In its 210 years, the brick building on Richmondville Avenue has been home to a twine mill, a candlewick factory, artists’ studios and offices.
The Mill when it was an office building, on Richmondville Avenue.
Later this month, the first owners move into The Mill. That’s the new/old name for the 31-unit luxury condo complex that has been developed — quietly, uniquely, and with an eye toward both the historic past and the modern, amenity-driven future — near the Saugatuck River, just off Main Street.
Despite initial fears by neighbors of increased traffic and noise, the project moved ahead after the 2.41-acre property, with 55,000 square feet of office space, was bought by Coastal Luxury Homes and Gault Family Companies in 2019.
The Mill: ready for occupancy.
As part of the project, the developers created off-site affordable housing. They converted a town-owned 1880 Victorian house at 136 Riverside Avenue into 5 apartments. Four are occupied by people with special needs; a fifth is rented to a staff member.
The historic house got a $2 million restoration (and landscaping) through Redniss & Mead.
136 Riverside Avenue.
On Richmondville, Coastal’s Joe Feinleib, the Gaults and Redniss worked with architects Marybeth Woods, Bruce Beinfield, Philip Hazan, Philip Cerrone and landscaper Bill Kenny to create a concept that The Mill’s website says is “inspired by European boutique hotels.”
All 31 units have different layouts, finishes and ceiling heights. Many include 12-foot windows. Several incorporate the factory’s original brick and stone work.
Primary bedroom, with stone, beams and wide plank floor.
There are 2 styles. “Vintage Modern homes honor the pre-war history of this great structure in the post and beam style, while the New Modern layouts are constructed with steel and glass.” Five units have private outdoor space.
Prices range from $1.495 million to just under $3.5 million. Most are in the $1.7 to $1.8 million range. All have 2 bedrooms, except for the penthouse. Common fees are 93 cents per square foot.
Den and living room.
The Mill’s amenities include a common area with gas fireplace, café, gym, and outdoor lounge with grills and garden.
Artist’s rendering of back yard with lounge, pool area and garden.
A concierge will be on duty 6 days a week, while a furnished guest suite can be reserved for guests.
The Mill is 35% sold. Buyers include Westport residents looking to downsize (units range from 1,400 to 2,400 square feet, out-of-staters who want to be close to family members, and New Yorkers who appreciate the full-service lifestyle, Tribeca/boutique hotel feel, easy commute and proximity to downtown.
“Hudson Malone is next door — and it’s a New York restaurant,” Feinleib notes.
The Richmondville mill has been part of Westport since the early 19th century. When the moving vans arrive this month, it pivots toward the 21st.
(For more information, click here or call 917-388-5432.)
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The sale of 233 Hillspoint Road — site of the former Café de la Plage and Positano restaurants, but since before COVID a half-finished, Tyvek-wrapped, litigation-snarled residential property, and an eyesore and headache for neighbors and passersby — closed earlier this month.
Work has already begun to finish the home.
Who bought it? Read on …
Work resumed this month at 233 Hillspoint Road. (Photo/John McKinney)
The cat is out of the bag. My identity is public. I am the owner of 233 Hillspoint Road, and have been in contract since mid-July. My name is James Pendry.
I have lived in Westport since the late 1980s. I sent my children to Staples High School.
I was a member of Westport Rotary for years, and have lived in an antique home on the Mill Pond for over 2 decades.
I have logged many hours sipping coffee outside Elvira’s, and many summer days reading at Old Mill Beach. I’d like to think I know the neighborhood.
I know there have been many rumors, many fingers pointed, much outrage and vituperative attacks on everyone from the seller, Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Building Department.
Virtually everything I’ve heard is the worst form of gossip: false and mean.
For years, 233 Hillspoint Road looked like this.
Unfortunately, and I guess to disappoint many of you, there is no villain here. There is only a profound lack of communication, the lost years of COVID, and the ill-effects of “silo-ing.”
At each turn in this drama, every actor was doing the logical and right thing from their specific and singular point of view. Omniscience was required — someone or some authority to look at the big picture, and forge a workable compromise.
That entity does not exist in the land use departments of the town of Westport — or in the halls of Congress of the United States. The result is the same: missed opportunities, little productive debate, and either no outcome or a bad outcome.
In the last week we have cleaned up the site, moved the security fence so as not to impede pedestrian traffic, and replaced all the blue skin on the exterior of the building.
The neighbors, who had sued the previous owner, were gracious enough to meet with me and keep an open mind to some changes. Ultimately, we were able to reach a compromise that each of the plaintiffs and I can abide by.
Construction will start in earnest, as soon as the ZBA signs off on the compromise reached.
I am hopeful that that can happen at their next meeting.
(“06880” has followed the saga of 233 Hillspoint — and plenty of other real estate and beach news. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Today’s weather has forced a change for tonight’s Representative Town Meeting, which will consider an $6.8 million request for design of the new Long Lots Elementary School.
Instead of meeting at Town Hall, the RTM session will be held via Zoom. Click here for the link.
Public comments are limited to 3 minutes. Emails to all members may be sent to RTMmailinglist@westportct.gov.
Postponed by the weather: tonight’s “Addressing Incidents of Antisemitism and Bias in our Schools” event, sponsored by Westport Public Schools at Temple Israel.
Tomorrow’s Board of Selectwomen meeting (Wednesday, February 14, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium and livestream) contains this agenda item:
eliminating the requirement of a hand pass to register for participation in Parks & Recreation Department programs.
Charlie Tirreno’s plea to Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission — opposing development of a house on Riverside Avenue, which would disrupt the nests of eagles along the Saugatuck River — drew several supporting comments on “06880.”
It also elicited a photo of an eagle nesting by th eriver, from Louis Mall. The Representative Town Meeting member — whose district includes that neighborhood — sent this photo, taken by his wife Joan yesterday:
(Photo/Joan Mall)
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A dozen or so Westporters worked up an appetite for Sunday’s Super Bowl with a trash pick-up. They began at Grace Salmon Park on Imperial Avenue, and worked their way north.
RTM member Andrew Colabella, who organized the event, reports:
A total success for today’s pick. The high tide dampened our goal to obtain all trash; however we made do with what we could grab.
As it gets warmer, I would implore all residents to take advantage of the Saugatuck river to kayak and canoe, and to bring a picker with them. Dog walkers as well.
Instead of wrapping up your dog’s waste and flinging it into the woods, find a trash receptacle, or bring a trash bag and pick. I know many residents who do this during the week.
I was very happy to see so many residents turn out. In fact, a lot of people who were just walking inquired about the trash clean-ups.
For 72 years, STAR Lighting the Way has provided services for people of all ages impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities.
On April 4, their annual spring fundraising — always a sellout — will have its own “star”: soccer legend Brandi Chastain.
The US women’s national team World Cup and Olympic champion, and Hall of Famer — whose celebration in a sports bra after her winning penalty kick again China was an instant iconic photo, and who now helps underserved girls learn leadership and motivational skills through the power of sports will speak at the Country Club of New Canaan on April 4.
Chastain joins a list of previous speaking stars that includes Mia Farrow, Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager and Norah O’Donnell.
The gourmet luncheon includes a Champagne shopping boutique, goody bag, a signed copy of Chastain’s Book “It’s Not About the Bra,” and a Q-and-A session. Westport photographer Miggs Burroughs will snap photos of guests with Chastain.
“As a kid I loved The 3 Musketeers, and their fierce loyalty to one another. Who knew that all these years later I would find them again at the Westport Weston Family YMCA,
“As a member, I already though I had discovered a gem in our community. But volunteering for Parkinson Body and Mind truly confirmed it.
“The Greenwich-based organization runs numerous Yprograms demonstrating the health benefits of boxing for people with Parkinson’s. Our boxing program, through the superb leadership of Brenda Waldron, consistently shows improvements in balance, strength and memory for the participants.
“In addition, what I have witnessed is extraordinary, magical and enviable. The group, who met as strangers, morphed into a loving family whose support for each other extends way beyond the walls of the Y. They are truly ‘all for one and one for all!'”
Yesterday, Bob handed “Knock Parkinson’s Out” t-shirts to everyone in the group. He added a sentence from The Book of Psalms: “There is strength in our souls.”
This week’s Jazz at the Post show features vocalist Pete McGuinness.
A New York jazz treasure since the 1980s, the trombonist on Maria Schneider’s Grammy-winning “Concert in the Garden” is known for his improvisational prowess, and creative arrangements for his own Pete McGuiness Jazz Orchestra. His recordings have been nominated for 3 Grammys.
McGuinness will be joined on February 15 (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner serve at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for students and veterans) by pianist Ted Kooshian, bassist Mark Wade, drummer Scott Neumann and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Reservations are strongly suggested: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
And finally … Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member of the recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees the Spinners, died last week in Virginia. He was 85.
Though the R&B group had several hits in the 1970s, they were formed in 1954, and — with different members — still tour today. Click here for a full obituary.
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Sure, you and 110 million other people watched the Kansas City Chiefs win (another) Super Bowl last night.
But they also saw Dr. Clarence Jones’ 30-second PSA, which aired during the game.
Sponsored by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, it offered a powerful platform for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s speechwriter to declare: “All hate thrives in silence.”
StartUp Westport and Westport 10 celebrates Black History Month with a special event.
“Past, Present and Future Opportunities for Diverse Entrepreneurs” (February 29, 6 p.m., Westport Library) spotlights the contributions and experiences of local business owners of color.
StartUp Westport is the town’s public/private partnership whose goal is to make our town the tech entrepreneurial hub of Connecticut. Westport 10 is a social and networking group for Black men in town, and their families.
NBC news anchor (and Westport resident) Craig Melvin is the moderator. Jay Norris — founder of Westport 10 — has assembled an all-star panel, including Kal Amin, Wesly Saintil Arbuthnott, Eric Freeman, Ilka Gregory, Craig Livingston, Adam Moore, Pamela Moss, Paige Parker, Ted Parker, Michele Peterson and Kitt Shapiro.
They are business leaders from a variety of industries, including film/TV, music, real estate, retail, technology, food and beverage, and financial services.
The evening kicks off with a video presentation showcasing the history of
diverse entrepreneurship in Fairfield County. Following the panel, attendees can network during a cocktail reception.
On Friday, Westport Library’s Verso Studios’ Brendan Toller interviewed Talking Heads founding members and drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth. at a screening of the remixed and remastered 40th anniversary version of Jonthan Demme’s Talking Heads Concert Film “Stop Making Sense.”
The large crowd sang along, lustily. The event was a benefit for April’s VersoFest, and WPKN.
Brendan Toller interviews former Talking Heads Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
Wakeman Town Farm aficionados know him (every Tuesday) as Tony Pizza Napolitano.
But Anthony Kesselmark – his real name — is more than just a one-trick pizza pony. He studied at the Culinary Institute of America, and made his name at L’Impero and Veritas in New York before moving to the ‘burbs.
On Sunday, March 10 he serves WTF’s first Italian family-style feast.
The menu includes a classic Italian salad; homemade bread/focaccia; traditional Sunday sauce served over rigatoni with braciole, meatballs, pork chops, sausage and breaded chicken cutlets, and assorted cookies and pastries.
There are 2 seatings: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. The $60 price includes food and service ($25 for children 12 and under); BYOB.
Click here for more information, and to reserve a spot.
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Some fundraising galas are dress-up. Some are “cocktail attire.”
The dress code for Rach’s Hope’s annual event is: pajamas.
On March 23 (The Warehouse, Fairfield), guests can come in “pajama chic.” Rachel Doran — the Staples High School graduate who died in 2018 as a rising Cornell University senior after a rare reaction to common medications — was a talented Staples Players costume designer, and the founder of “Rachel’s Rags,” a company that makes intricate cotton and fleece pajama tops and bottoms.
The night of food (from AMG Catering and Tito’s Cocktails), fun and dancing to live music raises money for Rach’s Hope. The non-profit supports local families navigating the critical illness of a child by providing nutritious food, lodging, transportation, and encouragement so they can focus on being present for their ailing children.
Click here for more information, and to purchase tickets or donate.
Little Leaguers can get ready for the spring baseball season — and support the Staples Baseball Diamond Club booster organization — at a spring clinic March 6 (6 to 8 p.m., Staples fieldhouse)
Boys and girls in grades K-7 can have fun with Staples coaches and players, who run drills and games. Participants will be separated by grade and skill level. The event is hosted by the Staples baseball program.
The $40 fee includes a slice of pizza. To register, Venmo @StaplesBBDiamondClub by March 1. Include the player’s name, grade and parent email in the memo line. Registration after March 1 is $50 per player. Players should bring a bat, glove and water bottle.
A “Histoury” bus tour of historic Weston homes is set for March 10 (1 to 4:30 p.m.).
It features mid-century modern homes. They were radical and controversial at the time. Today they are enjoyed for their simplicity, creativity and integration with nature.
The tour includes several interior stops.
Tickets are $75 for adults, $49 for students. For more information and to purchase, click here.
The Wilton Arts Council is seeking photographers of all ages for its 24th annual photography exhibit, “FOCUS ’24” — and Westporters are encouraged to apply.
Last year’s 2nd place high school winner was Westport resident Charlie Lukens. The adult division also included several Westport photographers.
There are 3 divisions: adults (professional and amateur), high school and youth (“old enough to hold a camera through 8th grade”).
Photographers can submit up to 2 film or digital images, in color or black and white. They may be enhanced by darkroom or digital techniques, but additional objects not photographed by the photographer cannot be added.
Entries will be judged by area photographers. Submissions can be dropped off at the Wilton Library on March 15 (noon to 5 p.m.) and March 16 (10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). They must be at least 8″ x 10″, and wired for hanging. There is no maximum size. Photos will be available for sale throughout the exhibit; the Wilton Library will receive a 20% commission
Sponsors include Rockwell Art & Framing in Westport.
Click here for more details, entry forms and fee information. Questions? Email baswilton@yahoo.com, or call 203-834-9986.
“Eleuthera,” by Charlie Lukens
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There is something fishy about today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, taken at Compo’s South Beach …
And finally … on this day in 1938, BBC Television produced the world’s first science fiction television program. It was an adaptation of a section of the Karel Čapek play “R.U.R.,” which coined the term “robot.”
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please support us, with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here — and thank you!)
Charles Tirreno has lived in Westport for 30 years, and is a licensed massage therapist.
He grew up on the Saugatuck River, and cleans and weeds the parks and shorelines within walking and biking distance.
He has spent over 20 years rescuing and rehabilitating wild birds under the supervision of Fairfield Veterinary Hospital. He worked with Deborah Detmer of Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department to install fishing line recycle boxes at parks in town. The project was born of his love for the Saugatuck birds, as 3 cormorants died one summer from fishing line injuries. Charles writes:
A pair of bald eagles make their home for months at a time on a small grove of very old, giant oak trees on the Saugatuck River, between #125 and #137 Riverside Avenue.
For decades, the land on either side of this property line have been privately preserved by their respective homeowners. In fact, the property line was delineated decades ago in order to avoid a smaller parcel between, which would threaten more building and erase wildlife habitat.
This little oak grove is a vital point in the eagles’ migration, where they can safely fish and reside for months at a time. Residents of Westport have enjoyed watching and photographing them for 10 years in this habitat.
Eagle in flight over the Saugatuck River. (Photo courtesy of Charlie Tirreno)
Now a developer is floating (in my opinion) vague and misleading plans to build a giant house abutting and cutting into this grove of oaks, and making empty promises about preserving the (not officially registered, but still) historic Coley house.
There is a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting tomorrow (Monday, February 12). They’ll consider a text amendment that would allow subdivision of the property. Click here (for Text Amendment 1) and click here for details.
I encourage all residents who wish to speak up on behalf of the bald eagles to attend this meeting. Statements and support could make a big impact on their future.
If anyone has questions, they can email me: charlie.tirreno@gmail.com.
The Representative Town Meeting will hold a special meeting on Tuesday (February 13, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
There is one agenda item: “To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the request of the Long Lots School Building Committee, to approve an
appropriation of $6,800,000 along with bond and note authorization, to the Municipal Improvement Fund Account for the design of the
new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Pre-school.”
Click here for meeting materials, including specific cost breakdowns, and comparisons with other towns’ similar projects.
Click here for the Long Lots School Building Committee’s page on the town website.
The current Long Lots Elementary School plan, as approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
On Wednesday, Staples High School held a “signing day” ceremony for students who have committed to play NCAA Division I sports next year.
They and their coaches spoke briefly. Teammates, friends and family members applauded. Then they officially signed their papers.
Congratulations to the student-athletes in the photo below. From left: Leigh Foran (Columbia University, track); Caleb Smith (University of Connecticut, football); Keira Best (Davidson College, lacrosse); Harrison Browne (Lafayette College, golf); Ben Burmeister (University of Notre Dame, lacrosse); Tanner Chlupsa (Boston College, football); Evelyn Chudowsky (Cornell University, soccer); Alex Fiala (Fordham University, football); James Horton (University of Massachusetts, football); Max Maurillo (Providence College, lacrosse).
(Photo/Lynda Kommel)
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Speaking of sports: Former Staples basketball star Arianna Gerig continues to shine.
The 2021 graduate — now a junior at Williams College — recently scored her 1,000th career point. It came in a 20-point game, with 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals.
Her teammates and fans offered balloons, signs, hugs and congratulations after the game. (Hat tip: Amy Sanborn)
Arianna Gerig (#34), teammates and fans after her 1,000th point.
Back in the day, Westport’s rules for “accessory dwelling units” — detached structures, away from a main house — were strict.
They could include only 2 of 3 plumbing fixtures: sink, toilet or shower. Kitchens were not allowed. They could not be rented out. They functioned more like pool houses.
Regulations covering accessory barns were even tighter: no bathrooms, kitchens or central heating. They had to be used for livestock, or to store farm products, equipment or feed.
Rules were strict on the use of barns on private property. (Photo/Michelle Perillie)
The only legal “accessory dwelling units” (ADUs) were those with special approval, proven to be “historic” structures.
In 2021, all that changed.
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved ADUs. There are restrictions on footprints and heights, based on the size of the entire lot. But the new regulations opened up Westport’s housing stock, to residents looking to downsize, and those who cannot afford to rent larger homes.
ADUs provide added income for residents going through life changes — a lost job or divorce, say, or those whose children have moved away and want to move into a smaller place on their own property, while renting out their larger home.
They’re also great for au pairs and nannies.
A 1,400-square foot, near net-zero Westport ADU designed by John Rountree.
ADUs are part of a nationwide movement to add options to typical suburban housing patterns.
The only problem: Not manyWestporters are aware that accessory dwelling units exist, or can be built.
The Planning & Zoning Department has issued just 30 permits since 2021. That’s about 10 a year — less than one a month.
A typical construction: a 1,400 square foot “barn aesthetic” ADU. It features a large 1-story space in front (with kitchen, bathroom and dining area), and a 2-story space in back. There is a sleeping loft on the mezzanine level.
The ADU could be used for an office, guest cottage, or rental apartment.
Accessory dwelling units are “basically small houses,” Rountree says. Most are 1,200 to 1,400 square feet (a typical Westport home is 3,000 to 6,000 square feet).
The style of an ADU should match the existing home, Rountree says. “It’s just a smaller scale — smaller windows, and everything else.”
Another John Rountree-designed ADU.
The footprint of an ADU is 850 square feet on lots of up to 1.5 acres. A second floor will add more total square footage, though there are height limits too.
“The idea is not to to overwhelm the property,” Rountree says.
There are other restrictions. ADUs must have a septic system, or tie in to the town sewer.
Rentals must be for at least 6 months (Airbnbs are not allowed). The owner must reside on the property, in either the main dwelling or the accessory one.
Rountree recently designed an ADU for clients whose adult daughter will initially live there. As they get older they plan to move in themselves, and rent out the home they now reside in.
The architect enjoys working on ADUs, because plans come together quickly.
Builders like them too, because they can work without interfering with the daily lives of residents of the main house.
John Rountree
Rountree notes that on a cost per square foot basis, accessory dwelling units may be more expensive than large homes, which have a greater economy of scale.
Costs are lower for existing structures with foundations — a detached garage, say, or barn — that can be repurposed into ADUs.
Rountree is trying to spread the word that ADUs are legal, and practical. Most Westporters, he says, are unaware they’re an option. When they find out, many are intrigued.
ADUs do not work for every property. Building a new septic system can be expensive. Some properties do not have space that would work well. And because 3 off-street parking spaces must be provided for a house with an ADU, some homeowners might have to enlarge their driveway.
Those are questions architects like Rountree are ready to address.
After all, the goal is to add more accessory dwelling units to more addresses, for more robust housing stock all over town.
(“06880” is your source for real estate and zoning news — and everything else going on in town. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The sale of 233 Hillspoint Road — site of the former Café de la Plage and Positano restaurants, but for the past several centuriesdecades years a half-finished, Tyvek-wrapped, litigation-snarled residential property that’s been an eyesore and headache for neighbors and passersby — closed last week.
Work has already begun to finish the home.
It may take a while. But whenever it’s done, all of “06880” will rejoice.
Meanwhile, there’s more going on in that historic neighborhood.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci has posted its menu online — and it’s an extensive one.
There are many lunch and dinner favorites from the popular Railroad Place restaurant, plus lots of breakfast items. Catering options are available too. Click here to see.
A grand opening is set for this Saturday (February 10, noon to close). “Celebrate with us, and taste a slice of Italy,” say the new operators, who had a soft opening last month in their newly renovated space — which dates back to 1919.
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee has a full agenda for tomorrow’s meeting (Thursday, February 8, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201).
It includes: parking lots reinvention; downtown lots design master plan; Parker Harding status; Jesup and Imperial lots; other projects status, Avery Street pole removal, and sustainability.
On the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee agenda: the Imperial Avenue parking lot. From 2020-22, it was the site of the Remarkable Theater drive-in. This photo shows a COVID drive-in concert, sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
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It’s been a big month for Jane Pimentel.
On Monday, the Board of Selectwomen unanimously granted her — as owner/operator of Longshore Sailing School — a 1-year extension to her contract.
An RFP for a longer contract will be posted this summer.
A few days earlier, at US Sailing’s National Sailing Programs Symposium in Savannah, Georgia, Pimentel received the Sail Training Service and Support Award in honor of Virginia Long.
The award — commonly called “The Ginny” — goes to an individual who “unselfishly assists and enables a sailing program or sailing instruction in a supportive role.” Recipients’ “outstanding efforts improve sailing education programs and instruction in the United States.”
US Sailing said Pimentel “has seemingly made it her dual mission to create new sailors while simultaneously improving the level of instructor training in her region…. Longshore Sailing School puts over 1,000 junior sailors and 250 adults on the water annually, with many coming by way of scholarship. Many adults also go on to become instructors at the school.
“Much of her success is due to the culture she’s created. As all good leaders do, Pimentel has established a staff culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and empowerment, understanding that accountability and compassion go hand in hand.” (Click here for more information. Hat tip: David Loffredo)
Valentine’s Day came early for members of Club 203 — Westport’s great group for adults with disabilities.
They partied at the Westport Country Playhouse’s Lucille Lortel barn, where they enjoyed heart-shaped pizzas from Planet Pizza, music by DJ Joey, a “sweet” art project organized by MoCA, and mountains of pink and red desserts by Avery Horne.
Volunteers — including some from the Westport Rotary Club — joined the fun.
Dylan Curran and friends, at Club 203’s Valentine’s party.
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Speaking of Valentine’s Day: With so much contention in our town and country, the Democratic Women of Westport want to show a little non-partisan love.
This Saturday (February 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), they’ll be outside Anthropologie, offering hot chocolate and cookies to all.
They’ll also have Post-Its, for people to share what they love about Westport. The DWW will hang them up, for all to see.
It’s their “valentine to our town.”
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In a town filled with fundraisers, it’s tough to stand out.
The Westport Woman’s Club has found a unique — and very fun — way: a “Death by Bathtub Gin” murder mystery dinner.
On Saturday, March 23 (6 p.m.), their Imperial Avenue clubhouse will be transformed into a Jazz Age speakeasy.
A professional troupe of Broadway actors will guide 100 guests through a hunt for the “murderer.” It may well be one of them.
The night includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a 3-course Italian dinner, as the “murder mystery” unfolds.
Flapper dresses and tuxedos are welcome. A photo booth will have “jazzy” accessories for all. There’s a silent auction too.
Tickets are $150. Proceeds help fun scholarships, grants and food gift cards — continuing the Woman’s Club’s 100-plus years of service to the community.
Call 203-227-4240, or email wwc@westportwomansclub.org for tickets.
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Calling all 6th through 8th grade boys who dream of playing on the Staples High School varsity team!
On Sunday, February 18 (8 to 10 a.m.), the Wreckers will host a clinic at the PAL Longshore ice rink.
Head coach Matt Bohn, his staff and current players will lead skill drills and small area games. Attendees can then watch Bohn lead a varsity practice.
For the final half hour, any current or prospective player (of any age) can sign up to “Skate with a Wrecker” during an open session. Beginners are welcome.
The program is sponsored by Westport PAL and is free, but pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, email wreckerhockey@gmail.com
Attention all veterans coping with PTSD and anxiety: Westport-based The Harmonetiks Project‘s mind/body workshops can help.
Classes begin February 27, and will be held Tuesdays at Harmonetiks (420 Post Road West, at 9 a.m., noon and 6:30 p.m. Classes are limited to 12 in-person; there is an online option too.
Westport acupuncturist and energy medicine specialist/coctor of Oriental medicine Jeffrey Zimmerman provides the treatments and self-help workshops for veterans, teaching them concrete tools to support their well-being.
Harmonetiks exercises dial down the body’s “fight/flight or freeze” response, and transition to a state of ease and harmony.
And finally … country music star Toby Keith died Monday. He was 62, and in 2022 was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Click here for a full obituary.
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Westport town assessor Paul Friia announced yesterday that the net 2023 Grand List of $11,468,456,765 represents an increase of 1.38 percent from the net 2022 Grand List ($11,312,004,303).
The Grand List is the sum of the net assessed value of all taxable property – real estate, motor vehicles and personal property.
Motor vehicles and personal property are valued annually. Real estate is updated based on the market values determined at the town’s last revaluation date (October 1, 2020).
Homes like this one on Beachside Avenue help boost the Grand List.
This year’s Grand List showed increases in 2 of the 3 categories.
The 1.5 percent increase in real estate assessment results from continued residential and commercial new construction, plus renovation activity that occurred within the last assessment year, Friia says.
Construction continues on the 31 condominiums at “The Mill” (41 Richmondville Avenue) and the 12 condos at 60 Wilton Road.
In addition, the Belta Farm 9-lot subdivision, and the construction of nearly 60 new homes contributed to increased in the 2023 real estate Grand List.
The Mill on Richmondville Avenue will add 31 condos to next year’s Grand List.
Personal property increased approximately 5 percent, suggesting “a continued reinvestment in local new and existing businesses to include equipment and leasehold improvements,” Friia says.
The one category that decreased was motor vehicles (5.1 percent). Friia expected that, due to “the reduction in motor vehicle values post-COVID.”
The current 2023 Grand List totals are:
Assessment
2023
% of List
Real Estate
10,610,104,816
92.52
Motor Vehicle
461,685,370
4.03
Personal Property
396,666,579
3.45
TOTAL
11,468,456,765
100%
The Grand List will be used for fiscal year 2024-2025 town budget calculations. NOTE: The figures above are subject to change, based on Board of Assessment Appeal hearings in March, and any corrections or pending lawsuits.
The Top 10 Westport taxpayers are:
Connecticut Light & Power Inc Pers. Property 142,022,480
60 Nyala Farms Road LLC Real Estate 83,335,700
Bedford Square Assoc LLC Real Estate 51,520,000
Aquarion Real/Pers. Prop. 38,700,440
Equity One Westport Vill. Center Real Estate 34,383,600
It was a big night for women at yesterday’s 66th annual Grammy Awards.
And some of the biggest wins were by Billie Eilish.
The 22-year-old singer/songwriter (and her brother Finneas) won Song of the Year for “What Was I Made For?,” from the hit film “Barbie.” It also won Best Song Written for Visual Media.
The “06880” connection? Billie and Finneas’ father, Patrick O’Connell,
Patrick O’Connell — who grew up at the top of Compo Hill — is a 1975 Staples High School graduate. He was an active member of Staples Players, best known for his role of John in “The Crucible.”
Patrick went on to Juilliard, and a career as an actor. He’s appeared in “Iron Man,” “The West Wing” and “Baskets.”
Congratulations, Billie and Finneas — and their proud dad.
Patrick O’Connell (left), at last night’s Grammy Awards. (Photo courtesy of Linda Smith)
===============================================
Clarence Hayes knows that there is no legal way to limit tree-cutting on private property.
But he wants fellow “06880” readers to know where it’s going on.
He sent 2 recent photos.
One is 66 Kings Highway North, where all trees have been clear cut in preparation for a new house.
“A tree with a 16-foot circumference in perfect health could not be spared close to the middle of the property,” Clarence says.
66 Kings Highway North
And here’s the scene at 242 Compo Road South, near Compo Beach:
And finally … here is the Grammy Award-winning Song of the Year (story above). It’s had only 104 million views:
(Every day, “06880” is where Westport meets the world — and you learn about our connections to people like Billie Eilish. Please click here to support our online community. Thank you!)
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