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Building in Mead Park a Cafe? One Woman Says Yes

When Anna Farrelly sees the old brick building at Mead Park, she sees a historic building that can – and should – be preserved by New Canaan.

“There’s so many possibilities with this,” said Farrelly, 47, a New Canaan native and owner of a dog care business.

She was in New Canaan's Mead Park on Thursday to walk and train a couple of bulldogs. “I think it could be used as a café or a museum, and we could make it dog-friendly. Dogs are part of the family and this is a family-oriented town.”

The future of the 111-year-old building is up in the air. The Public Works Department last month received two bids for the demolition of the building, located off Richmond Hill Road. One company wanted more than $135,000 to take the building down, while another wanted $426,000. The public works department has just $18,783 remaining in its demolition account.

The Board of Selectmen and Parks and Recreation Commission were planning to discuss options for the building. Assistant Public Works Director Tiger Mann said the only proposal was to remove the exterior staircase and paint it.

Town officials have wanted to remove the building, now used for storage, for several years. Several Richmond Hill Road neighbors say it is an eyesore that takes up needed space in Mead Park. Preservationists say it’s a valuable structure that harkens back to the town’s past.

Farrelly is elated that the building will remain standing a little longer. She thinks it would make an excellent center to celebrate New Canaan’s history.  “It’s got good bones,” she said. “The town can use it and make it a great place to go.”

What do you want to see happen to the building at Mead Park? Let us know by leaving a comment below. You can also visit us on Facebook.

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