Kent’s ‘orange bag’ transfer station program is here to stay

KENT — Kent will move forward with a new municipal waste program after a successful pilot year, as voted through at the Aug. 28 Board of Selectmen meeting.

In a conversation after the meeting, First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer said, “we don’t need to practice anymore … We can actually go ahead and do it full time.”

The decision to formally adopt the program — commonly identified by its distinctive “orange bags” — and accept Department of Energy and Environment Protection’s $24,950 grant to support the transition comes after a year-long pilot including approximately 700 households. DEEP awarded the town $55,400 to run the pilot, which involved residents bringing their waste to the municipal transfer station at Maple Street with a unit-based pricing system.

In a presentation to the meeting, Executive Director of the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority Jennifer Heaton-Jones noted the “very healthy trend” demonstrated by comparing the pre-pilot numbers with today’s, two months after the official implementation of the program. Food scrap collections at the transfer station are rising sharply, and there has been a 45% reduction in municipal solid waste (household trash) between 2022-2023 and 2024-2025. “It proves that a state-issued program can change behavior,” Heaton-Jones said.

It costs residents a $50 annual permit to use the transfer station under the new orange bag program, plus an additional $1.25 per bag. It’s a much fairer price than the $150 dollar flat annual rate previously in place, argued Heaton-Jones and Lindenmayer.

Town Hall to remain open during voting days

The Board of Selectmen also voted to rescind a motion to close Town Hall on election days.

In 2016, the Selectmen voted to close Town Hall on all election days and primaries to avoid “electioneering” amongst officials on the ballot. Lindenmayer, however, argued that decision is no longer sensible given the new reality of early voting, which didn’t exist at the time.

“It doesn’t make sense for me to try and stay home for 14 days and work from my house,” Lindenmayer explained.

There still remains a restriction of “politicking” within 75 feet of voting areas, though Town Hall will be open throughout both early and regular voting days.

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