Plan In Talks For School At The Root Farm

By Michele Crossman

At the Town of Litchfield town Board’s April meeting The Root Farm discussed a project for a Special Education school.

The group said the proposal is only in the planning stages.

Some Town of Paris residents brought up concerns about heavier traffic on their street and light pollution in their neighborhood about the proposal.

Residents said accessibility for emergency service vehicles and having UCP/The Root Farm keeping the long driveway clear for snow, and its narrow width, were also concerns raised.

Root Farm representatives said the plan includes expanding the parking area to 81 spaces.

Buildings would be added to house approximately 30 students with special needs to study vocational skills to lead to employment.

About 20 additional staff would be added. Root Farm currently has a 6- 1-1- classroom operating on site along with the equestrian facility.

Root Farm and UCP have a 50-year lease on the part of the property that lies in the Town of Litchfield.

The Ronald McDonald House is on the lower half in the Town of Paris.

The project would have to comply with all New York state Education Department codes for being a school.

Litchfield Board members said they will await more information to continue the discussion at their May meeting.

The Solar Project paid for an extension to their permit.

Board members discussed the ongoing issue of lack of communication for inspections and inconsistency with monthly reports, which should be submitted a week before the Town’s monthly meeting.

The Board discussed repairing and upgrading the lighting at the Town Building, with possibly doing updates only in needed areas.

The Litchfield Highway Department received a Safe Workplace award of $633. Half of that was approved to be used for employees for meals.

The Board looked at quotes for leasing ...