By Dionna Carlson
On 9/11 we hosted commemoration on the front lawn of Town Hall, pausing to remember and honor the lives lost on that fateful day in 2001. Among those lost were three cherished members of the New Canaan community: Joe Coppo, Bradley Fetchet, and Eamon McEneaney. We also paid tribute to the first responders, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and everyday citizens, who ran toward danger with courage and selflessness. Their bravery stands as a lasting example of the very best in humanity, and their memory continues to inspire us.
Downtown Parking
Even as we commemorate the past, we continue to move forward as a community. You will begin to notice changes on Elm Street and South Avenue as we prepare for the transition to paid parking on those streets and to free parking in select lots. This is all part of our strategy to reduce traffic congestion downtown. Concrete pads for the new payment kiosks are now in place. By the end of the month, all paid lots will switch from pay-by-space number to pay-by-license plate, and the numbered parking spaces will be removed.
We strongly encourage residents and visitors to download the PayByPhone app to their mobile devices now to streamline their parking experience. If you prefer not to use the app, you may still pay with coins or a debit or credit card, just be sure to know your license plate number.
This change to “pay-by-plate” affects the Morse Court, Train Stations, Locust Avenue, Center School, Playhouse, and Park Street lots. Once the Elm Street and South Avenue kiosks are activated, the Park Street lot will become FREE parking. Also, parking will be free after 10:30 a.m. in any available spots in the Lumberyard and Richmond Hill Commuter Lots.
As part of our parking communications plan, we have a meeting scheduled with downtown merchants on September 25 to discuss the changes. More details with maps will be distributed once installation is complete.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we implement these improvements.
Paper Shredding and Hazardous Waste
We hope you were able to take advantage of Document Shred Day last weekend, and are able to utilize Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day this Saturday, September 27th, at the Transfer Station. The hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We are happy to offer these two very popular services every year to help keep personal information secure and homes safe. For more information you may visit Department of Public Works at newcanaan.info or call 203-594-3054.
E-Bike Safety
We are also happy to see that our Police Department command staff and officers are being recognized throughout the region for their work in spreading the word about safe operation of electric bicycles on our streets. The Connecticut Metro Council of Governments invited New Canaan School Resource Officer Nicole Vartuli to address their Transportation Technical Advisory Committee last week to share tips on effective public safety education.
The timing coincides with new State laws going into effect October 1 about the proper use of e-bikes. For a report on the new laws and local regulations, visit the News Stories section of the Town’s website at newcanaan.info .
I join Police Chief John DiFederico in reminding parents of children who are operating e-bikes and e-scooters to make sure their children understand the risks, the laws and the rules of the road to prevent injury to themselves, pedestrians and other motorists.
Dionna Carlson is the New Canaan First Selectman. Her leadership is guided by a respect for local decision-making and a commitment to keeping residents informed and engaged. Read more from Dionna each month by subscribing to her email newsletter, News From Town Hall. To sign up to receive the newsletter visit newcanaan.info and click on the red bar at top, Sign Up For Alerts. To read the latest issue of the newsletter, visit newcanaan.info and click on the yellow bar at top, News From Town Hall.
