New Canaan has begun to look at what kind of downtown it would like to have in the future. A newly formed Market Demand Study Committee met for the first time Tuesday morning to consider such issues as whether there should be more shops, fewer restaurants and whether the business area needs a facelift.
Its an opportunity to enhance the attractiveness of the business district, said John Goodwin, who is both the chairman of the committee and a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Its an opportunity to identify what as a town we can do better.
The committee and Market Demand Study were recommended in the towns strategic plan, which was completed in 2007 and called for a study of downtown. The towns Plan of Conservation and Development, completed in 2003, mainly focused on residential needs. New Canaan received a $75,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant from the states Office of Policy and Management to pay for the study.
Town Planner Steven Kleppin said the study will evaluate the business mix in town, what works and what does not, the impact of online shopping and regulations. The second phase of the study will analyze traffic, including whether more parking is needed.
Its not just retail were looking at. Its general businesses overall, Kleppin said, mentioning an influx of offices. To me, you should always be proactive. You should always look down the road.
Goodwin said its likely the town will not want big box retailers, and that the panel will review attracting services that fit the towns image.
The committee expects to meet with five consulting firms on Dec. 17 to work on developing a market demand study.
What do you think downtown New Canaan needs? Please leave a comment below.
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