Government

Town Pushes Start of Outdoor Dining Downtown to May 1

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Saying April isn’t a great weather month and that retailers favor the change, town officials voted Tuesday to push the opening of the outdoor dining season downtown back one month this spring while tacking on two final days in the fall. Currently, the outdoor dining schedule for “sidewalk cafes” is April 1 to Oct. 31, according to Town Planner Sarah Carey. The Board of Selectmen voted 3-0 Tuesday to allow outdoor dining from May 1 through Nov. 2.

News

Fire Chief: YMCA Safely Evacuated Following Gas Leak Tuesday Morning

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The YMCA was safely evacuated Tuesday morning following a gas leak at the South Avenue building, fire officials say. At about 10:10 a.m., the New Canaan Fire Department responded to a report of a severed gas main into the building, according to Fire Chief Albe Bassett. “The gas main was damaged by a contractor performing utility work on the outside of the building,” Bassett said in a press release. “The contractor immediately notified the YMCA staff and pulled the fire alarm to evacuate the building when the incident occurred. All of the children in the day care, YMCA patrons, and staff were safely evacuated to the parking lot.”
NCFD used gas detection to ensure that there were no unsafe areas of accumulated gas in the building and the neighborhood surrounding the YMCA property, he said.

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Norman A. Jensen, 84

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Norman A. “Norm” Jensen, 84, passed away on February 13, 2025. 

Born on April 8, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, Norm had a lifelong passion for creativity and exploration. After graduating high school, he served in the Navy, an experience that shaped his discipline and appreciation for the world around him. Following his service, he pursued his artistic talents at the New York School of Visual Arts, where he refined his skills and deepened his love for creative expression.  He worked as a graphic artist for many years and, being the free spirit he was, spent the last half of his life working freelance and caretaking many properties in Fairfield County. A true artist at heart, Norm found joy in painting, ceramics, and photography. He was a longtime member of The Carriage Barn, Silvermine Arts Center, and the Rowayton Arts Center.  He continued his education in recent years at Norwalk Community College.  His work often reflected his fascination with Indigenous and Egyptian cultures, themes that resonated deeply with him throughout his life.  He also connected deeply with his Norwegian roots.  Whether capturing the beauty of nature through his lens or bringing visions to life on canvas, he embraced every opportunity to create.  

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Norm was known for his lighthearted spirit and active lifestyle.

Business

Property Owner Seeks To Establish Pet Store with Grooming Services at Grove and Elm

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The owner of the vacant commercial building at Grove and Elm Streets is seeking to amend the New Canaan Zoning Regulations so that a new pet store planned for the space can also offer grooming services. The 2007-built glass-and-brick exterior building at 272 Elm St. has been vacant since TD Bank closed its branch there nearly four years ago. The property’s owner, V.M.I. Inc. managing principal Frank Vuoso, in 2023 proposed installing a high-end car dealership there. During a special meeting in December, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved part of a new plan from Vuoso, to change the property’s use from a bank to a retail pet store.

Board of Selectmen

Selectmen Approve $19,000 Purchase of ‘New Canaan Brick’ for Elm Street Bumpouts

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After approving the purchase of $20,000 in granite curbing for soon-to-come sidewalk “bumpouts” on Elm Street, officials this month authorized the purchase of about $19,000 in bricks for the project. The low bidder, the Bridgeport-based Homer C. Godfrey Co. ($18,404.75), came in with a far lower price than the town’s accustomed provider, Stamford-based Paramount Stone ($31,500), according to Public Works Director Tiger Mann. “I was shocked at Paramount’s price,” Mann told members of the Board of Selectmen at their Feb. 11 meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference.