Housing grant request incomplete, denied by Sharon selectmen

SHARON – The Sharon Board of Selectmen voted against approving two applications for ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds from the Sharon Housing Authority due to incomplete information.

At the Sept. 10 meeting, the Board of Selectmen reviewed two applications for ARPA funding from the Sharon Housing Authority intended to gather funds to perform maintenance on the Sharon Ridge moderate income affordable housing complex. The total funds requested in these two applications amount to $79,500.

Specifically, the applications state the funds would be used to pay contractors who had done work on the development to prepare for the winter months, as well as pay off a loan from NBT Bank. The applications are careful to note that all contractors under the Sharon Housing Authority’s employment are local small businesses, and that the Housing Authority requires outside funding to adequately maintain the property since rent increases are limited.

The Board of Selectmen had previously requested further information from the Housing Authority, but at the time of the Sept. 10 meeting had not gotten a response, and so could not approve the applications. “We asked for follow up,” said First Selectman Casey Flanagan. “Which was not received.”

The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law by President Biden in 2021 to provide pandemic relief funding to all states, cities, and towns in the United States. These funds are allocated by municipalities based on applications that demonstrate the need for assistance due to pandemic-inflicted stress.

The Sharon Housing Authority was previously awarded $50,000 in 2022 to rebuild sidewalks and update its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Flu clinic

A flu shot clinic will be held at Town Hall on Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to noon, as announced at the Sept. 10 Board of Selectmen meeting. As the weather cools, the risk of flu sharply rises, so early fall is a great time to get ahead of the virus.

Latest News

Ann Beizer

CANAAN — It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ann Beizer, who died on Nov. 13, 2024, at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare and debilitating disease that took away her ability to move, see clearly, and swallow. Ann’s strength and resilience throughout her illness was an inspiration to all who knew her, even as the disease took its toll.

Born on Sept. 12, 1944, in Washington, DC, Ann was raised in Glasgow, West Virginia, where both of her parents were school teachers. She earned a Master’s degree in counseling from West Virginia University and went on to teach high school history. Later, she led a not-for-profit organization before becoming the Director of Academic Advising at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). At WPI, Ann also served as a Project Advisor, guiding students on international work projects in Italy and Puerto Rico. Her commitment to education and mentorship earned her a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to Germany, further advancing her career in academic advising.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dr. Fred G. Kantrowitz

SHARON — Dr. Fred G. Kantrowitz, 78, of Medfield, Massachusetts, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts and Sharon passed away Nov. 13, 2024, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was the loving husband of Anne Kirby, devoted father of Gregory and William, father-in-law of Katie and Brittanny, and proud grandfather of Jack, Ava and Jameson.

Fred was born Dec. 10, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Theo and Dinah (Kotick) Kantrowitz. His own health struggles as a child, intellectual curiosity and desire to help others led him to a career in medicine. Fred’s illustrious medical career was highlighted by nearly 50 years on the Beth Israel staff, more than 30 published works and a chapter as teamdoctor for the Boston Celtics. Later in his career, he developed a reputation for being the doctor to handle only the most complex cases, including long Covid.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rose Moskowitz

CANAAN — Rose Moskowitz, 98, of Geer Village in Canaan, passed away on Nov. 9, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late Bernard Moskowitz.

Rose was born Aug. 2, 1926, in New York City, the daughter of the late David and Regina (Shanker) Gunn.
Rose graduated from high school in the Bronx.

Keep ReadingShow less
Doreen B. Newton

WASSAIC — Doreen B. Newton, 76, a lifelong resident of Wassaic, died on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Kindred Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. Ms. Newton was an assistant social worker at Taconic Developmental Disabilities Office in Wassaic, for 30 years, retiring in 2005.

Born on Nov. 24, 1947 in Sharon, she was the daughter of the late William and Doris (Shook) Barlow. She was a graduate of Webutuck High School Class of 1965. An avid reader, Ms. Newton enjoyed mystery novels and crossword puzzles. Above all, she loved her grandchildren.

Keep ReadingShow less