New Canaan council approves Playhouse lease after public comments and assurances on financial oversight

The New Canaan Town Council approved a commercial lease for the Playhouse building at 93 Elm Street on Feb. 9, 2026, following a public hearing and an executive session that addressed lease negotiations.

Resident Tom Brown, who said he lives at 32 Mill Road, urged the council to select a nonprofit operator, citing regional nonprofit examples and arguing nonprofits combine films, live events, memberships and grant support to sustain small-screen venues. "I strongly support selecting a nonprofit operator for the Playhouse, drawing from proven regional successes," Brown said.

Other public commenters and council members pressed for stronger financial protections. Roy Roberts asked why the draft lease was posted on Friday, Feb. 6, with a hearing on the following business day and raised concerns about prior operators leaving the town with unpaid rent. Roberts said the town had invested roughly "$10,300,000" in the building, that current appraisal figures cited in public remarks were "4,500,000.0," and he questioned the proposed rent and minimal security, saying a fair market rent would be about "$90 a square foot." Roberts urged due diligence before executing another long-term agreement.

After the council went into executive session to discuss negotiation strategy, council members returned and a motion to approve the Playhouse lease was made and seconded. One council member requested regular financial reporting from the prospective operator and a stronger letter of credit or down payment to reduce the risk of another operator defaulting, referencing the CinemaLab episode. The council voted and the motion passed unanimously.

The vote concludes the council's action on the Playhouse lease for now; the meeting record does not specify the lease's effective date or additional implementation steps. The council adjourned after approving both lease items and reminding members to prepare for upcoming budget work.