Millbrook hearing airs House of Stefan request to add small generator

MILLBROOK — A brief public hearing on a request by the owners of a new restaurant under construction along Franklin Avenue was held at the regular meeting of the Planning Board on Monday, Nov. 18.

The House of Stefan is nearing completion of its construction phase and is due to open around January. Essential to the business is a small generator that has been added to the site plan drawings, owner John Stefanopoulos noted for the board.

The small Generac unit, measuring 3 by 5 feet, will provide emergency power in the event of a power outage, Stefanopoulos explained, any noise from the small unit to be mitigated by sound baffling materials. The small residential-sized unit will be installed behind the building, providing power mainly for refrigeration.

Neighboring business owner Jeffrey Zwirn of the Millbrook Antiques Center spoke in praise of the new restaurant being built next door, calling it “a heartbeat for the village.”

“You can’t run a business without a generator,” Zwirn said.

“Since they will be storing food, they returned for permission to install a generator,” explained planning board chairman Frank Redl.

Other aspects of the site plan were the subject of an earlier public hearing process that occurred before the project was approved, he explained. Residents asked questions about parking, hours of operation, and noise, questions that were not relevant to the generator.

Stefanopoulos indicated his intention that the restaurant will be a good neighbor, that any resident with a concern about the restaurant operation will be welcome to contact him.

Applications for accessory apartments are increasing in number, Redl observed. Two new applications and their site plans will be the subject of public hearings at the Monday, Dec. 16, planning board meeting. One is planned at 3308 Franklin Ave. and the other at 24 North Ave.

Latest News

Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labor Day weekend art, design and local finds

Paul Chaleff’s exhibit at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton.

Provided

The unofficial end of summer is here, and while some of us may mourn the shortening days and cooler nights, the culturally-inclined denizens of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires and Taconics have plenty to look forward to.

During Labor Day weekend, visit one of the offerings below, and maybe even take home a watercolor, rug, or locally-crafted wooden bowl to ready your home for the indoor season ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less