In 2011 a pair of tiny cottages were damaged beyond repair, by 2 successive storms: Irene and Sandy.
The homes sat on tiny parcels of land. One was just .005 acre.
But they were known to everyone — at least, everyone who knows about the footbridges connecting Old Mill with Compo Cove. The cottages were on the right (Long Island Sound) side, between the bridges.
The town bought the cottages — for $1,111,650. But every penny was reimbursed, thanks to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
The structures were torn down. For a few years, the land sat vacant.
It’s still empty. It’s still beloved by fishermen.
But now it’s also been spruced up. There’s a garden, and a granite slab for sitting.
Welcome to Westport’s newest park. It’s probably also the smallest.
Now all it needs is a name.
(Photos/Amy Schneider)