Volume 17, Number 51
www.southingtoncitizen.com
Friday, December 18, 2020
Council move protects landmark farm By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
$800,000, which will be split by the state and town.
Town officials approved a deal Monday night that will prevent development on Karabin Farms, a purchase that’s been in the works for years.
The Town Council voted unanimously Monday night in favor of the purchase. Town leaders said the move preserves the town’s agricultural heritage, maintains open space and prevents housing sprawl.
By buying development rights, the town prevents owners of the 48-acre Karabin Farms from building on the land. The deal cost just under
“The parcel is a gem in our community,” said Paul Chaplinsky, a Town
Council member and chairman of the open space acquisition committee. Years ago, farm owners Diane and Mike Karabin asked if the town would be interested in buying development rights, according to Town Manager Mark Sciota. The deal included farmland preservation funding from the state Department of Agriculture.
Alternative high school renamed after longtime educator
Under the proposal, the town would pay $397,993 of the $795,986 price tag for the rights. The Karabins will still own the farm after the sale but will be restricted in what they can See Farm, A2
Holiday cheer is on display By Jessica Simms Special to the Record-Journal
By Devin Leith-Yessian Record-Journal staff
The town’s alternative high school was renamed to honor the memory of a longtime educator who volunteered at the school in her retirement.
“It took a while, but the numbers came in at a number that this council at executive session agreed with,” Sciota said.
Science teacher Elisabeth Cinque created the new logo for newly named
Alta at the Pyne Center was reKaren Smith Academy, seen here on Friday at 242 Main St. named the Karen Smith Academy by Dave Zajac, Record-Journal the Board of Education during its Dec. 10 meeting. attend our program and she made it During her 29 years in the Southingvery clear to these kids that they’re ton school system, Smith worked as “She just made all of our kids feel very special. It really is a privilege to part of a very special program,” said school counselor Mark Hill. See School, A2
As a way to brighten people’s spirits during this holiday season, many residents have been going all out on the decorating. Some of these seasonal displays represent much more than just what’s seen driving by. The stories behind the lights and the festive show can tell a heartwarming tale of family and community connections. Ever since she moved to Southington in 1995, Nicole Woodruff’s home has been decorated for the See Displays, A12
Primary & Specialty Care 167 Main St, Southington
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