SHARE

Selectmen OK Planning Contract

The committee working on a new master plan for downtown received the go-ahead to sign a contract with a consultant – and a new name. The Board of Selectmen voted 2-1 Tuesday morning to authorize the newly named Long Range Planning Committee to sign a consulting contract with Perkins Eastman Associates for the first phase of a master plan study. The no vote was cast by Selectman Robert Mallozzi.

The contract is for $24,000, said Planning Committee Chairwoman Christine Wagner. The committee chose Perkins Eastman, she said, because it was the most qualified and best suited to serve the town. The committee was formerly known as the Town Center Planning Group.

"Undertaking a master plan really helps the town establish where they want to go in the future," Wagner said. "If you believe things are going to happen in the next 20 or 30 years, this is a very helpful way to plot out that road map that we want to have."

Wagner said a two-phase contract with Perkins Eastman will cost $98,000. Two other firms the committee interviewed proposed two-phase costs from $100,000 to $175,000. Representatives from Perkins Eastman will be on hand during planned public hearings to hear residents' comments, Wagner said.

In voting no, Mallozzi repeated his concern that the town has already reviewed downtown issues, including necessary repairs and renovations at Town Hall.

"I don't see that there's any need to spend money on the planning phase now. I think we can plan with what we have in place," Mallozzi said. "This rush to [get a] consultant scared everyone in August, it scares me today."

to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE