This week: the dinner club vote came back a tie, so you get one more say. Plus, a new state housing law updated the rules for every Main Street in the county, and a full week of events.

Glad you’re back!

Patrick
The Litchfield Ledger

OK, the results are in, and they're… a tie? Litchfield again, or Kent. Kent would be a first for us, and fair warning: the restaurants there are a little more spread out. If you're up for Kent, or have a spot to suggest for the next dinner club, just reply to this email!

FINAL VOTE HERE

What happened?

Connecticut passed a major housing law last fall, House Bill 8002, and two of its biggest pieces took effect July 1. Towns must now allow apartment buildings of two to nine units on lots zoned commercial or mixed-use.

If a project meets the town's written standards, setbacks, lot size, frontage, and building standards, it is approved on those standards alone, with no public hearing, special permit, or discretionary vote. The law also bars towns from rejecting smaller projects solely on the grounds of parking.

So what does approval look like now?

It is now all administrative review. The land-use office checks the application against the written rules. If it meets them, it’s approved. What's gone is the middle step where a compliant project could still be debated, conditioned, or voted down.

Who wanted this?

It started with the numbers. The state's 2025 Fair Share housing study put the current housing shortage between 120,000 and 380,000 homes; at the rate Connecticut builds, closing it would take about 50 years.

Housing advocates and business groups pushed for years, and the legislature passed it last fall, with Governor Lamont signing it into law.

Their case, in human terms: many families and neighbors are priced out of the American dream of owning a home.

What do critics say?

They say that Hartford just took an important decision about town centers away from the towns.

Many small-town officials, including some in this part of the state, fought the bill for exactly that reason, and because of what new buildings could mean for the character of historic town centers.

They argue that even when a project technically follows the rules, there may still be site-specific concerns about traffic, sustainability, scale or other impacts.

So are apartments coming to Litchfield County?

Not automatically.

Someone still has to want to build them, pay for them, and get through the usual building, fire, health, and environmental reviews.

But commercially zoned parts of village centers and business corridors are where these new rules are most likely to matter.

So what does this add up to?

The law makes it easier to build small apartment buildings in the places already zoned for business, and harder to stop compliant projects on process alone. It will not close a shortage the state measures in six figures; nothing that passed last fall is sized for that.

Whether it produces actual buildings here depends on owners willing to build. The first evidence will be an application on a planning and zoning agenda somewhere in the county. When one shows up, we'll report it.

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We hiked Race Brook Falls in Sheffield, MA this weekend, and the view went on and on and ooooonnn. Gorgeous.

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Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Get ready to be amazed as Charlie and the Bubble Factory brings giant bubbles, bubble towers, bubbles inside bubbles, and plenty of interactive fun to SummerFest Free Fun Week. Children and adults alike can enjoy this entertaining performance, with lucky participants even getting the chance to step inside a giant bubble. Stick around afterward for free ice pops and refreshing watermelon slices to complete the perfect summer afternoon.
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM POP INTO THE FUN

Scoville Memorial Library, Salisbury – Little ones and their caregivers are invited to enjoy a delightful morning of music, movement, stories, and nursery rhymes at this engaging early childhood program. Designed for children from birth to age three, the session encourages language development, body awareness, early literacy skills, confidence, and social interaction through songs and playful activities. Families will gather at the library's temporary location before the fun begins.
10:30 AM SING, PLAY & GROW TOGETHER

John Pettibone Community Center, New Milford – Give your child an unforgettable summer at New Milford Parks & Recreation Summer Camp, where every day is filled with games, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, field trips, and activities that encourage teamwork, creativity, and confidence. Led by CPR and First Aid certified counselors, this camp is designed for children entering grades 1 and up, with exciting excursions to Lynn Deming Park and Clatter Valley Park, plus optional weekly field trips. Campers should bring a bagged lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes for a fun-filled day of summer adventure.
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM MAKE SUMMER AN ADVENTURE

Oliver Wolcott Library, Litchfield – Bring the whole family to Pizza & Performer Tuesday for an evening of delicious pizza and dazzling entertainment featuring Charlie and the Bubble Factory. Watch giant bubbles, colorful creations, and incredible bubble tricks come to life in an interactive performance that's sure to delight children and adults alike. Registration is required for this popular family-friendly summer event.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM PIZZA, BUBBLES & FAMILY FUN

New Milford Public Library, New Milford – Preschoolers ages three and up are invited to enjoy a fun-filled morning of stories, creativity, and hands-on crafting. This engaging 45-minute program encourages early literacy, imagination, and social interaction in a welcoming library setting. Registration is required, making it a wonderful midweek activity for young children and their caregivers.
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM READ, CREATE & HAVE FUN

John Pettibone Community Center, New Milford – Build confidence, discipline, and strength through this engaging karate program led by experienced USA Martial Arts instructors. Younger children ages 5–6 can develop coordination, respect, and teamwork in the Kids Kicks class, while students ages 7 and up will learn Tang Soo Do techniques that promote self-discipline, fitness, and leadership. It's a fun and rewarding way for kids to stay active while learning valuable life skills.
5:30 PM – 7:15 PM KICK INTO CONFIDENCE

New Milford Public Library, New Milford – Join Hades for a hilariously imaginative Chibi-Manga drawing workshop where mythology meets adorable art! Participants will learn how to create expressive, big-headed, small-bodied chibi characters inspired by gods, mythical creatures, fantasy worlds, or their own wild imaginations. No drawing experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and get ready for a fun-filled evening of sketching and storytelling.
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM DRAW YOUR OWN MYTHICAL CHIBI

Scoville Memorial Library, Salisbury – Meet new friends and enjoy a relaxed evening of board games, refreshments, and conversation at Third Thursdays Young Locals Game Night. Designed for adults ages 21 and over, this monthly gathering is perfect for those who are new to the area or longtime locals looking to connect with peers in a welcoming, social setting. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
7:00 PM PLAY GAMES & MAKE NEW FRIENDS

Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Step right up for SummerFest's Free Family Carnival, where homemade carnival games, tasty treats, and family fun await! Challenge your skills with classic games like bean bag toss and bottle knockdown, enjoy fresh popcorn and favorite carnival snacks, and stop by the free face painting station for a colorful transformation. It's an afternoon of laughter, prizes, and unforgettable memories for the whole family.
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM STEP RIGHT UP TO THE CARNIVAL

Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Adults, it's your turn to make a splash! Enjoy exclusive access to the water slides during this fun-filled SummerFest event, where you can relive your childhood without the long lines. Bring your swimsuit, towel, and sense of adventure for an hour of carefree excitement, with lifeguards on duty to keep everyone safe.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM SLIDE INTO SUMMER FUN

White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield – Explore the wonders of the night sky during this fascinating astronomy program presented by members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society. Learn about the stars, planets, and celestial objects before heading outdoors for guided stargazing, weather permitting. Guests are welcome to bring their own telescopes or binoculars, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Donations are appreciated to support the Conservation Center's educational programs.
8:00 PM DISCOVER THE NIGHT SKY

Pastel Painting Workshop, Cornwall – Discover the beauty of pastel art in this beginner-friendly class that introduces participants to vibrant colors, essential supplies, and techniques for creating stunning flowers and landscapes. Experiment with painting and drawing using various types of pastels while receiving hands-on instruction in a relaxed, encouraging environment. Supplies will be available for those who don't already have their own, and the registration fee includes all three Saturday sessions.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM DISCOVER THE ART OF PASTELS

Water Street Potters, Torrington – Get your hands dirty and discover the art of pottery during this fun, beginner-friendly wheel-throwing experience. Start by creating a simple pinch pot before moving to the potter's wheel, where you'll learn the basics of shaping clay while sharing plenty of laughs with a partner, family member, or close friend. Whether it's a unique date or a creative outing, this hands-on workshop is the perfect way to make lasting memories together.
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM SPIN, SHAPE & CREATE

The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, Washington Depot – Experience the excitement of the 2026 Soccer World Championship Final on the big screen with fellow fans in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic, and favorite drinks as you cheer on the finalists during this fun community watch party for all ages. Gates open at 2:00 PM for a 3:00 PM kickoff, making it the perfect afternoon to celebrate the world's biggest soccer event together.
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM CHEER FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, Litchfield – Start your Sunday surrounded by nature with a peaceful outdoor yoga class led by expert instructors from Charym Yoga Studio. Hosted on the beautiful grounds of the Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, this relaxing session offers the perfect opportunity to stretch, breathe, and reconnect with yourself in a tranquil setting. Admission also includes access to the Conservancy for the rest of the day, allowing you to explore its scenic trails and wildlife after class.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM FLOW WITH NATURE

Shepaug Valley High School, Washington – Give your child a summer they'll never forget at Pilobolus Kids Camp, where movement, imagination, and teamwork come together through the world-renowned Pilobolus dance program. Designed for children ages 6–12, this week-long camp encourages creativity, storytelling, collaboration, and confidence through playful movement and improvisation in a fun, supportive environment. It's the perfect opportunity for young campers to stay active while making new friends and exploring their creative potential.
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM MOVE, CREATE & IMAGINE

The Nutmeg Ballet, Torrington – Count down to an out-of-this-world adventure during this imaginative five-day dance workshop inspired by space exploration. Young dancers will journey through the galaxy with ballet, creative movement, storytelling, gentle stretching, and space-themed crafts that encourage confidence, coordination, and artistic expression. It's the perfect summer experience for children who dream of rockets, stars, and dancing among the planets.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM BLAST OFF INTO DANCE

TheatreWorks New Milford, New Milford – Calling all young performers! Aspiring actors ages 7–17 are invited to spend three exciting weeks bringing the hilarious musical Beetlejuice Jr. to life. Campers will build acting, singing, and stage performance skills while rehearsing alongside fellow theater enthusiasts, culminating in four live performances during the weekend of August 7–9. It's the perfect summer opportunity for creative kids who love the spotlight and unforgettable theatrical fun.
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM IT'S SHOWTIME!

The Mattatuck Museum, Waterbury – Treat the kids to a week of art, history, and discovery during Children's Free Week at the Museum. In memory of John Howard, children ages 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by an adult, making it the perfect opportunity for families to explore engaging exhibits, hands-on learning, and cultural experiences together. Enjoy a memorable summer outing while discovering everything the museum has to offer.
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EXPLORE THE MUSEUM FOR FREE

A few poll respondents mentioned they didn’t know the Ledger was on Instagram! It is. Photographs of the county between issues, plus events that don’t make the newsletter.