Volume 19, Issue 11
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
P&Z approves interior lot on Powder Ridge property
Friday, June 22, 2012
Go Far Go Fast is not just running — great learning experience, too
By Elisabeth Kennedy Special to the Town Times
By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times
The Community Center auditorium was filled on June 13 for the second continuation of the public hearing on the town of Middlefield’s application for a proposed 19.8-acre interior lot within the Powder Ridge property. Chairman Robert Johnson introduced Attorney Brandan Schain of Branse, Willis & Knapp who reported that the issue of two stacked interior lots was reviewed and an opinion letter signed by himself and Attorney Branse to the commission stated the application was not in violation of zoning regulations. Speaking as the applicant, First Selectman Jon Brayshaw presented letters from the town’s attorney, Kenneth Antin, and Stuart Fairbank, the engineer who prepared the survey and map for the application. Antin’s letter was in support of Brayshaw’s request that William Waff and James Malcolm be disqualified from voting on the town’s application (Waff for predetermination and Malcolm for conflict of interest). Both refused to disqualify themselves. Fairbank’s letter explained the town’s intent to combine four existing Powder Ridge lots into two (one containing all of the ski area and the other to be undeveloped) and bring the lots into conformance by making one front and one interior lot. While the interior lot is undeveloped, its topography is similar to surrounding residential areas, making it suitable as a building lot under zoning regulations. Although there was a large audience, there was not a lot of public comment. Marianne Corona questioned why the Nerden Camp lot is not considered a second interior lot, which is prohibited by zoning regulations. Attorney Schain reiterated that the camp is a nonconforming lot and nothing about it is changing, so the only issue before the commission is whether the new lot conforms to regulations, which, he stated, it does. Paul Pizzo disagreed, stressing that the Nerden lot is behind a full lot and if that lot is divided, the Nerden lot is no longer behind the full lot
Close to 400 runners laced up for the third annual Go Far Go Fast Road Race on June 16 at the Durham Fairgrounds, said organizer and Go Far founder Jen Schulten. Go Far is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a non-competitive daily fitness and wellness program that encourages healthy exercise to students in District 13. Go Far Go Fast is an annual event for chil-
See P&Z, page 24
TownTimes.com
dren of all ages and includes a tot, half-mile, one-mile and two-mile races. “I think most of the kids who were there have been running all year,” said Schulten about the race. “But to put them on the starting line — that one day — they get to be competitive, and it is a really great learning experience for the kids. It’s not just going in circles. There are some nerves at the starting line, but it is so much fun.” Schulten said the annual event brings out the commu-
nity, and not just little kids. She was pleased to see people this year who were attending as spectators. Proceeds from the event go toward items needed to put on the race and to run the program in District 13 schools all year long. This year’s trophies were created by local Russ Hassmann who owns a sign business. Like other elements of the program, the trophies are changed every year to keep the event creative.
Ava Kowal, left, runs along and encourages her brother, Ethan, #35, in his race. See more of the race on page 4. Daniela Kowal Landscape Design/Installation Patios, Walkways Retaining Walls Hydroseeding Masonry/Stonework Excavation/Grading Drainage Work Tree/Brush Removal
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