Communication problem

Last week this newspaper reported that our state representatives had made some progress in their efforts in getting state and town officials together with the Housatonic Railroad to discuss its herbicide spraying along the train tracks that pass through Northwest Corner towns.

State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) and state Sen. Steve Harding (R-30) were guardedly optimistic that a meeting could take place in the next few weeks.

But time is running short.

This week, the Housatonic Herbicide Working Group, a group that formed to press the railroad to use best practices in its application of herbicide along the railroad right of way, has announced a new push for a dialogue with the railroad. (See story on Page A1.) The group’s concerns are focused on environmental and human health concerns. Its members represent five towns in the Northwest Corner including New Milford, Cornwall, Kent, Falls Village, and North Canaan.

Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgeway informed his town’s selectmen on April 4 about a conversation with the railroad’s general counsel, who said that the railroad had received the town’s letters in years past and had cut down on spraying.

The herbicide in question is Method 240, which according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a “high potential” for reaching surface water if there is runoff and for several months after application. The Housatonic Herbicide Working Group calls for the railroad to immediately stop using M240.

It also is recommending a longer-term approach that would put the railroad under the same kind of legislative oversight that exists under Massachusetts law. There, the Housatonic Railroad, which runs through the Berkshires, follows legislated practices designed to protect people and the environment.

The railroad has said in the past that vegetation along the right of way can be a hazard in terms of fire and visibility and can interfere with signals and communication lines. It can even cause problems with braking.

What we now have is another kind of communication problem. Let’s hope our elected officials and concerned citizens and residents can “push” through to achieve a meaningful dialogue.

Latest News

Check-in at Bulk Trash Day
Photo by John Coston

Mickey Stringer of of North East, left, checks in with Chris Virtuoso, volunteering on Saturday, May 12 at the Old Town Garage on South Center Street as a Climate Smart Task Force member. Stringer’s loaded pickup was part of a long line of vehicles along South Center as residents used the opportunity to dispose of air conditioners, mattresses, lumber, and other bulk items. Town Supervisor Christopher Kennan said he didn’t recall seeing such a long line of vehicles in past years.

Millbrook airs school budget, propositions ahead of  May 20 vote

Elm Drive Elementary School in Millbrook.

Archive photo

MILLBROOK — Preparing for the village-wide vote on the proposed 2025-26 school budget scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, the Millbrook Central School District held a public hearing on Tuesday, May 6, to review the budget and hear residents’ comments.

The CSD proposed 2025-26 budget to be voted upon as Proposition 1, showed total expenditures of $35,649,651, an increase of $1,074,576 (3.11%) over the current year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Zoning Board of Appeals hears new variance request for 7-9 Main Street

Ray Nelson, Earthwise Architecture, requested two variances for 7-9 Main St., one to allow a 9-unit floorplan and another to waive the parking requirements for the building, at a public hearing held by the village Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday, May 6.

Photo by John Coston

MILLERTON — Ray Nelson of Millerton presented two possible updated floorplans for the apartment building at 7-9 Main St. to the Zoning Board of Appeals at a public hearing on Tuesday, May 6.

Nelson, on behalf of the building’s owner, is seeking two variances for the property: one allowing a density increase and another waiving the parking requirements for the property.

Keep ReadingShow less
Irondale Schoolhouse to ring bell on opening day May 24

Ralph Fedele with Mary Leitch, 103, who attended the one-room Irondale Schoolhouse until it closed and she moved on to Millerton High School.

Photo provided

MILLERTON — The Irondale Schoolhouse will celebrate its opening day on Saturday, May 24, when it will ring in its eleventh summer season with the old school bell.

Lemonade and cookies will be provided for visitors. A history exhibit is on display inside the schoolhouse and there will be a formal unveiling of a plaque commemorating membership in the Country Schools of America, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the memory of country schools.

Keep ReadingShow less