Envisioning more affordable housing in Cornwall

At the affordable housing forum Feb. 22, Michelle Shipp, left, and Selectman Jennifer Markow present their group’s ideas on how to maximize use of the 12-acre property slated for development.

Riley Klein

Envisioning more affordable housing in Cornwall

CORNWALL — With the homes selling for roughly triple pre-pandemic prices in Cornwall, solutions for attracting young families to town are in high demand.

More than 50 community members gathered at the Cornwall Library Feb. 22 to brainstorm potential uses of a 12-acre plot at 282 Kent Road.

The session was hosted by Cornwall Housing Corporation and Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity (LCCHO), who aim to develop the land with up to 24 affordable units.

LCCHO Director Jocelyn Ayer described the project as “very early days” and the goal of the forum was to learn “the community vision for this site.”

The property is owned by David Berto, a housing consultant who purchased it at a tax lien sale in 2023. CHC has the option to buy the land from Berto for the purpose of creating housing.

Brownfield testing is underway courtesy of a grant from Northwest Hills Council of Governments. Previous testing conducted in 2004 and 2005 found heavy metals in the land and hydrocarbons in the groundwater.

Berto said at that time the owners “basically removed all of the surface contamination, so we don’t think there’s much left now but we don’t know yet.”

After a brief breakdown of the lay of the land, attendees split into five groups to design their vision for the site. Topographical maps were distributed to each team with paper cutouts to place residential units on the property.

Ideas abounded at the affordable housing forum in Cornwall Feb. 22. Riley Klein

Ideas flourished and each group presented to the forum.

The consensus was to maximize the number of residential units, which was determined to be 24. Rental units were preferred by most groups due to space-saving qualities and the expressed need by individuals on the housing waitlist.

Most designs consolidated the structures to preserve as much open space as possible.

Some popular ideas were solar panels, either on the roofs or in an open field, bear-proof trash receptacles, rural aesthetic for the structures, a nature trail and courtyards for residents.

Consideration was given to creating community spaces for the greater public to utilize. These included a park and playground, community gardens along the road, and a community center.

Ayer thanked everyone for contributing to the forum and encouraged residents to stay involved in the process.

Environmental testing of the property will go through the fall of 2025. Ayer said another forum will be scheduled when the evaluation produces results.

Latest News

Wake Robin developers reapply with P&Z
Wake Robin Inn is located on Sharon Road in Lakeville.
Photo by John Coston

LAKEVILLE — ARADEV LLC, the developer behind the proposed redesign of Wake Robin Inn, returned before Salisbury’s Planning and Zoning Commission at its May 5 regular meeting with a 644-page plan that it says scales back the project.

ARADEV withdrew its previous application last December after a six-round public hearing in which neighbors along Wells Hill Road and Sharon Road rallied against the proposal as detrimental to the neighborhood.

Keep ReadingShow less
Housatonic lax wins 18-6 versus Lakeview
Chloe Hill, left, scored once in the game against Lakeview High School Tuesday, May 7.
Photo by Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School girls lacrosse kept rolling Tuesday, May 6, with a decisive 18-6 win over Lakeview High School.

Eight different players scored for Housatonic in the Northwest Corner rivalry matchup. Sophomore Georgie Clayton led the team with five goals.

Keep ReadingShow less
Troutbeck Symposium 2025: the latest chapter in continuing a vital legacy

Participating students and teachers gathered for the traditional photo at the 2025 Troutbeck Symposium on Thursday, May 1.

Leila Hawken

Students and educators from throughout the region converged at Troutbeck in Amenia for a three-day conference to present historical research projects undertaken collaboratively by students with a common focus on original research into their chosen topics. Area independent schools and public schools participated in the conference that extended from Wednesday, April 30 to Friday, May 2.

The symposium continues the Troutbeck legacy as a decades-old gathering place for pioneers in social justice and reform. Today it is a destination luxury country inn, but Troutbeck remains conscious of its significant place in history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Roaring Oaks Florist launches self-serve flower market

Terence S. Miller, owner of Roaring Oaks Florist in the new self-serve area of the shop.

Natalia Zukerman

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Roaring Oaks Florist in Lakeville has launched a new self-serve flower station next to its Main Street shop, offering high-quality, grab-and-go bouquets from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week — including Sundays when the main store is closed.

Owner Terence S. Miller, who bought the shop 24 years ago at just 20 years old, calls the new feature “a modern twist on an old-school honor system,” with some high-tech updates.

Keep ReadingShow less