New Canaan subcommittee sets outreach plan, targets May public meeting and survey to shape site preference

The Town of New Canaan Affordable Housing Project Development Subcommittee outlined a public outreach strategy to solicit resident feedback on potential affordable-housing sites and consultant sketches. Christa told members she envisioned a two-step approach: a public meeting that includes a consultant presentation and facilitated breakout groups, followed by an online survey to capture broader input.

Committee members agreed that residents should be primed with clear background materials before the meeting, including a short Q&A in the First Selectman’s newsletter, a podcast segment, and FAQs on the town website. The group discussed venues and timing and settled on a target public meeting in the week of May 18, 2026, and an internal schedule of weekly preparation meetings on Wednesdays (April 15, April 22, April 29, May 6 and May 13).

Members debated how to present technical information. Several said precise cost figures could distract from trade-offs; the committee favored using transparent assumptions (for internal consistency) while offering narrative cost ranges in public materials. They also agreed to present a simplified comparison chart that emphasizes trade-offs—traffic, urban context, HUE-point scoring and the feasibility of achieving 830G moratoria—rather than numerous detailed scheme permutations.

Christa asked committee members to send feedback on wording and colors in the comparison chart; Jane agreed to develop a communications strategy and check newsletter timing with Diana. The committee also discussed practical outreach mechanics—use of the town’s paid survey account, potential postcards/QR codes, and coordination with the Sentinel—so that the public meeting would be preceded by clear context-setting materials.