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Karp Named to Master Plan Group

After losing two members last month, the group working to create a master plan for downtown added to its ranks, although not without some discord. Local builder Arnold Karp will join the Long Range Planning Committee after the Board of Selectmen approved his selection in a 2-1 vote. Karp joins the committee as it prepares to host public hearings on whether the town should include Town Hall, the New Canaan Library and the New Canaan Fire Department in its plan. Karp's first meeting with the planning committee is expected to be at 1 p.m. Monday.

Karp previously served on the New Canaan High School Building Committee, as did planning group Chairwoman Christine Wagner and member Penny Rashin.

Selectman Robert Mallozzi voted against Karp's appointment because he said the appointment process was short-circuited by First Selectman Jeb Walker's letter two weeks ago to local media outlets nominating Karp for the post. Mallozzi said the selectmen should have had an open discussion about possible replacements for the departed Mike Hobbs and Jim Beall before a name was put out to the public. That includes whether the member should be another person employed in building.

The word on Karp's nomination "effectively ended all discussion that we would have had ... about the makeup of this committee," Mallozzi said. "I'm disappointed because that isn't the nature of the relationship between the three of us." Mallozzi noted he had nothing against Karp in voicing his dissent.

Walker said he did not handle the situation properly and said he rushed to get the appointment done. "It was a mistake that I made, and I take full responsibility," he said.

Mallozzi expected the board would have a thorough discussion of candidates as it seeks to fill the fifth seat on the committee.

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