Board of Finance Approves Town Center Planning Group's Request for Phase 1 Funding

The Board of Finance approved the Town Center Planning Group's request for funding of Phase 1 of a master plan at it's regular meeting last night held at Town Hall.

By a vote of 7 to 1, the Board voted to approve the TCPG's request for funds not to exceed $25,000 to initiate a master plan for long-range planning for downtown municipal buildings, parking and the library. Phase 1 of the plan includes the engagement of a consultant to assist the committee. 

Voting in dissent was alternate member John Emert who expressed his concern that an approval would lead down a road that would inevitably result in expenditures he did not think the town should undertake.

Despite the 7 to 1 vote, the road to approval was not smooth for the committee.

TCPG Co-Chair and Board of Finance alternate member Christine Wagner presented the committee's request. She restated their position that whatever the conclusions of their work a master plan is a necessity for New Canaan. "The problems we're trying to address exist whether or not we make a plan," she stated.

"The option of doing nothing doesn't exist," Wagner said. "The library will make a decision about land use whether or not we adopt a master plan." She emphasized the committee's position that a master plan for development would enable town government to make decisions about individual requests for funding for building maintenance and improvement with an overall picture in mind rather than in a vacuum. 

Wagner also detailed the steps which the committee has taken to this point. As she explained, the TCPG narrowed down "Requests for Qualifications" from many consulting firms to four. Those firms were interviewed and, as TCPG and Board of Finance member Neil Budnick explained, extensive investigation was done to review the qualifications of those four firms. The firm Perkins & Eastman was eventually selected. 

While most of the Board seemed to support the idea of long-term planning for the town as described by the TCPG members, their concern was with what they perceived to be the lack of competitive bidding for the project.

Board member Todd Lavieri questioned how the committee arrived at the decision to proceed with Perkins & Eastman without soliciting bids from multiple firms. While he and Board member Paul Giusti and others  praised the committee members and the work done to date, they were adamant on this point.

When the request was put to a vote, the initial motion to approve was amended to include a requirement that price be a consideration in the choice of firm for the Phase 1 assignation and for all choices made going forward.

Prior to the final vote, members of the audience raised questions about the project. 

Lynn Tolin of New Canaan questioned the what called the "steamroller" nature of the process and asked why funds were being allocated prior to next week's public forum on the subject. "It makes me wonder what's the underlying reason for that, not to wait a week," she said.

Fred Chang, who identified himself as a 25 year resident of the town, said he felt very confused by the presentation and expressed that he loves the library just as it is. On the subject of parking he added, "We have enough parking, just maybe not immediately in front of your location." He went on to urge fiscal restraint.

Fiscal restraint was the theme of resident Roy Abramovitz' comments as well. He also expressed a concern about what he saw as the inevitable rise in property taxes  if a master plan were to result in large scale projects.

Jack Trifero rose to express concerns with the impetus for the creation of the TCPG. In questioning the Board, he asked,"Who gave the $100,000 donation to the library to start this process?" 

In response, First Selectman Jeb Walker replied, "In my view, whoever gave money to the 501(c)(3) that owns the library, that's not the business of the town, so I have no intention of asking the library that question."

Trifero asked if members of the Board of Finance who he suggested have a conflict of interest in this matter intended to recuse themselves. C.Daniel Ward of the board indicated that the town lawyer has said that is not necessary.

The next step in the approval process for Phase 1 funding of this project is a request for approval before the Town Council at their meeting tonight.

A public forum on the subject is scheduled for next week, Tues., Sept 21.