Planning commission approves Carpetrans showroom at 91 Main with storage restriction

The New Canaan Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved a change of use for 91 Main Street to allow a flooring-sales showroom operated by Carpetrans, citing the application as a routine change-of-use review under the town’s site-plan rules.

The approval matters because the applicant will open a retail display location in space formerly occupied by a food shop, adding a retail service to the town center while the commission limited operations to retail displays only, not on-site fabrication or bulk storage.

Tyler Rogers, who identified himself as representing Carpetrans and gave a Port Chester address, told the commission, “We’re converting the space, at 97 Main Street, to be a retail showroom for our flooring products, an extension of our current business in Rye, New York.” He clarified the New Canaan location will display samples and “we would deliver it. Fabrication and installation will occur out of our warehouse in Rye.” Jean Hopkins, Carpetrans service manager, added the basement will be used “mostly [for] samples,” and the business expects customers to consult staff, schedule measurements and receive delivery and installation from the Rye facility.

Commissioners framed their review as procedural because retail is a permitted use in the town’s retail zone, but a formal change-of-use hearing is required when an existing tenant changes operations. The commission asked whether the new tenant would store rolled carpet or perform fabrication on-site; applicants confirmed no fabrication or mass storage will occur — only display samples, with larger inventory maintained at their Rye warehouse. Commissioner comments focused on maintaining the retail character and preventing warehouse-like activity on Main Street.

The commission approved the application with a condition limiting activity to samples and displays and prohibiting on-site fabrication or mass storage. The motion passed unanimously during the roll call: Dan Radman, Krista Nielsen, John Kris, Chris Herring, John Engle, Paul Fagg, Tom Benton, Eric Knowles and Christina Larson voted in favor.

The applicant may move forward with tenant fit-out consistent with the condition; any change beyond displays, such as on-site fabrication or storage, would require return to the commission.

Votes at a glance: 91 Main Street — change of use to flooring retail (Carpetrans). Outcome: approved (unanimous). Condition: no on-site fabrication or mass storage, display/samples only.