Around Town

Y Closes ‘Valles Pool’ As Roof Project Gets Underway, Winter Reopening Possible with Summer ‘27 Completion Date

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A widely anticipated project to repair and restore a heavily used swimming and diving pool at the New Canaan YMCA is underway, officials say, with the first phase of “shoring” the facility expected to be completed by late November. The Y expects to reopen the Valles Pool—a 46-year-old facility in need of repairs—for this winter, though “we will need to make sure this can be done in a safe way with adequate space around the shoring,” according to Executive Director Margaret Riley. “Phase Two will include the actual roof repair work, which cannot begin until the risk of winter weather has passed,” Riley told NewCanaanite.com in an email in response to questions about the project. “We’ll be using the winter months to complete planning, permitting, bids, and material sourcing. It’s anticipated that the project will be completed and the Valles Pool will be reopened next summer.”

The Y closed the pool Aug.

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Warrant: New Canaan Man, 36, Punched Passerby on South Avenue

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Police on Aug. 9 arrested a 36-year-old New Canaan man by warrant for punching a man walking on the South Avenue sidewalk in the stomach on a Wednesday night in April, court records show. At about 8:05 p.m. on April 16, police were dispatched to South Avenue and Maple Street on a report of an assault that occurred the night before, according to the affidavit of Officer Idelissa Lluveres that forms the major part of an arrest warrant application signed May 5 by a state Superior Court judge. 

Arriving, Lluveres and Sgt. George Caponera were flagged down by the girlfriend of the complainant, the affidavit said. “[The girlfriend] stated that while she and the complainant … were walking down the street, they saw an individual who had punched [the complainant] in the stomach the night earlier,” it said.

Opinion

Letter to the Editor

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NewCanaanite.com received the following letter. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com to have them published here. ***

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.

Government

Canoe Hill Road Homeowner Proposes Two-Lot Subdivision

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The owners of a 4.74-acre property on Canoe Hill Road are seeking permission to subdivide the parcel into two lots. The new lots at 235 Canoe Hill Road (located in the two-acre zone) would be sized 2.051 and 2.69 acres and would be accessible via “common existing accessways,” according to a project narrative filed with the town. “The existing property was a part of a 4-lot subdivision in July 1966,” according to the narrative. The property owner is represented by New Canaan-based law firm Lampert, Toohey & Rucci LLC. 

That 60-year-old subdivision “created three new lots” and, at the time, the owners of 235 Canoe Hill Road maintained access off of the road and “in the event they chose to re-subdivide” their property “would need to obtain permission from Parcels 3 and 4 to utilize the two common accessways,” the narrative said. The applicant “has requested and received permission” from the current owners of those two parcels to use the existing common accessway, according to the narrative.

Opinion

Police Chief: Back-to-School Traffic Safety and E-Bike Awareness

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[John DiFederico is chief of New Canaan Police.]

As the 2026–2027 school year begins, the New Canaan Police Department wants to ensure that every student, parent, pedestrian, and commuter travels safely across town. With increased morning and afternoon traffic around our schools, neighborhood roadways, and downtown streets, we ask all drivers, bicyclists, and e-bike riders to remain vigilant. Officers will be conducting heightened traffic enforcement near all school zones, bus routes, and crosswalks to safeguard our students. Key Traffic & Driving Guidelines

Obey School Zone Speed Limits: Speed limits in active school zones drop significantly. Slow down and give yourself extra time during peak morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up hours.