Summer is here.
For 105 years, that’s the busiest time for the Old Mill market.
The small spot at the foot of Compo Hill has been called many things throughout that century-plus. These days, it’s Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci.
Since taking over operation a year and a half ago, the operator has won the hearts of the beach community, and many other residents around town.
Not 2 neighbors, though.
They object to outdoor tables, a gelato cart, and a wine and beer license.
They’ve filed 3 lawsuits against OMG. If successful, they would overturn decision made by the Planning & Zoning Commission, deny the sale of beer and wine, and strip away the outdoor tables that have been there for generations.
Now Old Mill Deli’s owner — the Soundview Empowerment Alliance — is fighting back.
With signage inside and out, stickers on coffee cups and pizza boxes, and a social media campaign — all with a QR code, linking to a digital petition — they hope to show that they are responsible neighbors, purveyors of popular foods and drinks, and a place that honors and respects Old Mill’s special beach vibe.
Ian Warburg and Jim Hood of the Soundview Empowerment Alliance, outside Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
Headlined “Westport Chose, We Won’t Close!” — and calling it “a battle for the soul of the community” — a large poster describes how, 3 years ago, 600 residents donated generously, to save the building from possible demolition.
Now, however, “a small and well-funded group of opponents wants to erase that victory.”
Fighting the lawsuits, SEA says, is “bleeding our non-profit dry.” They say thee are “protecting our values: inclusion, historic preservation, and economic opportunity for all.”
The “costly and time-consuming litigation” also inhibits SEA from investing in the expansion of providing job training for people with disabilities.
SEA says that the lawsuits threaten both pillars of their mission.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli staff.
There are 4 calls to action: signing and sharing the petition, donating to cover legal costs, and contacting Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members.
Meanwhile, the weather is — finally — hot. Customers will clamor for food (including gelato) and drinks. They’ll sit outside, enjoying the scene.
Just as they have since long before SEA, Romanacci, and any of their neighbors came to town.
Sign on Hillspoint Road. (Photo/Richard Fogel)
This beloved neighborhood institution BELONGS in this beloved neighborhood and it has been here much longer than ANY naysaying “neighbor” who is fighting its existence. If you don’t like this establishment, then you don’t like this neighborhood and its people, so you should choose to live elsewhere!!
Agree 100%, John. One of the plaintiffs in this case has had their house on the market several times during the past 15-20 years, including at this very moment. It appears they don’t like living here. Why not finally drop their price, sell the house, and leave our beloved neighborhood — for the better?!
Is this the (??same neighbor..??) who fought against outdoor seating across the street.. ultimately losing a beloved neighborhood restaurant
Their names have been widely published. Not their first rodeo.
https://westportjournal.com/government/analysis-old-mill-grocery-owners-tap-donors-to-fight-liquor-service-lawsuits/
Has anyone said WHY the objections are problematic? Are there violations of some sort that make the objections valid?
No, Mark…not a single one. Not one.
Who are the two “neighbors?” Names are public on lawsuit.
google AI will give you the answer
Why Tom?
Should we witch hunt them ? Cos I suggest all this recorded stuff bodes well for them.
Let’s stalk them. Ehhh . not a good look !
I suggest any judge worth is sauce will destroy this garbage, and fast !
Not a witch hunt at all. Just shining light on the FACT that two very unneighborly people (one who tries behind her LLC’s) are trying to impose their own, selfish will on that of some 4,000 people who love Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
Due process….it’s a thing. Somewhat out of fashion these days. But, still a thing.
If the 4,000 people that all love OMG so much each wrote an annual tax deductible check for $100, that would be $400,000 to subsidize OMG’s operations and maybe all this expansion of services and related litigation would be unnecessary. If they truly loved it, they would. Of course, some might give more while some might give less but a $100 average check doesn’t seem unreasonable for Westport.
If OMG is losing more than that, it seems unlikely that the addition of nominally limited restaurant operations would net that amount (gross, maybe, net, questionable). Ongoing fundraising would seem more likely to create a sustainable financial footing for OMG.
It is places like this that make our town special and build a sense of community. There are so many entitled people who feel that money can buy them anything. Yes perhaps the folks fighting it have high powered lawyers and can create a case against it. Hopefully this funky little place that creates a sense of community can survive this battle.
….the objections , tables, gelato, wine& beer were stated but why are they problems for these neighbors?
(If you can write a check to an attorney you can argue anything till one party stops writing checks…or can’t. )
check mate
Great response! Kudos!
I am in agreement with John. As stated in your article, Dan, the Old Mill has been in existence long before these ‘neighbors’ arrived. Presumably, they liked the area and wanted to live there. Why are they now trying to change the neighborhood to fit their selfish vision? And in so doing, sapping the funds of an organization helping people with disabilities? Shame on them!
Too many old crotchety residents who haven’t died yet but are on life support and want the town to die with them.
That is cruel, wholly inappropriate and quite immature. Shame on you. I don’t care whose side you are on. How old are you, 12?
This store was here long before most of the people that live near it. They bought their homes because they liked the neighborhood, so what changed. Again, people move into Westport because they want to live here and like the way it is and then in a matter of time they are the ones who want to make changes to Westport that life style that they claimed to want to be part of. Leave the store alone it is serving it’s purpose. What do these people want another big house on a tiny piece of property?
And once again, Westport allows 1-2 families to destroy a small business (or a coaches life). Sick of it.
That’s exactly right, Merri. Two very angry people cannot be allowed to impose their will on 4,000 people who love OMG&D. It is simply outrageous.
Luckily, we have a country based on rule of law and courts to interpret the law. Unless, of course, one is Trumpian and doesn’t think the law applies to them or otherwise believes in lynch mobs.
This will all be decided by the courts. Don’t know why folks seem to be trying to bully people who presumably believe the law is in their favor unless, of course, they think they are going to lose so going the bully route is their only hope for success.
I genuinely can’t grasp the objections. So what, if someone wants a beer or glass of wine with their pizza? It doesn’t mean the place is turning into a nightclub.
Also, shouldn’t they be suing Town, for the zoning change, not the establishment? The business owners shouldn’t be suffering because they are doing what Town ultimately decided that they could do. (I don’t want Town to have to deal with it, either, but it seems like the more appropriate target.)
This reminds me of when I was stationed at Luke AFB in Phoenix where the Air Force conducts F-16 fighter pilot training. Jets fly day and night and have been for decades. Slowly over time the West Valley of Phoenix had been developed from mostly empty desert into suburban housing increasingly encroaching on the base. New residents complain all the time about the jet engine noise and low flying fighters writing letters to the newspapers and local politicians.
I hope the Old Mill wins the fight and gets to stay in business. I was a Parks & Rec guard during my college summers at Old Mill and the deli was a much appreciated source for a cold drink on a hot day.
This is ridiculous.
It has been an eatery, for over a hundred years. It served beer at one point.
Neighbors bought in Old Mill KNOWING there was a grocer/restaurant.
So we’re going to hit them with lawsuits, exhausting all of their resources until they close up and shut down? What’s next, someone is going to buy them out and promise to put in another grocer/restaurant and then change their minds and put up a house?
Oh wait, that already happened!
Drop the frivolous lawsuits and move on.
Never an “eatery”. No Health District permit to sell prepared food was ever issued to the original owner, who was the sole operator of the business until his death in the mid-1980’s.
Only edibles he ever sold were Yoo Hoo, candy bars and Hostess Twinkies, etc. Same array of snacks you could buy at the movies, except for fresh-popped popcorn.
“frivolous lawsuit” basically means anything you disagree with.
Andrew. you were a strong proponent of taking away Westporter’s rights to have petitioned items freely placed on the RTM agenda. You seem to enjoy silencing people.
Andrew, as usual. hasn’t a clue. He’s one of the RTM bullies..
there are sadly, several of them.
From moderator and deputy moderator on down.
Never ceases to amaze me how these rtm’ers bank on a sleepy and busy town to get re elected..
maybe a door to door educational campaign is in order this year.
Pot meets kettle.
I was one of 29, yes. Silencing? No. We’ve had this discussion before John, and it was a great insight from you. A resident can petition about almost anything related to town governance, provided the issue falls within the RTM’s jurisdiction and responsibilities. So the subject matter, matters.
Other than that, trash at Parker Harding has been better!
Andrew, please show me language in the town charter that supports your assertion that the right to petition is limited to items that fall into the RTMs jurisdiction and responsibilities. And an interpretation from a town lawyer who only keeps her job if she parrots whatever she is told to parrot doesn’t count. You and the rest of your cabal have made your own contribution to the destruction of democracy; your party’s leader would be impressed.
Andrew, If they served beer at one point, doesn’t that set a precedent for the business? Aren’t beer and wine under the same umbrella? (It’s been 42 years since we had a liquor license.) Also, I thought the last time this was discussed, it was a parking issue, and not a wine issue?
Parking was addressed with signage installed and enforcement. Based on residents who grew up here, they stated personal memory. There is parking.
Trying to take away outdoor tables that existed forever? A harmless gelato cart that served food on the property without coming in? Serving only beer and wine with food ordered?
Asinine. Proprietors have occupied that land for that use for 100+ years and suddenly it’s an issue.
Ir wasn’t residents’ statements that authorized non-conforming parking. It was a ZBA parking variance granted in 2001.
Classic case of NIMBY- these lawsuit happy folks need to move on. Hasn’t one of the parties had their home on the market every year since ’03? Another in a gated private enclave…
According to a lawsuit filed against the P&Z in July 2024, there are several Westport residents mentioned:
http://www.westportct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/96943/638632920871000000
That list includes some folks who don’t seem to be anything close to direct neighbors of OMG. Don’t get it — maybe one of them can enlighten us.
SEA’s Go Fund Me link:
http://www.gofundme.com/f/defend-omgd-help-us-combat-legal-threats
Imagine what would happen if these people threw their cash at some genuine cause. The town might actually be better off instead litigating something so petty. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should!!
Agree with you!!
Can’t people just relax and enjoy the nice small- town things we still have going on in Westport?!?
I’m signing the petition to Save Old Mill Grocery
Allen’s Clam House was left to rot and decay because the neighbors prevented its rehabilitation or replacement. Now it’s essentially a private neighborhood whatever.
Positanos tried to expand and was blocked so it became a multi year single family residential eyesore.
Both sorely missed and would be massively popular if allowed to evolve.
Enough with this pocket of residents turning these public spaces into their private oasis.
No one fought to close Allan’s Clamhouse. The Town bought the property to preserve it as Open Space.
and let’s not forget Cafe De La Page who served and coexisted with all of Westport including those who lived by Old Mill and Compo
I support the OMG and the new proprietors 100%. Having lived on the hill since 2004 I’ve witnessed the community and relationships that have been built at that establishment. Perhaps, considering a different tack is a more public display of distain for these entitled folks necessary, or may make matters worse?
they just need to leave what’s been there for over 100 years alone.? we need to band together, stand up for what we believe in. Our town officials need to hold their line. I hope that these two self centered people can find a better use for their money. If they don’t want beer and wine contribute to SEA for the next 20 years, so the grocery can stay in business. Otherwise, they should simply move because no one will wants them in the neighborhood and we will remember their avarice and selfish behavior
Nepo baby
See my comment above.
‘I think the best thing for you to do is shut up You’re not winning friends you’re making lots of enemies. Leave well enough alone.’
This goes for Toni too.
Thank you Richard.
A charming bitch !!!!
This goes for you !!!!!
Sometimes integrity wins… I’m sure you disagree.. I just don’t gaf!
It might be worth remembering that Ms. Tauk is a private citizen, not a government official who can be freely maligned in a public forum without further consequences.
To the contrary, some of the comments here today might have the ring defamation in some legal circles.
When the facts come out and judges rule on the pending litigation, including the State Liquor Commission’s pending remonstrance hearings, will the naysaying commenters be as quick to apologize and make amends?
Full disclosure: Ms. Tauk is my dear and honored friend. I neither represent her nor any of the parties in the matter of the Old Mill Grocery Store. Moreover, my research and findings on the historic use of the store goes back 40 years or more.
And lest my statements here today make me appear to be a new target for damaging rumors, mis-statements and wildly fact-less conjecture, I seem to recall that defamation of character has a lesser standard of proof that libel and/or slander.
Ah !!!! The inveterate HATER..
Boo ho hoo.. nobody is tryin to sue the town. You lunatic ! But you always behave like a jerk !!! Realtor !!! Please ! What a joke ! Who would buy a brick off you ?
Everyone loves Elvira’s. What are you talking about..
I’ve been a patron there for 20 years.
Stop twisting the truth.
Those of us who have lived there for decades are so supportive.
You are just your usual hater self.
Puhhhlessze
Last time you indicated they shouldn’t be selling wine- make up your mind please. I was kidding. Lighten up – what a nasty streak.
RTM-DL@Westportct.gov
Google internet search lists this as the email address to contact all members of the Westport RTM in one email.
If you sign the petition you are encouraged to “chip in” to increase circulation; that money goes to Change.Org. If you want to help fight the lawsuits you need to go to SEA’s Go Fund Me link:
http://www.gofundme.com/f/defend-omgd-help-us-combat-legal-threats
Holly Miller Watts
I totally wrote an entire paragraph about growing up on old Mill Pond and supporting the grocery that I went to as long ago as the 40s and 50s, including buying food for neighbors when the streets were flooded and taking it to them in a Dory
This is really sad. I grew up in Westport but moved out of state about 7 years ago. Every time I come back for a visit another institution that gave this town its charm goes out of business. I was in town this past weekend visiting my family, and I thought the people coming in and out of the OMG was great. It added a great vibe to the area, especially with that eyesore of a vacant building across the street. Westport is (was?) a beautiful, charming town, but it will look like Any other affluent town you’d find across the east coast if things continue to happen like this.
i agree, dont kill old mill. as a kid elviras was a stop when i didnt visit the longshore concession or it was closed, after sailing.
change the name to OMG but Oh My Gosh Deli.
I’m a little out of date, but I thought the main objection was allowing the liquor license in a residential neighborhood, ie the sale of alcohol to be consumed on site, in addition to the outdoor seating which at the time had not been officially permitted.
The zoning change also now allows liquor licenses at two other properties in residential neighborhoods: the former Christie’s and The Country Store.
I didn’t think the neighbor’s objection was to the longstanding grocery/snack operation.
Can someone either confirm or correct my understanding of the situation?
I live *literally* in back of Romanaccis. I have outdoor balconies that overlook it and a liquor license, gelato cart and the (current) outdoor seating do NOT and would NOT bother us AT ALL. If I can say this as one of the houses basically touching Romanaccis, what’s the problem? Absurd litigation. And let’s not forget, where I live in February is a ghost town. This is much ado about nothing.