In 2011 — as part of its application process — Terrain agreed to preserve the small house at the corner of Crescent Road.
The Historic District Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission liked what they heard. The small, gray 1900-era building — one of the last examples of a single-family house on the Post Road — stood proudly across from the fire station.
The house on Terrain’s Post Road property, at the corner of Crescent Road.
But parking is tight at the garden center/lifestyle emporium/restaurant. And it’s tighter than it should be, because as part of the permitting process, the P&Z gave Terrain great latitude with its spots. The Urban Outfitters-owned store was allowed to show 48 parking spots that could be used, if needed. In the plans, they were shown on the east side of the building — near Fresh Market.
They’re currently used to display plants, pots and other garden equipment.
Terrain’s “reserve” parking spots, currently used for plants and garden equipment.
Meanwhile, Terrain plans to knock down the house — and gain 8 parking space. The request for demolition is on this Thursday’s P&Z agenda (June 13, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Terrain is also on tomorrow’s Historic District Commission agenda (Tuesday, June 11, 7 p.m., Town Hall).
Matthew Mandell is not pleased.
The RTM District 1 representative has made a video, and posted it to YouTube. In it, he explains the back story of Terrain’s dealings with the town.
(Click here if your browser does not connect directly to YouTube.)
Also in the video, Randy Henkels of the Historic District Commission notes their early support of Terrain, based on promises the store made.
Town planning director Larry Bradley describes his department’s role.
And RTM member Cathy Talmadge suggests a boycott of Terrain, if they press ahead with demolition plans.
At the end of the video, Mandell urges Westporterswho want the building saved to write lbradley@westportct.gov. Bradley will pass emails along to P&Z members.
Eternal vigilance is the price of preservation.