William Breen Jr.
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Infinity Hall, built in 1883.
Jennifer Almquist
“We have a real opportunity to bring the residents of Norfolk closer together and add to a community already steeped in a rich history of the arts,” Rosenfeld said. “Thursday’s turnout and the positive energy we experienced are the very reason Goodworks exists. We are thrilled to help support and build upon the vibrant community spirit here.”
Built in 1883, Norfolk Village Hall — the former opera house, barber shop and saloon in the center of Norfolk —was designed by Palliser & Co. In 2007, the building was restored as the 300-seat performing arts theater Infinity Hall.
Goodworks Entertainment Group took over Infinity Hall in April 2019. Rosenfeld said he plans to realign the organization with his original dream of doing good works — hence the name.
He also spoke of a large-scale arts and music festival for Norfolk and of conversations with Melvin Chen, director of the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival–Yale Summer School of Music, about a possible winter classical concert series featuring Yale musicians.
After a question-and-answer session, attendees stayed to enjoy live music, food and drinks organized by Lisa Ludwig, general manager of Infinity Hall.
Nearly 200 people gathered at Infinity Hall to discuss possibilities for its future use.Jennifer Almquist
Norfolk resident Tony Kiser praised Rosenfeld’s vision.
“If there is anything to be done, he’s the guy to do it,” Kiser said. “He’s got the experience, some capital to invest, and he has a vision.”
Henry Tirrell, Norfolk first selectman, welcomed the prospect of renewed activity at the venue.
“I am excited to see an option for dinner and drinks in town, as well as increased activity at Infinity Hall,” Tirrell said.
Cheryl Heller, chair of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission, said the announcement represents an important moment for the town.
“Infinity is a key part of Norfolk’s identity, and for the last few years that it’s been quiet, the community has felt the loss,” Heller said. “This announcement is tremendously exciting, not only because of the new restaurant and programming, but because David’s plans include contributing to the culture and life of the town.”
“I am completely delighted with the new direction,” said Norfolk activist and Economic Development Commission member Libby Borden. “I certainly hope Norfolk supports Infinity Hall in every way.”
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Millbrook approves $1.5M in wastewater upgrades
Leila Hawken
MILLBROOK — The village’s project to upgrade wastewater treatment operations took a major step forward as the Board of Trustees accepted a bid for a total of $1.5 million in new processing equipment at its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 13.
By unanimous vote, the Trustees approved the purchase of Sequencing Batch Reactors for a total cost of $1,070,600 and Cloth Media Filters for $438,560. The solicited bid was provided by Aqua-Aerobics Systems of Loves Park, Illinois, the sole bidder for the equipment. Project Engineers with Tighe and Bond had reviewed the details of the bid and determined that it was reasonable.
A sequencing batch system treats effluent in batches, rather than continuously. An advantage is that it is a one-tank system that aerates and clarifies in a sequence that includes fill, react, settle, draw, and idle.
Since Millbrook is likely to experience fluctuating flow rates throughout the day, the new system allows for control over treatment times and it takes up less physical space than would be needed for a continuous flow system.
The filtration system needs specialized cloths within its mechanical filtration system to separate solids from liquids. The cloths are also designed to capture microplastics and particles of phosphorus before the water is discharged safely.
In other business, during public comment, a resident who had spoken at the April Planning Board meeting, addressed the Board of Trustees to present her concerns about an application under consideration by the Planning Board. Of concern was the project located at 3265 Franklin Ave., where developers are seeking to create new apartment units.
The resident felt that there had been insufficient public notice before the April Planning Board meeting and questioned the accuracy of the meeting minutes. She also questioned the number of apartments being planned for the site and had additional concerns about parking and traffic impacts near Merrit Avenue, which she described as an already congested and heavily traveled area.
“It’s deserving of a hard look,” she said, arguing that the application, if approved, would allow expansion of a non-conforming use in a residential neighborhood. She suggested a moratorium on approvals until the zoning regulations can be examined.