By Sentinel Staff
Funding supports Millport improvements; officials also back fireworks contract, sidewalk work and new recreation event
The New Canaan Board of Selectmen moved briskly through a wide-ranging agenda Tuesday morning, approving a series of spending items that, taken together, sketch a familiar portrait of local governance: incremental investments, practical concerns, and an eye toward both summer traditions and long-term maintenance.
At the center of the meeting was a $560,000 allocation from the town’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support capital improvements at the Housing Authority’s Millport properties. The funds will be used for parking lot repaving, security upgrades and HVAC equipment.
Housing Authority Executive Director Scott Hobbs described the request as part of a broader cycle of deferred maintenance and evolving needs.
“We need to repave,” Hobbs said, noting the lots are “almost like 18 to 20 years old” and showing “serious issues.” He added that upgraded security systems would improve monitoring and “protect the safety of our residents.”
The funding comes from fees attached to building permits, which are directed into the town’s affordable housing fund. Hobbs said those funds are typically used to “maintain” and “create” affordable housing, though large capital projects often exceed available reserves.
Selectmen approved the request unanimously after confirming the projects would be competitively bid.
Public safety and staffing
The board also approved a police department request to send an officer to a sniper training course in Granby, Massachusetts, at a cost not to exceed $1,905. Police Chief John DiFederico said the department currently has one trained officer in that role who is “cycling out.”
“Typically it’s one or two,” the chief said of specialized personnel.
A separate request to increase a uniform purchase order by $3,000 was tied to the hiring of a new officer.
In another personnel move, the board approved the hiring of John Amarilios as assistant to the town clerk. Amarilios, a longtime resident, previously served as a registrar of voters and has been working part time in the clerk’s office.
Officials emphasized his institutional knowledge and public-facing demeanor. “He’s been a great addition to the staff,” one selectman said during discussion.
Fireworks, fees and logistics
Looking ahead to the summer, the board approved a $36,000 contract with International Fireworks Mfg. Co. for the town’s July 4 display at Waveny Park. The company has handled the event for roughly 15 years.
Officials also approved an increase in the entrance pass fee, raising it from $35 to $40 in advance and $50 on the day of the event. The fee is charged per car or group and is intended to offset costs.
“There’s no profit here. This is just to cover cost,” one official said.
In a notable operational shift, the fireworks launch location will be moved further east within Waveny Park. Officials said the change is designed to improve traffic flow and safety.
“The number one complaint last year was getting out of the park,” a representative said, adding the adjustment should “significantly increase the speed at which cars will be leaving.”
The board also approved closing the park for the full day on July 4 to prepare for the event.
Infrastructure and maintenance
Several infrastructure items reflected the quieter but persistent work of maintaining town assets.
The board approved nearly $488,000 for sidewalk reconstruction on Butler Lane, Danvers Lane and Whiffle Tree Lane. The work will replace aging sidewalks estimated to be decades old.
Public Works Director Tiger Mann noted strong community response to similar work completed last year.
“It’s amazing when you put those in how much use they get,” Mann said, describing increased pedestrian activity.
Additional approvals included:
• $47,575 for design and oversight of exterior repairs at Lapham Community Center, where water infiltration has caused damage.
• $20,000 to supplement ongoing HVAC repairs across town buildings after a “rough winter.”
• $11,421 for new picnic tables at the Waveny playground, including one ADA-compliant unit.
A new fall event
The board also backed a new recreation initiative: a “Labor Day Weekend Bash” planned for Sept. 4, featuring food trucks and live music. The event will be ticketed, with organizers initially planning for about 200 attendees.
Recreation officials said they will promote the event through town channels and social media, while also seeking broader outreach.
The meeting closed with approval of legal bills, contracts under $10,000 and the appointment of a new member to the Ethics Committee.
