News

Letter: Proposed Re-Development of Roger Sherman Property Fails To Meet a Need in New Canaan

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The 1-acre zoning law was broken in 2011 for The Maples complex on Oenoke Ridge because of a need for senior housing. That need no longer exists. Empty nesters now have an abundant variety of choices. Andrew Glazer’s application for a planned urban subdivision on the Roger Sherman property should be denied. Planning & Zoning revised the Plan of Conservation & Development in 2014 to drive density downtown.

News

Letter: Neighbor at ‘The Maples’ Supports Plan for Six Dwellings at Roger Sherman Inn Site

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Editor:

I’m writing in response to the article which appeared in the NewCanaanite authored by Michael Dinan and appearing online March 6th. Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman John Goodwin seems to suggest that seniors seeking “in-town” quarters will have their needs satisfied by the mixed-use Merritt Village apartment/condo complex. I would argue that the two developments have nothing in common. People who are looking for high quality design, extensive millwork, quality finishes, beautiful landscaping and a prestigious neighborhood will not be interested in the density of the Merritt Apartments. It is appealing to a different demographic.

Government

Divided P&Z Disagrees on Whether Roger Sherman Proposal Meets Seldom-Cited Zoning Provision

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The hopeful developer of the Roger Sherman Inn site has a strong track record as a builder, the chairman of the New Canaan Planning & Zoning Commission said last week, and turning down his application to create six new homes on the highly visible 1.8-acre property could open up the town to an even denser re-development. Yet New Canaan already is slated to see smaller dwellings—for example, for seniors seeking manageable “in-town” quarters—through mixed-use developments and the Merritt Village apartment-and-condo complex, according to P&Z Chairman John Goodwin. “I am a little worried about do we continue to allow non-single family housing to push its way outward?” Goodwin said at the Feb. 28 P&Z meeting, held in Town Hall. “And I am worried that it potentially could set a precedent that other developers could use.”

He referred to proposed additions to a section of the New Canaan Zoning Regulations under which developer Andrew Glazer of Rowayton-based Glazer Group has applied to create six dwellings where the old inn and restaurant now stand (including converting the oldest part of the Roger Sherman into one of those units, though physically moving it closer to Oenoke Ridge Road).

News

Police: Two Waiters at Roger Sherman Inn Arrested After Stealing $1,500 Cash

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Police on Sunday night arrested two waiters at Roger Sherman Inn who are accused of stealing $1,500 in cash while working there in late December. On Dec. 29, police receive a complaint about the larceny from employees, who said it had occurred four days earlier, on Christmas day. Following an investigation, police determined that the two men, ages 45 and 50, had stolen the money and charged them with fourth-degree larceny. The 45-year-old additionally was charged with conspiracy to commit fourth-degree larceny, the other man with conspiracy.

News

Letter: Density Development Versus the Public Good

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Andrew Glazer’s high-density subdivision of six houses on the Roger Sherman property, 195 Oenoke Ridge, belongs downtown, not jammed onto 1.683 acres. Object and deny it. Page 60 of the revised 2014 Plan of Conservation and Development states “increase housing in downtown,” and page 12 says “preserve and protect and enhance the physical character, open space, historic resources of our neighborhoods.”

Mr. Glazer’s cluster housing belongs downtown, with other density developments tagged residential, commercial, medical, and mixed use. Nurturing downtown is a key thrust of this POCD. Page 68 states: “Enhance the walking environment in town.” An empty nester living around Vitti or Cross could easily walk to shops in town, but from hilly 195 Oenoke Ridge, most likely, he would drive.