Cornwall considers ways to spur new home construction

CORNWALL — Rising property values in recent years have shifted the housing landscape in Cornwall. Stock of for-sale homes remains low, applications for new development have become infrequent and the grand list is stagnant.

Local leaders discussed the situation at a meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday, April 8.

“Things are changing rapidly, and not for the better,” said First Selectman Gordon Ridgway.

The conversation focused on matters that the town can control. Namely, zoning regulations

Ridgway mentioned the minimum lot size requirements to build a new home in Cornwall. He noted that a lot must be at least 5-acres in order to build a new home “in a large part of the town,” while other zones have 3- or 1-acre minimums.

“I think there is probably some movement in the 5- and 3-acre zones,” said Ridgway.

Commissioners talked about potentially implementing overlay zones to alter minimum lot sizes in designated areas.

Changes to “free cuts,” or the ability to subdivide a parcel to create a new buildable lot without going through the full subdivision approval process, were considered.

“You still have to comply with all our zoning regulations,” said P&Z Chair Anna Timell regarding free cuts. “It just is much less of a hullabaloo.”

P&Z members also discussed geometric setback requirements, which limit the buildable area on a property to a particular rectangle based on factors such as wetlands, slope and distance from the property’s edge.

“I think we can make modest changes and still maintain everything that’s essential here,” said Ridgway.

As a result of the meeting, two subcommittees were formed: “one to look at setbacks, the other to look at the building rectangle,” explained Timell.

P&Z will resume the discussion Tuesday, May 13.

Latest News

Nonnewaug sweeps BL soccer titles
Nonnewaug sweeps BL soccer titles
Nonnewaug sweeps BL soccer titles

WOODBURY — Nonnewaug High School claimed twin titles in the Berkshire League soccer tournament finals.

The school's girls and boys teams were named league champions after finishing the regular season with the best win/loss records. Winning the tournaments earned each team a plaque and added to the program's success in 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joan Jardine

TORRINGTON — Joan Jardine, 90, of Mill Lane, passed away at home on Oct. 23, 2025. She was the loving wife of David Jardine.

Joan was born Aug. 9, 1935, in Throop, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Joseph and Vera (Ezepchick) Zigmont.

Keep ReadingShow less
Celebration of Life: Carol Kastendieck

A Celebration of Life for Carol Kastendieck will be held on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Salisbury, 30 Main St., Salisbury, Connecticut.

Día de los Muertos marks a bittersweet farewell for Race Brook Lodge

The ofrenda at Race Brook Lodge.

Lety Muñoz

On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield will celebrate the Mexican Day of the Dead: El Día de los Muertos.

Mexican Day of the Dead takes place the first weekend of November and honors los difuntos (the deceased) with ofrendas (offerings) on an altar featuring photos of loved ones who have passed on. Elements of earth, wind, fire and water are represented with food, papel picada (colorful decorative paper), candles and tequila left for the beloved deceased. The departed are believed to travel from the spirit world and briefly join the living for a night of remembrance and revelry.

Keep ReadingShow less