By Dionna Carlson
December is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate our community, and look ahead with hope and optimism. I want to extend my warmest wishes to the entire community for a joyful and peaceful holiday season. I am grateful for the dedication, generosity, and spirit of service that define New Canaan.
For those looking for a meaningful way to brighten someone’s holiday, I encourage you to consider supporting our Human Services Holiday Program. Donations made through the Human Services online donation portal provide gift cards to local children in need. Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a profound difference in a family’s holiday season. Go to newcanaan.info then to departments/human services/donation portal/holiday program.
Opposing Sale of Aquarion
As you have read here in the Sentinel, PURA denied the proposed Regional Water Authority acquisition of Aquarion Water. Aquarion has since filed an Administrative Appeal with the Connecticut Superior Court, along with a Motion for Expedited Treatment to have the matter decided before January 23, 2026. New Canaan has filed to intervene in this appeal, and we remain firmly opposed to the purchase of Aquarion by the RWA. New Canaan is joined by Fairfield, Ridgefield and Westport along with the Office of Consumer Counsel, MetroCOG and WestCOG in its opposition and legal intervention in this case.
Taxes Due
A reminder to all residents that January 1 is the date when property tax payments are due. Please plan accordingly to avoid penalties.
Charter Revision
You have also read here in the Sentinel that the recently formed Charter Revision Commission has begun its important work to review and consider changes to the structure of our municipal government. Their first public hearing was held on December 2, and there is another meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 6 at Town Hall. All meetings are public. I encourage residents to follow their progress and participate in this vital civic process. Information and updates can be found at newcanaan.info, then click on government and the Charter Revision section under Commissions.
News from Waveny
Finally, a bit of news from Waveny Park. You will notice a reconstructed parking lot at the west end of the mansion was recently completed. This project resulted in 16 additional parking spaces in approximately the same size area as the old lot.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year.
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.
