When First Selectman Jeb Walker and the Board of Finance announced their intentions for a master plan to renovate structures downtown, they said they wanted to get feedback from local residents about how they should go about changes. Well, we decided to do a little bit of Walkers job for him, and asked you what you thought of the idea. Some of you were well-versed in the towns proposals, others needed a refresher course. But regardless, everyone had some ideas of their own.
Some, like Bob Fairty, were strongly in favor of an update, especially to the New Canaan Library. Its such a vital part of the community, he said. And its getting a little tired. They really need more space. Fairty was also happy about the prospects of adding more parking spaces to the Main Street area. I walk uptown sometimes because its so hard to get a space on some days, he said.
Lucy Hazard wasnt exactly against the parking revamps, saying, More parking is always good. Still Hazard, who lived in Greenwich and Rye, N.Y., before moving to New Canaan two years ago, said parking wasnt one of her biggest concerns. Its so much better than in Greenwich and Rye, I cant complain, she said. Its pretty cutthroat there.
Hazard was also wary of the changes to town buildings. Although she admitted that the inside of Town Hall could use some renovations, she hopes the towns leaders make sure they dont change the character of the towns architecture. That was part of the draw of moving to New Canaan, she said.
Norman Toy said he feels the renovations to town hall and the library are long-needed, and seemed to have very specific proposals for the update. In particular, Toy said he thinks the library should move from its current location on Main Street, to an area with better parking and accessibility. Hed also like to see the buildings entrance on ground level, so residents would not have to climb as many stairs to get inside the front door.
As for Town Hall, Toy was rather happy that town officials are looking to upgrade. He said, I think the idea of having a proper town hall, that could be used as a shelter in case of an emergency, makes good sense.
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