News

Local Leaders Create ‘Domestic Violence Survivor Support Fund’ for New Canaan Residents

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Nonprofit, municipal, medical and public safety leaders in New Canaan last week announced the creation of a new fund designed to help those impacted by domestic violence—long described as the town’s number-one violent crime. Created by the New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership in collaboration with the New Canaan Community Foundation, among other local agencies, the “Domestic Violence Survivor Support Fund” will confidentially provide access safe housing, meet basic needs and cover emergency expenses—including childcare—for survivors. “The thing that we all want to do is break the cycle of violence,” Dede Bartlett, founder of the New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership, said Friday during a presentation on the new fund to local leaders held at Town Hall. “We don’t want her kids to become the perpetrators in the future. I look upon this as a very practical investment in helping people move forward so that you do not have to have this conversation 10 years from now.”

Administered by NCCF, the fund “will provide a direct, easy, practical way for people like us, and groups, and organizations to directly support our citizens who are in crisis,” Bartlett said.

Government

Referendum Fails; Summertime Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Takes Effect

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New Canaan’s summertime ban on gas-powered leaf blowers is now in effect, following a referendum vote Saturday. Though more local electors voted in favor of nixing the ban, not enough people came to the polls to overturn the Town Council’s 8-4 vote in May in favor of a new ordinance whose full text can be read here under “Exhibit A” (scroll down). According to unofficial results released Saturday night by head moderator Bob Mantilia, 1,471 people voted “No” and 1,033 voted “Yes” on the following question:
“Shall the May 20, 2026 action of the Town Council approving an ordinance entitled ‘Gas Powered Leaf Blowers,’ which sets certain restrictions on their usage, be upheld?”
In order for the “No” votes to carry, two thresholds had to be met. Not only did more people have to vote “No” than “Yes,” but also 15% of the electorate as of the last completed voters’ list (which is 2,179 out of 14,526 people) had to vote “No.”

One advocate for the new ordinance, New Canaan resident John Seel, said when asked for his thoughts that “this was a very positive outcome.”

“As I’ve been saying, it upholds the democratic process in New Canaan,” Seel told NewCanaanite.com after the tally came in. “The decision of the Town Council back in May was an accurate reflection of the will of the people of New Canaan, as expressed through their democratically elected representatives.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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New Canaan Police at 3:39 p.m. on July 17 received a report of a vehicle—keys inside, unlocked—stolen from the Country Club of New Canaan. It was recovered in New York City, police said. ***

Many thanks to the Department of Public Works for installing a concrete pad under a preferred bench in front of The Playhouse, leveling its base. ***

The nonprofit Planet New Canaan is offering the “Zero Waste Kitchen Kit” —a food safe 5-gallon bucket with screwtop lid to prevent leakage and odors, 25 BPI certified compostable liner bags and an infographic showing accepted and non-accepted items at Transfer Station—for $15 (it’s a $30 value). Purchase here.

Business

‘Splash of Pink’ on Elm Street Closes

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Lilly Pulitzer Splash of Pink, an Elm Street shop featuring women’s clothing and apparel, closed its doors this week after seven years, according to its owner. The retailer is “incredibly grateful to our loyal New Canaan customers for their support, friendships, and enthusiasm over the years,” Amy Cesaratto said. “While we will miss being part of the New Canaan community, we hope you’ll continue to shop with us at our beautifully renovated Westport location,” she said in an email. Cerasatto also thanked Wendy Probert, the New Canaan store’s manager “whose endless enthusiasm, warm smile, and genuine commitment to helping every customer made our New Canaan store feel like home.”

“Wendy will now be part of our Westport team and would be delighted to welcome the many friends and customers from her New Canaan family who she came to know and love,” Cesaratto said. Amy and Marc Cesaratto opened the first-ever Lilly Pulitzer store in Westport in 2003. 

“We look forward to seeing familiar faces in Westport and continuing to serve you for many years to come,” Amy Cerasatto said in the email.

Business

‘Pesca’ Peruvian Restaurant on Main Street To Close This Weekend

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Pesca Peruvian Bistro, a well-liked restaurant that opened on Main Street nearly eight years ago, is closing this week. Co-owner Wilson Rodriguez said that he is seeking to retire and sees little benefit in remaining open during a general slowdown of the business. “It sounds crazy, I’m not even 60, but that [retirement] is what I want,” he told NewCanaanite.com. 

Rodriguez added: “We really appreciate all of our loyal customers. I don’t want to disappoint them and I hope they will understand. And they will.”

Launched by Rodriguez and fellow co-owner and chef Jose Draganac in December 2018 in the large restaurant space formerly occupied by the Plum Tree, Pesca emerged as a popular option for those seeking Peruvian cuisine, and also regularly hosted parties, business gatherings and fundraisers for local nonprofit organizations, and supported many community causes.