Legislators, DEEP to Meet Friday Over Vandalism at Wadsworth Falls

Middlefield legislators are scheduled to meet on Friday with representatives from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection over vandalism and illegal parking at Wadsworth Falls.

State Sen. Dante Bartolomeo said Wednesday that several residents had contacted her about their concerns over the park's deteriorating condition. Patch has been reporting on the situation, including 77 illegal parking tickets handed out over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. 

"We absolutely feel there is a need to sit and talk with them to see what we can work out," Bartolomeo said. "I don't know what can be done yet but we need to talk through a variety of issues and see what the experts from DEEP have to say about it.

During a recent visit to the popular waterfall on Cherry Hill Road, state Rep. Buddy Altobello took photographs of the garbage and other personal belongings left behind by visitors.

"Certainly we, at the very minimum, should be reconsidering the state policy of not having trash cans at state parks. We need to look at what can be done with additional enforcement," Bartolomeo said. 

She's been in contact with DEEP Commissioner Daniel Etsy and invited Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw to the meeting.

"My job is to advocate for the residents in my district and that's what we're going to do," she said.