In the wake of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s decision allowing Old Mill Grocery & Deli to serve alcohol, and use pre-existing picnic tables and a gelato cart, 2 neighbors filed 3 lawsuits.
Soundview Empowerment Alliance (SEA) — the non-profit that owns the 222 Hillspoint Road building — has written a note to donors who funded the purchase of the building 2 years ago. Here is a slightly edited version of that letter.
Three years ago, you and nearly 600 other neighbors and friends generously donated to save Old Mill Grocery & Deli from the wrecking ball.
Since then, thousands of people have frequented OMG&D, loving their neighborhood gathering place.
Along the way, OMG&D received 3 historic designations from Westport and the state of Connecticut, acknowledging its 105-year history as the oldest continuously operating retail food establishment in Westport — and the heart and soul of the Compo Beach community.
Thanks to you and many others the OMG&D tradition lives on, generational memories continue to be shared (and new ones made), neighbors connect over great coffee and food, and new friendships are forged daily. We hear countless times every day how grateful the entire community is that the neighborhood gem called OMG&D was spared.
The good news: In January of last year, the Romanacci Group took control as the operating tenant of OMG&D. They have been embraced by the community for their great food and beverage offerings, and warm sense of hospitality.
Additionally, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved a text amendment to the zoning regulations which permits the sale of beer and wine for on-premises consumption, the use of pre-existing picnic tables, and more, for “retail food establishments” in residential neighborhoods. This includes Old Mill Grocery & Deli, and 2 others.
More than 600 residents signed a petition, wrote to the P&Z, or spoke at meetings, offering their unwavering support and approval of these regulatory changes.
The bad news: While there is so much to be happy about and grateful for, SEA and the Romanacci Group face significant challenges, in the form of 3 lawsuits filed against SEA (owners of the building), the town of Westport and Romanacci Compo Bach LLC, which operates OMG&D).
These lawsuits challenge the beloved market’s very existence.
The lawsuits were filed by an attorney on behalf of 2 neighbors who are leading and funding the efforts, along with a very small number of others from across town who have joined the suits.
The lawsuits seek to overturn the decisions of the Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, with respect to adoption of the text amendments, and the P&Z’s approval of the liquor license application.
The Romanacci team, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
We need all the support we can muster. And support comes in many forms.
First, we need to raise money. At $400 an hour, our legal fees are significant and mounting. Our attorneys have advised us that these fees could exceed $100,000. Your GoFundMe donation will help pay our legal bills, and ensure that SEA has adequate resources to fulfill its charitable mission of preserving the historic building and providing job training for people with disabilities.
Second, please let your RTM representatives know how you feel about OMG&D, and its importance to the community.
Third, please support the Romanacci team with your business. Make OMG&D one of your top choices when getting something delicious to eat or drink. And don’t forget the amazing wines, sold at wine store prices.
Feel free to reach out to us with comments and questions. For more details on “How We Got Here” and “What Happens Next,” please click here, then scroll down.
(NOTE: “06880” has contacted opponents of Old Mill Grocery’s regulatory approvals, and invited them to respond.)
Picnic tables flank Elvira’s, a predecessor of Old Mill Grocery. (Photo/Katherine Bruan)
Love to hear why these 2 people have sued. Is it going to become the next mardi gras by having beer and wine for those enjoying sunset and dinner.
A perfect small business in our great town.
Let them be.
I would suggest to the Old Mill owners that they enjoin the Town of Westport in any lawsuit. They, apparently, did nothing wrong with the proper filings to update an iconic establishment in this fair town. The Town, via it various committees, gave them the green light. As such, they should be a party to any lawsuit and perhaps curtail this form of litigation bullying?
In the Brave New World of 06880 “The Rule Of Law” has been vanquished by the rule of lawyers. Shakespeare was right.
Liar, liar, pants on fire.
Anyone capable of finding their way to the State of CT’s Judicial website can look up FBT-CV-6141069-S and FBT-CV-6141237-S and check the facts. I count 19 Plaintiffs on one lawsuit and 18 on the other.
We have the choice of believing the author’s statements or our lying eyes.
It’s not nice to use 06880 and its loyal readers to perpetuate false narratives as a means of fund-raising for an underfunded enterprise. BTW – No one is preventing the former Old Mill Deli from operating with all the blessings bestowed by the P#ZC.
P.S. I support everyone’s right to free speech but using that right as a vehicle for false & misleading statements to solicit for donations? Not so much.
Gloria Gouveia
Gloria, are you referring to the same 06880 that has graciously featured you and your career/business offerings several times over the years? Is it the same 06880 that you’re now hijacking the comments section of with your oddly toxic energy calling people “liars”? I have no stake in any of this other than being a casual reader of 06880. What’s yours? Please be candid about your involvement in this if any besides just being a basic reader/follower.
Did you support the Go Fund for the tennis coach? We had no facts then. I think Deb is right. You have a dog in this fight.
Ms. Gouveia: Are you questioning my veracity in merely suggesting a procedural effort by the shop owners OR are you confronting Professor Woog on his plea to support these people? Either way, you seem to have appointed yourself judge in this matter. Now where was it you went to law school?
Good grief, Mr. Swanson,
Although I scrupulously avoid defending myself when my comments are criticized, I felt obliged to clarify that I meant no offense to you or Dan.
The post is clearly called an “Opinion” piece — not Dan’s but the author’s. I would never criticize Dan or any other blogger for what they chose to post. That is their absolute right.
My comments are directed to the AUTHOR for using the venue to perpetuate a false narrative. If I’m proven wrong about the facts, I’ll apologize.
Appointing myself as a judge or an attorney? Absolutely not! Unless one must be a judge or a lawyer to direct the readers
to the state’s judicial website if they’re interested in the facts.
Nor am I being compensated in any way for stating my views.
And for the record, I did NOT kidnap the Lindberg baby. 😉
( That’s meant as a joke.)
No worries. But I should caution you, you are judging your facts on the petition filed by one party. The store has not even filed an answer yet and there will definitely be amendments to the original petition. As such, there are going to be allegations which may or may not be accurate. I have lived here since 1952 and it seems that store is always the blunt of bullying. Peace.
Have no issue with this business operating as a Deli. This was always the original intent and should remain that way. Wanting to serve alcohol is totally unnecessary and could result in unintended accidents. The pedestrian traffic at this location does not lend itself to people under the influence.
Rally ‘Round the Flag Westport and Save the historic grocery
What are the concerns listed in the lawsuit?
follow this link for complaint:
https://civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov/CaseDetail/PublicCaseDetail.aspx?DocketNo=FBTCV256141237S
scroll down and click on ‘summons and complaint’ to bring up the document.
In a nutshell the suit asserts that the Town did not follow correct process for allowing a variance to Zone B zoning rules, and asks for reversal on those grounds.
There is no argumentation about how/why the liquor license is a nuisance, since that is not something the State court would consider or rule upon, since that is up to the Town’s judgement.
The likelihood for people to get wasted and roam the beach area, making noise late at night is not insubstantial and should be properly vetted. We don’t live in NYC…for a reason.
As some Westporters may remember there was once two restaurants both with liquor licenses: Cafe de la Plage and Allen’s Clam House within a quarter mile of the bistro formerly known as Grub’s (by the spoiled neighborhood brats that had no respect for Ken Montgomery who just wanted to serve the community when they needed a loaf of bread, a quart of milk or some other “must-have” and were too lazy to make the long 2 mile trek to Peter’s Bridge Market). Leave these nice people alone and let the free market decide their future.
Out of curiosity, would you take that position for the rest of Westport? Hint, if it were purely left up to the free market, there would be no zoning restrictions whatsoever.
I was speaking with respect to that specific situation.
Houston, the 4th largest city in the country, does not have any zoning. Most of the residential areas are controlled by deed restrictions which are far stricter than the zoning here in Westport and actually ENFORCED! There is no such thing as a “free market.” It is a notion promulgated by the developers to make the tax payer actually think he/she has a say in where their tax dollars go. Otherwise there might be some cool stuff for kids to do rather than over priced condos.
I contributed to this terrific endeavor, but am not sure alcohol belongs outside at a neighborhood place. Is this truly make or break for this wonderful business? I hope not…. It doesn’t seem unreasonable to be sensitive to neighborhood concerns, including noise levels, etc. Nonalcoholic beer is delicious and better for your health. Am I missing something?
Yes.
This lawsuit is classic fear-mongering. The fact is that there were establishments that served alcohol in that neighborhood for decades—even before the neighbors in question purchased their houses—and without the horrible consequences that they are now predicting. And BTW, the word “alcohol” is being bandied about as a grave threat, when it’s simply another beverage option that people may select with their food. This new permit is very limited—way more restrictive than what was allowed in other venues. Moreover, having a local market is important for the community. And environmentally speaking, it is far better to have a walkable market than none at all—which is what is likely to happen if this litigation persists.
Very good points about all the former restaurants that were located in those area. I remember them fondly.
Not only is OMG a real gem and part of Compo Beach but it now also has the perfect operator in Romanacci’s. A perfect blend of real Italian hospitality and amazing food in a community we all love. Having a beer or a glass of wine to go with great food is only additive to OMG’s uniqueness. Nobody wants a loud bar in a quiet neighborhood but this is not what this is, in my mind, it just provides an additional menu option for those who choose to enjoy it to make sure we can all enjoy OMG for another 100+ years.
The interesting question is whether operations like this, as well intentioned as they might be, are ultimately commercially sustainable. Certainly, the demise of The Porch (which was seemingly as well loved and supported as OMG) would suggest it is difficult, at best.
Obviously, the previous owner before SEA stepped up concluded the real estate value was more than the business value. Even as a pure non-profit, the operator prior to Romanacci stepping in presumably could not produce break-even cash flow else they probably would still be there. I’m guessing even Romanacci, with presumably greater buying power, is having a hard time else they wouldn’t have sought the text amendment.
Even with that, one wonders whether the new rules will produce enough incremental cash flow to make the operation viable. Or, whether beyond the immediate need to fund the litigation, OMG really requires annual fundraising support to keep the operation going. Nothing wrong with that, of course – that’s how most charitable organizations work.
Thank you for publishing this piece Dan. I think it is important for the community to know what is happening behind the scenes. As a previous Owner and Operator of OMG&D, I am saddened, yet not surprised, that anything negative would be said about this historical and special place.
People that actually support this business know that there is nothing threatening happening here…except for the many drivers that don’t stop at the posted stop signs in front of the building! For food establishments, (and there are many located in neighborhood areas outside of Compo Beach) responsible selling of beer and wine with meals for mature neighbors and patrons and enjoying gelato while sitting at a picnic table is considered standard practice.
It’s simple to figure out that this is not an easy place to keep alive outside of the busy summer months… forget about funding a lawsuit going to the Supreme Court.
Thank you to SEA and The Romanacci Group for doing what you do for the community; you should be proud and know that it is a great service and MANY people are thankful for all of your efforts.
I totally agree with everything Betsy said here. As a former employee of 3 of the different groups that occupied this space before, I can 100% say someone always has negative things to say, and has no idea what it’s like to run a restaurant.
There will always be someone (or multiple people) who want to take away from what romanacci is attempting to do here which is keep themselves open in winter months which no other group in this location has successfully done before.
If that’s through their amazing wine and gelato… I 100% support it.
First of all, Gloria Gouveia is a great person who has served Westport since the 1970s. So my question is does allowing alcoholic sales in a residential neighborhood possibly set a precedent? “You let Old Mill do it so why can’t I?” Are you opening up a can of worms for future battles? It was a grocery store for 105 years unable to sell alcohol. Now, in a residential neighborhood 25 feet from the road, it’s a restaurant serving booze! Watch out what you wish for!
I read the complaint(s). They are purely procedural and are devoid of facts. Meaning, they claim that the beer and wine license was wrongfully granted, violating procedure and based on “misinformation.” There are no details provided in the complaint.
It was filed by what appears to be the owners/occupiers of 10 properties (several plaintiffs are co-owners of the same properties, possibly couples, joining independently) and one property that appears to be a rental (actually two of the addresses owned by LLCs have been listed as rentals in the past few years). The lead plaintiff is an LLC, but if you google the first two LLC’s address you can easily discover the (sole) owner’s locally-prominent name (and which of their two properties was listed for rent a few years back). These folks are going to cost the community that already ponied up $1.3m another $100k or more, just to get a crack at tyrannizing the majority by fretting over a noise problem that doesn’t yet, and might not ever, exist.
I am certain the reason the Romanaccis are looking for a beer and wine license is financial. Restaurants operate on a razor thin margin, and beer and alcohol is usually the difference between make or break. We are lucky to have the Romanacci’s in as operators, they deserve to make a living. Why do you reckon the other operators (Joey’s, TGB) are gonzo?
I guess I can understand how upsetting it would be to potentially hear the sounds of laughter and merriment wafting over the public beach until 8pm in the summer months after having purchased property adjacent to and abutting the town’s showcase public beach, a parking lot, another Italian family-owned restaurant (Positano’s) that operated across the street for 15 years (and which became the notorious ‘Blue House’ after the neighborhood got P&Z to deny outdoor seating and re-zone that lot as residential), and a 100-year-old deli so beloved that my neighbors stepped in to save it – as a community-funded non-profit.
Despite all that history and having purchased abutting a commercial zone, if it were me, I might also have an expectation of utter silence in my house, despite the desires of what appears to be 99.99% of abutting property owners and 99.999% of the rest of the town to have a tiny, informal boîte near the beach like everyone else has had in this town at the same location since 1920, which closes at sunset.
Hell, when I lived near I95, I considered suing the state to prevent travel on I95 between exits 16 and 17 during the dinner hour, since there might be a horn blown, or jack brake applied. It didn’t matter to me that I purchased my property 50 years after 95 was built and could read the license plates from my front porch. I also remember feeling totally infuriated that I could hear the Levitt Pavilion from my apartment on Jesup after I rented close by so I could walk to the town’s marquee concert venue.
I’m entitled to enjoy myself in my own house after all.
We all know who the “suers” are. Sour grapes? What a waste of time and the court system. Ya really think people aren’t drinking at the beach????
Further to my earlier point, just how uneconomic was it to operate the OMG either under its pre-Romanacci management or under current Romanacci management without the liquor license? Rather than pissing $100,000 of donor funds (plus whatever it will cost the Town and its taxpayers) to defend this lawsuit, might not that money be better spent subsidizing the apparent money losing commercial operations? Good chance that’s where this ends up unless the liquor license is a goldmine (which seems unlikely). I’d imagine even the plaintiffs might kick in a few bucks rather than fund their own lawsuit.
This is ALL procedure and utter nonsense. Red tape to try and get in the way of a small business. The fact that the state judiciary needs to be involved tells us all we need to know.
This looks like LLCs and legal brains versus the small hard working people of Westport.
Contemporary urban planners will support the use of grandfathered commercial establishments within a residential zone. Not only does this type of commerce provide a service to local residents, it also provides a fabulous place for impromptu meetings between neighbors. We have a similar store in my neighborhood, The Country Store, on Newtown Turnpike, that I patronize frequently and am grateful for its existence.
Like The Country Store, the OMG has been operating on that site for over 100 years, long before obnoxious neighbors invaded the beach neighborhood and fabricated disingenuous reasons why OMG should no longer exist. Anyone with a soul knows OMG is a neighborhood asset not a liability. I am not a neighborhood resident but I do frequent OMG and I believe any neighbor bent on stopping the success of this store should take a long hard look in the mirror to figure out why they are filled with such anger, that somehow killing this business is going to make their life better. To steal a line from the movie Rudy; “there are greater tragedies in the world”. To those against the success of OMG; grow up and get a life ! (and a therapist to work through those anger issues)
My guess is the Old Mill doesn’t yet have a liquor license and they have a six month provincial permit from the state. I don’t have any skin in the game here, but my guess is those who’ve sued are going to prevail. (It is a fact though that issuing liquor licenses have become less restrictive over the years.)
Laissez faire.
Are any of the plaintiffs the same that keep the public out of a public funded walk way and right of way to the beach with the gate? There was another restaurants serving booze in that neighborhood. A shame torn down. Romanicci rocks.
Speak up Westport! This lawsuit is bully behavior
Where is our democracy? – 29,000+ Westporters in favor of an incredible 100 year old asset, serving community vs. two who “moved to the existing grocery” area, set up LLCs to hide identity, and painfully and pitifully used trickery of law, forcing the closure of Allen’s Clam house and Pasitanos restaurants out of the Old Mill area. Thanks to you, no one can enjoy a served meal by Old Mill Beach. If you are, now, so “threatened” by a gelato cart, picnic table and permit to sell wine – I’m sure there is an eager list of brokers to help you move. We live immediately across the street from the magnificent Deli and welcome every bit of life, action, people gathering, sharing, making memories, and enjoying our beautiful Old Mill. Shame, shame, shame on you bringing these suits. … let’s take it to a Town vote…majority rules – it’s what the TOWNSPEOPLE WANT! This Lawsuit is bully behavior and a threat to our treasured Westport history. DROP the suit, Drop the suit, Drop the suit ….
I’m sure you realize that one of the reasons the courts exist is to protect the rights of the minority against the tyranny of the majority. Unfettered “majority rule” would be quite unpleasant for all of us.
Better watch out what you write here. Some of these comments could end up in court some day!
My husband and I used to train for marathons along the route where “Elvira’s” used to exist and now Old Mill Grocery. That was mile 11 of our 20 mile run. Every Sunday, at near 11:00 a.m., an employee from the store would be waiting for us with water and a damp towel. It was such a nice gesture, I will never forget it. I will certainly fund their defense of this lawsuit. Fairfield Beach has a rowdy bar and folks seem to survive and even have fun.
Seriously????? Fairfield Beach????? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
You have got to be kidding me. You must have missed SantaCon. And ShamJam. And Halloween. And the White Party. And ClamJam. Not to mention regular weekends.
If you think Fairfield Beach is what the OMG area could become, all neighbors should be screaming at the top of their lungs to not let it happen.
The fact that a previous owner gave you water while you ran is irrelevant. Because you claim Fairfield Beach allegedly has a “ rowdy bar” helps your argument/cause? Really?
Amen, Stacie Curran!
We are blessed to live in this special town located in a lovely, beautiful part of the world. There are miles of majestic coast, lined with immense fir trees, large gates, high hedges and alarm boxes protecting that loveliness for those in their houses who want insulation from society. What’s rare in this digital world are areas where communities can meet and talk and share in a safe open environment. For those that want to gate out the world, there are many lovely mansions along beachside to put a bid on. But for the town, we need protect those few communal areas that give Westport its character.
if they somehow prevail and ruin romanicci, maybe some 830g can happen there ?
I was thinking recreational pot store
Let’s Get to Some Real Facts: My family and I have for over 45 years – 4 generations, lived in and enjoyed the amenities of our Beautiful Town.
Now the issue of Romanacci’s Right to Serve Wine and Beer with food is being challenged by two residents who knowingly moved to the area where the “little store” has been for over a minimum of 75 years or maybe more. An argument they present is it is a “Bar”. A “Bar” is defined as a “Counter” across which “Alcoholic Beverages” are served. Romanacci’s certainly does Not fit this definition!!!
A second argument presented is Safety at the corner. This responsibility should not be placed on this establishment. Rather, it is that of our Police Department and or The Town. Perhaps a Flashing Lighted Stop Sign in all directions should be placed there rather than placing the Responsibility on “The Old Mill Grocery and Deli”.
RHONA DERRIN LIEBERSON
Out of curiosity, how did OMG host an 18 person “Night in Rome” dinner if they are limited to 10 indoor seats per their GoFundMe page? Violating the P&Z approval already?
Also, is serving beer and wine to folks dining (or not) at the outside picnic tables permitted/in their plans. That would seem to be stretching what is portrayed as a just minor innocuous changes to grandfathered operations.
No, Bill…this was a private, after-closing event.
So Romanacci will be able to host large private events at its 10 indoor seat only establishment? Like monthly/weekly/nightly wine tasting events promoted via flyers, social media or email? There is an exception in the P&Z rules for that?
I find it ironic that the “tear down town” that levels homes all over town to build McMansions was suddenly fiercely against tearing down this 105 year old building. I remember when we had the bowling alley/ Club 300 bar we had to provide/guarantee a certain number of parking spaces! I wonder if this restaurant has a requirement on a certain amount of off road parking spaces with at least one handicapped spot. It’s been 50 years since I was at the store and I can’t recall the layout. We didn’t need to deal with handicapped spots, only the amount of parking spaces. We ended up reconfiguring the parking spaces.
The store has always operated as a walk in situation. In was quite a convenience 100 years ago.
Elvira’s was and Old Mill is now – fabrics of the town and the beach community. Why do we find it necessary to waste $ on legal action. It’s a well- run busiensss with very nice, welcoming people running it. what’s the issue? What is the problem? let it be and retract the lawsuit.
So……..I am going to speak on behalf of my whole family. This is Niki from The “Elviras”-part of the family that ran the location for almost 19 years. It was the neighborhood spot. Families were raised in there. My mother “Stacy” kept an eye all all the neighborhood kids. We only sold so my parents can “retire.”
We had picnic tables, we had ice cream, we had parties and we sold beer! We did everything possible to keep the place alive during off seasonal months. And the community/neighborhood knows that, because they always helped.
Small businesses struggle to survive. Take a look around Westport, things are closing left and right. Let them do what they need to keep it alive.
Good luck to you Romanacci’s and OMG!
We miss you all!
Dear Niki,
It was wonderful to hear from you. YiaYia Stacy held a special place in my family’s heart, and we continue to talk about her fondly. How are you doing? Please send her my regards?
Having lived in the neighborhood since 2004, I can say that Elviras/OMG is a tremendous enhancement and fantastic gathering spot to the Mill Pond beach area. It is a gem. It is this tiny little spot of community every day. It enhances the value of our homes and provides a place for us to eat, enjoy the beach, have coffee, walk, and share laughter. Life is indeed short, this spot brings joy.
We need to find a way to keep it OMG in business and able provide employment for those who have difficulties in the regular marketplace.
I also miss Positano’s, which was another beachside treasure, that was lost due to concerns over parking and noise only to be replaced by the “Blue House.” If I recall correctly, a few “concerned neighbors” prevented the expansion of Positanos. It would have been lovely to have a patio restaurant on the beach—imagine that!
Unfortunately, we are now facing the reality that our neighborhood of 150 homes may lose another beloved establishment.
In 2024, it’s clear that a business at 222 Hillspoint cannot make ends meet with only four busy months each year. That being said, the fears of the “concerned neighbors” seem unfounded.
Let’s be honest: considering the closing time, parking challenges, and its residential setting, it will never be a party destination.
Our little corner of Westport has now seen four changes in OMG management. Let’s work together to ensure this establishment is sustainable.
1. Will the “concerned neighbors” consider directing their funds they would use for legal action toward OMG’s financial sustainability and the SEA mission?
2. Will SEA and Romanacci’s address the neighbors’ concerns if the two LLCs commit their monies to OMG and its future?
What is the compromise here? Why resort to spending this money on legal action?
In many ways, lawsuits represent adults failing to communicate effectively. Let’s set a positive example for our kids and our community. This can be a win for all of us.
We have an incredible town with a vibrant culture and amazing residents. Let’s work together to ensure the market remains viable, understanding that this requires funding, either through increased revenue or donations.
Niki, thank you for your note, which brought all this home to me. Elviras (OMG) has always felt like home, and I truly hope we can find a way to keep it that way!
Best regards and respect to everyone,
Mark
First time every jumping in on something like this. Let’s get this done!
I strongly support the Old Mill Deli and the opportunity to provide beer and wine to customers. We have lived in this neighborhood for over 45 years, and have supported the establishments at that location since we arrived. I strongly recall that a prior Deli (probably Elvira’s) actually had a liquor license and sold beer, so this is not a new action. Additionally, Positano Restaurant (and others before that) and Allen’s Clam House all had liquor licenses and sold a full range of alcohol. I recall NO incidents related to over-consumption or loud partying as a result of that.
Years ago, many of us in the neighborhood would gather Sunday evenings at Elixir’s for pizza. We sat at one or more picnic tables, brought our own beer and wine since Elvira’s did not serve it at the time, and enjoyed the wonderful food, community and each other. There was no time when that was a problem. We would have happily purchased wine or beer at the Deli if it had been available.
On the other hand, it appears a more disruptive issue might result from the large number of crabbers that appear in the warmer months, when they are harvesting crabs, then complete their tasks with a meal on the side of the road, in the late hours of the night. On my daily morning dog walks, I would see, and often try to pick up, numerous leftovers of food, paper wrappers and beer cans strewn around the road and the beach. In spite of trash cans 20 feet away.
I do hope that the OMD prevails – they have been a wonderful neighbor. These days, with higher prices for everything, including wages, food, taxes and utilities, it is hard for any small business to survive. I hope we give them every opportunity to succeed, so we do not end up with another imposing new house on the corner. This is not a bar, it is a small, hometown community asset that so many of us prize and support.
The cost of multiple P&Z hearings and rulings, multiple ZBA hearings and rulings, and defending the Town against spurious lawsuits are born by EVERY taxpayer in Westport. Further, the SEA is facing potentially $100,000 in legal costs.
Why should a select few individuals burden an entire town out of fear that someone may want a glass of wine with their pizza? Why should we tolerate bullying for personal interest? It is arrogance at the extreme.
Please let’s just top this nonsense and recommit to being a community where we value our neighbors above self interests.