Salisbury grappled with a changing landscape in 2024

SALISBURY — It was a busy year in Salisbury on various land-use fronts.

The Salisbury Association closed on a new preserve of 48 acres on Route 112.

The Hecht Preserve has high ecological value with core forest, rugged slopes and bedrock exposures. A pure, cold-water stream traverses the property, draining to the Salmon Kill and providing habitat for native fish.

The Salisbury Housing Committee’s application for the 20-unit Dresser Woods affordable housing development was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission after a lengthy public hearing over several nights. P&Z also approved an affordable housing plan from the Salisbury Housing Trust for two homes on Undermountain Road, also after a lengthy public hearing over several nights.

And the SHC opened 10 new units of housing at Sarum Village with moderate fanfare, including a visit by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.

Late last month, Aradev LLC withdrew its application to redevelop and expand the Wake Robin Inn after a lengthy public hearing over several nights revealed significant opposition from neighbors. The commission was leaning toward turning the application down before the developer pulled it back.

The Salisbury Winter Sports Association added a rebuilt 30 meter jump and synthetic landing material that allows for year-round ski jump training. SWSA’s application before the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission to build a snowmaking pond beneath the ski jumps was withdrawn from consideration in December. SWSA’s Ken Barker said the organization needed time to restructure the plans in response to new information from the commission and letters from the public.

There were several anniversaries of note in 2024: Trinity Episcopal Church in Lime Rock celebrated its 150th year, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury its 200th year, the Rotary Club of Salisbury hit the 75 year mark, and Stacey Dodge marked her 25th year overseeing the town Grove.

The Salisbury Association kept the town informed and enlivened with exhibits on biodiversity, the Corner Food Pantry and the Holley Knife Company.

The Scoville Memorial Library sponsored numerous events, often taking advantage of the grounds for the purpose. Visitors searched for native species in the nearby Wachocastinook Brook during the Bio Blitz, or got an up close and personal look at the local wildlife. Inside the library, children learned how to become Oompa Loompas, and adults learned how to research the history of their homes.