It may not be the biggest controversy in Westport, but it is the most visible.
On this week’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and anti-blight officer Steve Smith discuss the history — and latest action — involving 233 Hillspoint Road: aka the blue eyesore at the old Positano restaurant near Old Mill Beach.
It’s quite a saga. Click below to listen to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston production.
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For decades, 58 Saugatuck Avenue has been an object of intrigue.
The tiny brick storefront has housed, at various times, a barbershop, florist, catering kitchen and (perhaps) a pre-Prohibition liquor store.
58 Saugatuck Avenue before …
It’s been vacant for years though, ever since the previous tenant — a pop-up art gallery — closed.
Recently, it’s gotten a nice (and much-needed) makeover.
(Photos/JD Dworkow)
What’s going in?
The use of the building is up to the owner. Current zoning allows almost any retail use, from another catering kitchen or gallery to a law office, or an artist’s or interior designer’s studio.
One fairly big drawback: There is absolutely no parking.
The building has been on the market for months. It’s in a residentially zoned lot (with a 2-family home, also recently renovated) behind.
A zoning permit was recently issued for the storefront, authorizing its continued (non-conforming) retail use. (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)
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When it comes to pet health food, Earth Animal is the GOAT.
So it’s no coincidence that the Post Road all-natural shop is sponsoring Wakeman Town Farm’s summer goat program.
Earth Animal provides the goats with food, bedding, animal care, veterinary needs, pen maintenance and more to keep them healthy and happy.
The sponsorship also includes “goat classes.”
WTF’s goat husbandry program includes 30-minute private feeding and socialization sessions. Its “Bottle-Feed the Kids” class offers a goat-feeding experience, along with cuddling and playing.
Earth Animal funded the recent construction of a new animal barn at Wakeman Town Farm, adding an additional animal shelter, feed storage and veterinary care space.
Merritt and Abbey Goldstein, co-owners of Earth Animal, are not kidding around.
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The world changed forever on September 11, 2001.
On September 11, 2023, servicemembers who were injured in post-9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will benefit from a special event.
Catch a Lift — the national non-profit that provides combat-injured veterans with nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness and community help, to heal emotionally, physically and spiritually — returns for a 9th year in Fairfield County.
The Patterson Club event includes pickleball, golf, dinner, and an inspiring program. Click here for more information on tickets, sponsorships and donations.
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It’s official!
Senator Richard Blumenthal recently recognized the Westport Library, Verso Studios, and their compilation album Verso Records, Volume One, in the Congressional Record.
“This record is the product of collaboration among local artists and is the first of its kind issued by a public library,” Blumenthal said. “This endeavor is an example of Westport at its best — the vision and vibrancy of the community and its commitment to artistic achievement, powering culture throughout the State of Connecticut.”
Blumenthal added that the Library has enriched the community as a leading innovator for decades, noting the MakerSpace, Library of Things, Seed Library, Cafe and Store, and prized artwork collection.
“These resources make The Westport Library one of the best libraries in all of America — a ‘noisy library,’ as its supporters say, and a true jewel of the community.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal, at the Westport Library.
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In 2012, the Suzanne Sheridan Band performed and recorded a concert of Leonard Cohen’s music at Voices Café.
Since then, Sheridan’s band has continued the tradition in many venues. On August 6 (12:30 p.m.), Sheridan (vocals, guitar), Bob Cooper (keyboard) and Joe Meo (woodwinds) will add the VFW to the list.
There’s a $10 cover. Brunch and a Bloody Mary bar (plus mimosas) are available for an extra charge.
Click here for tickets. For more information, email info@firstfolksunday.com, or call 203-222-1441.
… with Suzanne Sheridan.
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Lyn McCarthy, development director of Caroline House, spoke yesterday to the Westport Rotary Club.
Bridgeport-based Caroline House — a regular recipient of Rotary grants — provides food, clothing, English language and life skills education to immigrant women.
Lyn McCarthy of Caroline House at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)
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Today’s very compelling “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from 14-year-old Emae Forman. It’s from the frog pond on Marion Road.
(Photo/Emae Forman)
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And finally … when Suzanne Sheridan channels Leonard Cohen on August 6 at the VFW, many of the tunes may be familiar. Here are 2 of my favorites:
(Hallelujah! You can help support “06880”! Please click here. Thank you!)
Regarding 58 Saugatuck Ave. How about CVS or Trader Joe’s? I’m sure the current P and Z folks can get behind that.
Funny, our different viewpoints.
I think the “old” 58 Saugatuck looked much better than this new, sterile look. I would have just trimmed back the foliage and sandblasted the brick to clean it.
There’s no point to my comment. I just felt like making it. 😁
Join the club 😎
I totally agree….
No question about it , India. New one awful; old one had character and history, both of which Westport is working hard to lose.
Another day of keeping the fabric of the community together. Thanks Dan.
Emae Forman – GREAT PHOTO!!!! Nature wins!
Having Senator Blumenthal at The Library for this very special evening was a true tribute to the work of all involved. How many local libraries have been recognized in the Congressional Record, not many…if any. This is the best and loudest library in America for good reason…Director Bill Harmer and his great team. If you haven’t been to The Library recently, by all means go, discover and enjoy. This isn’t your granddaddy’s library.
It’s actually not that unusual to get something into the Congressional Record if you have a politician willing to do it which they often do for political and/or PR reasons.
The Westport Library shared recognition that particular day with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, the 400th anniversary of Dover, NH, the 120th anniversary of Harley Davidson, Brad and Joy Ryan (a grandson/grandmother that visited all 63 National Parks) among several other people and entities recognized. And that was just the Senate section.
A search of the record indicates a number of Libraries have been recognized over the years, albeit a very small proportion of total libraries in existence. In any event, it was nice that Senator Blumenthal read it into the record.
My Granddaddy was one of the early drag queens (before it was fashionable). Back when parents paid attention to what was taught in schools.
Awesome closeup of the frog Emae!
Re: BLUE HOUSE
Why are they handling this guy with kid gloves when he complies with NOTHING? On market for $8million. Uncollected $100 a day nothing – it’s me not picking up a dime on the street. MAYBE state will fine $250 a day? Why would Westporters care?
My big question is are we tax payers eating all the legal bills this homeowner is generating – from 2018 – by not complying to anything???
And what is total we have spent on those legal bills?
Everyone is lovely and civilized but why isn’t 1st select person asking these questions for us? And building people: tell me how we collect fines? Collection agencies can charge 50%. Can we raise that fee? Why is the contemptuous attitude to breath of permits ok?
I don’t understand why this has gone on so long. And the gentle approach to solving this impasse.
Well, the town is collecting $300/month in noncompliance fines but they’re also paying some outside storage company $4500/month to store the tile wall of remembrance that used to hang in the library. How about they hang the tile wall on the blue house. They can then take the $4800/month net proceeds and fund an annuity for LymanAde.
No, Eric, the Library is paying the storage company, not the town. And can you verify the figure?
Oh, the LIBRARY is paying the storage charges. That changes EVERYTHING!!!
233 needs to come down. The blatant disregard towards authority and keeping with what was granted, only to do the complete opposite and to be deceitful is embarrassing. Since the beginning of 2020, it has stood like this, frozen. The middle finger chimney to the neighborhood, now gone, so should the rest of the house.
If the fines ever hit a large amount, would love to see the town take it over with costs covered to tear it down, and leave it open.
I like the blue house. Adds some color to the hood.