The Lonely Chimney On Route 83 In Vernon Finally Getting Some Company

VERNON, CT — After a demolition, a pandemic and development on the periphery, the lonely Route 83 in Vernon has some company at its own home.

A new building has been taking shape along the 200 block of Talcottville Road, the local name for that stretch of Route 83. It is hugging a chimney that had stood by its lonesome for the better part of four years. It will be the home of a new hair salon.

The saga at the intersection of Talcottville Road and Allen Drive started "a long time ago," when the owner, APH Hair Stylists LLC, first earned site plan approval, Vernon Community and Economic Development Coordinator Shaun Gately said.

That was in 2019. It was followed by the demolition of the Cape Cod style home that housed a salon. Only the chimney and a retailing wall at the back end of the property remained ... for about four years.

A temporary electrical system was installed in 2021 but no progress was seemingly made.

Meanwhile, in the general vicinity over the past four years, new traffic lights have been installed at the intersection to accommodate a massive apartment complex, two new daycare facilities have been constructed, Square Peg Pizza has opened, both Pancho Loco and an adjacent liquor store have been demolished to make way for a strip plaza, an oil change business opened and a parcel occupied by a former formalwear business has a new owner.