An overflow crowd packed Kent Town Hall on June 27 for a scheduled vote on a proposed wakesurfing ban on Lake Waramaug, prompting then–First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer to adjourn the meeting without a vote.
KENT —In 2025, Kent officials and residents spent much of the year navigating zoning disputes, regional policy issues and leadership changes that kept Town Hall at the center of community life.
The year opened with heightened tensions when a local dispute on Stone Fences Lane brought a long-running, home-based pottery studio before the Planning and Zoning Commission.
While some residents raised concerns about increased vehicle traffic associated with the studio, the commission ultimately reaffirmed the town’s support for cottage industries and the local arts community, bringing Alison Palmer Studios into zoning compliance in April through the approval of a conditioned special permit.
During deliberations, then–Vice Chair Karen Casey said she would be “terribly upset if we all of a sudden prohibit artists from living in their homes and doing their artwork,” calling such work “part of our culture here.”
In the spring, the town released the results of a community survey on recreational cannabis that had been circulated since December 2024. Sarah Chase, chair of the Cannabis Regulation Subcommittee, said the responses reflected a community that was “cautious but open-minded,” supportive of medical access, respectful of farming traditions, and focused on preserving Kent’s character.
The survey guided both the development of zoning regulations governing medical cannabis facilities and agricultural uses, and a ballot measure prohibiting the retail sale of recreational cannabis within town limits. Voters approved the ordinance banning retail on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.
The warmer months brought Kent into a high-profile regional dispute over wakesurfing on Lake Waramaug. After unprecedented turnout forced the postponement of a June vote, a proposed tri-town ban involving Kent, Washington, and Warren was approved decisively on July 31.
In Kent, 83% of voters supported the ban, which is scheduled to take effect in February. An opposition group subsequently filed an appeal, which remains under legal review.
Regional cooperation continued over the summer as Kent and New Milford joined forces to address resident concerns about large tour buses traveling along the narrow, winding South Kent Road en route to Club Getaway. Collaboration among the two towns, local residents, Club Getaway, and the state Department of Transportation ultimately resulted in a ban on large commercial buses along the road and nearby access routes.
During the summer, overcrowding at a popular swimming hole on North Kent Road prompted then–First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer to close the road until cooler autumn temperatures reduced the volume of visitors. Town officials and other stakeholders overseeing the site said they plan to work together over the winter to develop a long-term solution.
The fall brought discoveries that shed light on Kent’s past. At Good Hill Cemetery, a weathered headstone bearing a partially faded inscription memorializing two Revolutionary War–era sisters drew historians and puzzle-solvers eager to decipher its message.
Meanwhile, in Emery Park, Parks and Recreation Director Matt Busse partnered with the state archaeologist to survey the area for evidence of historic coal-worker settlements, uncovering a largely undocumented chapter of the park’s rugged history.
Also in Emery Park, town officials reviewed and accepted a bid to redevelop the long-defunct swimming pond, which has been closed for six years.
October brought lighter moments, as the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association hosted its popular Fall Fest and SPARK events, drawing residents of all ages. The month concluded with Halloween festivities on Main Street, where costumed revelers turned out in force for a contest judged by horror-rock icon Rob Zombie.
November marked a transition in town leadership. Eric Epstein was elected as the first selectman following Lindenmayer’s decision not to seek reelection. The month also saw the resignation of longtime Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Wes Wyrick, who stepped down after two decades of service. Karen Casey was elected to succeed him as chair in December.
The new officers have a full agenda in 2026. A longstanding zoning dispute with antique auto dealership Motoriot, centered on employee and inventory vehicle parking, continues following the issuance of a cease-and-desist order in November. A revised site plan is scheduled to go before P&Z on Jan. 8. Also slated for discussion is an application from substance-use disorder rehabilitation facility High Watch, which has stirred strong community response, and a zoning challenge tied to a proposed warehouse-to-residential conversion on Lane Street near downtown.
The Region One boys basketball team huddles up during a break in the game against Northwestern Thursday, Jan. 15.
Middle school basketball players battled on the courts of Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted Thursday, Jan. 15. Region One’s boys and girls teams took on Region Seven in side-by-side games. Region One’s team includes players from Cornwall, Falls Village, North Canaan, Salisbury and Sharon. Region Seven includes Barkhamsted, Colebrook, New Hartford and Norfolk.
The boys game was won by Region One 62-41. The girls game was won by Northwestern 27-14.
Athletes in both games played with intensity and passion.
The Region One middle school girls basketball team played Northwestern Jan. 15.Photo by Riley Klein
Canon Petero Sabune addresses the congregation at St. John’s Episcopal Church Sunday, Jan. 18.
SALISBURY — St. John’s Episcopal Church marked the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend by welcoming Canon Petero Sabune for a special service on Sunday, Jan. 18, followed by a visit to Salisbury School the next day.
King’s legacy and faith were central themes throughout the service. The first reading featured an excerpt from King’s final book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” including the oft-quoted passage: "Returning violence for violence multiples violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
In his sermon, Sabune said that many accounts of King’s life and influence often “forget about his faith and convictions.”
“He was a baptized disciple of Jesus Christ,” Sabune said.
After the service, Sabune was asked about ongoing protests and controversy in Minneapolis. He noted that King’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance was shaped by Mahatma Gandhi, who in turn drew inspiration from the writings of Henry David Thoreau.
Sabune said civil rights workers and protestors in the 1950s and 1960s underwent formal training in nonviolence. “They taught people how to get hit and not respond, what [civil rights figure and congressman] John Lewis called ‘good trouble,’” he said.
Reflecting on more recent events, Sabune said that when considering the circumstances that led to the death of Renee Good at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross, “I feel the pain, not just for Renee, but for Officer Ross.”
Music also played a prominent role in the service. The hymns were drawn from “Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African-American Hymnal.” Among them was “Precious Lord,” which King requested be sung the night before his death.
“Sing ‘Precious Lord’ and sing it pretty,” King told a follower.
Sabune’s visit to Salisbury followed a long journey that began with a bus ride from Tucson, Arizona, to Phoenix on Saturday, Jan. 17, followed by an overnight flight. The Rev. Johan Johnson, priest-in-charge at St. John’s and chaplain at Salisbury School, picked him up at 7 a.m. Sunday.
The two men have known each other for so long they cannot recall exactly where or when they first met. During an interview, Sabune paused to greet Johnson’s youngest daughter, whom he baptized.
As he headed toward the reception, where parishioners were waiting to greet him, Sabune was asked one final question:
“You going to get a nap in today?”
“Yes!” he said emphatically over his shoulder as he hurried up the aisle.
CORNWALL — A public hearing was held Tuesday, Jan. 13, to consider the creation of the West Cornwall General Business (WCBG) district.
The proposed zoning text amendment was submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission in response to longstanding difficulties faced by West Cornwall business owners seeking to modify nonconforming buildings that do not meet current zoning requirements.
The amendment would establish the WCBG district as a separate zone, distinct from the existing business district in Cornwall Bridge. Within the new district, applicants are seeking to reduce the minimum lot size from one acre to 10,000 square feet, narrow the minimum lot width from 100 feet to 50 feet, and eliminate minimum front, side and rear setback requirements.
Most buildings in the area predate modern zoning regulations and were constructed directly on property lines, planning consultant Martin Connor told the commission on behalf of the applicants, West Cornwall Development Group LLC.
As a result of their nonconforming status, Connor said, many property owners have been unable to make even modest improvements. He cited the Pink House as an example, noting that its owners currently store buckets and mops outdoors because they are not permitted to construct a small exterior storage closet behind the building.
Public comment was mixed, with residents voicing both concern and support. Some speakers raised questions about safety and the potential impacts of the proposed changes, while others said the amendment would help bring long-standing nonconforming properties into compliance and create a more business-friendly environment. One resident asked the commission to allow additional time to review the application.
First Selectman Gordon Ridgway spoke in favor of the proposal, saying the current zoning framework “makes it very hard for any business to expand.” He added, “Having large amounts of property being zoned as nonconforming is bad planning, especially as we have for years tried to revive our business centers.”
After closing the public hearing, the commission discussed the proposal during its regular meeting and considered modifications before voting.
Commissioners focused their discussion on the proposed setback distances, citing fire safety concerns tied to the village’s historic character and the age of many buildings.
“Most of these buildings are old. They’re not built with fire blocking,” said Christine Gray, a commission member.
James LaPorta, also a commission member, raised similar concerns about safety and setbacks. “To have a zero side setback, I think, is asking for trouble in the long run. I think five [feet] would be fine.”
Commissioners said eliminating side setbacks entirely could create long-term safety risks and discussed whether a modest buffer would better balance flexibility for property owners with public safety considerations.
Commissioners also emphasized that any future applications within the district would still require review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as other relevant boards, including the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency, the fire marshal and the Torrington Area Health District.
Chair Anna Timell moved to approve the application with a modification setting the side and rear setbacks at five feet, while reducing the front setback to zero feet. She cited the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, which calls for reviewing and revising zoning regulations in business zones.
The motion passed unanimously.
Moving company
Commissioners also approved a site plan application for Karls on Wheels, a moving company proposing to locate at 26 Kent Road.
The plan includes no change to the footprint and no change in use, and does not permit self-storage on the site.
The application was approved unanimously.
Edward Aparo passed away peacefully at his home on January 7, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.
Edward was born on May 10, 1936 in New Britain, CT. He was the beloved son of the late Anthony and Rose Valenti Aparo and attended New Britain schools. On April 7, 1958 Edward married his school sweetheart Jean Ackerman beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 67 years. Together they built a life rooted in family, hard work and love.
Edward began his career working in the family business, Aparo’s Electric Motor Service Inc. where he learned the trade alongside his father. Following his father’s passing, Edward became the owner of the business, carrying on the family legacy with dedication and pride. Edward is survived by his loving wife Jean Ackerman Aparo, his sons Stephen Aparo and his wife Marie of New Britain, CT and Craig Aparo and his wife Valerie of Naples, Fl, his sister Arlene Aparo StGermain and husband Joseph of Hobe Sound FL and his cherished grandchildren Danny Aparo and wife Nicole, Tyler Aparo and Morgan Wilson and Jared Aparo all of New Britain.
Services with be private.
