Category Archives: Real estate

Roundup: Town Meetings, Cava, Book Club …

Posted on February 2, 2024 | 4 comments

Interesting upcoming agenda items of note:

On Monday (February 5, 12:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Selectwomen meet to consider just one item: a request by Parks & Recreation Department director Jen Fava to approve a 1-year lease extension between the town and Longshore Sailing School.

The original request, for 10 years, was scuttled by the Board of Finance last month.

The meeting will be livestreamed here, and broadcast on Optimum channel 79.

Next Thursday (February 8, 5 p.m., Zoom), the Public Site & Building Commission has a full plate.

They’ll talk about the Staples High School re-roofing project; Gillespie Center renovations; the Westport Police Athletic League renovation/construction projects, Longshore renovations, and “other business.”

The Longshore Sailing School is up for a one-year lease renewal.

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There were plenty of smiling faces yesterday at Cava.

The build-your-own Mediterranean bowls-and-pitas fast casual dining place next to Westport Hardware/across from Fresh Market invited residents to a “Community Day” celebration.

Meals were free — and donations to Food Rescue US were matched by the chain, which now has over 300 locations in 24 states.

Cava is open today. There’s no longer a free lunch (or dinner). But the lines are sure to be long anyway.

The crowd at Cava last night. (Photo/Laney Lloyd)

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The Westport Book Shop asks: “Do you enjoy talking about books and comparing notes with fellow bibliophiles? Do you wish you were in a book club, but don’t have time to read a whole book before each meeting? Can’t commit to meet every single month, but want to participate occasionally?”

If so, their new Short Story Book Club is for you.

They’ll meet at the Westport Book Shop across from Jesup Green on the fourth Thursday of every month (6 to 7:30 p.m.), beginning February 22.

Books include classics and contemporary short stories. Come to one session, some, or all — it’s up to you!

The first session covers “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Published in 1892, it is an important early work of American feminist literature, examining attitudes toward women’s mental and physical health in the 19th century.

Space is limited; pre-registration is requested by phone (203-349-5141) or email (bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org).

Copies of stories are available to borrow through the Westport Library’s digital collection. A limited number of physical copies may be borrowed at the Library too.

Other Book Club dates are March 28 and April 25. To suggest a story, email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.

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When Westporters gorge themselves at Super Bowl parties next weekend, they may not think about people who are hungry.

But the Westport Police Department, Westport Police Benevolent Association, (PBA) and Westport Sunrise Rotary know there are many people in need.

On Saturday,, February 10 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), those groups will sponsor a food drive at Stop & Shop.

All donations will support Homes with Hope’s food pantry at the Gillespie Center, and Westport Human Services’ food pantry.

Police officers and volunteers will accept non-perishable food items, and cash donations. Suggested items include applesauce, breakfast bars, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned meat and tuna, canned soup and stew, cup of noodles soup and ramen noodles, cereal, gluten-free foods (pasta, soups, cereals), granola. protein bars, hamburger or tuna helper, hearty soups, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, oatmeal, pancake mix and syrup, pasta and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, rice, and any miscellaneous snacks.

Glass jars are prohibited.

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As antisemitism rises, Dora Horn speaks.

The author of the best-seller “People Love Dead Jews” will discuss the need for collective action on February 28 (7:30 p.m., Chabad Lubavitch of Westport).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Sherwood Island — the oldest state park in Connecticut — is a popular spot in summer.

And the winter.

Friends of Sherwood Island announce two upcoming, free events.

A February 11 nature walk (11 a.m., main pavilion) with park ranger Melanie Kikta and master wildlife conservationist Ginny Apple will look for dens and nests of mammals and birds that start families this month.

The naturalists will point out where foxes, coyotes, deer and bobcats have been sighted, and look for nests of bald eagles and other birds of prey.

On March 10 (10 a.m., main pavilion), there’s a nature photography walk.

Click here for more information on both events.

Sherwood Island may look quiet in winter. But there’s plenty going on. You just need to know where to look. (Photo/Neal Radding)

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Last night, Gilbertie’s hosted a spirits tasting event. It featured herbal cocktails from Fifth Estate, made locally and sold at the garden center.

Guests also enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from the Blondinit chef. The Israeli restaurant opens on Church Lane next month.

(Photo and hat tip/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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A couple of weeks ago, “06880” ran a photo of the demolition of the unique castle-style home on Edgemarth Hill Road.

Work continues. Here’s the scene yesterday, from Greens Farms Road:

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Richard Epstein describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

“’Arnold’s Promise’ witch hazel is the first flower I look for to announce the start of a new year of spring. It blooms in February — snow, ice or unseasonable warmth.”

(Photo/Richard Epstein)

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And finally … Chita Rivera died on Tuesday in New York. She was 91.

The New York Times called her a “fire-and-ice dancer, singer and actress who leapt to stardom in the original Broadway production of ‘West Side Story’ and dazzled audiences for nearly 7 decades as a Puerto Rican lodestar of the American musical theater.” She was the first Latina to earn Kennedy Center honors.

Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog … and all that jazz. We rely on support from audiences like you. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Library, Local politics, Longshore, Real estate, Restaurants

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Roundup: 1 Glendinning Place, Our Town Crier, Floodplain Management …

Posted on January 25, 2024 | 13 comments

After input from neighbors, developers of 1 Glendinning Place have reduced the scope of plans for the property off Weston Road (mostly recently, offices of Bridgewater Associates).

The previous one had 14 units. The new plan includes 10 free-standing units, of 3,000 square feet each.

Two will house special needs affordable residents. There are 3 units in each. One of the 6 will be reserved for a live-in supervisor.

Developer David Waldman notes that this is similar to supportive housing at 136 Riverside Avenue.

The change at 1 Glendinning Place will allow Westport to obtain more 8-30g (affordable housing) moratorium points.

The next step: application to, and hearing with, the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Artists’ rendering shows 10 proposed homes (green) for 1 Glendinning Place. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

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Our Town Crier and Westport Marketplace have joined forces.

Now there’s one place for over 800 local listings — restaurants, retail, realtors, services (business, personal and home), and more — along with statewide information for categories like “Pizza Trail” and Valentine’s Day (places to eat and stay; things to do).

Betsy Pollak masterminds both. Click here to see; click here to sign up for the Westport Marketplace newsletter (monthly, plus special editions).

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The Westport Progress Report on Floodplain Management is complete.

It is prepared annually to enable Westport residents to receive a 10% reduction in their flood insurance. Flood Insurance is offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to communities that participate in the Community Rating System. Click here to read the plan. 

Municipalities that participate in the CRS are ranked from 1 (highest) to 10. Classifications warrant what flood insurance rate reductions are offered. Westport’s ranking is 8.

Annual reports are required identifying how Westport is implementing the Western Connecticut Council of Governments Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan. Click here for the Westport report.

Local flooding is becoming more prevalent. This was the scene in a back yard earlier this month. (Photo/Meghan Norris)

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Alert reader Bob Mitchell writes:

“I recently enrolled in USPS Informed Delivery, a service that tells you every day what mail is being delivered to you.

“I was mildly interested until last Friday, when I was informed that I was receiving 6pieces of mail.

“The mailbox was empty. Since that day, none of the indicated pieces of mail have shown up. (The service shows you pictures of the mail pieces, so I know they haven’t arrived.)

“In addition, I had ordered 2 boxes of COVID test kits. On Friday I was informed by USPS in great detail the progress of the delivery of these kits, culminating in notice that the packages were delivered to my mailbox. I have never seen these packages either.

“I have reported the non-deliveries, but have had no response from USPS. I wonder if any others have had similar incidents.”

So, “06880” readers: Do you have USPS Informed Delivery? Have you experienced non-delivery? What are your options if you report them, but never hear back? Please click “Comments” to help Bob.

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This week’s League of Women Voters of Westport annual “Pie & Politics” event at Pizza Lyfe featured Westport’s 3 state legislators: Senator Ceci Maher, and Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.

They updated attendees on issues expected to be debated this year in Hartford, including funding for voter education about early voting, support for polling staff, and the ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to offer no-excuse absentee voting. All 3 spoke passionately about protecting and expanding voters’ rights, and the importance of taking steps to improve voter turnout.

The discussion also included climate change, whether Connecticut should adopt an electric vehicle mandate to go into effect in 2035, and other initiatives to mitigate climate change and train a workforce for clean energy jobs.

The legislators spoke to the importance of looking at solar, geothermal, heat pumps, reskilling, and addressing housing shortages to attract clean energy companies and their employees.

Other topics included mental health policies, transportation, housing and education.

From left: State legislators Dominique Johnson, Jonathan Steinberg and Ceci Maher at Pizza Lyfe.

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The Westport Rotary Club heard an animated talk by Tommy Greenwald at this week’s lunch meeting.

Of course, anyone who knows Greenwald — the 1978 Staples High School soccer state champion/father of 3 sports-playing sons/Broadway marketer/young adult author knows that he lives his life in an animated way.

Greenwald writes often about the hyper-competitiveness and pressure of youth sports — for children and their parents. He told the Rotarians that his goal is to bring fun back into that stressful world, and show youngsters that the path to a well-balanced life does not totally revolve around the success of a team, or individual achievement on the field or court.

 

Tommy Greenwald (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between January 17 and 24.

A woman was arrested after she found a $550 MoneyGram on the ground, endorsed it using her real name and address, and deposited it in her bank account. She was afforded the opportunity to reimburse the victim but refused, and was charged with larceny.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without proper load cover: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle in violation of license class: 1

Failure to secure a load can lead to a citation.

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Sure, it’s a church.

But the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport is the site of a “barn dance” this Sunday (January 28, after the service at approximately 11:30 a.m., until around 3 p.m.).

Billy Fisher will call the dance, with live music from Wry Bred. The event includes Cake Carousel and pizza.

Everyone is invited: all ages, all levels of experience. A recommendation donation of $5 per person, $15 per family covers entertainment costs.

Questions? Email mcelroy.cathy@gmail.com.

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MoCA’s 2nd Artisan Market (February 11, noon to 4 p.m.) features handcrafted items: bespoke jewelry, textiles, fine art and gourmet foods.

It’s a chance to purchase unique gifts before Valentine’s Day, while supporting local creators.

Staples musical sensation Ethan Walmark will entertain.

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Also at MoCA: Jazz musician Anthony Hervey, in concert February 27.

He has impressed audiences worldwide as a sideman for Christian McBride, Jon Baptiste, Michael Bublé and Wynton Marsalis (who called him a “beautiful trumpet player of first magnitude.”

He’ll be joined by saxophonist Markus Howell, pianist Isaiah J. Thompson, bassist Russell Hall and drummer Miguel Russell. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Anthony Hervey

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Patricia (“Patty”) Palmer died Sunday. She was 79.

The Bridgeport native graduated from St. Vincent’s School of Radiology in 1964.   She worked at Norwalk Hospital for over 40 years, first as a registered X-ray technician and then as a manager.

Patty lived in Westport for over 50 years, and raised 2 daughters here. She was involved in their Parent Teacher Association, and led their Brownie and Girl Scout troops.

She enjoyed reading at Compo and Burying Hill beaches, taking a wide range of local classes, and was a regular walker at Sherwood Island State Park.

Her favorite activities were dancing and travel. She met her husband David on the dance floor. They spent over 30 years traveling and sightseeing, especially in Cape Cod and the Caribbean.

Patty is survived by her husband of 35 years; daughters Kelley Swift and Megan Tibball (Jeff), all of Fairfield, and grandchildren Jordan and Brendan Tibball, and Jackson Swift.

Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and caregivers at Bridgeport Hospital who took good care of her, and made her final time peaceful and comfortable.

Visiting hours are Monday (January 29, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Luke Church on Tuesday (January 30, 11 a.m.).

Patty Palmer

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All winter long, dogs are allowed on Compo Beach — and in the water.

These goldens enjoy the opportunity, oblivious they are the subjects of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Deborah Herbertson)

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And finally … Melanie — the one-named, much-loved singer/guitarist/ songwriter of the late ’60s and early ’70s — died Thursday. She was 76. Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)

(Real estate news? Police reports? Obituaries? Whatever you’re looking for, it’s here at “06880.” This is your hyper-local blog — and it’s reader-supported. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Obituaries, Police, Real estate

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Inside Edgemarth Hill

Posted on January 21, 2024 | 30 comments

Scott Smith has been fascinated by what he calls “the ramshackle architectural folly” on Edgemarth Hill Road for 20 years. He writes:

Today I drove by to see 2 guys hauling away all the wood and trash that had collected on the property for decades.

I asked if it was a complete teardown. One fellow said, “Yeah – wanna take a look inside?”

You bet I did.

I’m sure there are treasures inside among all the mess, but it will all go to landfill. I think the house sold a year ago or so, and as it’s 3 acres, no doubt a magnificent new home will rise in its place. Imagine the stories and the history in this old house.

(Photos/Scott Smith)

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Posted in Real estate

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Roundup: Compo Beach Playground, Rach’s Hope, Busta Rhymes …

Posted on January 17, 2024 | 4 comments

While assisting with a tree that fell across Compo Road South yesterday, the Westport Fire Department responded to a house fire nearby.

All occupants were safe, but a pet was killed in the blaze. Residents were unable to return home last night.

House fire on Compo Road South

Utility crews worked late into the night to replace multiple poles on South Compo, damaged by the downed tree.

(Photo/Alex Sherman)

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What do you want — or not want — in the Compo Beach playground renovation project?

All Westporters are invited to an open house this Saturday (January 20, noon to 1:30 p.m., Bedford Middle School cafeteria).

Play by Design, an offshoot of the original playground design company, is leading this project. Lisa Deshano will present the preliminary designs. A Q-and-A session and comments from key committee members follows.

The renovation is the centennial project of the Westport Rotary Club, which constructed the original playground in 1986 and subsequent renovation in 2006. Both were done in conjunction with the Westport Young Woman’s League.

The Compo Beach playground is quiet in winter. Soon — with community input — it will be hopping again. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)

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Clarence Hayes saw this morning’s “06880” post by Scott Smith — about clear-cutting trees before building new, large homes — and immediately thought of Newtown Turnpike.

He sent this photo, calling it “a perfect picture to illustrate mindless cutting for the convenience of a developer.”

(Photo/Clarence Hayes)

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Each year, Milford‘s Foran High School wrestling team chooses a charity to support. This year they selected Rach’s Hope — the non-profit that honors the memory of the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died just before her senior year at Cornell University after a rare reaction to common medication.

Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care

The Foran wrestlers helped at the annual Walk for Rach’s Hope at Compo Beach in October. They sold t-shirts with the tagline “We Choose Hope,” which they designed.

Last week, they dedicated their home opening match to Rach’s Hope. The gym was filled with supporters.

Team captains eloquently shared the story and mission of Rach’s Hope — and then presented Rachel’s parents, Alan and Lisa, with a $5,000 check.

“The love and support in the gym from spectators and the team were palpable,” says Lisa.

“The wrestlers wore Rach’s Hope singlets with pride. It was an extraordinary event.

“What an incredibly warm group of high school students. They are not only dedicated and empathic to both their sport and our cause, but the effort they put into raising funds for Rach’s Hope was over the top.”

Next up for Rach’s Hope: the 5th annual PJ Gala (FTC in Fairfield). Click here for tickets. Click here to learn more about Rach’s Hope.

The Foran High School wrestling team. The backs of their shirts say, “We Choose Hope.”

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COQODAQ — a new fried chicken “concept” — opened recently in the heart of New York’s Flatiron district. Mayor Eric Adams cut the ribbon, and Busta Rhymes delivered a surprise performance.

The “06880” connection: Staples High School graduate and returned-to-Westport resident Jacqueline Broder Hensel is a partner in Gracious Hospitality Management, which developed COQODAQ.

Romilly Newman (“the Gen-Z Martha Stewart”), Jacqueline Broder Hensel and Busta Rhymes. 

Grub Street says they

turned the space that once housed Rocco DiSpirito’s reality-TV restaurant into a glittering room dedicated to the veneration of this humble bird: A series of luminescent golden arches form a nave under which two banks of booths scallop out, and the walls are covered in a dermis of subtly textured golden panels.

“We wanted to create a cathedral of fried chicken,” (award-winning restaurateur  Simon) Kim says.

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Westport Writers’ Workshop picked the perfect spot for their 3rd annual Pitch & Publish Conference (March 16): the Westport Library.

The event is aimed at anyone seeking a literary agent, hoping to be educated about the industry at large, or looking to meet and be inspired by authors, agents and editors. T

Keynote speaker Leigh Stein is a fiction writer, poet and memoirist.

The conference begins Friday, March 15 with a welcome party at WWW (25 Sylvan Lane), followed by Saturday’s panels, one-on-one pitches, and a wrap party.

New this year: Each agent will read 5 pages of a writer’s work (in addition to their query letter); a mini “practice your pitch” session, and a catered lunch.

The after-party is at Basso.

Individual tickets for the conference only are $350 each (walk-ins accepted); tickets for the conference plus 2 one-on-one pitches with literary agents are $600 each before February 9, $675 each thereafter. Click here to register, and for more information.

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Longtime Westport resident Nancy Wilder died peacefully on January 6. She was 95.

A 1949 Mt. Holyoke College graduate, she remained active throughout her life keeping alumnae connected with each other, and the school.

Nancy was married to Milo Wilder for over 50 years. They had 2 sons, Sandy and Scott (“Hoover”). Scott died in 2008, after becoming a quadriplegic in 1974. They joyfully cared for him all those years until Milo’s death 2000. She then selflessly cared for him alone for the rest of his life. Sandy now lives in the St. Louis area. Nancy lived in Westport for the last 67 years.

Nancy is survived by her grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Duncan Wilder, Holly Wilder, Katharine Burgdorff Tyler, Lauren Burgdorff Frederick, and Douglas James Burgdorff.

Nancy was very active in her boys’ education, serving on many PTA boards and traveling often to watch their sports events from childhood through college. She was primarily a stay-at-home mom, although she did bookkeping for her husband’s company for many years.

Nancy adored her many golden retrievers and cats, was an active boater with her husband, and played tennis weekly with many good friends for much of her adult life. She loved watching tennis, golf, the New York Yankees and University of Connecticut women’s basketball.

Her (and her family’s) favorite place is Southwest Harbor, Maine. She went there every summer of her life. She met her husband-to-be there, and has ancestors in the region dating to the 1600s. She felt especially grateful that she got to spend all of July and August there last summer. Her favorite activity was visiting with family on the deck, looking out at Norwood Cove, the Causeway Club, and the mountains of Acadia National Park.

Nancy loved to do jigsaw puzzles, read, and visit with family She had a special knack for helping people feel deeply valued and appreciated independent of their age, like a cheerleader of the soul.

She had many friends she kept in touch with. After Scott’s death, many of his friends adopted her as their “second mom.”

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held March 2 (2 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory can be made to Community Servings, Euphrates Institute or Rumphius Foundation.

Nancy Wilder

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As winter weather finally sets in this week, Pam Docters captured this “Westport … Naturally” image.

It shows the Saugatuck River downtown, looking toward Gorham Island. For the first time in a while: brrrrrr. (With apologies to our friends in Buffalo, where it actually is cold.)

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … it’s a short hop from COCODAQ (story above) to “06880.” Welcome to Westport (or at least, our hyper-local blog), Busta Rhymes!

(To honor Busta Rhymes’ first appearance in our “06880” pages, please click here. You can donate in honor of anyone else on earth there too. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment, Obituaries, Real estate, Restaurants

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[OPINION] New Homes Should Be Sustainable, Biodiverse

Posted on January 17, 2024 | 19 comments

Scott Smith is an alert “06880” reader, a longtime Westporter and an ardent environmentalist. He writes:

As the owner of a modest Westport home that will surely be torn down once I’m gone, I’ve long read with interest stories about the fate of similar properties around town.

It’s sad to see photos showing strips of yellow police tape and a demolition notice in front of the excavator doing its business – erasing a house that surely held generations of good memories.

Sadder still is to read of all the mature trees cut down and old growth obliterated, often with clear-cut efficiency, to make way for the new McMansion to come.

New construction, on Ferry Lane East.

That’s progress, I guess. Trees are a renewable resource, and I’m sure a new family will be making happy memories in their shiny new home, with its upsized square footage and tax roll valuation. Good for them – and for helping keep our Grand List mill rate enviably low.

But here’s what strikes me about these spanking new trophy homes: After spending 2 or 3 million dollars on the house itself, why are these new homeowners content with a cheapo landscape design that typically consists of a puny row of boxwood shrubs along a Belgian-brick pathway to the door, and a yard of wall-to-wall sod?

These cookie-cutter plots are not just aesthetic wastelands. They are also effectively sterile environments that do nothing to help preserve and perpetuate native plants and wildlife.

So, while I don’t wish to add to the town-wide rules about how to renovate a private property for future use, I suggest the town be more proactive in encouraging developers and new homeowners to have a landscaping plan that emphasizes planting more native shrubs, trees and perennial flowers, rather than a lawn of monoculture grass and a few foreign ornamentals.

A more thoughtful, sustainable approach to landscaping would protect threatened populations of local birds and pollinators, and more of the native plants and animals we like to see. It could also reduce the ruinous amount of toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers needed to keep these mow-and-blow yards manicured, but which poison the ground and pollute our waterways.

Fortunately, there are many resources to help enhance both property values and our shared natural habitat.

Westport’s Pollinator Pathways, a collaborative effort by Wakeman Town Farm, Earthplace, the Westport Garden Club and others, encourages public and private properties to restore or create pesticide-free plant habitats for pollinating insects and wildlife to rest, eat and breed.

Grown close enough together (native bees have a range of about 800 yards) and near larger parks and preserves, pollinator pathways aim to “defragment” the urban/suburban environment so it can support sustainable populations of wildlife.

Aspetuck Land Trust has its own Green Corridor initiative, which invites area gardeners to plant native, switch to organic or zero-emissions lawn care services, and stop using pesticides.

That seems to me a worthwhile goal that all homeowners, new and old, should rally behind.

The passions generated by the besieged community gardeners at Long Lots testify to a strong desire to preserve and protect our existing greenscape.

So too do the efforts of those who spread daffodils throughout the town. Those fetching blossoms each spring — even if native pollinators or even deer want nothing to do with them — are a further sign that Westporters value a collective effort to both beautify and enhance our natural landscape.

Let’s urge the area’s developers and landscapers to join in creating a more sustainable, biodiverse community, starting with the clean slate that comes with each new Westport home.

(“06880” welcomes opinion pieces — along with everything else we post. To support our hyperlocal work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Real estate

Tagged , ,

Roundup: Dr. Clarence Jones, Taylor Swift, Joe Tacopina …

Posted on January 16, 2024 | 9 comments

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King famously said: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

If you missed Sunday’s Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Westport Library, you should run, walk or crawl to this link:

 

Dr. Clarence Jones — King’s 93-year-old speechwriter, personal attorney and friend — delivered an emotional and inspirational master class in history, justice, and the power of one individual to change the world.

Many of those who were there Sunday will want to watch the video too.

And for all of us, Dr. Jones’ words will resonate for years to come.

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Calling all Swifties!

The Westport Country Playhouse hosts a special show, with songs from every Taylor Swift era.

Spoiler alert: The hottest entertainer on the planet won’t be there. But “powerhouse voices” will sing Swift’s songs.

The February 2 event (7 p.m.) is a benefit for the WCP’s Woodward Internship program. Tickets are $55, $65 and $75. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

She won’t appear at the Playhouse on February 2. But “powerhouse voices” singing her songs will be there.

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Donald Trump has lost another lawyer.

This one is our neighbor: Westporter Joe Tacopina.

The New York Times reported yesterday:

Joseph Tacopina, the trial lawyer on Donald J. Trump’s legal team with the most successes defending high-profile clients, will no longer represent the former president in his criminal trial in Manhattan, according to a notice sent to the court on Monday.

Mr. Tacopina also withdrew on Monday from another case in which he was still legally representing Mr. Trump: an appeal of the verdict in a lawsuit brought by the writer E. Jean Carroll. Mr. Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation last year and was ordered to pay Ms. Carroll $5 million.

It was not clear why Mr. Tacopina decided to withdraw, and he declined to comment.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)

Attorney Joseph Tacopina sat at former President Trump’s left hand, at an arraignment in April. (Photo/Curtis Means for EPA)

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Judy Michaelis of Coldwell Banker sends this real estate report:

“Across the board, 2023 was flat compared with 2022.

“Days on market, 68, is same as the last 2 years.

“The median sales price – $2,000,000 — is the same as last year.

“The list to sales price is just over 1% of asking price, same as last year.

“The only thing that has changed is that our sales are down 24%, and that is because we had a lack of inventory.”


This 6-bedroom, 6 1/2-bathroom, 6,585-square foot house, on 4 acres at 69 Beachside Avenue, is listed for $7,950,000.

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Village Pediatrics has just finished a major renovation.

Their rooms have an outdoor theme (skiing, camping, water activities, biking, outer space). A fun rainbow goes the entire length of the office; it’s an “all are welcome here” shoutout for everyone to see.

To show off their new space, Village Pediatrics hosts an open house this Thursday (January 18, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., 323 Riverside Avenue). Providers will be there to meet “new patients, and expecting patients.”

They’ll answer questions about their practice, which includes daily walk-in sick visits for acute issues, weekend availability for sick and well visits, late hours on Thursday evenings, Saturday check-ups, 24/7 on-call provider for emergencies, extended time at well visits, in-house lactation consults, ADHD and anxiety medication management, Accutane — and ear piercing.

Questions? Email office@villagepedi.com. Click below for a tour of their newly renovated space.

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Valentine’s Day is next month.

But the Westport Young Woman’s League Galentine’s Bingo is January 31 (7 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church).

Tickets are $30, and include bingo (with prizes from local vendors), and light refreshments. Click here to purchase, and for more information. The event is BYOB.

Proceeds help fun WYWL’s Grants Program. Last year, the organization donated $90,000 to charities and nonprofits.

Questions? Email funddevelopment@wywl.com.

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We never tire of photos of clouds over Compo Beach. They constantly change; we never see the same scene twice.

Jim Hood took today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot a few days ago. It’s another winner.

(Photo/Jim Hood)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Library, Local business, Organizations, Politics, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse

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Gloria Gouveia: Land Use Pioneer Plans For The Future

Posted on January 8, 2024 | 16 comments

In 1978, Gloria Gouveia was hired as Westport’s zoning enforcement officer.

The news made headlines. She was believed to be the first woman in that role, anywhere in Connecticut.

Gloria Gouveia, age 26

She was just 26 years old.

Gouveia was certainly well qualified. She had studied architecture and construction in college; led a planning study that identified every apartment in Norwalk, and worked for the South Norwalk Redevelopment Agency.

In Westport, she did “everything.” She issued zoning permits and certificates of compliance; enforced regulations; followed up on complaints, and testified in court.

Gouveia was particularly adept at spotting — and removing — illegal Post Road signs

She was Arnie Kaye’s nemesis. The controversial arcade owner once chained himself to Town Hall, protesting one of the zoning enforcement officer’s actions.

But Gouveia was also fair. With her encyclopedic knowledge of Westport’s zoning regulations, she knew that a section from the 1950s would aid Kaye through a review of non-conforming uses.

“Why would you help me?” he asked.

“That’s part of my job,” she replied.

For 6 years Gouveia learned all about fire, building, conservation and engineering codes, and how they fit together.

A modernization project between 1978-81 connected 9 separate buildings, into one unified Staples High School. (Photo/Steve Turner)

Because she was the official who released bonds, she learned to identify trees and shrubs — to tell if developers followed the landscape plans they’d submitted.

And she counted parking spaces, to determine whether lots actually conformed to the law.

Her job title changed to “zoning administrator.” She became am ombudsman, advising residents and developers on the many steps needed to obtain a permit.

Gouveia was there during the first modernization project of Staples High School; the construction of the first condominiums (Harvest Commons, Regents Park and Lansdowne), and the first office buildings on Post Road West.

In late 1983 she left Town Hall. Developers worried they’d lost their guide through the regulatory thicket. They asked if she would still help, as a consultant.

On January 6, 1984, Gouveia hung out her shingle. She called her new business “Land Use Consultants.” That’s a generic term now. Back then, it was innovative.

Gloria Gouveia (Photo/JC Martin)

Forty years later, she is still thriving. She advises on any element of construction and land use. Zoning permits, wetland issues, tax assessment appeals … if it involves Town Hall, the Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission (or anything similar), Gouveia can help.

She’s worked throughout New England and New York. These days — to avoid commutes — she prefers to stay in Westport.

Her office is within walking distance of Town Hall. She feels at home there — and she knows exactly what to do once she walks in.

Today’s regulations are much more complex than when she began, Gouveia says.

Water-related issues are regulated more closely now. Erosion and sediment are major concerns, for example, as waterways silt up and become both shallower and wider.

Back in the day too, no one worried about the impact of lights on the night sky.

As Gouveia has seen many changes in Westport’s attitudes toward development, among town officials and residents alike, her own views have evolved.

After approving a number of large office structures — including the controversial Gorham Island building in the 1970s and early ’80s — the P&Z took an anti-development stance.

The Gorham Island office building replaced a near century-old home.

Gouveia agreed with the new approach.

Over time, she says, Westport administrations became more pro-developer. One major reason: maintaining a strong tax base.

“When I was younger, I was not conservative about anything,” Gouveia says. “Now I see the importance of balance in a community.”

As she looks back at the history of development of Westport, she recalls the 1950s building boom in single-family houses that replaced farmland and open spaces.

“Panicked” at the thought of building so many new schools for new arrivals, the P&Z rezoned many areas. That restricted development by half, Gouveia says.

Then came the rise in gas stations and car dealerships, followed by office buildings and condos.

Today, Gouveia says, we are back to residential development — though this time, in many different forms.

What’s next?

“I see so many empty office buildings in town,” says Gouveia. “Their method of construction and infrastructure was excellent. That’s where we should be looking to build new housing — especially affordable housing.

“We have no more land. But look at Post Road West. It’s a corporate park district. There’s beautiful land, lots of parking, and they’re well built. That could be transformed thoughtfully into apartment use.”

Reflections of 315 Post Road West. (Photo/Amy Schneider)

She envisions the same thing happening at the Greens Farms Road office complex.

Even Nyala Farm. “We could provide housing there, without interrupting the commercial use — and without doing anything to the land around it,” she says.

Similarly, Gouveia thinks housing could be developed at the former Bridgewater office on Weston Road, rather than the current plan of building on the adjacent open space.

“The market for office space was dwindling before the pandemic,” she notes. “COVID just hastened it.”

It’s no longer remarkable to see a woman in her role. It’s no longer innovative to be a “land use consultant.”

For nearly half a century Gouveia has administered, adjudicated and advised Westport homeowners, developers and town officials about every conceivable aspect of land use.

You’d think she’s seen it all.

Nope.

There’s always a new idea, a new use (or re-use), a new controversy, a new regulation.

And for years to come, Gloria Gouveia will be eager to examine, explore and explain them all.

(“06880” is your source for hyper-local journalism. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Michael Bolton, Long Lots Meeting, Cobs Bread …

Posted on January 6, 2024 | 2 comments

Westporters are wishing a quick recovery to our neighbor, Michael Bolton.

In a note to fans yesterday, the worldwide pop star revealed he was diagnosed with a brain tumor just before Christmas. He was operated on immediately.

“Thanks to my incredible medical team, the surgery was a success,” he said on Facebook. “I am now recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family.”

Bolton will take a “temporary break” from touring, he added. Click here for a full story. (Hat tip: Leah Nash)

Michael Bolton

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The next meeting of the Long Lots School Building Committee is Tuesday (January 9, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 307/309).

After an executive session to discuss contracts, a work session will include “possible modifications to plans and benchmarking.”

The public is welcome to attend, but may not participate in the work session.

Discussion continues on the Long Lots Elementary School project.

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Cobs Bread opened this morning. They replace Jersey Mike’s, in Compo Acres Shopping Center between Trader Joe’s and Pokeworks.

The “artisan bread” chain has over 700 franchises in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, with a smaller presence in the US.

Two other Connecticut locations are Stamford and Greenwich. Click here for the company website (and the menu).

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

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A box truck struck a utility pole on Post Road East yesterday morning, near Colonial Green.

Power and cable access was knocked out to nearly 600 customers in the downtown area.

Kudos to Eversource and Optimum, for their near lightning-quick response. Both restored service in about an hour.

Thanks too to the Westport Police, who quickly blocked off and diverted traffic between Compo Road, and Imperial and Myrtle Avenues.

Crews working on Post Road East utility pole. (Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Though car thefts have declined recently in Westport, vigilance is still needed.

Ray Broady sends along a brief video from Ring (click here to see). It was posted by someone at the Westport train station, who saw a car pull up next to a parked vehicle.

A man jumped out and attempted to open the doors of several cars.

This is NOT what was filmed at the train station. 

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44 Compo Cove — perhaps the most-photographed house in Westport, standing proudly and oblivious to hurricanes and nor’easters for over a century just over the pedestrian bridge from Old Mill Beach — has also drawn plenty of attention as its new owners have begun the process of renovating and moving it a bit from the shore.

This was the scene yesterday, as workers began to place it in its new location:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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This is not the first pileated woodpecker to be featured in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

But it may be the most active. Here he is, mid-peck:

(Photo/Paul Delano)

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And finally … David Soul, half the star of the 1970s hit TV show “Starsky & Hutch,” died Thursday. He was 80.

He also had a #1 hit in 1977, with this song:

Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” is your reader-supported source for hyper-local news. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Real Estate Stats, Marigny Gifts, Early Morning Runs …

Posted on January 3, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Real Estate Stats, Marigny Gifts, Early Morning Runs …

With interest rates high, how good (or bad) was the 2023 residential real estate market?

Mary Ann Lindwall of the Riverside Realty Group sends along these statistics, courtesy of SmartMLS.

Average Sales Price: The average sales price for single-family homes in Westport was $2,380,509, a modest increase of 0.6% from 2022.

Closed Sales: 327 homes were sold, a 24.8% drop from the previous year.

Inventory Reduction: The number of homes on sale now is 46, a sharp 40%  decrease from the 77 homes available at the start of last year.

Days on Market: The average number of days homes spent on the market — 54 — was unchanged from 2022.

Pending Home Sales: There are 20 homes in Westport awaiting closing dates.

Months’ Supply of Inventory: The months’ supply of inventory in Westport decreased by 22.7% from 2022, ending the year at just 1.7 months. According to the National Association of Realtors, this low supply level indicates that demand for homes is outpacing the available supply, potentially leading to further price increases in 2024.

Impact of Interest Rates: The Riverside Realty Group says, “A significant factor influencing the real estate market in 2023 was the rise in interest rates…. interest rates surpassed 8% in October, reaching their highest level in 23 years.

“Since the beginning of 2022, interest rates have more than doubled. Rising rates have led to buyers being priced out of the market, while sellers are inclined to hold on to properties they purchased at more favorable rates.

“This combination of factors, especially the surge in interest rates, has profoundly impacted the dynamics of the Westport real estate market.”

The most expensive home on the Westport market right now is this 4-bedroom, 5 1/2-bathroom, 8,246-square foot house on 1.35 acres, at 279 Saugatuck Avenue. It’s listed at $13,900,000.

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For months, residents of Marigny-le-Lozon gathered Christmas gifts for the children of Lyman, Ukraine.

More than 70 years after Westporters sent gifts to the French village — rebuilding,  after the devastation of World II, the town not far from the D-Day beaches was paying it forward.

It was our friends in Marigny who suggested, a year and a half ago, that we and they join together to help another town — this one in war-torn Ukraine.

Ukraine Aid International — a non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — facilitated the sister city partnership. They also ensured that Marigny’s gifts made their way directly to 300 children of Lyman.

Here is one of the many Ukrainian youngsters whose holiday was made brighter. Merci, Marigny.

(Photo courtesy of Rene Gautier)

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Fleet Feet is bringing back its partnership with New York Road Runners. Group training begins next Tuesday (January 9).

Workouts — geared to Fairfield County runners of all levels — offer coaching, camaraderie, and the inspiration that comes from running with others.

Runs are Tuesdays and Thursday mornings at 6:15 a.m., through March 14.

There’s also runner strength training at 10;30 on Wednesdays at the Westport Weston Family Y.

The fee is $255 for NYRR members, $295 for non-members. Click here for registration, and more information.

Fleet Feet also sponsors individual coaching, and a kids’ program. Click here for details.

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On the agenda for next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (January 8, 7 p.m., Zoom; www.westportct.gov ): a text and map amendment, and special permit/site plan application, to allow the use of medical offices at 55-57 Greens Farms Road, the office park next to Assumption Cemetery.

Click here for more details, and application materials.

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Officials have implemented new town records management system software. In an effort to combat property and mortgage fraud, residents who sign up will receive notification when official documents are recorded on their property.

Town Clerk Jeff Dunkerton says, “Property fraud can occur if someone forges your identity, transfers your property into their name, and records the document. This fraudulent activity can make it appear as if that person owns your home or property, and you may not have any idea that this happened. It is, unfortunately, becoming more prevalent today as cyber criminals exploit every avenue to cause harm and steal from citizens.”

Last year in Fairfield, a homeowner claimed a $1.5 million home was built on his property without his permission after someone fraudulently sold the land to a property developer.

For more information on the RecordHub software, click here.

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Club 203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — celebrates the new year with a splash, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

Click here for details on the January 13 (6:30 to 8 p.m.) event.

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Westporters took over the WCBS Channel 2 news yesterday — or at least, the weather and sports departments.

Regular chief meteorologist Lonnie Quinn was joined by substitute sports reports Dave Briggs.

Quinn has been with the station for several years. Briggs has been seen on Turner Sports/CNN, NBC Sports, FOX News and Yahoo Finance.

Lonnie Quinn (left) and Dave Briggs, on set.

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Longtime Westporter Maria Teresa Sales Ludovice de Gusmão Sá Couto died early Sunday away after a fierce, prolonged struggle with various health challenges. She was 81.

She was born and raised n Lisbon, Portugal on Nov. Her family says, “with extraordinary courage and resilience, Teresa and her husband Mário Luis Neves Sá Couto made a home with her family on 4 continents. They lived in Lisbon; Bissau, Guinea; Rio de Janeiro and Westport. She took great joy in, and was deeply dedicated to, raising her children and tending to her grandchildren.”

Teresa is survived by her husband; children, Inês Ludovice de Gusmão SáCouto Curwen (William), Susana Ludovice de Gusmão SáCouto (partner Manuella), and Nuno Pedro Ludovice de Gusmão SáCouto (Carrie); sister Maria Isabel Sales Ludovice de Gusmão; grandchildren Tomas Patrick, Maia Amelia, Daniel Kelly, Madeleine Eve and Max Leo, and extended family in Portugal.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Teresa will be held at St. Luke Church on Friday (January 5, noon).

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Archdiocese of Hartford Office of Radio & Television or St. Luke Church. To leave condolences for the family, click here.

Maria SaCouto

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Jim Hood has seen a lot of things from his home on Soundview Drive.

But never — until this year — did he see kayakers on New Year’s Day.

They were joined by more common denizens of Long Island Sound, which qualifies this as a “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jim Hood)

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And finally … on this date in 1870, work began on the Brooklyn Bridge.

(Westport connection: Johnny Maestro — former lead singer of the Crests, Del-Satins and Brooklyn Bridge — was a frequent performer at, and longtime favorite of, Festival Italiano.)

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Post Road Real Estate: Year-End Report

Posted on January 3, 2024 | 2 comments

Every so often since 2017, alert “06880” reader Bob Weingarten counts the number of “for lease” or “for sale” properties on Post Road East and West.

His most recent survey was last month. Bob says that 54 locations — offices, stores, restaurants, banks and entire buildings — were posted on Post Road East and West.

This is just 2 fewer units from his last count, in February 2023.  There are still multiple large office buildings available, plus a few smaller offices, 3 bank buildings, and other units. (Weingarten did not count available apartments and condominiums).

A few buildings are recently rented, like the old, long-vacant garden market that is now Tacombi restaurant; several smoke shops; nail salons (of course), medical offices, and the new Bond Vet that replaced Freshii.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

A few buildings are back on the market, including the former IHOP and then Westport Pancake House.

Also for lease: the large, strategically located and very expensive space that until a few days ago housed Patagonia. For decades previously, it was a bank.

The Amazon Fresh space (previously, Barnes & Noble) is not listed — but there has been no activity there for months.

This shopping center bustled when Barnes & Noble was there. With an empty storefront abandoned by Amazon Fresh: not so much.

Multiple stores have relocated, such as Pottery Barn from Main Street. It replaced Westport Hardware, which moved a few doors west in the same complex.

In the works:  The Clubhouse, a golf simulator and lounge. It’s taking over Pane e Bene restaurant.

“The Clubhouse” will replace the former Pane e Bene restaurant.

“There are lots of changes,” Weingarten summarizes.

“Even so, the number of ‘for lease or for sale’ properties is about the same as it was in 2017.” See below:

  • June 2017: 50
  • April 2019: 65
  • December 2019: 72
  • February 2022: 61
  • February 2023: 56
  • December 2023: 54

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3 properties available in February 2023 are still on the market. One has been rented. (Photos/Bob Weingarten)

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Posted in Local business, Real estate