Billy MacLeod

Local Couple Seeks To Establish ‘New Canaan Valet Services’ Downtown

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Municipal officials said last week that they need more information in order to green-light a proposal to set aside some parking spaces in downtown New Canaan for valet services on Friday and Saturday nights. Town resident Billy MacLeod told members of the Police Commission during their regular meeting Sept. 15 that he conceived of New Canaan Valet Services when his disabled 82-year-old mother during two separate visits was unable to find parking in the business district. Stations set up on Main, Elm and Forest Streets would offer to valet-park vehicles with certified disabled placards for free, while also making it more convenient for seniors to enjoy the downtown and improving traffic flow at areas that see frequent double-parking due to a lack of available spaces, MacLeod said during the meeting, held via videoconference. 

“We are just trying to solve problem and willing work with town any way you need us to to make sure that it works for you and it works for the residents,” said MacLeod, a U.S. Navy veteran who has managed valet companies in the past. He added that the local restaurateurs he talked to have said they would validate the $10 valet parking fee for customers—essentially covering the cost for patrons of New Canaan businesses.

Business

‘Green & Tonic’ To Open on Forest Street

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A plant-based foods provider that used to operate on Burtis Avenue is planning to open a new location on Forest Street. Green & Tonic plans to launch a store at 21 Forest St., according to its website and a sign in the window of the commercial space, formerly Embody Gourmet Fitness. 

Reached by NewCanaanite.com, a spokesperson for the company said there’s no firm opening date yet. According to a building permit issued by the town last month, about $18,000 is going into an interior fit-out of the commercial space, including lighting and carpentry work, and installation of a display case and sliding glass windows in the kitchen. 

Darien-founded Green & Tonic had launched a store in 2014 on Burtis Avenue, and closed that location last year. Green & Tonic offers a “healthy option for those seeking balance and harmony via food,” according to the company’s website. “The concept was rooted in plant-based food (before plant-based diets were trendy!) exploring the techniques and flavors that make good-for-you foods delicious, inviting, and accessible,” the website said.

Annie Hedrick

‘We Can’t Wait’: New Canaan Toy Store To Reopen This Month After Renovation

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The New Canaan Toy Store is set to reopen soon following a major renovation that will see the popular Park Street shop brighter and easier to navigate, its owners say. Closed since the end of July, the Toy Store will reopen within the next week, according to Annie Hedrick, who co-owns the business with her brother, Nathan Shapiro. “We can’t wait to see everybody, we can’t wait to welcome everybody back,” Hedrick told NewCanaanite.com. “All the familiar faces will be there, Suzie and Maria, and it will be better than ever. You’ll be able to see the toys and move around better, and we made more space by getting rid of an office area to make more room for books and toys.

Business

Commercial Property Owner Seeks To Evict Elm Street Store

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A lawyer representing the owner of a women’s clothing store on Elm Street last week filed papers in state Superior Court seeking to have the landlord’s attempt to evict the business for nonpayment of rent dismissed due to improper service of legal papers. The owner of 7 Elm St., a commercial space occupied for the past two years by Hamptonite, on Aug. 10 filed eviction papers saying that the business hadn’t paid rent for about six months, in violation of its lease. Though the monthly rent had been reduced from its original $3,900 “as a result of COVID 19 circumstances,” still business owner Kaiser Sharif stopped paying in February, according to a complaint filed on behalf of Petra Properties LLC by Norwalk-based attorney John W. Madigan III. The principal of the LLC is listed in Connecticut Secretary of the State records as an Elm Street resident.

Around Town

Q&A: 10th Annual ‘Taste of New Canaan Stroll’ Set for Wednesday

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The New Canaan Chamber of Commerce is offering three different walking tours of the downtown for an annual fundraiser that offers participants a chance to sample some of the best local cuisine. The ‘Taste of New Canaan Stroll,’ benefiting the local food pantry, kicks off at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Limited tickets for the “Taste Tour” (10 stops), “Family Fiesta” (six stops) and “Wine Trail” (10 stops) are available through the Chamber website. We put some questions to Laura Budd, the Chamber’s executive director, ahead of this year’s Stroll. Our exchange follows.