Residents interested in saving an old town garage at Mead Park from the wrecking ball took to a farmer's market to rally community support. Volunteers looking to save the old garage, also called the Carriage Barn, collected several dozen signatures Saturday at the weekly New Canaan Farmers Market at the old Center School parking lot. Shoppers who signed the petition said the town can and should find a way to use the 110-year-old brick building instead of dismantling it. The town Historic Review Committee decided last month that the garage did not have significant historic value, clearing the way for the Public Works Department to seek a demolition permit.
Tonya Gwynn of Elm Street said the town has neglected the garage but said it should be saved. "It's a unique example of industrial architecture," Gwynn said. "It could be made into something for the people of New Canaan."
Gail Merrill of Silvermine Road suggested some possible uses. "Maybe it could become a café. It could be any number of things," Merrill said. "Maybe it could be a flower shop. It could be anything charming."
Merrill also worried that demolition might clear the way for something larger in the area, although town officials have said the space would likely be used for passive recreation.
Bill Martin, who volunteered alongside New Canaan Preservation Alliance President Mary Findlay, said it's important for the town to preserve its history. "We are trying to repurpose it into something useful for the residents and park visitors alike," Martin said. "Town residents would like to preserve the cultural and historic aspects of the town."
Findlay is expected to approach the Board of Selectmen at the Oct. 12 meeting to ask the town to reconsider its demolition plans.
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