Cornwall to bid on new firetruck

Cornwall to bid on new firetruck

The new truck will be able to fit inside the firehouse.

cornwallfire.org

CORNWALL — Due to the aging fleet in Cornwall Bridge Firehouse, the town is now in the market for a new truck.

Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department’s truck committee put together a 67-page list of specifications for its desired truck — one that will meet the needs of the town while still able to fit within the old firehouse garage.

Fire Chief John LaPorta attended a regular Board of Selectmen’s (BOS) meeting Tuesday, March 5, to review the spec list.

“The committee went through literally page by page, item by item to make sure that those specifications were what they had wanted,” said LaPorta. “There’s a lot of work that’s been done just to get the thing wrapped up so that it can go out to bid.”

First Selectman Gordon Ridgway said BOS intends to start the bidding process within the next month. The estimated cost was reported to be at least $650,000.

Ridgway added that used trucks would be considered if applicable.

“Apparently it takes several years to build these, so the delivery date is again up in the air,” said Ridgway. “Unless we find somebody that has one sitting around exactly like we’d like.”

More information will be released from Town Hall as it becomes available.

Retaining wall

In West Cornwall, three separate engineering firms have approved proposals to reconstruct retaining walls. The existing walls were damaged due to heavy rains in the summer of 2023.

For River Road, the new concrete wall is being pre-cast in sections. Installation is expected to begin in “early April or end of March,” Ridgway said.

Nearby residents will be given a two-week advance notice before work begins and road closures go into effect.

Latest News

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Leila Hawken

KENT– A year-and-a-half-long legal dispute over an unpermitted roadway and dock built through wetlands on North Spectacle Pond is approaching a resolution. The KenMont and KenWood summer camp and the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission are close to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

The conflict began after the IWWC denied the camp’s retroactive application in March 2024 for the road and dock, which were constructed without town approval sometime last decade. The Commission found both structures violated town regulations, leading the camp to file a legal appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less