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)