Scout shows signage to selectmen

NORTH CANAAN — North Canaan’s Board of Selectmen welcomed a guest speaker during its May 1 meeting to present the plan for new signage along main roads in town. Dylan Dean, a sophomore at Housatonic Valley Regional High School and boy scout with 41-merit badges, presented his proposal and designs to the board.

In an effort to become an Eagle Scout, Dean has designed four road signs to direct travelers to points of interest as they enter North Canaan. Dean has been communicating with the state for over six months to ensure his signage adheres to its regulations.

“I didn’t know what I was getting into originally,” said Dean.

Dean has acquired the permits, lumber, paint, and assistance from local professions to help prepare the signs. He showed the final designs to the board, which thanked him for his effort.

“It really looks great,” said Selectman Christian Allyn. “Thanks for your hard work on all this.”

The locations for the four signs are near Caddie Shack on Route 7, Route 44 on the west entrance to town, East Main Street before Stop & Shop, and near the firehouse on Route 7. Dean said he is currently painting the signs and hopes to have them installed by Aug. 1.

First Selectman Charles Perotti reviewed new plans to add electric vehicle charging stations in downtown North Canaan. Perotti said the revitalization of businesses in town has prompted him to consider the addition.

“Since we’re getting renovated down at the other end of Railroad Street with the theater and a little coffee shop, I’ve been looking into putting in a port with two charging systems,” said Perotti.

The Selectman have been generating bids and are considering using Eversource to install the charging station in the municipal parking lot off Railroad Street. Perotti said funding for this could come from the recent sale of nine acres of land (1 Tone Dr.) combined with a $20,000 rebate from Eversource.

North Canaan’s Board of Finance has announced that the 2023-24 budget is ready to vote on. A town meeting will be held on May 31 in town hall at 7 pm. Perotti encouraged residents to come and vote.

The Housatonic River Commission will hold a meeting to discuss the future of Ruggle’s Landing on May 23 in Douglas Library at 6 p.m. Prospective members of the proposed friends group for the site are welcome to attend.

The Board announced that North Canaan’s beautification team is in need of new volunteers to help maintain the public gardens in town. Contact town hall for more info.

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