Town Center Planning Group Outlines Goals for New Canaan Redevelopment

The Town Center Planning Group (TCPG) was chartered by the Board of Selectmen in June 2010 for the purpose of undertaking development of a master plan for the major town buildings which are located in the central area of New Canaan.  The study will include the library -- which is not a town-owned building -- and parking in the central area.

At a press conference on May 12, First Selectman Jeb Walker, flanked by members of the Board of Selectman, Town Council, Board of Finance and the New Canaan Library Board, explained that, "The decision by the Library Board to build a new library presents a unique opportunity for the town to plan for, and implement, some necessary civic improvements.  While in the past we have looked at various projects individually – such as the Town Hall renovation, expanding parking and upgrading downtown - the need for a new library is a catalyst for action."

The TCPG, which is an advisory committee, will take a comprehensive look at planning the execution of essential municipal projects to meet the long term needs of the town via development of a master plan. 

The master plan, which is a policy based document, will provide a comprehensive, long-range guide to the development of the central business area with respect to municipal projects and a library location.  Many of these projects have been long studied with well-documented needs but never undertaken.  

The town will work cooperatively with the library, which faced with an undersized, aging facility and increased demand and visits, concluded, after years of study, that a new facility was the best option to serve its patrons and the community. 

Facilities slated for inclusion in the master planning effort are Town Hall, the Fire Station, Board of Education Central Offices and the Outback Teen Center.  Parking requirements of these facilities and the existing lots on Main, Locust, Park, South Avenue and Elm Street areas will also be taken into account for the master plan.  A separate study, concurrently being undertaken by the Town Planner, will provide traffic counts and analysis at key intersections and locations in the central town area. 

The major tasks of the TCPG will be to:

• collect and review existing data on town facilities,
• investigate other towns that have undertaken similar endeavors,
• define an initial scope of work,
• solicit public input at the initial stage,
• determine what consultants are needed and work to engage them,
• consider options for new, renovated, and upgraded facilities, including parking,
• solicit public input at the interim phase,
• develop final recommendations and presentation,
• solicit public input at the final stage,
• and present the final recommendations to the Town Bodies.

As the TCPG requires funding to proceed with its work, it will request such funding through the normal appropriation process from the Town Bodies  at public meetings.The TCPG envisions that the Master Plan development will take up to twelve months, during which interim reports to the Town bodies, public comment forums, and public presentations will be made.