity to dispute the injunction. The plaintiffs expect to learn if the group has standing to bring the case at the Sept. 26 hearing.
In the interim, Judge Walter A. Menjivar permitted the defendants to begin driveway construction. Development of Paley Farm began Aug. 12.
When contacted, David Bainbridge offered no comment. Ken Slater of Halloran & Sage LLP confirmed he was representing the Bainbridges but declined to comment on the ongoing case.
State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) described the situation as “very disappointing.” She noted that the conveyance of development rights at Paley Farm was among the first such easements in the state. In conversations with DOA, she gathered that the department “felt like it didn’t have the authority to enforce it the way they wanted to.”
Sharon Land Trust Treasurer Allen Reiser worried about the precedent this sets. He said there are several other properties in Sharon protected by 1980s conveyances that could be developed if DOA allows.
“As a land trust obviously we’d love for as much land as possible to be preserved. But this is a property the State of Connecticut paid, in today’s dollars, a million dollars to be conserved and they’re not enforcing the easement properly,” said Reiser. “It rubs me the wrong way as a taxpayer and it rubs me the wrong way as a Sharon Land Trust member. That being said, we recognize and support the ability of property owners to build and modify residences to whatever extent is allowed by local zoning rules.”
Lakeville Journal
WEST CORNWALL — Jeff Rosati, 72, of West Cornwall, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026.
Born in New Milford on January 18, 1954, Jeff was the devoted son of the late Kathren Valtrum.
After graduating from New Milford High School, he began his career with Eversource as a meter reader, dedicatedly serving the company for 42 years before retiring in 2014 as Chief Garage Mechanic.
In 1979, during a chance meeting while getting a haircut, Jeff met the love of his life, Bernetta (Marshall). Their love story was one for the record books, sharing a deeply devoted marriage of 45 years.
In 1983, Jeff and Bernetta found their forever home in Cornwall, building a life centered on hard work and quiet kindness.
In his retirement, “Little Jeffy” was happiest being outdoors or in his barn. He loved tinkering on projects, tending to his garden, and caring for his hummingbirds. A treasured friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand, he could often be found happily mowing the lawn or pulled over roadside on his beloved John Deere tractor catching up with neighbors.
Jeff will be profoundly missed by his loving wife, Bernetta; the Marshall family of Crane, Texas; and countless friends across Cornwall who held him dear.
A Graveside Service will be held at North Cornwall Cemetery, Rattlesnake Rd., West Cornwall, CT on Thursday August 20 at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Lakeville Journal
AMENIA — William (Bill) O’Connell died peacefully surrounded by family at Sharon Hospital on Aug. 12, 2026, due to complications of cancer. Bill was born into a large Irish Catholic family in Bay Shore, New York, on March 3, 1964. After Bill completed kindergarten, the family moved upstate, settling on Depot Hill in Amenia, New York, where he was a lifelong resident. He attended Catholic School at Immaculate Conception, transferring to Webutuck Middle School in the sixth grade. He graduated from Webutuck High School in 1982.
As a child he was an avid (obsessed) fisherman, asking for a new fishing pole every year for his birthday. He was given permission to skip school every opening day of fishing season. He cherished fond memories of growing up as a “Depot Hill Gang” member. He enjoyed playing soccer, basketball, and baseball throughout high school. While hitchhiking home from his job as a lifeguard at the Millerton Town Pool, good looks and charm got him discovered. First as a print model, then as an actor in eleven television commercials and as an extra in a couple of movies. Anyone who knew him at that time was fair game for a ride to the train station or directly into the city for the many auditions he went to. He was a painter by trade, working in partnership with his brother Michael, at O’Connell Painting for many years serving the tri-state area. Bill was adventurous, loved to travel, and spent several months on a walk-a-bout through Australia and New Zealand. Bill was always up for a concert, a Giants game, or picking the freshest berries on the way to a cool fishing spot. He was well known locally at many recreational leagues for indoor soccer, darts, pool, cards, and golf. He was quite a competitor at everything he enjoyed. Bill and Michael organized the annual O’Connell Paint Can Open for many years, with loyal enthusiasts flying in to attend year after year. In the latter years, complications from multiple ailments made his life increasingly difficult, dulling his natural shine. The bright spot of that time was how patient and attentive he was while caring for his mother, Frankie. Being present in her daily life so she could remain at home. This obituary was lovingly composed by his siblings, who loved him dearly.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, John & Evelyn O’Connell, and is survived by his three siblings; Karen Grimaldi (Mark) of Salisbury, Connecticut, Michael O’Connell of Florida, and Kathleen Lacko of Casper, Wyoming; two nieces and three nephews, Connor Washburn (Hannah), Mickaela Grimaldi, Liam Girmaldi, Kenny Lacko, and Marykate Lacko, dozens of cousins, and countless friends who will miss him tremendously.
A graveside service and burial will take place on Thursday, Aug., 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Amenia, New York. Rev. Andrew O’Connor will officiate. A reception in Bill’s honor will follow at the Amenia Steakhouse. Memorial contributions may be made to the Amenia Fire Company & Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 166, Amenia, NY 12501. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Bill’s memory please visit www.conklinfuneral.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546.
Lakeville Journal
MILLBROOK — Joyce Gertrude (Kirstein) Cassetta of Millbrook, 96, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 10 at Maplewood. Joyce was born Sept. 15, 1930, in Ossining New York to Ethel (Travis) and Franz Kirstein. She was the second eldest of 6 children, and the only member of her family to graduate high school. Joyce married Michael A. Cassetta (deceased) of Tarrytown in 1950. Joyce and Mike built their first home in East Irvington where they raised their family. Joyce was an outstanding cook, avid gardener, enjoyed curling and ice skating. Joyce also served over 50 years in the Eastern Star. She is survived by 3 of her 4 children, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She has one surviving sister, Shirley. Our deepest gratitude to those who cared for her, especially her son Mark. Joyce will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery.
Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
Lakeville Journal
Lakeville Journal
FALLS VILLAGE — Charles Ray Rigdon, 69, of Falls Village, Connecticut, died unexpectedly of heart failure on the evening of Aug. 13 at home. He was the loving partner and husband of Garth Parsons Kobal for 43 years.
Ray was born in Alma, Georgia, Bacon County in 1957 to Elzie Dillard Rigdon and Ruby Mae Lee. Elzie (b. 1894) was a Great War veteran serving in the famous “All-American” 82nd Division of the 328th Infantry, the same as war hero Alvin York. Elzie was present at the conflict-ending battle of the Meuse-Argonne offensive in 1918 and sustained a shrapnel injury on Oct. 7, a critical day in the campaign that led to York’s famous capture of 132 enemy troops on Oct. 8. The war ended on armistice day, Nov. 11, 1918. Elzie remained in a hospital in France and was released in May 1919 after healing from his wounds. Elzie was 64 when Ray was born.
Ray’s family moved to Jacksonville, Florida where some of his siblings still live today. He attended Robert E. Lee High School, now renamed Riverside High School. Jacksonville was a major stopping point for the major 70s rock groups and Ray, most often barefoot, saw them all, developing lifetime passions for David Bowie, Alice Cooper, and Joni Mitchell.
Ray moved north to Connecticut in 1976 during the Bicentennial to work for Edward R. Hamilton, Bookseller in Danbury. He was the company’s first employee and served for many years as a book buyer and copywriter.
Ray, 26, met his future husband, Garth Kobal, 18, in the spring of 1983 at a gay bar in North Salem, New York. Garth had just graduated from Bethel High School. They moved in together late that summer.
In 1984, Hamilton relocated from Danbury to Falls Village. Ray asked Garth to join him and the couple took up home at the village’s railway depot, historically the station master’s quarters.
Curious to learn more about the bookselling business, the couple moved to New York City in the fall of 1987 residing in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Jersey City until 2006. Initially working for a book wholesaler on Madison Avenue, Ray co-founded a gay and lesbian book wholesale company with Garth located in an artist’s live/workspace building in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Successful for a couple of years, the couple decided they didn’t really care for running a business and relocated back to Manhattan where Ray worked for book importer, Books Britain, while Garth was hired back by Hamilton to expand the company’s relations with publishers.
The couple celebrated their 20th anniversary with a wedding at Grace Church Van Vorst in Jersey City in 2003 with the Reverand Janet Broderick Kraft officiating. The couple returned to Falls Village in 2006 with Ray joining the copywriting team at Hamilton. Ray and Garth finally achieved their dream of legal marriage on the first day that Connecticut allowed same-sex unions, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008. Their marriage license was certified by Town Clerk Mary Palmer in Falls Village and they were married steps away from town hall by Justice of the Peace Denny Jacobs in front of Jacob’s Garage.
Ray retired a few years later. After surviving liver failure in 2016, Ray devoted himself to his husband’s health culminating in Garth’s successful kidney transplant in 2023.
Born in 1957, Ray was a Sputnik baby, a part of the first TV generation. He preferred having the TV on all the time, even if it was turned down while he listened to music. In his final years, Ray was limited in his mobility due to COPD. Even so, he continued to pursue the things that he loved most – cooking, music, reading, crossword puzzles and politics – adding a late-life passion for soccer. His favorite football clubs were Liverpool and Manchester United. In the last several years, if a match was on then Ray was watching it, sometimes several at once.
Ray was a stoic. He never let on about how he felt physically and never sat in judgement of anyone he knew personally. He had an immense capacity to show tenderness with family, friends, strangers, and significantly with animals. He loved and cared for several dogs over the years, especially Joe the Shar-pei and Emmy the Bulldog, a couple that mirrored Ray and Garth, one protective and introspective, the other outgoing and social. To the very end, if a dog visited the house, they would head directly to Ray and lay at his feet.
Ray is survived by his husband Garth Kobal and his siblings Talmadge Rigdon, Sonja Rigdon, Phyllis Moyes, Patty Tate, David Rigdon and countless in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins in the Rigdon and Kobal families. He is pre-deceased by his beloved sisters Helen Spivey and de-facto family matriarch, Mary Dimples Freeman.
In lieu of flowers and cards, memorial donations may be made in his name to David M. Hunt Library, 63 Main Street, Falls Village 06031 or at huntlibrary.org.
Lakeville Journal
SHARON — Patrick Mahoney, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug. 1, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 31, 1957, in Sharon, Connecticut, Pat was the cherished son of the late William and Mary Mahoney.
Pat’s journey through life was marked by his passion for craftsmanship and the joy he found in working with his hands. A proud graduate of Oliver Wolcott Technical High School, he honed his skills in carpentry, a trade that became not just his career but his calling. Pat’s work ranged from constructing custom cabinets and doors to building complete houses, each project infused with his dedication and precision. Later in life, he brought his meticulous nature and talent to an auto body shop, where he continued to create and restore with the same fervor he had for woodworking.
Pat was a man of many interests, but his heart truly belonged to classic cars. An enthusiast through and through, he poured countless hours into restoring a 1935 Dodge hot rod and later, his pride and joy, a 1957 Ford Custom 300, which he lovingly brought to perfection shortly before his passing. His passion for cars was matched only by his love for animals, and he was known to rescue and care for any creature in need.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Pat will remember him for his kindness, his infectious sense of humor, and his unwavering love for his family. He shared a beautiful life with his wife, Kim Mahoney, who remained his steadfast partner through every high and low. Pat was a devoted father to his daughter, Erin Mahoney, whose happiness was always his highest priority. He also leaves behind his brother, Michael Mahoney, with whom he shared many memories and adventures.
In the hearts of his family and friends, Pat will forever be remembered for his gentle spirit and the warmth he brought to every room he entered. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and an enduring commitment to those he held dear.
A private funeral ceremony was held to honor Pat’s life, in accordance with the family’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Pat’s memory are invited to make a donation to a charity of their choice, reflecting his generous spirit and his wish to make the world a better place.
Though Pat has left this world, his spirit endures in the lives he touched and the memories he created. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT 06018.
Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
