A family-owned business moving into a long-vacant commercial space in downtown New Canaan is seeking formal permission from the Planning & Zoning Commission to provide its residential and commercial flooring and related services.
Carpet Trends is planning to open a satellite showroom at 97 Main St. next month. The former Garelick & Herbs space has been vacant for about eight years.
Under the New Canaan Zoning Regulations, P&Z site plan approval is required for retail businesses with a gross first-floor area of less than 5,000 square feet operating in the Retail A Zone (page 77).
P&Z is expected to take up the application at its March 25 meeting.
In a Feb. 20 letter to the Commission, Tyler Rogers—whose grandfather launched Carpet Trends in 1956 in Rye, N.Y.—said the company is “excited to expand by opening a second location in New Canaan.”
“We specialize in a wide range of flooring products, including hardwood, carpet, tile, and vinyl, as well as professional installation services,” Rogers said. “Our goal is to offer high-quality flooring solutions and exceptional customer service to both residential and commercial clients in the New Canaan area. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment where customers can receive expert guidance and make informed decisions about their flooring needs.”
Carpet Trends plans to keep “an inviting and decorative front window” facing Main Street “that highlights our product displays and makes shopping a pleasant experience for passersby.”
“To ensure a clean and professional atmosphere, all office work and storage will be kept toward the back of the store,” Rogers said in the letter. “This layout is designed to keep the storefront inviting, while ensuring that our operations run smoothly in a dedicated space. Additionally, we fully intend to comply with all zoning requirements and ensure that our business aligns with the town’s regulations.”