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NewCanaanite.com - Big news for a small town: New Canaan, CT.

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‘We Are Listening’: Talking Parking with the First Selectman [Q&A]

By Michael Dinan | March 2, 2026

The changes to parking in downtown New Canaan—where the one-way stretch of Elm Street and part of South Avenue are now paid, while the entire Park Street Lot is now free—went into effect in October. Following a grace period through year’s end where the town issued warnings to motorists not paying for newly converted spaces, ticketing violators is now underway. That, combined with calls for further refinement among some local merchants, has pushed the parking situation to top of mind for many locals. We put some questions about the parking changes to New Canaan’s highest elected official, Dionna Carlson (who’d publicly stated her plans nearly two years ago).

Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

Our schools are at risk of having services reduced by a Board of Finance proposed budget cut of $2 million-plus. Many of you have moved to New Canaan just in the past five years. Others have enjoyed many years in this wonderful town.

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What You’re Saying …

  • “As an alumni of New Canaan, a teacher, as well as a resident and parent of two children in New…”

    — Lauren Samuels on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

  • “A more business-friendly solution to improve flow on Elm Street would have been to make ALL parking free. Reduce…”

    — Gabriela Beecher on ‘We Are Listening’: Talking Parking with the First Selectman [Q&A]

  • “MIXED FEED BACK? i I do not know any stores who are happy with the decrease in foot traffic. The…”

    — Wendy Probert on ‘We Are Listening’: Talking Parking with the First Selectman [Q&A]

  • “I was replying to an outlandish suggestion (that retired seniors should be exempt from school tax) with an outlandish response…”

    — Jessica Bermingham on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

  • “I just googled USN&WR high school rankings for 2025-2026: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/connecticut/districts/new-canaan-school-district/new-canaan-high-school-4491 New Canaan High School…”

    — Betty J. Lovastik on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

  • “I totally agree there are many reasons to live in NC! I was replying to the last line in Roy's…”

    — Jessica Heiss on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

  • “I would like to see checks and balances implemented in New Canaan government and the budget for the Board of…”

    — Denise Luccarelli on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

  • “I do Micheal: I am a senior. Paid New Canaan real estate and car tax for 29 years. No child…”

    — Roy Abramowitz on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

  • “Notice how these developers live in shoulder communities. The recent project this new interloper/developer did was on Hope…”

    — Marie Colon on Affordable Housing: 14-Unit Apartment Building Planned for Parade Hill Road

  • “Elm Street is one of the town’s Crown Jewels. It’s what sets New Canaan apart from other towns. We should…”

    — Gunnar Edelstein on ‘We Are Listening’: Talking Parking with the First Selectman [Q&A]

  • “I am an alumni parent — yeah, yeah, okay a senior — who fully supports the BOE budget. At the…”

    — Jane Himmel on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

  • “Hi - what are the days and hours that paid parking will be required on Elm Street? Thank you.”

    — Michelle Gartland on ‘We Are Listening’: Talking Parking with the First Selectman [Q&A]

  • “Well, Ms Bermingham, have you considered that many of these retired seniors have educated their children in NC,…”

    — Lillian Toll on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

  • “Well, Arnold, I’m mighty honored that you took a break from diving, Scrooge McDuck style, headfirst into your pool filled…”

    — Laura Ault on Letter to the Editor

  • “I don't see her comment as attacking anyone. I hear her saying that New Canaan's strong schools have boosted home…”

    — Michael Dinan on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

  • “Laura— with your well written comments I personally understand you are not a fan of gas leaf blowers and my…”

    — Arnold Karp on Letter to the Editor

  • “No, I’m not “anti-seniors” (insert eyeroll). I think most seniors respect the symbiotic relationship between our great schools and our…”

    — Jessica Bermingham on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

  • “Wow, Ms. Bermingham, that's cruel. I've lived here for 30 years without children. What you just said is like a…”

    — Regina Walsh on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

  • “Thank you. Well said !”

    — Roy A Abramowitz on Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education

Most Popular

  • Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education
  • Thomas Garrett Flynn, MD
  • Did You Hear … ?
  • PHOTOS: New Canaan Train Service Halted After Crash at Richmond Hill Road [UPDATED]
  • Jane Magrino Tolman, 1965-2026

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Wed 04

History of Peonies with Cricket Hill

March 4 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Wed 04

New Canaan Community Foundation Volunteer Recognition Awards

March 4 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thu 05

HAYVN’S Monthly Wellness Collective Meetups:

March 5 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Most-Read Past Month

  • Town Upholds $30 Ticket Issued to New Canaan Resident, Local Worker
  • Affordable Housing: 14-Unit Apartment Building Planned for Parade Hill Road
  • Affordable Housing: Judge Sustains Developer’s Appeal in 93-Unit Complex on Hill Street
  • Affordable Housing: Weed and Elm Neighbors Lose Easement Lawsuit
  • Town Upholds $30 Ticket Issued for Overstaying on Elm
  • Adirondack Store: ‘We Plan To Continue To Expand and Build Our Brand’
  • Eviction Notice Served on Elm Street Business
  • Op-Ed: Attention Young Families, from the Board of Education
  • Take Two: ‘Scene One New Canaan LLC’ To Operate Playhouse Movie Theater
  • PHOTOS: New Canaan Train Service Halted After Crash at Richmond Hill Road [UPDATED]

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