New Canaan group previews 250th events calendar; student seeks help to open school-area cafe

Members of a New Canaan community group reviewed a newly launched 250th-anniversary events calendar and agreed to help a local high-school student seeking guidance on launching a deli-style cafe serving local schools.

The group heard from Grace Bowman, a New Canaan High School sophomore working on an FCCLA project to propose a deli or cafe serving the high school, middle school and South School. Bowman described the concept as a permanent location where students could gather after school and after sports; she asked the group for notes on zoning and other regulatory considerations for placing a small food operation near residential areas.

Meeting facilitator Nick (first named in discussion) offered to arrange a follow-up meeting including town planner Sarah Carey so Bowman could receive guidance on applicable zoning regulations and permitting. Alan Garrido offered to advise Bowman as a representative of local hospitality businesses, and Laura Budd, head of the Chamber of Commerce in New Canaan, was asked to help connect community members who could support the project.

Separately, the group previewed a calendar of 250th programming running through the summer, with library speaker series already underway and signature events led by parade co-chairs Lisa Meland and Tracy Marlon. Budd said the parade will step off June 27 at 9:30 a.m. from the lumberyard parking lot, proceed down Elm Street past Walter Stewart's and the train station, turn right on South Avenue and finish at the high school.

Organizers encouraged local businesses and nonprofits to participate with floats, storefront events and talks. The group said members will circulate contact information so Bowman and others can follow up with interested parties.

The meeting approved routine minutes from Dec. 3 and adjourned at 7:36 p.m.