North Canaan OKs EV charger permits

NORTH CANAAN —  The Board of Selectmen reviewed a series of updates for ongoing projects in town during the board’s July 3 meeting.

Permits for two new electric vehicle charging stations have been authorized. Eversource will install the Level Two charging stations at the municipal lot on Railroad Street later this month. Level Two charging can range from four to ten hours to reach an 80 percent charge level.

Several EV chargers for Tesla vehicles are located at the Stop & Shop on Route 44.

“We told them not to do anything during Railroad Days,” said First Selectman Charles Perotti. Railroad Days, a summertime celebration in North Canaan that has been held for 59 years, was scheduled to begin Tuesday,  July 11 with a community picnic at Great Falls Brewing Company. A carnival at Lawrence Field was set to open on July 12 and is planned to remain open until July 15.

This year’s Railroad Days includes a vendor and crafter’s market, tours of the Railroad Museum, free train rides, and a firemen’s parade plus fireworks on Saturday, July 15. The event runs through July 21.

A grant to update security and add new fencing and windows to Canaan Child Care Center has recently been approved. First Selectman Charles Perotti said the work is expected to be completed by fall of 2023.

Third Selectman Christian Allyn reported the Housatonic River Commission has agreed to allocate $10,000 per year to the newly formed Friends of Ruggles Landing group. The nonprofit group will utilize the funds to maintain liability insurance for the river landing site and help with general upkeep.

The selectmen said they are hoping to receive an update on a proposed solar site at the transfer station within the next two weeks.

The project was first proposed four years ago and, if awarded by the state, would offset up to $20,000 in electric costs for municipal buildings including North Canaan Elementary School, Town Hall, and other buildings downtown.