conservation

Paley Farm owners build ‘at their own risk’

SHARON — A Torrington Superior Court hearing Sept. 26 regarding the development of Paley Farm in Sharon yielded no change to the dispute between the property owners and Sharon Land Trust.

David and Liza Bainbridge, owners of 135 Millerton Road in Sharon, otherwise known as Paley Farm, have begun construction of a multi-million-dollar home. Sharon Land Trust (SLT) has sought to block development of this land, which was protected by a conservation conveyance with the State of Connecticut in 1984.

SLT and concerned citizen Carol Flaton brought the matter before Superior Court in July disputing the Department of Agriculture’s decision to approve construction. SLT requested an injunction be implemented to stop construction while the case is ongoing. Before the hearing, the defendants disputed SLT’s standing in this matter and disputed the court’s jurisdiction over the case.

On Sept. 26, Judge Walter A. Menjivar granted three weeks for additional review to determine standing and jurisdiction. As for the work at Paley Farm, which has expanded from driveway construction to foundation development, Menjivar said the owners would be responsible for remediating the property to its previous condition should the court find jursidiction and establish standing for the plaintiffs.

“The parties do so at their own risk,” said Menjivar. “That’s a financial expense that they are risking by choosing to move forward.”

Attorney Alex Copp, representing SLT and Flaton, requested the injunction take effect immediately. Menjivar denied this request due to the question of jurisdiction.

Both parties, the Court and the Attorney General’s office were given three weeks to review the case. A follow-up hearing was set for Oct. 16 at Torrington Superior Court.

conservation

Latest News

Jean Jacquier returns to Town Hall to finish term as town clerk

North Canaan Town Hall.
North Canaan Town Hall.
Photo by Riley Klein

NORTH CANAAN — After months away from Town Hall amid what she described as a “toxic” work environment, North Canaan Town Clerk Jean Jacquier has returned to the clerk’s office to complete the remainder of her term, which by law runs through Jan. 5 following her victory in the 2023 election.

Asked whether she felt comfortable being back, she was clear. “I certainly am,” Jacquier said. “I have nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of.”

Keep ReadingShow less

Ohler, Bunce strike cooperative tone at Board of Selectmen meeting

Ohler, Bunce strike cooperative tone at Board of Selectmen meeting

Brian Ohler, left, and Jesse Bunce await the results of the Nov. 10 recount for first selectman in North Canaan. Bunce won by two votes.

Photo by Riley Klein

NORTH CANAAN — About 100 residents attended North Canaan’s Board of Selectmen meeting Monday night — with more than 40 joining remotely and roughly 60 filling the meeting room — marking Jesse Bunce’s first such meeting since being elected first selectman.

Bunce, who took office from Brian Ohler following last month’s close election, acknowledged that the transition has included some early bumps and thanked town officials and staff for their work during a period he said has not been without challenges. “I’d like to thank Brian for all the efforts that he’s put in in this transition,” Bunce said at the meeting. “This process has not been perfect. We are working through it all.”

Keep ReadingShow less

School lunch prices to rise at select District No. 1 schools

School lunch prices to rise at select District No. 1 schools

Housatonic Valley Regional High School, where the price of school lunch will increase to $4.00 beginning Jan. 5.

Nathan Miller

FALLS VILLAGE -- School lunch prices will increase at select schools in Regional School District No. 1 beginning Jan. 5, 2026, following a deficit in the district’s food service account and rising food costs tied to federal meal compliance requirements.

District officials announced the changes in a letter to families dated Monday, Dec. 15, signed by Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley and Business Manager Samuel J. Herrick

Keep ReadingShow less

North Canaan Santa Chase 5K draws festive crowd

North Canaan Santa Chase 5K draws festive crowd

Runners line up at the starting line alongside Santa before the start of the 5th Annual North Canaan Santa Chase 5K on Saturday, Dec. 13.

By John Coston

NORTH CANAAN — Forty-eight runners braved frigid temperatures to participate in the 5th Annual North Canaan Santa Chase 5K Road Race on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Michael Mills, 45, of Goshen, led the pack with a time of 19 minutes, 15-seconds, averaging a 6:12-per-mile pace. Mills won the race for the third time and said he stays in shape by running with his daughter, a freshman at Lakeview High School in Litchfield.

Keep ReadingShow less