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Northwell plans North Canaan facility
Patrick Stachniak
Oct 21, 2026
The lot at 61 Railroad St. in North Canaan is the proposed site of a Northwell Health physical therapy office.
Christian Murray
Northwell Health is planning a physical therapy office at 61 Railroad St. in North Canaan, a property currently used to store U-Haul and other vehicles.
A Northwell spokesperson confirmed the plans but said it was too early to provide specifics.
North Canaan First Selectman Jesse Bunce welcomed the proposal, saying the office would benefit the town and bring business to the community.
The proposal came before the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, Oct. 13, when discussion centered on parking for patients and staff.
They are expected to use the neighboring municipal lot after a proposed on-site lot was ruled out because of its proximity to wetlands behind the property.
“The original design was going to get really close to [the wetlands] and that’s the problem,” said Zoning Enforcement Officer George Martin.
Both the commission and the Board of Selectmen have agreed to allow the facility to use the municipal parking lot.
Northwell requested at least 20 reserved spaces in the lot. In correspondence with the commission, however, Town Attorney Randall DiBella said the available municipal parking within 300 feet of the building satisfied the facility’s parking requirements.
DiBella also cautioned that reserving spaces could set a precedent for other businesses seeking designated parking in the same lot.
Nearby businesses include Ilse Coffee and Old Canaan Market, an antique store.
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Cornwall residents question zoning change tied to Rumsey gym plan
Ruth Epstein
Oct 21, 2026
The former Rumsey Hall gymnasium at 12 Bolton Hill Road awaits possible mixed-use redevelopment.
Ruth Epstein
CORNWALL — A proposed zoning change that would pave the way for converting the former Rumsey Hall gymnasium into a community gathering space with two apartments drew objections from neighbors last week over traffic, noise and the village’s character.
A large audience attended the Planning and Zoning Commission’s Oct. 13 public hearings on the mixed-use proposal and a proposed townwide ban on data centers and large-scale battery storage facilities.
The commission made no decisions and continued both hearings until Nov. 10.
The mixed-use zoning amendment would apply to the former Rumsey Hall and former Marvelwood properties within the Cornwall Plains Overlay Zone.
The zone was created to encourage reuse of large institutional buildings while preserving Cornwall Village’s residential and historic character.
The amendment would allow mixed-use development by special permit and remove a restriction limiting each lot to one principal building and one principal use. The gymnasium redevelopment would still require separate approval from the commission.
Martin Connor, a longtime certified planner representing Amber Construction on behalf of Old Town Hall LLC, presented the proposed zoning amendment.
The request stems from a plan to restore the former gymnasium at 12 Bolton Hill Road, creating a community assembly space on the first floor and two residential studio apartments on the second.
The application filed with the town also describes a separate new building within the footprint of the former Rumsey Hall building, with commercial space and a two-bedroom apartment, bringing the proposed total to three housing units.
The commission postponed the hearing on the gymnasium’s special permit application at the beginning of the meeting.
Audience members were reminded that their comments were to address the proposed zoning amendment rather than the specific project.
Connor nevertheless outlined the proposed renovation and rehabilitation. The first-floor assembly space would accommodate wellness classes, yoga, educational seminars, nonprofit and private events and occasional celebrations. A kitchen would also be installed.
“The proposed project is intended to create a community gathering place that provides flexible space for educational, recreational, cultural and social activities, while preserving and repurposing the existing structure,” Connor said.
He said the facility would contribute to the town’s economic development while providing additional housing for people who work in town.
Before opening public comment, commission chair Anna Timell said the commission must consider the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development when reviewing zoning text amendments. The plan’s goals include expanding affordable housing and supporting local business opportunities.
Resident Kathi Ramos expressed concern that the proposed zoning change could allow private events at the gymnasium that would generate substantial traffic.
“Do we really want a bar in the village?” she asked. “The worst of my nightmares would be weddings and big parties with noise, smells and parking.”
Her husband, Charles Ramos, said he was a retired judge who had dealt with hundreds of real estate cases and understood the potential consequences of zoning changes. As a neighbor of the gymnasium, he said he had received no notice of the proposal.
Nick Bruehl said the village has historically been zoned residential and that the change would affect the neighborhood for decades. He also raised concerns about traffic safety.
Jane Barnett, a resident, said, “The village will be forever changed with the addition of commercial uses. It will erode the character of the area.”
Proposed data center
ban draws debate
The commission also heard comments on a proposed zoning amendment that would prohibit data centers and large-scale battery storage facilities throughout Cornwall.
Data centers house computer equipment used to store and process digital information, while battery storage facilities store electricity for later use.
Janell Mullen, the commission’s consultant, explained that she had heard about bans or moratoriums in other towns she works with and brought the issue to Cornwall’s commissioners, who appeared to favor the idea.
In a letter read aloud at the meeting, resident Roxanna Robinson supported a ban, citing the large amounts of water and electricity used by data centers.
“Banning is an important strategic move,” Robinson wrote. “They could drain our resources.”
Sally O’Connell, a resident, said she was glad the commission was taking a stand. She said her cousin lives in Loudoun County, Virginia, which she described as overrun by data centers and facing enormous problems.
William McLane also supported the proposal, saying this is a time of recklessness and that even a radical approach would not be so bad.
“I don’t see Cornwall as a prospective target, but there are stories of lawsuits and underhanded practices all over the country,” McLane said.
Jason Sander said, “I assure you they are not for Cornwall unless someone could explain the benefit and where they’d be. I know enough to know they’re not for Cornwall.”
Will Schenk took a different view, calling a ban “ill conceived” and saying people needed to better understand the facilities.
He said the concerns being raised were not representative of what data centers are and suggested a moratorium might make sense, while a ban would be too broad.
Henry LaBalme focused on the proposed prohibition of battery storage facilities.
Drawing on a long career in commercial renewable energy, he said he feared the town was jumping to conclusions without understanding what the systems do.
“They can have a limited footprint and do enormous work and be a real economic benefit to a town.”
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Runners and dogs race to support Little Guild
Tom Brown
Oct 21, 2026
Runners and their dogs set off at the start of the Little Guild’s 13th annual Run & Wag 5K in Cornwall Saturday, Oct. 17.
Tom Brown
CORNWALL — Runners and their four-legged companions took to Cornwall’s roads Saturday, Oct. 17, as the Little Guild’s 13th annual Run & Wag 5K drew 238 human participants and 68 dogs to support the animal shelter.
Brittany Telke and her 6-year-old dog, Mazikeen, won the runner-and-dog category and finished third overall with a time of 19 minutes and six seconds. Telke and Mazikeen have won the runner-and-dog category several times.
Michael Mills won the overall race in 18:54, while Liz Fongler finished second in 18:59. Neither had a dog.
Starting at the town Green, the 3.1-mile course wound through Cornwall Village and the surrounding valley.
Participants could compete with or without dogs.
The gathering also featured live music by Relatively Sound, taco and pizza trucks, and a raffle with donated gift bags valued at as much as $400.
Brittany Telke and her dog, Mazikeen, won the runner-and-dog category at the Little Guild’s Run & Wag 5K. Tom Brown
Executive Director Jenny Langendoerfer said Run & Wag is one of the Little Guild’s two signature fundraising events, alongside the Great Country Mutt Show.
The race raises more than $20,000 from participants and sponsors to help the Little Guild rescue dogs and cats and find them homes.
Human participation was slightly higher than last year’s 233, while the number of dogs fell from 84 to 68.
This year’s race followed the May opening of the Little Guild’s new 8,000-square-foot shelter in West Cornwall.
The building replaced a converted house and includes dedicated spaces for adoption, animal socialization, quarantine and community programs.
Beyond sheltering homeless animals, the Little Guild supports area pet owners through food assistance, vaccination clinics and help with veterinary care.
Its partnership with Project SAGE provides care for pets of people experiencing domestic violence.
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Legal Notices - October 20, 2026
Lakeville Journal
Oct 20, 2026
TAX COLLECTOR TOWN OF SALISBURY CT
LEGAL NOTICE
Pursuant to Sec. 12-145 of the Connecticut Statutes, the taxpayers of the Town of Salisbury are hereby notified that the second installment on the Grand List of October 1, 2025 is due and payable on October 1, 2026. Payments must be received or postmarked by November 2, 2026. If said Real Estate and Personal Property taxes are not paid on or before November 2, 2026 interest at the rate of 1 1/2% (18% per year) will be added for each month or a fraction thereof which elapses from the time when such tax becomes due and payable until the same is paid. Minimum interest charge is $2.00. Taxes can be paid by mail addressed to: Tax Collector, P.O. BOX 338, Salisbury CT 06068 or Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT. There is a drop box in the vestibule of the Town Hall available 9am-4pm, Monday - Friday or the 24-hour drop box on the back side of the building off Factory Street. Tax Office is open Mon and Wed, 9am-4pm and Friday 9am - 3pm closed for lunch 12:30pm -1:30pm. The Town is urging taxpayers to use the option to pay by credit card or e-check. Please go to the Town website salisburyct.us, View/PayTaxes Tab. Dated at Salisbury, CT this 2nd day of September, 2026. JoAnne D. Dodge, CCMC Tax Collector
09-24-26
10-08-26
10-22-26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF STEPHEN MICHAEL BRANDT
Late of Lakeville (26-00394)
The Hon. Jordan M. Richards, Judge of the Court of Probate, District of Litchfield Hills Probate Court, by decree dated September 28, 2026, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim. The fiduciary is: Maureen F. Dell 172 Farnum Road Lakeville, CT 06039 Jordan Bergs Clerk
10-22-26
Legal Notice
CONNECTICUT -- All Registrars of Voters' offices in Connecticut will hold a statewide voter registration session from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This is the last regular session for admission of electors who have turned 18, become a US citizen, or moved to Connecticut. This deadline includes registration by mail which must be post marked by this day, registration at DMV by close of business, Online registrations must be completed by 11:59 pm or in person by 8:00 pm. Residents of Norfolk can register at Norfolk Town Hall, Registrar's Office, 19 Maple Ave, Norfolk CT November 2, 2026 CONNECTICUT -- All Registrars of Voters' offices in Connecticut will hold a statewide voter registration session from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is a limited registration session for admission of electors who have turned 18, become a US citizen, or moved to Connecticut since October 16th of this year. This registration session is also open to members of the Armed Forces, and former Armed Forces members who have been discharged within the calendar year. The Norfolk CT session will be held at Norfolk Town Hall, Registrar's Office, 19 Maple Ave, Norfolk CT 06058
10-22-26
10-29-26
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Lelah M. Somers
Lakeville Journal
Oct 20, 2026
DOVER PLAINS — Lelah M. Somers, 97, a longtime Dover Plains, New York, resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, New York. Lelah was born on July 3, 1929, in Pawling, New York, to the late Byron and Lelah (Watts) Brill. Lelah grew up in Pawling and on Nov. 22, 1946, in Pleasant Valley, New York, she married James F. Somers, Sr. Mr. Somers passed away on Sept. 3, 1970. Lelah worked for New York State as a therapy aide for thirty-years and as a senior companion for New York State for thirty-two-years, with specific care provided to the mentally disabled.
She enjoyed taking care of the mentally disabled, was a wonderful mother to her four children, always putting her family first. She is survived by her son, James F. Somers, Jr. and his wife Donna of Dover Plains; two daughters, Doreen Monica of Wingdale, and Frances “Fran” Horton of Dover Plains, who was also her caregiver for many years; seven grandchildren, Debbie, Margie, Leah, Stephanie, Deirdra, Benji and Jimmy and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, and her step-son, Kenny Elliott. In addition to her parents and husband, Lelah was predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law, Carol “DeeDee” Maile and Gil Maile, her son-in-law, Stephen Monica, and her son-in-law, Benny Horton as well as her companion of over forty-years, Andrew “Mac” McAlravey and her siblings, Ferris Brill, Eleanor Barryann, Richard Brill, William Brill and Barney Brill.
Lelah was a loving mother and a strong willed and hard-working woman. She was an avid NASCAR fan for many years and traveled with her companion “Mac” up and down the east coast following the sport. Her favorite track was the Daytona International Speedway in Florida that they went to every February to attend the Daytona 500 race. She loved her family so much and she will be dearly missed; she lived a long life and for that her family is deeply grateful.
Graveside services and burial will take place on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Valley View Cemetery in Dover Plains, NY. Pastor Rick Totten will officiate. A reception in Lelah’s honor will follow at the VFW Post # 5444, 3422 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Lelah’s honor, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546.
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Ronald Decker Jr.
Lakeville Journal
Oct 20, 2026
MILLERTON — It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Ronald Owen Decker Jr. of Millerton, New York on Oct. 6, 2026, at the age of 58.
Ronald was born on Oct. 29, 1967, in Sharon, Connecticut to the late Catherine Spaulding and Ronald Decker Sr.
Known affectionately as Ronnie, he was a beloved chef for many years at various private schools in the Millerton, and Connecticut areas. He enjoyed cooking for others and lending a helping hand to anyone in need. Ronnie cherished spending time with family and making people smile. His kindness always shined bright.
Ronnie and his brother Steve spent many years together driving tractor-trailers before Ronnie returned to the kitchen.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Christopher Johnson, and his partner, Sara LeBaron; two grandsons; his close cousin, John Wilson (JR); his niece, Tiffany Brown, and her spouse, Sean Brown; and his great-niece, Elianna Decker. Ronnie also leaves behind other cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews. His father, Ronald Decker Sr., had other children whom Ronnie leaves behind: Kevin Decker, Dawn Decker, and Heidi Piefer.
Ronald is also predeceased by his brother, Steven Decker; his late wife, Joanne Decker; and Timothy Decker.
He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
A small celebration of life in Ronnie’s memory will be held at a date to be determined.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
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