The word on the treadmill is that New York Sports Club may leave Compo Shopping Center.
An employee answering the phone three days ago denied the rumor. The Norwalk location closed March 31, she said, but Westport will remain open. She took my name and number, and said the general manager would call back. I’m still waiting.
Chip Stephens — the ear-to-the-ground, eyes-wide-open longtime Westporter who may mount a first selectman run — heard the fitness club news, and let his imagination run wild.
With so many businesses closing, he says, what would happen if real estate owners panicked and agreed to long-term leases at reasonable rates? Perhaps, Chip wonders…
Food Fair could return to its former site — the one currently occupied by New York Sports Club…
The Magees might reopen Bridge Market, with basic home-and-beach grocery needs and a sub-$5 sub…
The Purcells would resurrect their bar, complete with shuffle hockey and pool tables in the strip mall across from Barker’s — er, Super Stop & Shop…
The Crest Drive-In might reappear at Derma Clinic, just a few yards behind its original, legendary spot at the Playhouse Square entrance.
I built on Chip’s list. Selective Eye could return where Katzenberg Kafe just klosed. Sport Mart might live again in its first home, Sconset Square (back in the day it was “Sherwood Square”). And the Pepper Mill could revert to its long-ago role: a Greyhound bus stop.
Take it from here, “06880” readers. If you could reincarnate your favorite place — at a currently closed site — what would it be?