Chairman's View: The Best Small Town in America (New Canaan Advertiser June 13, 2019)

New Canaan was just named one of the “15 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2019” by Smithsonian magazine. Every year their editors search the entire country for places that sing to our imaginations and offer a distinct sense of place. New Canaan is now recognized as the best of small town America.

That’s some well-deserved recognition at a time when we need it. Local news is often negatively focused on the slings and arrows directed at us from Hartford, our few self-imposed problems combined with certain wistfulness about the way life used to be in our small town. That can make us feel vulnerable and low.  Thank you, Smithsonian, for recognizing New Canaan is beautiful and vibrant and has much to be thankful for. We are not only a great place to live but also a great place to visit.

So, what did the Smithsonian editors find here to crow about? First, they began New Canaan’s story with architectural pioneer Walter Gropius and his influence on the Harvard Five architects who lived and built 80 extraordinary houses here.  The editors called our architecture an “unusual blend of modernism” that has continued with the “sleek” River Building at Grace Farms, and is juxtaposed with the “stunning” Waveny castle and our stone Carriage Barn. Most importantly the magazine recognized that architecture is alive here: the Glass House summer party, the Historical Society’s Mad for Modern gala, the New Canaan Library’s “Glass House Presents” lecture series and heck, just slowing down for afternoon tea with Frank at Grace Farms are just some of the ways we continuously celebrate and live with New Canaan’s uniquely great architecture. (By the way a new architectural foundation is opening its columned porch on God’s Acre and planning their first exhibition)

Second, the Smithsonian called our walkable downtown a “Fairfield County rarity”. It is. They noted the tented home of Summer Theatre of New Canaan on the way into town as well as the vibrant mix of boutique shops, high-end retailers, cozy breakfast eateries and Elm Restaurant which they called “high-end” but is only one of 50 first-class restaurant choices spanning the full range of family to formal.

We are beginning to appreciate the value of attracting visitors to our town and recently created a 15-person committee of experts (the TEDAC) to identify, cultivate and grow what is awesome about this town and begin to communicate it to others. 

I’d like to add one essential thing that Smithsonian failed to mention: the people. There are plenty of pretty, but mostly empty, towns across America. New Canaan’s fabulous downtown with its awesome architecture and all of those arts and non-profits wouldn’t be worth visiting if they weren’t full of the most interesting people. We are out shopping, spilling on to the sidewalks on restaurant row, waving out our windows at the crossing guard, beeping hello at baby carriages along South Avenue. We are out walking the Irwin paths, running the Waveny trails, biking the back-country, filling our pretty churches Sunday mornings and our bleachers on Friday nights. Thousands come to the Caffeine & Carburator car shows, picnic on the 4^thof July, light the menorah and carol on God’s acre. If you are a visitor to our town it’s the people you’ll meet who make up the foreground, behind whom a 200 year tapestry of fascinating architecture and commerce are only the physical record of the way New Canaan lives. It’s a great time to re-discover New Canaan.

Chairman's View: Spoiler Alert (April 11, 2019)

Chairman’s View: Spoiler alert

APRIL 11, 2019 BY JOHN ENGEL, CHAIRMAN, TOWN COUNCIL

Spoiler alert: I really like New Canaan’s prospects.

Here are five observations taken from the revaluation, the Town budget, the State election, and the first quarter real estate sales. There is a happy ending.

1. The uncertainty coming from Hartford is probably worse than anything Hartford will actually do to us. We accept a certain amount of pain is coming and we adjust. But when house-hunters from New York say, “I heard the New Canaan train is going away” or “What’s going on with your schools?” we know the headlines are worse than the reality will ever be.

2. New Canaan government is working leaner and smarter. Our budget went down .43%, the greatest cut in a decade, while improving services. We built new playgrounds, turf fields and gas lines while putting solar on town roofs. Our roads will be new, and our schools will remain No. 1. Town Hall will sell antique buildings and find a way to co-invest in the world-class library our residents want. Progress is being made on parking, senior and affordable housing and improved cell service. It’s a great time to live right here.

3. The Waveny Conservancy, Land Trust, Library and Athletic Foundation are examples of the high-energy volunteer organizations we have in New Canaan restoring treasures like Waveny Pond with donations, paying it forward.

4. New Canaan real estate is stable. First quarter house sales are up 20 percent with average prices in the $1.3 millions, (same as 2012-13 and same as Darien). New Canaan is drawing buyers out of Westchester and New York City. (If we speed up the trains, wow, the landscape shifts more dramatically in our favor.) Why is the market recovering from the bottom-up? Because 75 million Baby Boomers are trying to sell their houses to 66 million GenXers (like me, late 30s to early 50s), and there are just not enough of us. Be patient. There are 83 million Millennials (23 to 38 years old) who are starting to discover that Texas and San Francisco are expensive. They have to live somewhere. Why not here? We are downright cheap.

5. New Canaan’s downtown is healthy with less than a 5 perent vacancy rate. A few years ago vacancies were lower and rents unaffordable. Rents are attractive again. P&Z and the new Tourism & Economic Development Committee are responding to changes in the market, giving us the flexibility New Canaan needs to compete in a changing retail environment. Developers respond with exciting new projects all over town. The Grand List is growing again. Consider the new developments built or planned for downtown: Pine Street Concessions, Oxygen, The Merritt Village, a new Post Office, a new Merrill Lynch, new mixed-use on Forest, Locust, Cross and Vitti streets. Soon look to the corner of South and Elm and for more development on Pine Street to keep the next station to heaven vibrant.

Change is hard. For a town of steady habits that fears change New Canaan is adapting well, improving in so many ways, poised to compete for the next decade and beyond.

John Engel is chairman of the Town Council. Chairman’s View represents the views of the chairman and not necessarily any other council members.

"Light My Fireplace" the 276 Park Street in New Canaan Video

Recently renovated antique Colonial with stunning gardens and complete privacy on .38 acres opposite the Mead Park entrance. This beautiful, high site is reached by a sweeping, graceful driveway and backs up to nearly half an acre of woods. Features 5 bedrooms, 3 and 1/2 baths, 2 fireplaces, a new marble kitchen, updated baths, mechanicals and comes with a generator. With an open plan and ample natural light the lovely 19th C. details come to life, including original hardwood floors, and moldings. Higher ceilings at 8'3''. Fireplaces in the living room and master bedroom; slate patio off the LR, and handy backstairs from the kitchen. New third floor suite includes kitchenette, bedroom, family room, and bath. Detached 2 car garage with walk-up loft. *Located a short, flat walk to the train*

full listing: https://www.halstead.com/sale/ct/new-canaan/276-park-street/house/170118681

production credit: www.flashframenyc.com

Letter: Calling for buildings sensitive to downtown district JULY 24, 2018 RESPONSE TO MY EDITORIAL JULY 12

Letter: Calling for buildings sensitive to downtown district

JULY 24, 2018 BY MIMI FINDLAY

Editor, Advertiser:

In response to John Engel’s recent opinion piece (‘Expect a high density development on Pine Street,’ July 12, p. 5A):

I love to drive down Pine Street — the little brick buildings on the left, one with lovely grass and enormous trees next to the sidewalk are reminders of our industrial past, while the charming row of businesses opposite, each with its own pedimented and brightly colored door, reflects a residential spirit, looking like townhouses.

As Rachel Carley, the historical consultant hired by New Canaan Preservation Alliance in 2012 to survey that section of town wrote about #50 Pine Street:

“One of a trio, this well-built industrial building designed by William Grey, Redding, Conn. was erected in 1950 shortly after Pine Street was laid out on land donated to the town by the New Canaan Development Co. This structure is identified as an office building on Sunburn Insurance Maps, but the rear loading dock and industrial format of the south election indicate it was also used for light manufacturing. Like its adjacent sister buildings, no. 50 was designed to appear only one-story tall from its side street. By minimizing the appearance of building density in this way, and opting for a Colonial Revival design that displays an eye for detail and workmanship, the architect showed particular sensitivity to the scale and traditional ambience of the downtown business district. The building makes an important contribution to the streetscape, while recalling the role of light industry in New Canaan’s mid-20th century commerce.”

Please note that, in my opinion few, if any, recent buildings in town have shown sensitivity to the scale and traditional ambience of the downtown business district, and none have displayed an eye for detail and workmanship. 

Any new development should at least incorporate these three brick buildings, and put all new construction down the hill behind them.

Mimi Findlay

VIDEO: 15 Richmond Hill Road, New Canaan, CT "Classic Colonial Outside - Modern Flair, with an Open Plan Inside"

15 Richmond Hill Road New Canaan, CT  - Property Tour Video - Click Above Image In-town 5-Bedroom 7-Bath luxury home Classic colonial exterior with bright open interior floor plan High-end features on 4 finished levels of living space Classic colonial exterior with shaded porch  Living room's inviting fireplace & hearth Family room with clean & modern aesthetics  Kitchen with spacious marble-topped island, leathered granite counter tops & professional appliances Elegant master bath with heated tile floor and stunning fixtures A wonderful sunny, classic colonial outside - modern flair, with an open plan inside. The great room offers multiple seating areas, antique globe lighting and sixty bookshelves. Pocket doors disappear. The kitchen features a white marble island and Absolute black leathered granite counters. The family room with fireplace opens onto flagstone and brick patio with outdoor fireplace. Upstairs are 5 bedrooms, each with en suite bath. In the Master Bath there's a heated bathroom floor, soaking tub & frame-less glass double shower which are the epitome of elegance. Downstairs there's pool table or watch the 10' screen in 7.1 surround sound. Best of all this downtown location will change your life: close to everything. Restaurants, Shopping, Train, Starbucks and Mead park are only steps away. Broker/Owner John Engel & Susan Engel c: 203.247.4700 -  John  jengel@halstead.com  c: 203.247.5999 -  Susan  sengel@halstead.com ABOUT US  John Engel's Website  Susan Engel's Website    Our Exclusives    Past Closings Our Videos Recent Press

Halstead Connecticut | 183 Elm Street | 6 South Ave, 203.966.7800 | 203.966.7772, New Canaan, CT 06840 www.halstead.com Unsubscribe jengel@199llc.com Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by jengel@halstead.com in collaboration with Try it free today

New to the Market:Prides Crossing #9

New to the market today, Prides Crossing #9

''Prides Crossing'' is 51 handsome brick townhouses just west of the center of the village, an easy stroll to restaurants, shops and train station. Set back on a gentle knoll, screened on all sides #9 is particularly private with newly fenced courtyard and garden. This corner unit with south and west exposures has a larger and brighter kitchen than most, with a garage just off the terrace. A finished lower level is spacious and bright. Note Pride's Crossing's private clubhouse and pool.

Planner envisions new mixed-use building on Elm Street By Greg Reilly, New Canaan Advertiser

Planner envisions new mixed-use building on Elm Street

By Greg Reilly on January 29, 2016 in Business News, Latest, Latest News, Lead News, Lead News, News, Real Estate, Town Government · 0 Comments

This parking area adjacent to the Unimin office building and across the street from Karl Chevrolet is targeted by the Town planner for new mixed-use commercial building. — Greg Reilly photo

Town Planner Steve Kleppin has a vision of a new, mixed-use commercial building in part of the commuter parking parking lot on Elm Street, across from Karl Chevrolet.

The lot, known as the Lumberyard Lot, provides parking primarily for commuters, and it is next to the Unimin office building, which is on the corner of Elm and Grove streets.

Kleppin, an employee of the Town of New Canaan, told the Advertiser that he is requesting funds to do a preliminary study with drawings of what the area could look like with a structure for retail / office space possibly with residences. He imagines it would be built similar in style to the nearby office building at 220 Elm Street, which is on the same side of the street closer to the train station.

Kleppin’s vision includes building a two-level parking facility behind the would-be new building, closer to the train tracks. The parking facility, he believes, could add “a minimum” of 100 new parking spaces for commuters and others.

In Kleppin’s plan the land parcel needed for the commercial building would first be sold by the Town to a developer.

A likely hurdle to the the plan, he anticipates, will be designing satisfactory traffic flow.

Tags: new canaan, steve kleppin

Read more: http://ncadvertiser.com/68004/planner-has-vision-for-new-mixed-use-building-on-elm-street/#ixzz3yknUdIwp
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Three Really Great Houses

I just love these three new listings.  I'd be proud to call any one of them my forever home.

The first, at 227 Lambert Road, is definitely what you'd call a "forever home"  It is a beautiful home on a beautiful flat property beside a picturesque river about a block from the Country Club. Alongside the home are three of the most beautiful barns you've ever seen. The first is currently set up as an exercise studio. The second is a two bedroom apartment for guests. And the third barn is whats known as a"party barn" because it has got everything you will need to throw the party to end all parties. Inside, under high ceilings and massive beams is a bar area, a full chef's kitchen, large screen TV's, and a massive sliding barn door that opens to let the party spill outside. Downstairs is enough room for 20 square dancers. Or, a trading floor. Or, a Zumba studio. Upstairs is sleeping accommodations for what seems like half a dozen guests, at least.

While on the one hand this compound of interesting buildings appeals to a certain nostalgia we all have for the house in the country that is not too big, not too small, with great fireplaces, old reclaimed barn-wood floors and full of interesting spaces and character, it also appeals to our more modern needs for an open floor plans, high ceilings and space to get away from everyone. After all, sometimes you just want to go dancing, or exercise, or watch a movie or play music with the sound all the way up. That's what the barns are for.

The second house is practically in the middle of town (although you'd never know it!) Hidden behind an electric gate this vintage 1938 colonial sits on one acre with a pool only steps from the village and train station. I promise if you live here you are definitely close enough to walk to the train and walk home from the bars.

The house was home to several stars over the years. Mary Martin, the original Peter Pan on Broadway, lived here in the 1950's with her teenage son, Larry Hagman, who would later play Major Nelson on "I Dream of Jeannie" and later J.R. Ewing on TV's Dallas. Thirty years later Academy Award winning actress Claire Trevor bought this house and added the first floor master bedroom suite, an elegant suite which is today as elegant and far more tasteful than anything you'll find in Beverly Hills.

Finally, this stunning modern home on 93 Graenest Ridge Road in Wilton is the surprise of the group. Unassuming when you approach coming up the driveway, this house of wood and stone really opens up on the sides and rear with walls of glass to let the light and feeling of nature inside. I think this is going to appeal to someone coming from the city who just wants to get away from the bustle and is drawn to the sophisticated design and the private setting. And, what they'll discover is that there is a secret trail through the woods to the restaurants and shopping of downtown Wilton center. That combination of both style and privacy with such proximity to the best of Wilton makes this house completely unique on the market.

Want to Open a Restaurant? New Canaan has Options For Restaurants of All Sizes

Just listed:

A profitable little restaurant on Elm for $295,000.  To get more information about exactly how profitable this restaurant is you'll have to sign a confidentiality statement (I did) but if you are looking for a restaurant location and you can do it in 1200 feet then this might be the ticket.

For more information call me 203-247-4700

However, for those of you who are a little more ambitious, maybe want your patrons to sit down while they eat then I can recommend another restaurant location of 2300 ft on Main Street asking $575,000.  It seats about 80 and that should be enough to keep you in the black. Happy cooking.

In addition, there are two other commercial listings advertising the possibility of food service in the downtown. However, they are not offering freezers and equipment and are offered as empty shells.

Finally, the Red Mango location seems to be vacant so I am not sure if this listing to sell that business is still valid.

This 1891 Colonial is Smack Dab in the Middle of Town

And it's even prettier on the inside than outside.  This house is opposite the beautiful old red brick St. Aloysius Church and the lovely tudor they call "the Math House". Sited back from the road, this house enjoys tranquility and peace not usually found in the downtown.

Many of us imagine ourselves one day downsizing from that big house in the country to the ease of condo living downtown in New Canaan where we can walk to the restaurants, shopping and the train.  But, most of the condos in New Canaan were built between 1968 and 1980 and so many of the condos in town lack the style and sophistication of some of the house we are leaving.

I think that is what makes this condo so special. This has all of the charm of a beautiful antique house, and the spacious gardens, but without the maintenance headaches of an older home.

Inside, note the arched doorways. Note the woodwork around the original French doors. 

Note the U.S. Grant-style fireplace, the built-in bookcases and the wide-board floors.

All of these architectural details combine to give the feeling of refined elegance and hand-crafted detail not found in today's condominiums.

Offered by John Engel and Susan Engel for $1.125 million. For more information and more photographs, please visit http://www.29MapleSt.com  

To arrange a showing call 203-247-5999 for Susan or 203-247-4700 for John.

Sold: 15 South Avenue, New Canaan

For Sale: 15 South Avenue, the Heart of Downtown New Canaan

15 South Avenue is a fully leased, 4,390 square foot, four tenant retail building situated on .081 acres in the heart of the downtown shopping district of New Canaan. The asking price is $3.95 million. For more information on this or similar buildings in New Canaan, give me a call at Brotherhood & Higley (203) 966-3507 or email me.

Engel Has Intimate Town Knowledge

Editor, Advertiser,

As a third generation resident, graduate of the New Canaan schools, Rotarian and business owner in New Canaan, I urge you to support John Engel for Selectman. Both candidates have managed large budgets and negotiate on behalf of their clients every day. What cemented my support is John Engel's intimate knowledge of downtown and real estate issues that are such pressing issues for the town.

John's skills and experience will benefit our downtown immediately. He will bring new businesses (just as he did recruiting School of Rock to New Canaan) that energize our downtown and benefit our tax base. John knows our local business's history, and will advocate for our town. John knows and understands the wide range of issues in the town through his day to day involvement over the past 33 years. He brings not only a longer, but a broader perspective to the job than his opponent.

Scott Hobbs

Recent NCHS Grad Supports John Engel

I grew up and graduated from New Canaan public schools this Spring, experiencing New Canaan’s change these last few years, particularly the loss of something in our downtown.

I don’t take for granted that the Gramophone will always be there, or that Waveny will stay a park. Will New Canaan remain the same town I love? My NC roots are why I identify with John Engel’s candidacy. John is third generation New Canaan, worked in Mead Park, Baskin-Robbins and Walter Stewart's. He knows New Canaan fundamentally better than Nick Williams. John is a businessman, parent, veteran and, like us, an alumnus of New Canaan High School. To the Class of 2011 this is an important distinction. He knows first hand what is being lost, and will restore some of what is essential, bringing back some life to my town.

Lauren Ross

A Vote for Engel is a Vote to Energize Downtown

I am the manager at Athletic Shoe Factory in New Canaan. A vote for John Engel is a vote to energize the downtown.

Engel is an experienced local businessman who understands what it means to be a small business. I feel comfortable talking with him to understand a lease or make changes to improve our business here.

Engel is an innovator, not a politician, willing to think outside the box to revive our downtown.

Engel is accessible because he works here every day, not just on weekends. We see him at the Athletic Shoe Factory and know that this is a priority for him beyond the election season.

We need a selectman like Engel.

Chris Sanford
The Athletic Shoe Factory
Forest Street, New Canaan

Business Owners Support Engel

Editor, Advertiser,

We are all local business owners in New Canaan. A vote for John Engel is a vote to energize the downtown. Engel is an experienced local businessman who understands what it means to be a small business. Engel is an innovator, not a politician, willing to think outside the box to revive our downtown. Engel is accessible because he works here everyday, not just on weekends. We see him in our stores and restaurants and know that this is a priority for him beyond the election season. Engel is positive. He is focused on how we can work together to improve our village. Engel will focus on the downtown.

Michael Lamaker, Lamakers
Jack Trifero, The Gramophone Shop
Geoff Sigg, Pennyweights
Seth Leifer, The Filling Station Company
Art Kean, Mobil
Jim Berry, Mackenzies
Ann Chou, The Canaan Parish Sweet Shoppe
J. Gadzik, Sallea Antiques
Dorothy Mann, Dorothy Mann
Diane Roth, L'Amoire
Lucy Brown, Energy Saver
Daniel Bern, MacKenzies
Mr. Qahir, New Canaan Gulf
Susan Langfor, Soleil Toile
Ron Rosenfeld, New Balance
Carmen Carbos, Salon Kiklo
Nicole Yannien, DWR Consignment
Denise Friess, DWR Consignment
Melissa Lindsey, Pimlico
Damien Togridis, New Canaan Shoe Repair
Chrissy Smith, Aqua Spa
Wendy Diamond, Taylor's Luggage
Kathy Blankenship, Vineyard Gardens
Alicia Taylor, The Linen Shop
Reid Iannazzo, Reid's Country Cupboard
Karen Witmann, The Silk Purse

Polishing the New Canaan Brand

New Canaan is a brand. The value of everyone's home is intimately tied to the strength of that brand. If you want to improve home values, to the degree it's possible, that brand must be polished, marketed and improved. The downtown, the schools, brick sidewalks, freshly paved roads, even the dog walk are all ways to distinguish New Canaan from the other strong towns from Westport to Scarsdale. New Canaan must not just be the best but be KNOWN as the best town in Connecticut and, indeed, in the entire New York City area. Distinguished as the best, storefronts will fill and property values will rise.

I believe our brand reputation will far exceed that of Darien, Wilton, Westport and Greenwich as we continue to do three things well. One, we have shown that with the finest schools, beautiful parks and safe streets New Canaan is the best place to raise a family. Two, ours must be a brand of paved streets and solid infrastructure without raising taxes. Three, our New Canaan brand stands for a community, not just a collection of houses, a community that comes together to play on our ball fields, march in our parades, teach and coach our children, discuss over coffee, sing on God's Acre, honor our Veterans, protect our Seniors, and shop in our downtown. We are a loved, and loving community and this is perhaps our strongest asset to the brand.

This is the essence of the New Canaan brand. I know this as a real estate agent but I don't get the sense that the town government is marketing our town that way. We might not have had to in the past but we need it in this day and age if we are looking to revitalize our downtown and rebuild the equity in our homes.

Part of the solution to most of the issues is the personal time and energy the Selectmen must put into working with the merchants, landlords, citizens and experts. The role of a Selectman is much more than attendance at some meetings and votes on issues presented. The job SHOULD take a great deal of time and energy. Getting a group together to save the theater and bookstore may have been completed at a Town meeting but it was assembled through a lot of time and energy on the street, leading.

During the debate you heard from my opponent that New Canaan needs an advertising campaign. I said no. That is not a solution borne of personal time and energy. I countered that it would take more than advertising on Metro North to turn things around and I suggested that the solution will come about from successful public/private partnerships. What does that mean?

New Canaan has a long history of utilizing public/private partnerships to address community needs: the Outback Teen Center, the Schoolhouse Apartments, the South Avenue Cottage, the Millport Apartments, and the new EMS building to name a few. If New Canaan's downtown is to be the vital center we all want, we cannot sit back and wait for things to happen. Nor can we simply throw money at the problem in the form of more studies and advertising. New Canaan needs a Selectman who will listen to ideas and then lead with a sense of urgency. New Canaan needs a Selectman who sees the role as an ombudsman for the town---a true representative, one who seeks continuous input and does something about it.

New Canaan needs a Selectman who is PROACTIVE, not one who merely weighs issues and reacts. New Canaan needs a Selectman who works closely with the Chamber of Commerce, who is constantly downtown, listening to merchants & residents, discussing current & upcoming challenges. New Canaan needs an action-oriented leader. The role of Selectman is defined by the person who fills it.

The people most vital to a vibrant town, the merchants and tenants downtown and the residents who shop there, don't have the time to come to all the town meetings. I make the time to come to them, talk to them, and I give them a voice despite their busy days.

If this resonates with you; if you agree that the role of Selectman is something more than playing a waiting game; if you want a Selectman who gives you a voice, who makes the time to connect, listen, and then lead in town hall, then please vote for John Engel for Selectman. New Canaan is a brand and I pledge to connect, listen and lead in order to build that brand.