DMA member and Darien First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky will provide an update on Darien town government including overall strategy, Great Island, new commercial developments, flooding investments and the FY 2025 budget process. Jon plans to leave ample time for Q&A and promises that no topic is off limits!
Jon E. Zagrodzky serves as First Selectman for the Town of Darien, having been elected to this position on November 7, 2023. Jon’s prior Town roles include: member of the Board of Selectmen; member and chairman of the Board of Finance; member of the Town and Police Pension Board; member of the Public Works Garage and Ox Ridge School Building Committee Board; member and president of the Darien Historical Society.
Until his December 2023 retirement, Jon served as COO and CFO at Rhône Group, LLC, a middle market private equity firm, where he was responsible for finance, operations, human resources, administration, information technology, and business planning. Prior to Rhône, he was CAO and Chief Compliance Officer at Oak Hill Capital Management and before that spent 16 years at McKinsey & Company.
Jon earned a BA in Economics and Romance Languages from Washington & Lee University and an MBA from The Wharton School. He is a commercial pilot and owns a Piper Seneca III. Jon moved to Darien with his wife, Sara, and their two children, Maggie and Jack, in 2005.
Summary
Ric Grefé reports that Darien First Selectman John Zagrodzky provided an update on the state of the town, covering topics such as infrastructure, real estate, public safety, and the highly anticipated development of Great Island.
Town Strengths and Growth
Zagrodzky highlighted Darien’s strong public schools, praising the quality of education, facilities, and student engagement. He noted that the town’s property values remain high, with a 20% increase in average home prices despite a low housing inventory.
New commercial developments, including Corbin District, Heights Crossing, and Darien Commons, are revitalizing the town and attracting businesses. The First Selectman urged residents to support local restaurants and shops, emphasizing the importance of keeping Darien’s economy thriving.
Challenges: Infrastructure, Crime, and Traffic
Zagrodzky addressed concerns over aging infrastructure, including sewer system failures and ongoing flooding issues. He acknowledged that major storms could overwhelm the town’s flood control measures, urging residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes. The challenge for the town is that as much attention as they pay to the flooding issues, the combination of geology, old infrastructure, and the overwhelming cost and disruption of a comprehensive redesign of the infrastructure makes comprehensive change unrealistic.
Crime remains a challenge, with unlocked car thefts continuing to be a problem. “Every stolen car had the keys left inside,” he stated, calling on residents to take basic precautions.
Traffic congestion, particularly on Post Road and near new developments, remains an issue. While improvements such as better signal timing and road redesigns are in progress, the First Selectman acknowledged that traffic will remain a long-term concern due to regional development in Norwalk and Stamford.
Great Island and Town Debt
Zagrodzky reassured residents that a master plan is being developed through public workshops, balancing conservation with community use. However, a legal dispute over tree removal on an access road has delayed progress.
Darien’s town debt has reached approximately $192 million, largely due to school renovations and the Great Island acquisition. Future borrowing, including possible renovations to Middlesex Middle School, could push this figure higher. Despite these financial commitments, the town’s AAA credit rating remains intact.
Looking Ahead
Upcoming initiatives include sidewalk expansions, a modernized parking system, park improvements, and stricter enforcement of blight regulations. The town is also exploring better town service payment options for residents, such as digital transactions.
Zagrodzky ended on a positive note, praising Darien’s sense of community and volunteer spirit. “This is the best place to live, and I want everyone to feel the same way,” he said. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the town newsletter and social media updates.
Presentation Slides: SOTT 2025 DMA