CORNWALL — With a handful of new businesses and a plan for a new septic system, West Cornwall is well on its way to putting its name on the map, according to First Selectman Gordon Ridgway.
All the recently opened or soon-to-be-open stores in the village, located on the Sharon-Goshen Turnpike, are in walking distance of one another. Construction is underway on the town’s only year-round restaurant as well, Ridgway said. The building, which was previously an antique shop, is being converted into a 34-seat restaurant, which will have additional patio seating. The restaurant, which is not yet named, is expected to open by summer or early fall.
Also under construction is the building adjacent to the future restaurant, formerly called the River Inn. The inn was famous in the 1950s and 1960s, according to Ridgway. The inn had previously been a private residence called the Pink House, which caught fire about 12 years ago and has stood empty and in disrepair ever since. Once the building is renovated, it will be available for commercial use.
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Additionally, the West Cornwall Library is supporting two new businesses in town — The Local, a market that sells all locally-made products; and The Union, a community work space.
Libby Mitchell, executive director of the library, said The Local, which opened in December 2020, started as an indoor farmers market and has grown. Merchandise includes coffee, soaps, syrup, breads, clothing and accessories. The shop also carries Ridgway Farm Maple Syrup from Ridgway’s own farm in town.
The Union, which is free to the public, opened shortly before the pandemic.
“If you’re stuck, if you have writer’s block and can’t get your work done, or if you want to hold a meeting, you can come here,” said Mitchell, adding The Union has high-speed internet service and is open by appointment only.
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This summer, a Rock & Roll Camp for kids will make its debut in town. Campers will be able to take music lessons and, at the end of the session, they’ll perform in a concert.
Another new business — 3 Guys Ski & Ride — is preparing for a soft opening at the end of the month. The building had previously been the town’s general store, a restaurant and an art studio. It’s now going to be a full-service ski shop, also carrying skateboards, hiking and trail running shoes and accessories. Co-owner Michael Carr said the business also plans to be a full-service bike shop, “if and when bikes are available again for purchase.” Due to the pandemic, there’s an international shortage of bikes.
At the Covered Bridge Electric Bike Shop, which has been open for two years, owner Bob Ensign said customers span all ages. While some say they haven’t been on a bicycle in 50 years, that doesn’t appear to discourage them from trying an electric bike.
“There’s something about electric bikes in particular, that once they get over their intimidation of them, it facilitates somebody getting back on the bike and learning how to ride again,” Ensign said.
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Once a week, Ridgway uses his own electric bicycle for the 10-minute ride from his Cornwall farm to work at town hall.
He said he has plans to have an electric vehicle charging station at the town’s new restaurant.
“We are trying to become an electric vehicle stop destination,” he said.
According to Ridgway, West Cornwall is positioning itself to become a leader in recreational supplies.
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“You have fly fishing, boating on the river, hiking, skiing, electric biking — and it’s all right here,” said Ridgway, adding the town is on the western New England Greenway and the bicycle trail from New York City to Montreal in Canada.
Despite all the activity in town, there’s still some empty buildings — such as the former library building — that has been closed due to lack of a public septic system in that area of town.
But that’s all about to change, according to Ridgway.
“We’re applying for a state grant to get a septic system,” he said. “Hopefully, buildings like the former schoolhouse will be able to come back to use when we get that going.”
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Ridgway said both residents and visitors walking through the village can already feel a new vibe.
“People feel there’s a new energy here — a rebirth,” he said. “Here we are in a 19th-century village without septic, and we’re trying to catapult to the 21st century.”
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