By Dionna Carlson
On Tuesday, June 9th, the Board of Finance voted for a 2.48% increase in the amount to be raised by taxation for Fiscal Year 2027, concluding this year’s budget process. New Canaan continues to compare very favorably with surrounding communities in terms of year-over-year budget increases. I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and Town Council for their thoughtful work and collaboration throughout another successful budget season.
Summer Concerts
Summer in New Canaan is officially underway as the Waveny Summer Concert Series started June 17th and will continue on Wednesdays through September 2nd. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to the South Lawn behind Waveny House for great music and an opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors. The full concert schedule and weather-related updates are available in the Summer Concerts tab at the top of the Town website homepage at newcanaan.info .
America250 Events
On Flag Day, June 14th, we raised a Betsy Ross flag in front of Town Hall to start New Canaan’s official America250 celebrations commemorating this important milestone in the history of both our town and our nation. For the complete calendar of events, visit the America250 New Canaan tab at the top of the homepage at newcanaan.info .
On June 27th, New Canaan will kick off its Fourth of July festivities with a special America250 parade. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Lumberyard Parking Lot, proceeds down Elm Street to South Avenue, and concludes at Saxe Middle School. The rain date is June 28th at 1:00 p.m. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
Our Fourth of July Fireworks celebration will take place at Waveny Park on July 4th. Information about the event and entry passes is available at newcanaan.info/community/new_canaan_4th_of_july_fireworks!/index.php. For any weather-related updates regarding the parade or fireworks, please look for a red alert box on the Town’s website homepage.
Affordable Housing Survey
Thank you to everyone who attended the Affordable Housing Committee’s workshop at Lapham Community Center in May. The committee presented potential Affordable Housing opportunities on Town-owned land and is seeking community feedback. Residents who were unable to attend are encouraged to review the proposed sites and complete the committee’s survey before June 23rd. For the site materials and survey, visit newcanaan.info/government/committees/affordable_housing.php
Leaf Blower Ordinance
On May 20th, the Town Council voted 8-4 to enact a seasonal ban on gas-powered leaf blowers between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Following the vote, a petition was filed with the Town Clerk’s office indicating an intent to pursue a referendum on the matter. Petitioners have until June 26th to collect the required number of signatures. Until either a referendum is held or the signature-gathering period expires without sufficient signatures, the ordinance implementation has been paused.
Road Closures and Detours
Finally, Aquarion Water Company has announced its plans for continuing work on their Southwest Regional Pipeline (36” Water Main) in New Canaan this year. Please be aware there will be road closures and detours. Roads affected are Route 106, Silvermine Road, Valley Road, New Canaan Road (in Wilton) and Route 124 South Avenue from Harrison Avenue to Farm Road. For dates and details, visit newcanaan.info/departments/public_works/index.php and click on Road Construction Updates . For traffic detour maps, from the Road Construction Updates webpage click on Aquarion Water Project – Traffic Detour Plans.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026, and, to everyone, best wishes for a safe, enjoyable, and memorable summer.
