By KAREN PARKER | County Line Editor
When Bernardino Cruz opens his door in Sparta within the next week, he will find Norwalk Police Chief David Jones on the other side.
Cruz is one of several owners of dilapidated properties that the Norwalk Village Board considered for action at its Tuesday meeting. Jones has presented the board with a list of a half-dozen properties he considers in need of abatement. This property at 212 Main St. appears vacant, is crawling with critters, has had windows open for years and has grass in need of mowing, junk and weeds, Jones said.
At first, board members agreed to clean up the property and add the cost to Cruz’s property taxes, but after more discussion, they asked Jones to call on Cruz in Sparta.
Other business
• Chris Gough gave an impassioned plea to the board in defense of Police Chief Jones whom she credits as being a valuable resource to village residents. Jones came in or some flak after ticketing Norwalk’s municipal judge, Doug Gnewikow, for junk at a storage building on Center Street. Gnewikow told the County Line that he had filed a complaint with the Department of Justice. He also said he would postpone the case when it comes before him.
It’s been a tough few weeks for the village. Last month’s flooding damaged a bridge and eroded areas of the Morris Creek bank. To add insult to injury, last Thursday a lightning strike wiped out the lighting in the ball diamond. Everything, including the poles, will need replacement, although insurance will cover most of the cost. Clerk Sharon Karis said the wiring would be run underground and several poles would be added to better light up the volleyball court.
• The board gave permission to proceed with the new Norwalk Public Library addition, which Zach Brown of Norwalk will build. The library is expected to remain open during construction.
• Dates were set to begin work on the budget. Karis said the village’s fee to the Wilton Ambulance Service will increase sharply, doubling by 2020.
• A loan of $8,500 was granted to Kevin Henze for renovations on his apartment building.
• Work is to begin next week on the reservoir cover.
• The Norwalk Lions covered the $1,700 cost of 80 yards of bark for the playground.