Since the pandemic, we’ve welcomed scores of young families: men and women in their 30s, with elementary school children, toddlers and infants. Every one of them came from Manhattan or Brooklyn, I think.
New apartments are home to singles, as young as their 20s. Affordable housing units are rented to working men and women previously priced out of the market.
But another group is changing Westport too. Older folks are joining their children and grandchildren — either in the same house, in an accessory dwelling unit on the property, or in their own home or condo close by.
The reasons are many. A desire to be part of grandchildren’s lives — or to help care for them. The healthcare need of elderly parents. Companionship. Loneliness.
Accessory dwelling units are now legal in Westport. They’re an attractive alternative for grandparents who want to live near their children and grandchildren — but not in the same house.
(Of course, it’s not always older parents coming here. Sometimes, children who grew up here return, to be close to their parents. Or because moving back into their parents’ home makes financial sense.)
Our friends at KMS Team at Compass are tracking the trend, which they say is noticeable.
Local statistics are not available. But nationally, the number of multiple generations living in one household — including adults and children over the age of 25, or grandparents living with grandchildren — has quadrupled.
COVID accelerated the moves. Zoom calls with grandchildren did not do the trick, for grandparents. They wanted physical proximity. Sometimes, living in the same house made sense. (The other scenario: buying a home very close by.)
In Westport, one recent sale was to a couple who left 70 years in Michigan behind. When both daughters moved here, they quickly followed suit.
They miss their friends and family back home. But they say, “we can be part of every holiday and birthday celebration. We go to our grandkids’ soccer games and ballet recitals. We comfort bruised feelings and scraped knees. Pulling up roots was hard, but definitely the right move for us.
Builders have noticed the trend. Bedrooms with separate exterior access may include kitchenettes. Multiple primary suites are placed on different levels of the home. Back staircases from the main living area lead to secondary quarters. Main floor bedroom suites can include private outdoor space.
Multiple kitchens, or a kitchenette in a grandparents’ wing, are nice — though many families enjoy the shared experience of cooking and eating together. In those cases, multiple prep surfaces come in hand, as do islands that offer some seating.
Our forefathers and foremothers — the men and women who lived here many years ago — would not recognize modern-day homes.
But they would sure feel at “home” with more than 2 generations under one roof.
Meanwhile, KMS Team at Compass say, statistics show that Westport sales are down in 2024 compared to 2023 — 253, down 12.% — yet median prices continue to climb. At $2.1 million, it’s up 2.8%.
62.5% of inventory is priced over $3 million. There are only 3 properties now active in the under-$1.4 million category.
Weston shows similar trends. The number of sales is down year over year, but there’s an even greater rise in the median sales price: 7.2% to $1.37 million.
The most expensive property currently on sale in Westport is 120-122 Beachside Avenue. The 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom, 11,450-square foot home, on 6.56 acres with 400 feet of direct waterfront, is listed for $27.5 million. The annual tax is $220,050.
(“06880” regularly covers real estate, lifestyle trends, and the achievements of Westporters of all ages. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Over 130 Westporters (and friends) had a great time yesterday, at our 2nd annual “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour.
In spectacular fall weather, they toured 4 fascinating properties.
Ed Gerber’s 1764 saltbox on Cross Highway was once the home of George Hand Wright, a founder of Westport’s artists’ colony. Ed proudly showed off his restoration work, which earned a Westport Preservation Award, and a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dan and Nicole Donovan’s 1870 Queen Anne-style farmhouse on Maple Avenue South earned raves for its imaginative restoration, including a welcoming kitchen (where their 6 children gather when they’re all home), and a wine cellar that’s been converted into a pub.
Around the corner on Greens Farms Road, Al and Chris DiGuido’s 1860 Colonial’s renovations were on display. The 4 fireplaces, mahogany ceilings and rooftop balcony competed with the full bar and entertainment center upstairs, complemented by Al’s extensive collection of sports memorabilia.
The fourth house, at 296 Compo Road South, is new construction — a future historic home. Architectural designer Michael Greenberg, builder Peter Greenberg of Able Construction, and owner Kim and Niv Harizman described the work they’ve done, and showed off their open floor plan.
Thanks to the owners who opened their homes; to our friends at KMS Team at Compass, who sponsored the event and made it extra fun; to “06880” board members and Staples Service League of Boys who provided support, and of course all who attended.
Dan Donovan turned a 6,000-bottle wine cellar in his 1870 home into a pub.
Frank Sisson writes: “While I commend the increasing attention being given to bikers’ rights and safety, I wonder if this new sign — one of several I noticed recently that have gone up on Cross Highway near Wakeman Park — was fully thought out.
“It sounds good in principle. But some bikers — particularly younger ones — are likely to take it very literally and ride their bikes in the center of the lane, assuming that vehicles behind them will just have to match their much slower pace.
“I have a feeling that vehicles like this one — not to mention the many impatient tailgating drivers we all encounter in this area — may not ‘get it.”
(Photos/Frank Sisson)
“I fear that our younger bikers will take these new traffic signs too trustingly, and assume that traffic will obey them, but that much of the driving public will not. Wouldn’t the establishment of an official ‘bike lane’ be a much better approach to biker rights and safety?”
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Congratulations to Peter Stern.
Last week, Peloton named the 1990 Staples High School graduate as its new CEO. He takes over in January.
Stern has broad experience managing digital products. He currently serves as president of Ford Integrated Services, overseeing subscription offerings like BlueCruise, Pro Intelligence, and connectivity and security initiatives.
Previously, he co-founded Apple Fitness+, and held significant positions at other major companies, including Time Warner Cable.
Click here for a story from CEO Today. Click here for an “06880” story on Stern from 2019.
Peter Stern (Photo courtesy of Peloton)
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Westport artistw Janine Brown, Jay Petrow and Janet Slom, plus former Westporter Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong, will participate in Bridgeport’s 19th annual American Fabrics Arts Building Open Studio event November 9 and 10 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
The weekend includes art sales, music, and a raffle of original art. Proceeds aid 4 local charities, and food and clothing donations will be accepted for Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
The English choral group Gesualdo Six makes its Westport debut with a program of polyphonic English Motets this Sunday (November 10, 5 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church).
The program will be followed by a buffet and reception, with a chance to meet the musicians before they head back to Europe.
Tickets are available by clicking here, and at the door.
And finally … jazz trumpeter/arranger/composer/record producer Quincy Jones died yesterday in California. He was 91.
He has the third-highest total of Grammy Awards won by a single person (28 — behind Beyoncé’s 32 and Georg Solti is second with 31.) He received honorary degrees from Harvard, Princeton, Juilliard, the New England Conservatory, the Berklee School of Music and many other institutions, along with a National Medal of Arts.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news, events, history, profiles and much more. If you enjoy our work, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)
Posted onOctober 29, 2024|Comments Off on “Historic Homes Of 06880” Tour Nearly Sold Out
Only a few tickets remain for the 2nd annual “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour. This Sunday’s event (November 3, 1 to 4 p.m.) includes 3 very cool centuries-old homes, and 1 stunning new build.
Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.
Dan and Nicole Donovan — Staples High School graduates, with a strong sense of history — lovingly restored this handsome 1870 Queen Anne-style farmhouse, on the corner of Greens Farms Road. It had sat empty for several years.
Every room is worth seeing. But the centerpieces are the former wine cellar, now a stone-walled bar that might be the town’s best man cave, and the kitchen that is the heart of the home for the Donovans and their 6 kids.
93 Cross Highway
This saltbox — visible to all, near North Avenue — was built in 1764 by Eliphalet Sturges. From 1908 through the 1950s, it was owned by George Hand Wright. He was one of the first noted artists to move to Westport, and helped establish this as an artists colony..
The house had great bones. With its massive stone fabrication, handsome hearth and wonderful Wright-era furniture, it was lovingly restored by Ed Gerber. A former member of Westport’s Historic District Commission, he’s also a trustee of both Historic New England and Preservation Connecticut.
Gerber refinished the maple floors, painted and plastered the walls and ceilings, and remodeled 2 baths and the kitchen.
He also preserved George Hand Wright’s legacy, by assembling the largest collection of his illustrations, etchings and other works. Much of it is now on display.
Extensive garden renovations add to the property’s allure. To ensure protection of the property in perpetuity, Gerber obtained landmark protection from Westport’s Historic District Commission.
342 Greens Farms Road
The exterior retains its original look. Inside, the 160-year-old home is exciting and modern.
Current owners Al and Chris DiGuido have lived there for over 33 years. They’ve overseen two major renovations, while keeping the charm and spirit of the home. (It is rumored that the large cistern in the cellar was a hiding place on the Underground Railroad.)
The home is a showcase for fancy millwork. It is a great gathering place, with 4 fireplaces, large rooms downstairs, and a full bar, entertainment center, mahogany tray ceilings and rooftop balcony upstairs.
It is well known too as the base of operations for Al’s Angels, the non-profit that provides aid to children and families suffering hardship due to life-threatening illnesses or poverty.
296 Compo Road South
Niv and Kim Harizman’s new home near the beach shows how new construction fits in to a historic neighborhood. Builder Peter Greenberg of Able Construction will be on hand to discuss his work. Michael Greenberg & Associates did the architectural design.
“06880” often celebrates Westport’s rich history. We honor homeowners who preserve the past, while enhancing their neighborhoods — and those who bring new life to them.
“06880” tells stories. As you explore all 4 houses, you’ll learn the stories behind each one.
The homeowners will point out cool aspects of each home. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too.
(Click here for tickets. Questions? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
Comments Off on “Historic Homes Of 06880” Tour Nearly Sold Out
Tickets are selling briskly for the 2nd annual “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour. The Sunday, November 3 (1 to 4 p.m.) event includes 3 very cool centuries-old homes, and 1 stunning new build.
Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.
The exterior retains its original look. Inside, the 160-year-old home is exciting and modern.
Current owners Al and Chris DiGuido have lived there for over 33 years. They’ve overseen two major renovations, while keeping the charm and spirit of the home. (It is rumored that the large cistern in the cellar was a hiding place on the Underground Railroad.)
The home is a showcase for fancy millwork. It is a great gathering place, with 4 fireplaces, large rooms downstairs, and a full bar, entertainment center, mahogany tray ceilings and rooftop balcony upstairs.
It is well known too as the base of operations for Al’s Angels, the non-profit that provides aid to children and families suffering hardship due to life-threatening illnesses or poverty.
93 Cross Highway
This saltbox — visible to all, near North Avenue — was built in 1764 by Eliphalet Sturges. From 1908 through the 1950s, it was owned by George Hand Wright. He was one of the first noted artists to move to Westport, and helped establish this as an artists colony..
The house had great bones. With its massive stone fabrication, handsome hearth and wonderful Wright-era furniture, it was lovingly restored by Ed Gerber. A former member of Westport’s Historic District Commission, he’s also a trustee of both Historic New England and Preservation Connecticut.
Gerber refinished the maple floors, painted and plastered the walls and ceilings, and remodeled 2 baths and the kitchen.
He also preserved George Hand Wright’s legacy, by assembling the largest collection of his illustrations, etchings and other works. Much of it is now on display.
Extensive garden renovations add to the property’s allure. To ensure protection of the property in perpetuity, Gerber obtained landmark protection from Westport’s Historic District Commission.
87 Maple Avenue South
Dan and Nicole Donovan — Staples High School graduates, with a strong sense of history — lovingly restored this handsome 1870 Queen Anne-style farmhouse, on the corner of Greens Farms Road. It had sat empty for several years.
Every room is worth seeing. But the centerpieces are the former wine cellar, now a stone-walled bar that might be the town’s best man cave, and the kitchen that is the heart of the home for the Donovans and their 6 kids.
296 Compo Road South
Niv and Kim Harizman’s new home near the beach shows how new construction fits in to a historic neighborhood. Builder Peter Greenberg of Able Construction will be on hand to discuss his work. Michael Greenberg & Associates did the architectural design.
“06880” often celebrates Westport’s rich history. We honor homeowners who preserve the past, while enhancing their neighborhoods — and those who bring new life to them.
“06880” tells stories. As you explore all 4 houses, you’ll learn the stories behind each one.
The homeowners will point out cool aspects of each home. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too.
(Click here for tickets. Questions? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
Early voting began yesterday, for the first time in a Connecticut presidential election.
A number of Westporters headed to Town Hall, to take part in history (and make their voices heard).
(Photo/Deborah Greenberg)
Early voting runs through Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium. On October 29 and 31, the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at regular polling places. Click here to view a district map. (Hat tip: Ifesheyi Gayle)
But several residents emailed “06880,” noting that on 2 beautiful days, which should have brought out the best in everyone, there were “conflicts” involving dogs.
Or, more specifically, dog owners.
Apparently some off-leash dogs did not stay in the proper area (near the cannons). Apparently too, this was not the first time.
Linda Mezzullo has a solution. She writes: “Would it make more sense to designate the off-leash area as the stretch of beach beyond the playground and pavilion?
“It could start at the walkway from the Soundview parking lot across the street, and run along Soundview Drive to the jetty. That section tends to be less crowded. Dogs could still be walked along the entire beach, but the off-leash area would be limited to that stretch.”
Knowing Westporters, and their love for both the beach and their dogs, this suggestion might get readers yipping and/or growling. Click “Comments” below to share your thoughts. But please: Keep it civil!
Should the beach behind the seawall on Soundview Drive be the new “off-leash” area? (Photo/Cathy Malkin)
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Most leaves are still (beautifully) on trees.
But they won’t be for long.
Curbside leaf collection begins November 4. The Department of Public Works says that all leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags safely near the curb of a town street by December 2.
Residents living on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting town roadway. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up, as plastic contaminates the composting process.
There is no need to call and schedule a pick-up. Crews will complete pick-ups as schedules allow. For further information, call 203-341-1120.
This is the way to bag your leaves. (Photo/Scott Smith)
As planning continues for a new Long Lots Elementary School, the Building Committee has scheduled 2 special meetings.
Tonight (Tuesday, October 22, 7 p.m., Long Lots auditorium), they’ll meet with neighbors to “answer questions and listen to comments, suggestions and concerns that the neighborhood may have regarding the new Long Lots School Project.’
This Thursday (October 24, 2:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A), they’ll meet with members of the Westport Community Gardens to hear input regarding “the relocated, rebuilt community garden.”
Immediately following the session, at 4:15 p.m., 1st Selectwomen Jen Tooker has invited Community Gardens members to a walk-through of the Baron’s South property on Compo Road South, a proposed site for the new gardens.
Baron’s South is a possibility for a new Westport Community Gardens. (Photo/Morley Boyd)
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Would you like “7 ways to support your student’s studying and executive functions without losing your mind?”
That’s the provocative title of a free Westport Together webinar, set for this Thursday (October 24, 7 p.m.).
Topics include:
What are the study skills all students need to be successful in school?
How can your child eliminate distractions when they study?
How your child can avoid feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious?
Click here to register. Questions? Call 203-307-5455.
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A celebration of the life of Lis Comm — the longtime Staples High School English teacher and town-wide director of language arts, who died in August — will be held November 14 (3 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).
Her husband and fellow Staples educator, Frank Corbo, invites Lis’ many former colleagues, students and parents to the ceremony.
Last month, “06880” chronicled the story of Rob Eichler. The 1971 Staples High School graduate is battling ALS (and using a communication devise that traces its origins to his father, an engineer).
After the story ran, over 40 readers donated more than $4,000 to ALS research, in Rob’s name.
Earlier this month, there was an ALS walk in New Hampshire, where Rob now lives. Click here for a video. It offers a look into the cause “06880” readers supported.
And into the grace, humor and courage with which Rob Eichler continues to live his very fulfilling life.
Jewish and African American musicians merge their roots and melodies in “The Afro-Semitic Experience.”
On November 10 (2 p.m., Westport Library), they offer a concert that “puts the ‘unity’ in ‘community.'” The event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County and Jazz Society of Fairfield Count.
The Afro-Semitic Experience is “a whoopin’, hollerin’, testifyin’ celebration of multicultural soul music. Imagine Charles Mingus sitting in with a Klezmer band, playing gospel music set to the polyrhythmic pace of congas and bongos.”
Their “powerful and poetic musical experience … celebrates diversity, promotes social justice, and inspires hope and joy. Their music embodies the radical notion that people of different faiths, races, and beliefs can come together through music to celebrate and build community.”
Speaking of music: Drums take center stage this Thursday, at the weekly Jazz at the Post series.
Sylvia Cuenca is a hard-swinging post-bop/hard bop drummer, best known for her long associations with trumpeter Clark Terry and saxophonist Joe Henderson.
She has played at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 before.
This time, she’s joined by Rico Jones (sas), Manuel Valera (piano) and Essiet Okun Essiet (bass).
Show times are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service begins at 7. Tickets are $20 for the music, $15 for veterans and students. Click here to reserve.
Tony Ventrella died Saturday, after a battle with cancer. He was 80.
Described by the Seattle Times as “a fixture of the Seattle sports media landscape, known for his endearing optimism and friendliness, and a quirky sense of humor that brought the combo of information and entertainment to his broadcasts” — as a sports anchor on 4 TV stations, he got his start at WDJF, an FM station in Westport.
Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Jim Simpkins)
Tony Ventrella
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Lou Weinberg is one of our town’s best nature photographers.
His “Westport … Naturally” image today is even more spectacular than most.
Lou explains: “This beauty is hard to photograph. It does not stay in one place for long.
“Black swallowtails love nectar-rich flowers such as zinnias (pictured above), milkweed, Joe-Pye weed, butterfly bush, phlox and ironweed. All grow in the Westport Community Gardens, where this photo was taken.
“Host plants for the larvae include carrot tops, parsley, dill, fennel, turnips and Queen Anne’s lace.
“They overwinter in a chrysalis and emerge around April. Green open space is critical to their survival.”
And finally … following up on the Compo Beach leash/off-leash story above:
(Election Day is November 5. Early voting has already begun, as noted in this Roundup. But any day is a good one to contribute to “06880.” Please click here to “register” your support. Thank you!)
A fourth home has been added to the 2nd annual “Historic Homes of 06880” tour.
And it’s a beauty.
342 Greens Farms Road — an 1860 colonial — rounds out the quartet, for the Sunday, November 3 (1 to 4 p.m.) event. Three are beautifully restored properties. The fourth is a stunning new build.
342 Greens Farms Road
The exterior retains its original look. Inside, the 160-year-old home is exciting and modern.
The current owners have lived there for over 33 years. They’ve overseen two major renovations, while keeping the charm and spirit of the home. (It is rumored that the large cistern in the cellar was a hiding place on the Underground Railroad.)
It is a great gathering place, with large rooms downstairs, and a full bar, entertainment center, mahogany tray ceilings and rooftop balcony upstairs.
It is well known too as the base of operations for Al’s Angels, the non-profit that provides aid to children and families suffering hardship due to life-threatening illnesses or poverty.
93 Cross Highway
This home — visible to all, near North Avenue — was built in 1764 by Eliphalet Sturges. From 1908 through the 1950s, it was owned by noted artist George Hand Wright.
The house — with its massive stone fabrication, handsome hearth and wonderful Wright-era furniture — has been lovingly restored by Ed Gerber. A former member of Westport’s Historic District Commission, he’s also a trustee of both Historic New England and Preservation Connecticut.
87 Maple Avenue South
Dan and Nicole Donovan — Staples High School graduates, with a strong sense of history — lovingly restored this handsome 1870 Queen Anne-style farmhouse, on the corner of Greens Farms Road.
Every room is worth seeing. But the centerpieces are the former wine cellar, now a stone-walled bar that might be the town’s best man cave, and the kitchen that is the heart of the home for the Donovans and their 6 kids.
296 Compo Road South
Niv and Kim Harizman’s new home near the beach shows how new construction fits in to a historic neighborhood. Builder Peter Greenberg of Able Construction will be on hand to discuss his work.
“06880” often celebrates Westport’s rich history. We honor homeowners who preserve the past, while enhancing their neighborhoods — and those who bring new life to them.
“06880” tells stories. As you explore all 4 houses, you’ll learn the stories behind each one.
The homeowners will point out cool aspects of each home. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too.
Our friends at KMS Team at Compass are once again sponsoring the “Historic Homes of 06880” tour.
Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.
Click here for tickets. Questions? Email 06880blog@gmail.com
The Hillspoint Road streetscape will change again soon. The charming cottage at #238 — across from the “blue house” (formerly Positano and Café de la Plage) is slated for demolition. (Photo/JD Dworkow)
It was not very encouraging. Despite a small drop in emissions from 2018 to 2023, it was like trading in your Hummer for a Suburban – a little less polluting, but nothing to brag about.
Today, he addresses greenhouse gas emissions. Clarence writes:
As part of my volunteer work in support of the RTM Long Range Planning Committee, I am analyzing Westport’s greenhouse gas emissions.
This analysis is on emissions generated by home heating. Unfortunately this situation is worse than my previous one. If cars get a “D” on the NetZero report card, home heating gets an “F.” Emissions have gone up.
Even though there has been a strong movement from oil heat to gas, it has been overwhelmed by the massive increase in the size of house
From 2014 to 2024, the percentage of Westport’s total occupied building area heated by oil dropped from 64% to 50%, an encouraging transition of 3.5 million square feet. Oil heat generates roughly 39% more greenhouse gases than natural gas for the same heat energy result. So this represents sizable progress.
However, accompanying this was a total net addition of 3 million more square feet to be heated. So even though all the new living area uses natural gas, the total net new emissions are greater than the reduction from the drop in oil heating.
This 7-bedroom, 8 1/2-bathroom home near Compo Beach is 10,061 square feet. It was built in 2014.
Additionally, there has been only a trivial increase in electric, geothermal or solar assisted heating in the same 10 years, moving from 3.7% of the town total to a mere 4%.
How can we be going backwards?
The answer is obvious. Look around at the enormous white boxes with black windows, popping up all over town. Every renovation or teardown replacement results in a new structure which has at least doubled the living area of the one it replaced.
In the past 3 years, there were 179 teardowns, with an average increase of 222% in size. The average living area went from 2,567 square feet per property to 5,704.
Although the new structures are generally better insulated and sealed than those they replace, the improvements would have to cut energy consumption in half just to get back to the status quo ante.
Efficiency reductions of 30% or more are possible with new structures. Let’s say I have a house with 139 units of GHG emissions using oil to start with. I convert to gas and go down to 100 units.
Now I build bigger and increase the size 222%; we get 222 units of GHG. Then assume a 30% reduction in energy required due to improved seal/insulation in new structures. We drop back to 155 units of GHG – which is more than the 139 units of GHG we started with.
These results are based on the Westport Grand List at the end of 2014, and as of February 2024.
Westport is making zero progress on its “NetZero 2050” objective.
The people with the largest GHG emissions in the world are those who can most easily make a meaningful contribution. It is much less impactful on one’s quality of life to make a 3 tons per person reduction, if your starting point is 28 (like Westport, -10.7%), as opposed to say 15 (like Bridgeport, -20%), or 7 (like China, -43%).
Much of Westport energy consumption is for show – a big, largely unoccupied house; big, impressive cars; large properties manicured by small armies of landscapers, etc.
If any town can afford to do something for the greater good of the global climate, it is Westport.
(Please contact me at chayes@westportct.gov with any questions on the analysis, or for access to the data.)
(Got an opinion about the environment, education, government, or anything else? “06880” welcomes your input. But remember: We rely on reader support. Please click here to donate. Thanks!)
Posted onOctober 8, 2024|Comments Off on “Historic Homes Of 06880” House Tour Set For November 3
Three beautifully restored homes, and one stunning renovation, highlight the 2nd annual “Historic Homes of 06880 Tour.”
Set for Sunday, November 3 (1 to 4 p.m.), it builds upon last year’s very successful event, opening some of Westport’s most intriguing properties to the public.
This year’s houses include 3 historic homes — and one that one day will be.
93 Cross Highway
This home — visible to all, near North Avenue — was built in 1764 by Eliphalet Sturges. From 1908 through the 1950s, it was owned by noted artist George Hand Wright.
The house — with its massive stone fabrication, handsome hearth and wonderful Wright-era furniture — has been lovingly restored by Ed Gerber. A former member of Westport’s Historic District Commission, he’s also a trustee of both Historic New England and Preservation Connecticut.
87 Maple Avenue South
Dan and Nicole Donovan — Staples High School graduates, with a strong sense of history — lovingly restored this handsome 1870 Queen Anne-style farmhouse, on the corner of Greens Farms Road.
Every room is worth seeing. But the centerpieces are the former wine cellar, now a stone-walled bar that might be the town’s best man cave, and the kitchen that is the heart of the home for the Donovans and their 6 kids.
296 Compo Road South
296 Compo Road South
Niv and Kim Harizman’s new home near the beach shows how new construction fits in to a historic neighborhood. Architect Michael Greenberg and builder Peter Greenberg of Able Construction will be on hand to discuss their work.
The 4th house will be announced soon.
“06880” often celebrates Westport’s rich history. We honor homeowners who preserve the past, while enhancing their neighborhoods — and those who bring new life to them.
“06880” tells stories. As you explore all 4 houses, you’ll learn the stories behind each one.
The homeowners will point out cool aspects of each home. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too.
Our friends at KMS Team at Compass are once again sponsoring the “Historic Homes of 06880” tour.
Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.
Click here for tickets. Questions? Email 06880blog@gmail.com.
Comments Off on “Historic Homes Of 06880” House Tour Set For November 3
The opening of 122 Wilton Road — Westport’s new 19-unit affordable housing building across the Saugatuck River from downtown — shined a new spotlight on an issue the town (and county, state and nation) are addressing with ever-increasing urgency.
Westport has done a better job than many similar communities. We supported one of the first homeless shelters in any suburb anywhere. Homes with Hope — which operates 122 Wilton Road — has evolved with the times and needs, and today is stronger and more efficient than ever.
Still, their mission — to end homelessness in Fairfield County — is enormous, and seemingly impossible to achieve.
The Westport Housing Authority, formed just after World War II to help returning veterans, oversees 4 residential communities — Canal Park, Hales Court, Hidden Brook and Sasco Creek Village — with professional management, resident services, and outreach and support.
But their wait lists are closed.
Among Westport’s affordable housing options: Sasco Creek Village.
Still, Westport continues to seek solutions. The need for affordable housing is not just a moral issue; it involves the economy and jobs; education and the next generation, and much more.
Last winter, the Representative Town Meeting created an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Money from land purchases, house construction and market rate housing sales will be used to build affordable housing. It could generate up to $1 million annually.
Fairfield and New Canaan have similar funds.
Last month, the RTM appointed 5 members to the Affordable Housing Fund Committee to will oversee the money.
They are former Board of Finance member James Foster, former assistant town attorney Gail Kelly, former Planning & Zoning Commission member Jon Olefson, investment banker Kate Weber, and retired institutional asset manager Ralph Yearwood.
Ralph Yearwood
The other day, Yearwood — a Harvard College and Business School graduate; Westporter since 1984; father of 3 children who went through the local school system; volunteer with a food pantry and after-school learning program, and a Norwalk Public School mentor, as well as treasurer of Homes with Hope — chatted with “06880” about the new committee.
“Everyone should have sufficient food, housing, education, healthcare and security,” he said, describing his volunteer efforts in general, and his motivation to serve on the Affordable Housing Fund Committee.
Members have not yet held their first meeting. They’ll meet individually with 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, before convening as a group.
When they get together, they’ll assess their tasks: to study the town’s existing plan for affordable housing; inventory the sites that may be suitable for affordable housing; track the availability of those properties, and determine how to purchase and fund those sites.
Yearwood is proud that there is a consensus in Westport around the need for affordable housing. The state mandates that 10% of units built since 1990 be deemed “affordable,” according to an income formula.
19 apartments at 122 Wilton Road are Westport’s newest affordable housing units.
But, Yearwood says, the interest of residents goes beyond state requirements.
“Having affordable housing enables you to attract better employees,” he says.
“There’s a direct benefit to teachers, first responders, retail workers and others.”
Affordable housing is also a means of reducing homelessness. And yes, there are homeless people in Westport, he notes.
In addition, the opportunity for children to get a good education helps end inter-generational poverty, whose effects are borne by all taxpayers.
The details and timeline of the Affordable Housing Fund Committee are still to come.
But Ralph Yearwood and his fellow members feel right at home in their work.
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Accessory dwelling units are now legal in Westport. They’re an attractive alternative for grandparents who want to live near their children and grandchildren — but not in the same house.
