Beavers, Budgets, And Board Changes Discussed In Ridgefield

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The April 9 meeting of the Ridgefield Board of Selectpersons addressed a range of community matters, including a creative proposal to mitigate flooding caused by beavers, updates on infrastructure, and several board appointments.

A beaver dam at Turtle Pond has repeatedly caused flooding on Old Sib Road. Despite removal efforts by the Highway Department, the animals have rebuilt each time. A resident suggested the installation of a pond-leveling device—commonly referred to as a “beaver deceiver”—to reduce flooding while allowing the dam to remain. The proposal will be discussed at a future meeting.

Board member Chris Murray announced he will step down at the end of May. His successor must be a Republican, per Ridgefield’s Town Charter, and will serve through November 2027. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the Republican Town Committee or the Board of Selectpersons.

The Board also reviewed a Conservation Commission proposal to lease land along Old Stagecoach Road to the American Chestnut Foundation for a tree restoration project. A public hearing is set for May 7, followed by a town meeting on May 21.

In other business, the Board approved a Forestry Management Plan Grant from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to assess local forest health. Forests account for about 95 percent of Ridgefield’s open space, according to the Conservation Commission.

The Board also renewed a permit for Chez Lenard, known locally as the “Hot Dog Man,” to continue operating on Main Street.

Appointments were made to several committees: Deborah Orr and Margie Mullins to the Commission on Aging; Divya Dorairrajan and Debra Franceshini to the Commission for Accessibility; and Noah Berkowicz to the Inland & Wetland Board. Berkowicz will need to run for election in November to retain the seat.

The Affordable Housing Committee introduced a proposal to establish a Housing Trust Fund, with funding sources including zoning fees, grants, budget surpluses, and private donations. The Board will add the proposal to a future agenda.

An emergency exception was approved for the Parks and Recreation Department to repair leaking pipes at its facility on Danbury Road.

Additionally, the Board approved bond language for the May 13 budget referendum and confirmed that the Annual Town Meeting will take place May 5 at the Ridgefield Playhouse.

Finally, Ridgefield has been named a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizing its commitment to urban forestry.