Volume 20, Number 1 Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
It’s our “Spring has Sprung” edition Look for * Diana Carr’s celebration of spring * Spring specials from local businesses * Judy Moeckle’s new column on gardening * Call for your spring photos * Town Times spring anniversary arrives
Commentary
An ode to spring because I just know it’s coming By Diana Carr Special to Town Times
Ah, spring. The very word fills me with ecstasy, and has me daydreaming about all the good things in store. As of this writing, I am still wearing my winter coat, but no matter – I know what is right around the corner. For starters – and this is a big one – I will be footloose and fancy free. Literally footloose. These tootsies will not see the fetters of shoes until the first frost rolls around again. Oh, to be so connected to the earth, to feel all the different textures beneath my feet. There really are no words for it. And then there’s that first splash of color, as the daffodils and the crocuses bring good tidings of all that’s yet to come here in Durham and Middlefield and Rockfall. See Spring, page 5
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Many questions on possible sale of extra Powder Ridge acres By Mark Dionne Town Times In a lengthy and occasionally contentious public hearing, April 9, about 20 residents of Middlefield directed a series of wide-ranging questions about the potential purchase of nearly 20 acres left out of the new Powder Ridge deal. The property, which was purchased by the town but not sold to Sean Hayes’ Powder Ridge company, consists of two large areas pinched by Camp Nerden and its driveway. Middlefield resident Lori Vogel has offered to buy the property at the town’s appraised price of $300,000 with the intent, according to her attorney John Corona, of expanding her horse farm. A public hearing does not allow for a vote and was not an official meeting of the Board of Selectmen or Planning and Zoning. The meeting was not recorded and was moderated by the town attorney. As explained at the public hearing by Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, Middle-
Town Times photo by Mark Dionne
At a public hearing on April 9, Middlefield officials, from left, town attorney Ken Antin, selectman Dave Burgess, and first selectman Jon Brayshaw discuss the potential sale of almost 20 acres of the Powder Ridge property to resident Lori Vogel, back to camera. The white map in the background shows the outline of the property. field town attorney Ken Antin, Corona, and other town officials, the deal would come with several conditions even more restrictive than the current Planning and Zoning restrictions. Several times throughout the course of the hearing, Brayshaw said if the residents of Middlefield did not like the
‘You’re never fully dressed without a smile’ Town Times by Mark Dionne
Zoe Geyser, a second grade student at Brewster School, practices her solo for the John Lyman Parents’ Association production of “Annie, Jr.” Playing the part of “Star-to-Be,” Zoe will perform along with students from John Lyman, Brewster, Korn, Memorial, and Strong schools on May 3, 4, and 5.
Friday, April 12, 2013
potential sale, they would have the opportunity to vote against it. The sale, according to Brayshaw and Antin, will need to be approved either at a future town meeting or public referendum. As explained by Corona, Vogel and any future owner could See Hearing, page 10