Greenwich Cars & Coffee: We Won’t Let Acts of a Few Ruin Experience for All

Greenwich Cars & Coffee Facebook page

Letter to the editor from Leland Graham and Steven Fong of Greenwich Cars & Coffee, submitted on March 27, 2018 in response to the article “End of the Road for Greenwich Cars & Coffee?” published on March 26, 2018

Dear editor,

As you have recently reported, the Board of Selectmen have decided not to approve our events on Greenwich Avenue, which has proven to be a great disappointment not only to Steven and Leland, but to their supporters, the community, and local businesses who advocate for them.

Greenwich Cars & Coffee is happy to announce that this will not be the end of the road for our events. We are currently working with other venues and alternative locations outside of Greenwich Avenue to host our events. The First Selectman mentioned the use of Town Hall prior to and during the meeting. This would create a more controlled environment for all and we plan to pursue this suggestion for 2018.

We also plan on enforcing a one-strike policy for drivers who attend our event as a VIP or as a spectator. In combination with more Greenwich Police at our event, we are confident that we can work with the Board of Selectmen to come up with an acceptable location to host our events this year.

In a time of economic downfall for retailers, it came as a stunning surprise that First Selectman Tesei doesn’t see economic value from our events.

Last year was an incredible success for Greenwich Cars & Coffee. We will not let the acts of a few ruin the experience and opportunity for the thousands that have supported each of our events and local businesses last year. Our gatherings bring many positives to Greenwich, from local business support, to this year,providing an enrichment program for children in the area as we continue our partnership with Greenwich United Way as our official non-profit charity for 2018.

In a time of economic downfall for retailers, it came as a stunning surprise that First Selectman Tesei doesn’t see economic value from our events. We have provided several letters from local businesses that have proven otherwise. Many retail stores are looking at alternative methods to help bring more people into the area and into their stores, and to many, Greenwich Cars & Coffee was exactly what they were looking for. We have included the statements from various businesses as an attachment to this letter.

Again we look forward to bringing the Greenwich community a gathering this year that everyone can enjoy. Greenwich Cars  & Coffee’s initiative has always been about bringing the local community together through the unique aspect of cars. We look forward to continuing our efforts with the Board of Selectmen to come up with a solution that is satisfactory to everyone involved.

We will not let our supporters down.

Regards,
Steven Fong & Leland Graham