Stephen Orteig is concerned that a master plan for New Canaan could dramatically change all of downtown. While many people at a meeting Wednesday wanted to weigh in on what should happen with Town Hall, the Library or parking, Orteigs interests were more broad.
The whole of downtown New Canaan is potentially going to change, and I think people want to know what that means and how its going to affect the appearance of the town, said Orteig. I dont really have a particular issue. I want to see the whole thing.
Orteig was among nearly 100 people who attended Wednesdays roundtable meeting sponsored by the Long Range Planning Committee. The session was part of the committees process for developing a plan.
Residents sat at seven tables to discuss what should happen with several aspects of town that could change under a master plan, including whether Town Hall should be repaired or replaced, the future of New Canaan Library and parking improvements. The meeting was intended to get some ideas about what should be included in future planning for the town.
Town consultant Frank Fish of BFJ Planning said the consensus is that residents want improved and efficient services, but want it done inexpensively. Whatever we do, it has to be fiscally prudent, he said. It needs to have numbers to it. They want to see how it impacts taxpayers."
Roy Abramowitz said the town should find ways to encourage the use of parking that is away from the main shopping district, and look at having an escalated scale for repeat parking violations.
Longtime resident Tanya Bickley said the session was good for gathering ideas, but that the attendance at two input meetings represents such a tiny percentage of people. Bickley said the committee should try to get more comments from residents before moving ahead.
Otherwise, it will not be a process that truly reflects the will of New Canaan, she said.
What do you think should be considered in a town master plan? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
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