Issue #2: The D Zone

Opponents and proponents have exchanged blows over a proposal to make changes to downtown zoning. 

The greatest bone of contention has been a plan that would create a new D Zone on the western side of Grove Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission wants to encourage mixed use development there, and has suggested the construction of a medical office complex that could house restaurants or service business on the ground floor. 

Opponents worry that the new zoning would would decentralize New Canaan’s downtown and detract from its village charm. 

Proponents say it's a preemptive move to prevent less desirable developments like big box stores from moving in by limiting the footprint of buildings in a D Zone. 

Any votes on the proposal are on hold until  a market demand study recently funded by a state grant can be completed. The controversy is likely to continue in the meantime. 

In the second of a series of video responses to election issues, both candidates for First Selectman say the zoning changes are an important part of the strategy to revitalize downtown...

Sally Hines (D):

Selectman and Democratic challenger Sally Hines says a D Zone could in fact be complementary to existing business downtown and that the status simply sticking with the status quo is not the way to go. 

Jeb Walker (R): 

In expressing enthusiasm for the zoning changes, First Selectman and Republican candidate Jeb Walker says "special interests" have clouded the D Zone issue, but he also blames Planning and Zoning for doing a poor job of selling the plan. 

Nonetheless, he hopes changes get approved before anything "drastic" happens downtown.