NewCanaanite.com received the following letter. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com to have them published here.
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On August 5, 2026, Skip Hobbs wrote a letter to this publication pointing out that the parcel on the west side of Lapham Road (Parcel E), where Waveny Lifecare Network (WLCN) is seeking support to build an independent retirement living community, is in fact part of Waveny Park and subject to the deed restrictions governing the park.
The comments from readers responding to Skip’s letter do not appear to be supportive of this location either; several are strongly opposed to the proposal.
Some readers may recall that in 2019 WLCN sought approval to build an independent retirement community on the two small parcels it owns on Oenoke Ridge, between St. Mark’s Church and New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. There was vigorous opposition to the size of the proposed structure, and the proposal was ultimately dropped.
I imagine WLCN has been looking for an alternative site for some time. My wife and I support the concept but do not support building it on Lapham Road.
I would therefore like to suggest that the town-owned property directly across from WLCN, at the corner of Farm Road and Old Stamford Road, be considered as an alternative site. This vacant property, which was acquired by the town at the same time as Waveny Park, is approximately four acres. It does contain some wetlands, but so does the existing Waveny campus.
The property is smaller than the acreage WLCN would like to use on Parcel E, but it is roughly twice the size of the two properties on Oenoke Ridge that were originally proposed for an independent living community.
Perhaps, rather than debating whether an independent retirement community belongs on Parcel E, the town and WLCN could explore whether this town-owned property might provide a location not restricted in the same way as Parcel E —one that could allow WLCN to achieve its objective while preserving Waveny Park and avoiding the concerns that have been raised about developing Parcel E.
Every possible location will have drawbacks. The goal is to find one where they can be overcome. Is this a location worth considering?
Rob Fryer
Sounds sensible, Rob, I look forward to hearing a response to this idea.
Mr. Fryer’s point is well-taken.
I searched the New Canaan Assessor’s Database and located the 4.53 parcel that Mr. Fryer references in his letter:
https://www.propertyrecordcards.com/PropertyResults.aspx?towncode=090&uniqueid=11662
As reflected in the minutes of the Special Town Meeting held on July 19, 1967, the citizens of New Canaan decided by a vote of 2,078 to 113 to acquire real estate, including Parcel E of Waveny Park, expressly “for park, recreational and conservation uses and purposes”. Parcel E of Waveny Park continues to this day to be used for these express purposes that were adopted by overwhelming vote, including the heavily used disc golf course and walking trails.
Sorry but this does not belong on Farm Rd nor Rte 106 ( old Stamford Road). There is already a overburden of traffic going to/from the MerritPkwy Exit 13 ( old exit 36) and the South School and High School. Rush hours would turn into midtown Manhattan. For those concerned about leaf blower air pollution how about the pollution from the additional trucks and cars to and from the structures? This is not about senior housing or hospital services. It is about profit to developers and investors on a 150 unit condominium structure costing $1,000,000 to $3,000,000+ each. Then subsequent profit to WCLN when they sell out a major entity such as Sunrise. The rub those in favor complain complain about 8-30g structures in town but support this bigger structure which does not qualify toward the town’s 8-30g credits. It is oxymoronic.
Another point: The town buys property with taxpayer dollars for open space not to enrich the coffers of insider past and present politicians and WCLN.
And to boot this project does not benefit New Canaan taxpayers. It benefits any non resident who wants to buy a condo.
We have Norwalk hospital, Stamford hospital, Yale New Have medical center and many senior living care residential entities in the surrounding area especially Stamford.
We do not need a residential hospital with another “for project” oversized structure next to schools and residential property in already overbuilt over crowded New Canaan.
We do not need a residential hospital with another “for profit” oversized structure next to schools and residential property in already overbuilt over crowded New Canaan.
Sorry for the prior typo.
If it doesn’t qualify for the Town’s 8-30g credit, it’s an absolute NO anywhere in New Canaan. The Town is being overdeveloped. It’s too easy for developers in New Canaan. It’s not essential.
Maybe Roy is right about the location I suggested for consideration. Over the past two days I have also heard that it may be subject to the same deed restrictions as all of Waveny Park; and that wetlands might be an obstacle.
Where then? We know that a major residential project in some form is coming to Elm and Weed Street. Seems like a pretty good site to me for the WLCN independent living proposal. Has anyone thought about approaching the owner of that property?
Rob thx. I believe the owner of Weed and Elm was offered $12,000,000 by private investors however he wants $20,000,000. I heard still negotiating. Problem though is that the WLCN project does not qualify for 8-30g credit for the town. I feel for the residents with beautiful homes and properties in that area though.