SHERMAN – A steady part of Sherman’s future vision is a safer town that continues to support its local businesses through appropriate communications systems, clean water, and upgrades to properties that will invite residents and visitors alike to experience the beauty of Sherman, CT. Philip Korsant says his plans match that same vision. Having recently purchased the land that is the Sherman Town Green, Korsant has been organizing and developing a new design for the area to make it more welcoming and more versatile.

At the regular monthly Board of Selectmen meeting, Korsant presented his current plans saying, “We hope to make it safer in regard to traffic, landscape, and
aesthetics…we are working with
Naromi [Land Trust] to develop more of a useful common.” His goals include formal gardens, and informational kiosk outlining the outdoor activities available in town, a small gas station, and a gazebo “to stay out of the rain, have a sandwich from Mike’s deli, and maybe have concerts.”

Cosmetic upgrades, as Korsant presented, would include picnic tables, benches, a cupola, and charging stations for electrical vehicles. Landscape changes would consist of annual and perennial flowers, trees, and straightening the angled wall so it runs parallel to the street, adding flower and shrub beds along its base. “By creating a more vibrant and attractive town center, we’re hoping to support our local merchants. Anything we can do to enhance the environment may help…”

Korsant reported that he has been in constant communications with Mitchell Fuel regarding the gas station, and he hopes to add a third lane on Route 39N for vehicles heading to the Green to lessen the anticipated traffic build-up. Angled parking for safer traffic flow behind the I.G.A., grass surrounding the gazebo save for a pathway for more natural landscaping, pushing the asphalt back after moving the stone wall are part of a grand dream to create, as Korsant said, a more vibrant center of town. “I think we should all do everything we can to support our local merchants and businesses.”

The final design has not been approved as of this publication, but Korsant plans to have the final plans set within the next three or four weeks.

The Sherman BOS is also looking for someone to fill the Social Services Assistant position; it is a 12-hour per week position with the Department of Social Services. Please inquire at Mallory Town Hall with any questions.

Captain Chris Fuchs also presented regarding current radio communications. The North Tower has been broadcasting for about four and a half months, but negotiations with New Fairfield regarding use of Tower Hill have ended. Negotiations have been in the works for the last six to eight months, and through further research, Fuchs reported that it would cost close to $20,000 per year to use Tower Hill, which is around three times more than other locations.

Use of the Aqu
arian Water Tower, located in Timber Hills, would cost close to $1000 per year with set-up costs between $25,000-$35,000. Fuchs reported that he is in the process of getting drawings, radio consultants, and an engineer to look at the tower and give final reports so the project may move forward. The equipment would be secured at a 75-foot elevation and the ground equipment would be secured within a “cabinet”, as Fuchs called it, 72 inches high by 42 inches wide with the proper cooling system.

Broadcasting from the Aquarian tower should cover Route 39 South and most of that coverage would be around the lake. Spotted cellular service is still anticipated, but Fuchs said the amount of space would be far less than in recent years.

Use of the Local Capital Improvements (LoCIP) grant of $47,740 will be determined in July after a formal plan for its expenditure is presented and approved by the State.

Happy Acres Farm has been busy with activity. Twenty-four calves have been born this season so far, as John Motsinger reported, he
has been attending a farmer’s market in Pawling, NY on Saturday mornings, and the Sunday markets at the farm in Sherman have begun and will run through the season. Congratulations went out to John and Katherine for the birth of their new baby boy, Raymond Leopold.

Farm repairs are anticipated to fix the weakening support beams in the barn. First Selectman Don Lowe requested the rest of the Board to approve hiring Mason Lord to write an appraisal of the barn. Town Treasurer Eric Holub suggested Lowe also get a proposal from Lord, saying, “This is a perfect example of what the Restricted Fund was for.”

An addendum was submitted by T-Mobile representatives that currently awaits approval by Motsinger and MacLean. Representatives stated they believed there are “weaknesses” in the lease between the farm and the town regarding cell service, but, to avoid causing unforeseen issues, T-Mobile would pay $2400 to the Friends of Happy Acres instead of the farm itself.

By Anne-Marie DiDomenico