Date: Thu 08-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Canaan-House-lease-Rosenthal

Full Text:

Town Seeks To Extend Its Lease At Canaan House

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Town employees are expected to remain at Canaan House on the campus of

Fairfield Hills for at least two more years. Newtown's original two-year lease

with the state runs out next month. There is still no other place for these

workers to go.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal is currently working out a new lease with the

state. "That will give us time to do whatever we have to do to find a new home

for those employees," he said.

Upon the orders of former first selectman Bob Cascella, town employees

abandoned their home in Town Hall South two years ago and moved to Fairfield

Hills. Town Hall South had been plagued by flooding and general deterioration

and was deemed uninhabitable.

Many of the 20 or so employees at Town Hall South cringed a bit when they

first heard the news of their move to Canaan House. At the time, the thought

of moving into what had been a patient ward at the former state mental

institution seemed a bit strange. However, many of them have grown accustomed

to their "home-away-from-home." There is plenty of space, lots of windows, and

zero flooding.

Two years ago, according to Rita Macmillan of the land-use department, there

were mushrooms actually growing up from the floor in her office at Town Hall

South. The situation had gotten out of control. The availability of Canaan

House was a saving grace for the town.

"It gives us the opportunity to take a deep breath and decide where we want to

go with out town facilities," Mr Cascella said at the time.

Today, the town is still holding its breath. No decision on a new home for

these workers has been made. However, the town's municipal space needs

committee is currently looking at possible solutions to the town's lack of

usable building space. The committee has agreed there is a need for a new

municipal building in addition to Edmond Town Hall and Town Hall South. Both

buildings need extensive repairs.

Mr Rosenthal said the lease allows the town to move out at any time. But don't

expect that to happen anytime during the next year. Space needs committee

chairman Bill Brimmer said a recommendation from his panel is expected to be

passed on to the Board of Selectmen in February. From there, it would move to

the Legislative Council for financial consideration. Council discussion may

not begin until the spring due to the busy upcoming budget season.

Reactions From Canaan House

The 8,600 square foot section of Canaan House has housed the town's land-use,

building, Parks & Recreation and health for the past 24 months. The rented

space has cost the town $3,600 per month or $43,200 per year.

Those who work there say they would rather have a more permanent home, but for

now, Canaan House will do just fine.

"As long as I have a place to hang my hat... that has windows," noted Parks &

Recreation Director Barbara Kasbarian.

Ms Macmillan said working at Canaan House certainly beats the mildew at Town

Hall South. Nevertheless, she looks forward to someday working in a new

facility.

"We're crowded. We keep expanding the land-use agency so we need more space,"

she said. "I think we're all acclimated at this point, but we're hoping they

find us a permanent space."

Even the odor from Canaan House is gone, according to Donna Howard of the

health district office.

"It beats the alternative. We had insufficient space at Town Hall South and a

couple of the offices didn't have any windows," she said. "I know this is not

a permanent solution, but the atmosphere is better here, and the parking is

better, even though it's a little out of the way."

Mr Brimmer said his committee will be "getting down to the brass tacks" at its

next meeting this month. He said the board is nearing a "concrete"

recommendation.