NewCanaanite.com received the following letter. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com to have them published here.
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On August 5, 2026, Skip Hobbs wrote a letter to this publication pointing out that the parcel on the west side of Lapham Road (Parcel E), where Waveny Lifecare Network (WLCN) is seeking support to build an independent retirement living community, is in fact part of Waveny Park and subject to the deed restrictions governing the park.
The comments from readers responding to Skip’s letter do not appear to be supportive of this location either; several are strongly opposed to the proposal.
Some readers may recall that in 2019 WLCN sought approval to build an independent retirement community on the two small parcels it owns on Oenoke Ridge, between St. Mark’s Church and New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. There was vigorous opposition to the size of the proposed structure, and the proposal was ultimately dropped.
I imagine WLCN has been looking for an alternative site for some time. My wife and I support the concept but do not support building it on Lapham Road.
I would therefore like to suggest that the town-owned property directly across from WLCN, at the corner of Farm Road and Old Stamford Road, be considered as an alternative site. This vacant property, which was acquired by the town at the same time as Waveny Park, is approximately four acres. It does contain some wetlands, but so does the existing Waveny campus.
The property is smaller than the acreage WLCN would like to use on Parcel E, but it is roughly twice the size of the two properties on Oenoke Ridge that were originally proposed for an independent living community.
Perhaps, rather than debating whether an independent retirement community belongs on Parcel E, the town and WLCN could explore whether this town-owned property might provide a location not restricted in the same way as Parcel E —one that could allow WLCN to achieve its objective while preserving Waveny Park and avoiding the concerns that have been raised about developing Parcel E.
Every possible location will have drawbacks. The goal is to find one where they can be overcome. Is this a location worth considering?
Rob Fryer