Planning, energy 2010 issues

CORNWALL — Put into categories, land-use planning and clean energy led the way by far in Cornwall in 2010.

Cornwall continues to lead the nation in its commitment to clean energy. Last year brought the ribbon-cutting on a solar voltaic system at Cornwall Consolidated School and the installation of a system to use, and maybe exceed, energy needs at Town Hall.

The Energy Task Force earned a national award and launched its own website.

Just as dramatic, thanks to outspoken citizens concerned with the quality of life here, were a variety of land-use issues.

A proposed Incentive Housing Zone, which would have allowed a specific piece of property to be developed with its own zoning, was not approved. Both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the public remained uncertain about the whole approach, even after months of consideration and discussion.

After two years of work by a large percentage of town residents, a revised and workable Town Plan of Conservation and Development was completed. This state-mandated document forms the basis for the town’s planning and zoning regulations.

The Cornwall Housing Corporation appointed a separate board to oversee senior housing, as it moved forward with plans for an affordable senior housing complex.

Public interest brought the seating of a resurrected Conservation Commission and Committee on the Aging, as well as an economic study group, a possible forerunner to an economic development commission.

Grant funding was used for a facade grant for businesses to give themselves a sprucing up. Maps, brochures and uniquely crafted racks were made and installed in various spots around town, to promote tourism.

A hearing and eventual approval of a Verizon cell tower site above Popple Swamp brought expected interest and objections — and unexpected shock and anger over disrespect shown to residents by the state Siting Council.

Solar power was not the only excitement at Cornwall Consolidated. Successful sports teams, and fundraising events including a mother/daughter basketball game and a townwide effort to help Haitian earthquake victims were highlights of the school year. CCS alum Devon Root, working as a nurse in Haiti, offered a personal connection, and a heartfelt look at the disaster when she made a visit home and stopped by her alma mater with photos and stories of what she’d experienced.

Meanwhile, the school board dealt with emotional issues of school security and allegations of threats made to a teacher.

Culture in Cornwall included a wonderful series of events sponsored by the Cornwall Historical Society, now that its building renovations are complete. The Grumbling Gryphons celebrated its 30th anniversary with a party for the town.

Mixing culture and business was the Cornwall Farmer’s Market, growing again and threatening to overflow the Wish House lawn. It has featured everything from sales of grassfed beef to tai chi demonstrations.

Among the business changes was the opening of the Railroad Square Café and the relocation of Lady Audrey’s Gallery to Millerton. The Little Guild of St. Francis marked its 50th year, and hired a new director.

The “pink house� in West Cornwall remained in disrepair following a January 2008 fire. The property is mired in legal disputes between the owner and a preservation trust.

And with historic Rumsey Hall finally condemned, the town placed a lien on the property and then paid for the demolition of the historic and beloved but crumbling building.

Other legal issues included the arrest of the town’s recreation director for embezzling from a regional soccer club. She also admitted taking town recreation fee payments.

Two fishermen from out of the area were arrested by the state Department of Environmental Protection for using a boat with a motor on Cream Hill Lake.

A Route 63 motor vehicle accident killed a Goshen man. His dog, Hannah, a loveable golden retriever, spent a week at the town garage,  happily riding shotgun on plowtrucks until family members could take her home. The touching story was featured on television news (as well as in this newspaper).

As the year ended, the selectmen found themselves in a legal battle over alleged misconduct with town funds by the road crew foreman. But the town again showed its community spirit: Everyone in town rallied behind the Scoville family, after a New Year’s Eve fire took one of their historic barns. Funds were raised, and a new barn has been built.