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Selectmen approve $128,000 state grant and 10-year lien for Carriage Barn courtyard renovation
Summary
The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved agreements tied to a $128,000 Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development grant for the Carriage Barn (New Canaan Society for the Arts) courtyard, including a statutory lien that phases out over 10 years and a pass-through arrangement with the town as subrecipient.
The Board of Selectmen on May 6 unanimously approved a $128,000 state grant and related agreements to renovate the Carriage Barn courtyard and create an outdoor arts hub at Waveney Park.
The assistance agreement from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development was approved by vote, along with a pass-through agreement making the town the grant subrecipient, a statutory lien securing the state's interest, and a certificate of applicant for the New Canaan Society for the Arts (NCSA).
Why it matters: the grant funds will be used to replace crushed‑stone surfacing with an ADA‑compliant bluestone patio, add lighting and electrical outlets, improve drainage, install a sound system and furnishings, and upgrade landscaping and parking‑lot lighting to support increased programming at the Carriage Barn. The statutory lien equals the grant amount and will be reduced 10% per year while the site continues to be used as an arts center, expiring after 10 years.
NCSA representatives told the board the courtyard now has a gravel surface, limited lighting and few electrical outlets, which restricts outdoor programming. The board and staff said the renovation will help the Carriage Barn build on recent interior improvements and expanded public programming.
The grant requires a 20% local match: 10% from the town and 10% from the New Canaan Society for the Arts. Officials said if bids come in lower than the awarded amount, each local contribution would be reduced proportionally.
Board action: the first selectman was authorized to execute and deliver the assistance agreement, the pass‑through agreement, the statutory lien, and related documents necessary for the town to receive and administer the funds. Each motion passed unanimously.
What’s next: staff will finalize specifications and go out to bid for construction; the board will review contractor awards and project documents as required by town procedures.
