Tag Archives: 50 Post Road West

Roundup: Get Ready For Snow! And More, Of Course …

Stocking up on bread and milk before a big snowstorm is not just a myth.

Westporters flocked to grocery stores all over town yesterday, preparing 48 hours early for whatever Mother Nature hurls our way. (The latest prediction is for a foot or more, beginning Sunday morning and continuing into Monday.)

These were scenes at Trader Joe’s:

(Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

(Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

The store usually restocks every night.

If they didn’t get a shipment of your favorite item, they’ll be out today.

And you’ll be s— out of luck.

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In other Big Snow news, Ciara Webster sends along a reminder: When you dig out, don’t forget your vents.

Carbon monoxide can build up — and kill.

Thanks, Ciara!

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Meanwhile, this was the temperature this morning — after the sun rose — on Saugatuck Shores:

(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

Stay warm!

And of course, once the snow flies: Send your photos to 06880blog@gmail.com.

We live for this stuff.

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There will no doubt be many cancellations on Sunday (and, over 5,000 Westport students hope, on Monday too).

Here’s one for today: New York Polyphony, scheduled for 5 p.m. at Christ & Holy Trinity Church. Organizers are concerned that the musicians would have problems returning home.

In addition, Monday’s “Pie & Politics” League of Women Voters event, set for Lyfe Café, has already been postponed.

New dates will be announced for both.

New York Polyphony

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Residents who subscribe to town meeting notices grew concerned yesterday, when they read the agenda for the Historic District Commission’s February 10 session (7 p.m., Zoom).

Among the items: “To take such action as the meeting may determine to oppose the issuance of the demolition permit for 50 Post Road West and require the full 180-day delay.”

That’s the Greek Revival structure — once owned by the Sherwood family — that for nearly 2 centuries has stood halfway up the hill, near the downtown bridge.

In July, “06880” reported that Westporter Tomás Botero would be renovating it, creating 13 apartments.

Had plans changed?

Fortunately, no.

The demolition permit is for the building in back. The Cape-style structure is in bad structural shape, and will be demolished. Four more apartments will be added there, in a new barn-style building.

Twenty percent of the 17 units will be affordable, according to state guidelines.

Other demolition requests on the HDC agenda include:

  • 8 Canal Road
  • 183 Hillspoint Road
  • 19 Turkey Hill Road North
  • 11 Dogwood Lane.

Click here for links to all related materials.

PS: Want to get on the mailing list for town meetings and agendas? Click here, and follow the prompts.

50 Post Road West will not be torn down. It will be renovated, for 13 apartments.

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Nearly every day, it seems, VersoFest adds another great session.

The latest: a conversation with Bangles co-founder Susanna Hoffs and Alisyn Camerota. Hoffs will also perform. The event is March 6 (7 p.m., Westport Library).

After her work with that best-selling band, Hoffs has recorded solo albums,a nd collaborated with (among others) Elvis Costello and Rufus Wainwright.

She also published a novel, “The Bird Has Flown,” which NPR called “a valentine to music.”

Camerota — a Westport resident — is a veteran journalist, and rock memoirist.

Click here for tickets, and more information. Click here for full details on VersoFest — the Library’s celebration of music, media and creativity.

Susanna Hoffs

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The Westport Country Playhouse continues to add a variety of programs to its winter schedule.

“Laura & Linda Benanti: Mothers Know Best” (February 28, 8 p.m.) features Tony Award-winner Laura with her mother Linda, in a humorous show about mother-daughter relationships.

Isaac Mizrahi and his jazz band return (March 7, 8 p.m.), with comedy, commentary, and music from Sondheim and Blondie to Comden and Madonna.

“2motherpluckers” are back too, with their musical about motherhood (March 10, 7 p.m.).

Tickets go on sale Tuesday (January 27, 1 p.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information 

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An adaptation of “America’s Lost Band” — a film about the Remains, the great group with Staples High School graduates Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs, who toured with the Beatles in 1966 but broke up on the brink of stardom — was one of CPTV’s 5 most-watched programs in 2025.

The film was produced by 1971 Staples grad Fred Cantor.

“Lost Band” was the only standalone documentary short in the top 5. Two were CPTV-produced episodic shows; the others were feature-length documentaries that premiered on CPTV.

Missed it — or want to see it again? Click here.

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Jerry Kuyper captured this intriguing “Westport … Naturally” scene at dawn yesterday, near Rayfield Road:

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And finally … the announcement that Bangles co-founder will be part of this year’s VersoFest (story above) brings to mind:

(Just another wintry weekend. Whether you’re leisurely sipping coffee, or panicking about the weather, here’s one way to pass the time: Click here to support “06880.” Thank you — and stay warm!)

Renovation, Apartments Planned For Historic Post Road Building

50 Post Road West is one of Westport’s most iconic buildings.

Since the 1800s, the Greek Revival structure — once owned by the Sherwood family — has stood halfway up the hill, near the downtown bridge.

Because eastbound traffic often stops opposite it, drivers have witnessed its slow, 3 decade-long deterioration.

Neglected 50 Post Road West, in 2021. (Photo/Frank Rosen)

Recently, they’ve watched — and wondered — as workers began its renovation.

The building’s owner — Botero Building Design & Construction, a high-end custom firm led by Westporter Tomás Botero — is doing something rare here.

Rather than knocking down the historic yet now decrepit building, they are restoring it.

Botero plans 13 apartments: 5 on each of the first 2 floors, and 3 on the top floor.

Four more will be included in a new barn-style building, in the back. It would replace a current Cape-style structure.

Twenty percent of the units will be affordable, according to state guidelines. The rest will rent at market rates.

Artist’s rendering for 50 Post Road West …

Last night, the Architectural Review Board considered the project. Members were supportive of the plans, which include tidying up the front, and elevating the roof line. The Doric columns will remain.

Representative Town Meeting member Lou Mall, who lives on Ludlow Road behind the property, called it “an incredible addition to the neighborhood– especially compared to the 8-30g monstrosity going up across the street” (between Post Road West and Cross Street).

In tandem with the ARB’s okay, Botero and LandTech, the Saugatuck engineering firm, will ask the Planning & Zoning Commission for a special permit. Now zoned for commercial use, it would be changed to multi-family housing. Construction could begin this fall.

Botero has maintained the property ever since purchasing it. They’ve cleaned the gutters, and patched the roof. The interior has been gutted (“to see what we’re up against,” Botero says).

Drivers stopped on the Post Road West hill have watched the work with interest — without knowing what’s happening.

Now, Botero is happy to explain.

“The location is great for apartments,” he says. “It’s near downtown, and not far from the train station.

“This is a historic building. We want it to blend into the fabric of Westport.

“Downtown is so well maintained. This has been a missing piece for way too long.”

… and the new building in back.

(“06880” reports regularly on real estate, local history, town government — and much more. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: Shred Day, Playhouse Benefit, Post Road West …

Shred it!

Westport’s 13th annual annual Shred Day is Saturday, September 24 (9 a.m. to noon, Greens Farms train station).

Residents may shred up to 8 paper bags (bags recycle too) or 3 boxes (12 inches by 18 inches) per household.  Each car will be charged $10. Proof of Westport residency is required.

Among the items often shredded: personal, confidential and sensitive papers, bank statements, cancelled checks, credit card statements, tax records and medical records.

For more information, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton by phone (203- 341-1110) e-mail (JDunkerton@westportct.gov).

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Everything is set for Saturday’s (September 17, 5:30 p.m.) Westport Country Playhouse benefit.

Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry (Angelica Schuyler in “Hamilton”) headlines a high-energy concert of Broadway, pop and soul, backed by a 7-piece band.

There’s a pre-show cocktail party and after-party with a DJ and dancing — plus an auction. Among the items:

  • A week’s stay for 8 at a Malibu beachfront home, and dinner at Pier Café.
  • 3 -hour sail on the 72-foot yacht Ticonderoga, from Riverside Yacht Club.  Choose a dinner sail for 12, or a cocktail cruise with appetizers for 20.
  • Metropolitan Opera premium box seats for 8 at the world premiere of “The Hours,” starring Renée Fleming and Westport’s own Kelli O’Hara. Post-performance champagne with Kelli in her dressing room.
  • 2 house seats for 5 must-see Broadway shows, curated by Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director. Dinner prior to one evening’s performance, plus round-trip car service.
  • A round of golf at Shorehaven Golf Club with Stephanie Szostak (avid golfer, film and TV actress), plus a lesson with a Shorehaven golf pro, gift certificate at the pro shop, and drinks at the club.
  • Coffee and conversation with Tony and Olivier Award winner Gavin Creel.
  • Catered dinner for 10 on the Playhouse stage with Playhouse actors and Mark Lamos.
  • Drinks or coffee in New York with film, television and stage actor Michael Urie.

Raffle prizes include a $15,000 Shopping Spree at Lux Bond & Green, and mezcal and taco tasting for 10 at Don Memo.

For more gala details, including tickets, click here.

Renee Elise Goldsberry

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50 Post Road West — the once-handsome, now decaying building on the left, heading into town — will not be redeveloped.

At least, not now.

50 Post Road West (Photo/Frank Rosen)

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Land use expert and engineer Rick Redniss reports: “After careful evaluation of the challenges in achieving a redevelopment that enhances the historic building and navigates the complex lengthy local and state approval process, the contract purchaser has elected to withdraw the pending text application (before the Planning & Zoning Commission).

“While trying to achieve a successful balance of costs and benefits it has become clear that taken as a whole, the effort does not ‘pencil out’ at this time.

“We thank everyone for their participation and hope that a future effort will help protect this historic building, so it can once again be an asset to Westport.”

There’s another Bridgewater in town.

Besides the world’s largest hedge fund, Westport is now home to Bridgewater Chocolate. The two have nothing to do with each other, besides our Zip Code.

The chocolatier — located in Parker Harding Plaza, near GG & Joe’s — was founded in the upstate town of Bridgewater (hence the name). This is their 4th store. Other locations are Brookfield and West Hartford.

Bridgewater Chocolatier’s grand opening is 4:30 p.m. today.

Bridgewater Chocolate (Photo and hat tip/Ifeseyi Gayle)

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Much-loved photographer Jerri Graham is September’s guest art exhibitor at Westport Book Shop.

It’s a true local show. Her images highlight the beauty and bounty of Wakeman Town Farm.

As a young girl, Graham learned darkroom techniques with her father. Together they experimented with negatives and light.

The exhibit is open during regular business hours at the used book store on Jesup Green. All artwork is available for purchase — and Graham will donate a portion of the proceeds back to the Town Farm.

To see more of Graham’s WTF photos, click here.

Jerri Graham’s photos, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Interested District 2 voters are invited to apply for a Representative Town Meetng vacancy. It was created by the resignation of Christine Meiers Schatz.

No party affiliation is required, as the RTM is non-partisan. The term runs through November 2023.

To apply, send a resume by September 23 to Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: JDunkerton@westportct.gov.

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Piano master Brian Marsella returns to the VFW this Thursday. He headlines Jazz at the Post, the weekly series that’s drawing rave reviews and large crowds.

He’s joined by Reid Taylor, Brian Floody and of course Westport’s own “jazz rabbi,” Greg Wall.

There are 2 sets on Thursday, September 15: 7 andn 8:30 p.m. (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue). There’s a $10 cover, and dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested: JazzAtThePost@gmail.com

Brian Marsella

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Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar features writer, author and wild bird rehabilitator Suzie Gilbert.

The author of the memoir “Flyaway: How a Wild Bird Rehabber Sought Adventure and Found Her Wings” and the novel “Unflappable” shares her love of the natural world and passion for wild birds, and her journey from raptor center volunteer to founder of a bird rehab center and author.

Click here to register.

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Kids love nature. They also love Victoria Kann.

On October 9 (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), they can combine both. The author will read from her popular “Pinkalicious: Treasuretastic” book, and sign copies. There’s also a scavenger hunt for natural treasures through the remarkable Blau House gardens, and a chance for children to take a bean home and watch it grow.

The gardens are at 9 Bayberry Ridge Road. Registration and payment ($10 per child, which includes a copy of the book) must be done by October 7. Click here for details.

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Sure, this entitled parking photo is from a few feet over the Westport line — it’s at Equinox, in Southport.

But the driver is a few feet over several lines — handicapped lines.

Allison Ziering Walmark, who saw this spectacularly selfish act, took note of the flag on the back. She writes: “Whoever parked this way must be so traumatized by the Queen’s demise, that he or she can’t think straight. Not one, but two handicapped spots!”

(Photo/Allison Ziering Walmark)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is both wondrous and scary: a ginormous wasp (or hornet?) nest, hanging heavily on a branch at the entrance to Grace Salmon Park:

(Photo/Marc Frankel)

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And finally … today’s song is a collaboration of 3 generations.

Longtime Westporter Barbara Reis has spent over 50 years writing musicals. They’ve been produced at the White Barn Theater, Fairfield Playhouse, Orpheum in New York and others.

She wrote the music in the video below. The lyrics are by her daughter, Rosalind Mae Reis. And the photos were taken by Barbara’s grandson, Eli Melet, at various national parks.

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(That’s it — another great grab bag o’ stories. To help keep them coming, please click here to donate to “06880.” Thank you!)