Don Bergmann lives off Compo Hill. He’s been active in neighborhood initiatives, from saving Elvira’s (and then converting it to Old Mill Grocery & Deli) to the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve and tidal gates.
Don often walks his dog on Hillspoint Road. Like many Westporters — beach residents, and those who live elsewhere in town — he was disappointed when Hillspoint homeowners (whose deeds include Old Mill Beach property across the street) planted large hedges, growing 8 feet or higher.
Privacy — but no views — on Hillspoint Road …
They provided privacy for the owners, during infrequent times they use their waterfront land. They also prevent the steady stream of walkers and joggers from enjoying the view of Old Mill and Compo Cove, for a significant stretch of Hillspoint sidewalk.
So Don was pleased to see that Stephanie Foster — who lives on Bluewater Hill, but owns shoreline property across Hillspoint — told her landscaper not to let the new privet grow higher than 4 feet.
… and a lower hedge. Users of the private property still enjoy plenty of privacy.(Photos/Dan Woog)
Don calls Stephanie’s decision “a nice gesture to the many who stroll along Hillspoint Road.”
“06880” calls it worthy of this week’s Unsung Hero award!
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com)
(“06880” covers Westport, from the beaches to the woods. Also, downtown, and everywhere else. To support your hyper-local blog, please click here.)
I agree with Donald! Thank you Stephanie-the view is very precious for those of us who love to walk there.
Thank you Stephanie!!! So appreciated by all. What a wonderful neighborly gesture.
Yes, thank you Stephanie! Incredibly thoughtful of you to consider the community. Your overall landscaping is beautiful BTW. My husband and I always admire it when we’re on our walks.
I and my dogs Zelda and Daisy thank you!
I’m not a fan of implying people that have hedges to create privacy for their private property are public interest villains of sort. I am an avid walker of Hillspoint Road and don’t have any objection to hedges and private property – neither along Hillspoint nor anywhere else in Town. There are plenty of access points along the way to get all the views of our beautiful shoreline and Long Island Sound.
Hi David,
Good points, for sure. I think there are several things, though, that make the Hillspoint hedges different from other privacy hedges in town, and get a number people upset (as seen in the comments above).
1) They’re relatively new. There were none of them until a few years ago. For decades, everyone enjoyed an unencumbered view of Old Mill Beach from the sidewalk.
2) The height. They really are tall. Stephanie’s is not.
3) The fact that they are not making a home private, but rather a bit of property across the street from the owners, which they utilize VERY infrequently, even in summer. I know, I know, they own it and pay taxes on it, but …
4) The number of people walking, jogging, riding and driving by — in all seasons of the year — is huge.
As I said owners can do whatever they want with their property. That doesn’t mean they have to.
# 4, Dan, is what makes the 8′ hedge height not only explicable, but logical, View the water along the remaining
thousands of unobstructed feet available.
Having known Stephanie for 20 years now, I am not at all surprised. I have yet to meet a more thoughtful person!
I love “grumpy” Don!
It’s basic selfishness of the privileged that is destroying Westport and has been for many years. It’s nice that Stephanie is trimming this hedge but outside of her basic civility for the most part it’s IGMNGFY* that is running Westport and has been for many years. Having said that, Dan your points are all well taken. Stephanie keep up the good work.
I agree. I imagine Stephanie is lovely and kind. But being neighborly should be the expectation, not something lauded as heroic. Only in Westport…
And I love “never grumpy” Brad.
Don Bergmann
What a difference–for all to enjoy!
As noted here and elsewhere, this year the Town of Westport has been over zealous cutting down trees and bushes in the town right of way. All around town, bushes and trees were removed or cut way back because they were in the right of way. It does appear that these tall hedges are in the right away, perhaps the town should exercise its discretion and remove or cut them lower.