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Crafty Kids approved for 91 Main Street with ADA restroom and studio space
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission granted site-plan approval for Crafty Kids to operate a retail arts-and-crafts shop and studio at 91 Main Street, including plans to install an ADA-compliant restroom and operate small classes and parties.
The New Canaan Planning and Zoning Commission on April 29 approved a change of use at 91 Main Street to allow Crafty Kids, a retail art supply and crafting studio, to operate with a studio component and a retail frontage.
Applicants Nora and Andre Atibi, co-owners of Crafty Kids, told the commission the business operates a Westport location and plans to replicate a retail display and host instructor-led classes, camps and birthday parties. The applicants said they will fund installation of an ADA-compliant bathroom to replace a small existing employee restroom.
The applicant described the front retail area as roughly 15 feet deep and about 20 feet wide (approximately 300 square feet) and said the basement would be used for limited storage. "Our typical party is about fifth like, 12 to 15 children," Nora Atibi said when commissioners asked about party sizes; the applicants said they commonly limit parties to about 12–15 children and sometimes up to about 20 people for larger gatherings.
Commissioners asked about signage, ADA access and proposed hours; Nora Atibi said she would submit a separate sign application and that the front entrance is ADA-compliant while the rear entrance has a step. The commission had no conditions on approval and voted unanimously in favor of the site-plan change of use under section 4.2 c 0.7.
Commissioners characterized the use as complementary to downtown retail and family-oriented activity; one commissioner called the proposal "very complimentary to our downtown," citing the likelihood of attracting families and children to local businesses. The approval allows Crafty Kids to proceed with tenant improvements and required sign permitting as the next step.
