Lexington Gardens Future Uncertain

After Unexpected Closing

By John Voket

A number of simple signs taped to the door at Lexington Gardens on Church Hill Road indicate there may have been a problem with the building’s heating system January 11. But nearly ten days later, Newtown officials, including Community Development Director Elizabeth Stocker and Building Inspector John Poeltl, are still coming up cold when asked why the popular garden and gift shop has failed to reopen.

Late in the afternoon January 19, snow and ice from the latest storm a day earlier remained layered across the parking lot and entryway to the business. While the owner is listed as SLC Properties LLP, the Secretary of the State’s office does not list its principles.

According to the local assessor’s office, however, other properties tied to SLC were listed in the name of Gregory and Susan Cinicolo. And Gregory Cinicolo is listed as the president of C-Co Technologies at 30 Church Hill Road, which is adjacent to the garden shop.

Someone answering the phone at C-Co said Mr Cinicolo was traveling all week, and that the office would provide no comment on the status of Lexington Gardens.

A former employee, who spoke to The Bee on the condition her name was not used, said there was some talk on the part of the owner about ideas for an alternate use of the property, and concurred that the existing facility was facing issues related to its heating equipment.

Assessment records indicate the property was acquired by SLC in November of 2008 for $2.9 million, nearly $2 million more than its previous owner paid for the property five years earlier.

The nearly 20,000-square-foot retail building was originally constructed in 1973, according to land records, and includes a 9,600-square-foot greenhouse.