Government

Op-Ed: Board of Finance Budget Update

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[Todd Lavieri is chair of the Board of Finance.]

Once again, working collaboratively with each department, we met the primary financial goals we established at the beginning of our budget review. Working with the Board of Selectmen’s proposed budget of July 2026 – June 2027, we reduced the amount raised by taxation by $3.0 million, we cut capital expenses by $4.0 million, and we reduced the taxpayer-supported capital (not bonded), by $1.2 million. That helped us push the Town-wide expense increase down to 2.3%. The amount raised by taxation is currently projected to increase 3.4% to cover increased expenses and a decrease in non-taxation revenues. The Board of Education budget increased 3% year over year.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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New Canaan Police at 10:46 a.m. on Feb. 26 received a report of a purse stolen from an unlocked vehicle at a Ponus Ridge house. It contained cash and other miscellaneous items. The investigation is ongoing. ***

Congratulations to the NCHS Boys Basketball team on defeating Maloney 74-71 in two OTs during Thursday night’s CIAC state tournament quarterfinal game at NCHS. Senior Henry Chandra scored 30 points including five three-pointers.

Around Town

St. A’s Building Project Update with Msgr. Rob Kinnally [Q&A]

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The new St. Aloysius Parish buildings at South Avenue and Cherry Street have been taking shape since the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a special permit for the project three years ago. Msgr. Rob Kinnally, pastor at St. A’s, announced this week that Maria Hillman will be the first director of the new St.

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Outdoor Dining: No Expansions into the Street This Year

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Town officials say that restaurants taking advantage of outdoor dining this year will not be able to expand into on-street parking spaces. Launched amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the outdoor dining season has seen restaurants not only set up additional tables on the sidewalks out front but also—where the sidewalks haven’t already been widened as part of the town’s “bumpout” initiative—take over entire parking spaces in Elm Street, cordoning off the additional tables and chairs with large, heavy barriers to protect diners from motor vehicle traffic. For the outdoor dining season that begins May 1 this year, “[a]ll outdoor seating must stay on public sidewalks,” according to a letter that Town Planner Sarah Carey sent Tuesday to local businesses. “I understand at first glance this may feel like a significant operational change,” the letter said. “However, please note that restaurants are permitted to have seating in front of a directly adjacent storefront, if written permission is submitted by the property owner, which can supplement some of the lost street seating.”

It continues: “Additionally, please be aware that no barriers are provided by the Town to mark the edge of the curb.

News

Charles Erdmann, 28

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Charles “Charlie” Erdmann, 28, of Norwalk, CT passed away on March 2, 2026, from injuries sustained in an accident involving an automobile in Stratton, Vermont. Charlie is survived by his parents, Barbara and Jeff Erdmann; brothers, Tom and Will Erdmann; and grandmother, Tanis Erdmann. He is predeceased by his grandfathers, John F. Erdmann II and Walter Korfman; and grandmother, Betty Korfman. He is also survived by his uncles, Gregory (Lisa) Erdmann and Robert (Shannon) Erdmann; aunt, Joanie Vesciglio; aunt, Linda Shepard; and 11 cousins. He will also be dearly missed by his girlfriend, Beatrice Holding.