Wake Robin Inn planners introduce tree plan

Aradev LLC’s map of tree health based on Bartlett Tree Experts’ survey.
Provided

Aradev LLC’s map of tree health based on Bartlett Tree Experts’ survey.
LAKEVILLE – The public hearing considering the redesign of the Wake Robin Inn has been continued to Dec. 2, following another round of critical commentary from residents at its fourth iteration on Nov. 18.
The major revelation of Monday’s meeting is Angela and William Cruger, whose property sits directly across from the Wells Hill Road entrance to the Inn, will now hold intervenor status in the proceedings, and will be represented by attorney Perley Grimes. As intervenors, the Crugers and associated representatives now hold party status, alongside the applicant, Aradev LLC, and the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The intervention, which Planning and Zoning Chair Michael Klemens attested was filed on the morning of Nov. 18, is concerned with the ecological ramifications of the project. Specifically, the petition states that the project is “likely to have the effect of unreasonably impairing or destroying the public trust in the natural resources of the state” regarding groundwater quality at the site and in adjacent areas, and in threatening Connecticut-listed plant species that may be present in the affected terrain.
The intervenors were allotted a section of the meeting to present their arguments, but Grimes stated that consistently changing plans on the part of the developers had delayed the completion of comprehensive surveys of the land. He affirmed that a group of five experts will be prepared to present their findings at the Dec. 2 continuation of the public hearing.
Klemens asked that the experts’ reports be filed as soon as possible to ensure all parties have sufficient time to review them before the meeting. Grimes affirmed that the reports will be available promptly.
Attorney Josh Mackey, representing the applicant, criticized the intervenors’ petition “coming at the 11th hour,” claiming that there will be little time to respond to the findings of the experts.
“It’s unfair and its highly prejudicial,” he said.
Bill Cruger, speaking in the public comment section, said that the experts’ reports will be available with all due speed. “It’s not intended to be prejudicial, it’s meant to be informative,” he said.
For the applicant’s part, landscape architect Mark Arigoni of SLR Consulting gave a presentation highlighting recent efforts by the developers to respond to concerns from the public and P&Z. The report largely focused on an updated tree plan, informed by a survey conducted by Bartlett Tree Experts, who were contracted by Aradev LLC.
The survey assessed the health of approximately 800 trees, from which a map was developed that color-coded each tree in the affected area based on the survey’s findings. Arigoni stated that it is their intention to “eliminate the removal of as many trees as feasible,” and that they will continue to consult with the arborist through the construction process.
P&Z likewise focused on the tree plan in their commentary, with Klemens requesting that the plan be updated to include common species names alongside taxonomic designations so that the public may engage with the survey more easily. He also asked that an invasive species management program be added to the plans. Other commissioners expressed that they would like to see more specific numbers on how many trees will be removed throughout the construction process.
During the public comment section, residents expressed that their concerns and suggestions from prior meetings had not been met with the updated plan, which had few alterations in design from those presented at the Oct. 16 meeting.
Freya Block said that the community’s concerns, such as dangerous traffic patterns, environmental damage and noise pollution, had not been addressed by Arigoni’s presentation. She asked P&Z to consider “the enormity and incongruity of the scale of this project for this community.”
Thomas Muldoon also questioned how such a development would fit within the village dynamic of Lakeville, while also doubting the practical aspects of the project. The development would necessitate a large workforce to move to a region that is difficult to live in on low wages, he argued. “Where’s the affordable housing?”
“It’s not whether it’s a great idea, it’s whether it’s a legal idea,” Klemens responded to Muldoon’s concerns.
After the Dec. 2 meeting, the hearing will likely continue to Dec. 10. “We’re really going to have to close the hearing on the 10th,” Klemens said.
The HVRHS boys rejoice around Jackson McAvoy after he scored the game-winning goal against Shepaug with just two minutes left to play.
WASHINGTON — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys varsity soccer team advanced to the Berkshire League tournament final after a 1-0 win over Shepaug Valley High School in the semifinal game on Friday, Oct. 24.
Jackson McAvoy scored the game-winning goal with just two minutes remaining.
The victory marked HVRHS boys soccer’s first victory over Shepaug since 2020.
“Finally,” said HVRHS Coach Adolfo Portillo after the game.
HVRHS will play top-ranked Nonnewaug High School in the BL final. Nonnewaug advanced to the title game by beating Northwestern Regional High School in penalty kicks (4-3) after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The championship game will be played at Nonnewaug beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.
As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.
Spirit week from Oct. 14-17 was unlike those of the previous years. From wearing Housatonic merch to Boomer vs Baby day, this year’s spirit week held a little friendly competition to see which grade could participate the most.
“I think that students are bored of the same old activities and events, so it’s good to switch things up even slightly to incentivize interest within students,” said SGA president and senior Mollie Ford. “Plus the point system is super beneficial because it gives students a reason to participate.”
The school spirit sentiment can be seen outside of just the school. Senior Simon Markow is known for his photography throughout the community, and has dedicated time to help Housy sports teams’ social media posts.
“Since I’ve started photography, I think school attendance [at sports games] has gone up,” Markow said. “I feel this year, students will be more aware of games and are more likely to be at the games.”
Whether it’s a pink-out volleyball game or an under the lights soccer match, it’s likely you’ll see some familiar faces.
Social media has played a large role in this over the years. Almost every student organization at Housatonic has an Instagram account, and it’s helped reach students more efficiently than a poster or email would.
“The increase of social media use, with the help from me but as well as the teams themselves has definitely increased student interest,” Markow said. “With Housy teams posting more about their upcoming games, and my help showing the cool goals, spikes, or touchdowns, it’s enlightened students to watch the games themselves.”
In a small school, promoting pride has proven to be a challenge. But this year’s senior class has made some adjustments in the hopes to change that.
“The SGA community has spent the last few years really focusing on student participation, because we think it’s the students who contribute to a better climate,” Ford said. While Housatonic’s student body may be small in size, it seems they certainly aren’t small in spirit.