Amy Murphy Carroll

Town: Playhouse on Track for May 1 Reopening

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Shuttered since the onset of COVID-19, New Canaan’s movie theater is on track to reopen around May 1, officials say. The approximately $8 million renovation of The Playhouse on Elm Street is “going well,” according to Public Works Director Tiger Mann. “It’s on schedule,” he told members of the Board of Selectmen during an update on the project at their regular meeting Tuesday, held at Town Hall and via videoconference. “It’s actually—I don’t want to say it’s ‘ahead’ of schedule, so let’s just say it’s ‘on’ schedule—but we’re feeling we’ll be able to open a little bit earlier than we originally anticipated.”

The town’s contract with its construction company has the project completed May 30-June 1, Mann said, though “right now they’re looking at April 30-May 1.”

The architects on the job are “confident as well” with that date, he said. “So that’s what we’re gunning towards,” Mann said.

Amy Murphy Carroll

New Board of Selectmen Sworn In at Town Hall Ceremony

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In her first public address as New Canaan’s highest elected official, Dionna Carlson on Tuesday night vowed to make good on a campaign vow to restore transparency, civility and teamwork to the office of first selectman. Addressing a standing-room-only crowd in the Town Hall Meeting Room during an Oath of Office Ceremony, Carlson said she was “full of gratitude” and felt “a deep sense of responsibility” on taking office. “I want to express my sincere thanks to all of you who supported me during my campaign,” Carlson told the crowd after she and her fellow members of the Board of Selectmen—Steve Karl and Amy Murphy Carroll—as well as Town Treasurer Andrew Brooks had been sworn in by Town Clerk Claudia Weber. 

She continued: “Your belief in me and your tireless efforts brought me to this moment, and I am humbled by your trust. As I step into this new role, I want to emphasize that I am committed to working collaboratively with members of boards, commissions, committees and our dedicated staff for the betterment of our entire community.  Together, we will strive to address the needs and concerns of our residents and to ensure our town continues to thrive and prosper.”

Referring to the values of transparency, civility and teamwork, Carlson said they’re “not just words on a poster.”

“They’re the guiding principles that will shape my tenure,” Carlson said. “I firmly believe that an open and transparent government is essential for building trust and fostering a sense of unity within our community.

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Conrad Road Barricade To Be Removed Friday After Neighbors Voice Concerns

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After hearing concerns from residents in the neighborhood and beyond, town officials say they’re planning to remove barricades set up on Conrad Road as part of an effort to solve traffic problems in the “South of the Y” neighborhood.”

Originally, the barricade near the Whiffle Tree Lane intersection was to remain in place for at least five weeks. Its purpose was to prevent morning commuters from cutting toward South Avenue and the Merritt Parkway by pulling off Gerdes Road, which sees voluminous back-up, onto Conrad. Police did warn around the time of that decision that the traffic being diverted would have to go somewhere. On Monday, Public Works Director Tiger Mann said in an email that representatives from his department, including Engineering and Highway, met with police to discuss the situation. 

“Due to the large amount of concern received from the residents “Behind the Y”, and elsewhere, regarding the closure we have decided to remove the barricades on Friday, November 10th,” Mann said in an email. He continued, “We have spoken with the BOE and they will be readjusting the bus routes (and timings) likely back to the ones prior to the closure beginning Monday, November 13th.  They will be notifying parents of the proposed changes likely by Thursday, November 9th/Friday, November 10th.