Tag Archives: accessory dwelling units

Roundup: Railroad Parking, Rink Skating, Sports Training …

Posted on January 17, 2026 | 4 comments

Effective Tuesday, the fine for parking illegally at the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations will double.

At the request of the Westport Police Department, the Select Board approved
an increase in the fine for non-permit holders parking in permit-only areas, from $25 to $50.

As always, daily parking areas are available at both stations for non-permit holders.

For more information on railroad parking, and to purchase a permit, click here.

Saugatuck train station permit-only parking lot.

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Westporters know the joys of skating at the PAL Rink at Longshore.

Now, many other people know too.

NewEngland.com included it — right near the top — in their list of “30 Best Winter Activities Across All 6 States.”

(Okay, it’s near the top because the states are listed alphabetically, and Connecticut is first. But still …)

The writeup says:

For more than 25 years, the Westport Police Athletic League (WPAL) has sponsored this winter gem located just steps from Long Island Sound.

Meeting NHL rink specifications, the outdoor facility is open to all, with daily, weekend, and season passes available. Visitors can find skate rentals and sharpening here, as well as figure skating lessons offered through the Westport Parks and Recreation Department that range from beginner to advanced levels.

We’re right up there with Powder Ridge, Franconia Notch, and Okemo, Stowe and Stratton.

Click here for all 30 spots. Then lace up your skates! (Hat tip: Bob Mitchell)

Westport PAL rink: a top New England attraction!

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Local athletes have many opportunities to receive specialized, sport-specific training.

The mental and nutrition aspects: Not so much.

Three professionals — Rhodie Lorenz, Carrie Potoff and Adriana Liberatore — now fill that gap.

The multi-disciplinary group — Saugatuck Mind and Sports Lab — offers athletes, coaches and parents team and 1-on-1 coaching and counseling.

Lorenz — well-known to Westporters as a co-founder of JoyRide — already had a thriving mental performance practice, specializing in high school and college athletes.

Potoff is a therapist. She aids many athletes in areas like anxiety and perfectionism.

Liberatore is a registered dietician, who also has experience with athletes’ fuel for performance and recovery.

The trio saw a gap between physical regimens, and off-the-field aspects of training. They’ve designed a holistic approach, but are also available individually.

“Coaches have only so much bandwidth,” Lorenz notes. “They understand the value of mental training and good nutrition. They’re able to reinforce what we provide.

“Athletes often seek help when they struggle, or suffer a setback,” she adds. “But they don’t have to be reactive. We can be proactive, providing the tolls and skills they need to overcome the inevitable stresses of sports.”

From left: Rhodie Lorenz, Carrie Potof, Adrianna Liberatore.

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Speaking of sports: Friends of the Senior Center are sponsoring a Super Bowl tailgate party. (Indoors, of course: February 8, 1 p.m.).

All ages are welcome to enjoy hot dogs, chips and dessert, plus a chance to meet Staples High School’s championship boys soccer and rugby teams.

PAL and Staples cheerleaders will perform.

And there’s a “guess the final score” contest, with prizes.

All ages are invited.

The state champion “futbol” team will be at the Senior Center football Super Bowl party on February 8. (Photo/John Walker)

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On Tuesday, the Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously denied an appeal of a previous Planning & Zoning Commission decision, to allow construction of an accessory dwelling unit at 21 Norwalk Avenue.

Adjacent Compo Beach neighborhood property owners David Johnson and Holly Jaffe had objected to the ADU, based on its 26-foot height and location 10 feet from the existing house. (Click here for a previous “06880” story on this issue.)

James Ezzes, ZBA chair, wrote that zoning regulations in effect at the time of the application allow construct of accessory dwelling units as of right; the proposed plans conform to the definite of an ADU and all applicable standards; regulations allow a 350-square foot coverage exemption for lots of 1.5 acres or less; and the zoning enforcement officer does not have discretion in the review of permits.

Neighbors in the area are considering a lawsuit.

The Norwalk Avenue home (top, 2nd from left), showing where the ADU would be situated. (Drone photo/John Videler)

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On January 25 (2 p.m.), Westport Library goers get a first look at the Shoah Memorial. The sculpture — coming soon to Fairfield University — seeks to “honor history, while actively stemming the tide of hate.”

The afternoon features a conversation between Dr. Mindy Hersh and her mother, Judy Hersh, a Holocaust survivor, followed by a panel discussion with Shoah Memorial artist Victoria Milstein; Shelly Krieger, the founding educator of the Holocaust Research Center; Holocaust survivor Michell Schell, and Marla Felton of Common Circles.

The Shoah Memorial Fairfield University project began when Paul Burger attended the unveiling of the original She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots sculpture Greensboro, North Carolina. Moved by its powerful message, he decided to bring the memorial to his community, to ensure its broader impact.

Fairfield University is already home to the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, and offers a Judaic Studies program.

Shoah Memorial

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Longtime Westport resident Wayne Paull died January 3. He was 79.

Wayne graduated from the University of Connecticut, where he earned a football scholarship. After college, Wayne joined the Army.

With his wife Lee’s support, Wayne chose a career as a movie cameraman. His work took him around the world, covering the PGA, Indy racing, the circus, and interviewing figures such as George H.W. Bush, the Dalai Lama, and countless other world leaders and fascinating figures.

He was predeceased by his wife. He is survived by his son Matthew (Leslie), and grandsons Brittain and Cooper.

A service will be held Monday (January 19, 11 a.m.) at Harding Funeral Home.

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Today’s mid-winter “Westport … Naturally” sign of life: this beach plum, at Old Mill.

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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And finally … on this date in 1920, Prohibition began in the United States. It lasted until 1933.

(There are many ways to spend a few bucks in Westport: Skating at Longshore. Drinks with friends. Clicking here, to make a tax-deductible donation to “06880.” Enjoy them all — and thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, History, Library, Longshore, Obituaries, Police, Real estate, religion, Sports

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[OPINION] Compo Neighbors: Common Sense Needed For ADU Setback

Posted on October 24, 2025 | 7 comments

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have been embraced by many Westporters. 

But in neighborhoods with dense housing — like Compo Beach — there can be unintended consequences.

David Johnson and Holly Jaffe live near the beach. They sent this letter — signed by 17 neighbors — to “06880.”

On Monday (October 27), the Planning & Zoning Commission needs to review a zoning permit issued last Friday by the Zoning Board of Appeals. It allows for an ADU on a postage stamp lot in the Compo Beach area.

[NOTE FROM “06880”: This item is not on Monday’s P&Z agenda. The November 3 meeting has been canceled. The Building Department may soon issue a building permit, for work to begin.]

It claims to adhere to the new regulation that an ADU be set back 10 feet from the primary dwelling.

According to Westport regulations, there should be no obstruction in the setback. Stairs and other means of egress are allowed.

However, they may only be 20% of the setback. The stairs and compressor platforms intrude over 5 feet into the 10-foot setback.

That is over 50% of the setback.

The Norwalk Avenue home (top, 2nd from left), showing where the ADU would be situated. (Drone photo/John Videler)

Were this to be allowed it would set a disturbing precedent for the entire town, not only the densely populated Compo Beach area.

Setbacks in our town are there for reasons: To ensure public safety.

To preserve health and welfare

To maintain neighborhood character, by creating open space between buildings and property lines

These regulations help provide adequate light and air, prevent overcrowding, facilitate public services, and protect against fire and other dangers.

This particular 26-foot high ADU “tower” affects at least 7 houses on Norwalk Avenue. And 7 houses on Westport Avenue.

Stairs and air conditioning compressors in the setback. The ADU would be built in the grassy area. (Photo/David Johnson)

Eighteen neighbors have signed petitions against this zoning permit. More are coming.

We wholeheartedly believe in the intent of the new ADU legislation, to provide alternative housing options for a myriad of folks in town here.

Please don’t misunderstand. But it can’t be the Wild West. It’s got to be soberly and appropriately reviewed, using common sense.

We hope that in their last meeting prior to the election, the Planning & Zoning Commission will consider the unexpected impact of this regulation.

Is this what the commission intended?

Thank you.

  • KEVIN RAKIN, 25 Norwalk Avenue
  • ALISON HOFFMAN, 25 Norwalk Avenue
  • JACKIE DUVOISIN, 6 Roosevelt Road
  • EILEEN WINNICK, 36 Treadwell Avenue
  • JEFF GILL, 6 Westport Avenue
  • HOLLY JAFFE, 15 Bradley Street, Direct Abutter
  • STAN CROUCH, 12 Murvon Court
  • BOB LIPIRA, 19 Norwalk Ave, Direct Abutter
  • TINA CROUCH, 12 Murvon Court
  • DAVID JOHNSON, 15 Bradley St, Direct Abutter
  • JOHN VIDELER, 138 Compo Road South
  • EILEEN BELMONT, 41 Regents Park
  • MARY ANNE LIPIRA, 19 Norwalk Ave, Direct Abutter
  • BRIAN APPEL, 311 Wilton Road
  • DANIELLA LIPIRA, 19 Norwalk Ave, Direct Abutter
  • and 3 others

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Posted in Local politics, Real estate

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Real Estate: ’24 Prices Rose; Tight Market Continues

Posted on January 7, 2025 | 11 comments

Westport’s housing market surged during COVID.

In fact, more people moved here that year than to any other place in Connecticut. And that’s raw numbers — not percentages.

Could the strong market continue?

Yes.

Our friends at KMS Team at Compass say that for the 308 homes sold in 2024, the median sales price was $2,150,000. That’s 6.7% higher than the previous year.

But as prices rise, the number of homes on the market shrinks. Those 308 properties were the lowerst in over a decade.

In 2023, 327 homes were sold. Three years earlier — at the height of the pandemic — 639 houses changed hands.

The average sales price in 2024 wsa $2,483, 276. That’s more than $100,000 over the 2023 average of $2,380,204.

The average price per square foot edged up too: $571, from $565.

The median sales price of $2.15 million was up too: $135,000 higher than the year before.

The graph below shows details:

 

Meanwhile, despite stronger new listings than the prior December, Westport’s inventory of homes for sale remains very tight.

With less than 1 month’s sales quantity on the market in the under-$2 mllion range (8 properties), home buyers have little to choose from.

Why are so few homes on the market?

KMS Team’s Michael Mombello explains, “People are staying put, because they are locked into loans under 3%.”

In addition, many empty nester want to downsize or “rightsize.” But, Momebello says, “they are extremely picky. They do not want to give up a certain standard that they have achieved, living in a town with incredible amenities.

“They would go smaller. However, there is nothing on the market to look at. Many want to purchase and know where they are going before they list the home they raised a family in.” So the tight housing market continues.

120-122 Beachside Avenue remains the most expensive property on the Westport market. Listed at $25 million, the 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom home on 6 1/2 waterfront acres includes a tennis pavilion, manicured garden entry, and cobblestone courtyard with fountain. 

Meanwhile, the pool of potential buyers remains strong. Residents who moved to town recently now want to purchase. More city dwellers are ready to come to the suburbs. Grandparents want to move closer to their children and grandkids.

All of those factors have helped raise prices. The majority of homes listed for sale are over $3 million, bringing the average list price to $4,503,981.

The median price is only slightly less: $4,100,000. See the graph below for details.

As for 2025: While KMS Team at Compass expects new inventory to hit the market in advance of the traditional spring selling season, they believe it will remain tight in the lower price ranges.

Competition will remain fierce for Westport homes priced under $3 million. Buyers seeking homes in this range need to be prepared, and ready to act fast.

The luxury market, they say, will be “neutral from a buyer-seller standpoint. Buyers in this range typically have the wherewithal to wait for the right property, at the right price, and sellers of these properties do not ordinarily need to unload their property quickly.”

Mortgage rates are always a concern. Karen Scott says KMS Team at Compass is telling clients that today’s interest rates are “the new normal,” compared to the unprecedented low rates of 5 years ago.

“We don’t expect much fluctuation in rates,” she says. “Buyers should work with their mortgage brokers and lenders to determine what options are best for their personal situations.”

The least expensive single-family house in Westport right now is 65 Grove Point Road, off Hillspoint. The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,722-square foot home was built in 1935. It is listed for $899,900.

Looking at new construction trends, Mombello says, “the white house is a New England classic. It’s not going anywhere. I do think shutters will make a comeback, as a way of distinguishing your front facade.”

He sees a great emphasis now on “tasteful, pulled back, not overly wrought landscaping.”

Mombello notes too a growing interest in houses with “a distinct or unique character. Not so cookie-cutter, and with hallmarks of great quality and authenticity.”

He observes “more room separation again, for a cozier feel,” with “fewer requests for full-on, sterile open floor plans.”

Great natural light is still extremely valuable, Mombello says. “Let the outside in!”

People love move-in or turnkey conditions. However, he notes, “if it has charm and is in a prime location, they will take on othe updates themselves, over time.”

Large homes are not all that realtors sell, of course. Accessory dwelling units continue to increase in popularity.

Chatter continues in town about new apartment buildings, potential condo complexes and property subdivisions.

“Builders and developers would not propose these developments if there wasn’t demand for them,” Scott says.

(Since 2009, “06880” has reported on Westport’s often-changing real estate market. If you appreciate this coverage — or anything else on our blog — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Roundup: Oystercatchers, Lanternflies, ADUs …

Posted on July 4, 2024 | 4 comments

Several “06880” readers want to know: How did the American oystercatchers — whose nests are protected on Compo’s South Beach — fare during the fireworks?

Jess Esposito-Halka — coastal water bird technician with Audubon Connecticut — reports: “Overall, the event went well. Everyone we chatted with was happy to know we were there to monitor the birds, and most were respectful of keeping their distance from the fence line.

“A couple of drone issues were resolved as the evening went on. No birds were injured.

“The actual display was quite traumatic for the chick, who was left alone while the parents fled the area. But all was okay after the display’s finale, and the parents returned.

“I went back yesterday morning to check in. The parents and chick were resting along the lower fence line, likely exhausted from the late night.

“Six fish crows were causing some disturbance due to some trash inside the fenced area, I removed it this morning before I left.”

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Speaking of the environment: Nikola Freeman writes with a message about a very common invasive plant — the tree of heaven — and the very invasive spotted lanternflies that feed on it.

In his yard, and throughout his neighborhood, Nikola saw them everywhere.

“Now is a great time to take action,” Nikola says. “The flies are still small and grouped together.

“Spray the flies with vinegar to kill them off, and cut down as many of these weeds as possible whenever you see them. This helps take their food source away.”

Spotted lanternflies on tree of heaven, at Winslow Park last year. (Photo/Michael Mossman)

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Accessory dwelling units are now legal.

What to know more about these detached structures, which open Westport’s housing stock to residents looking to downsize, those who cannot afford to rent larger homes, and those who 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 Westport Library program (July 10, 7 p.m.) features Sheri Koones in conversation with Danielle Dobin, former Planning & Zoning Commission chair.

Koones’ book, “ADUs: The Perfect Housing Solution,” profiles 25 attractive, well-designed and energy efficient ADUs across North America.

Click here for more information.

Accessory dwelling unit, on Greens Farms Road.

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Sunday morning will be a quiet time at Compo Beach — especially compared to Tuesday’s fireworks, and today’s (dependent on the weather) holiday crowd.

But it’s the perfect spot for the summer 8:30 a.m. community worship service. This week’s host is the United Methodist church of Westport and Weston, led by Rev. Heather Sinclair.

Pivot Ministries — a faith-based residential treatment program in Bridgeport and Norwalk — will provide inspiring music and testimonies.  An offering will be collected to support their ministry.

Services run every Sunday through August 18, each week hosted by one of four churches: Green’s Farms Congregational, Norfield Congregational, Saugatuck Congregational Church and UMC.

A beach pass is not needed; tell the gate attendant  you are there for worship.  Bring a beach chair. Dress is casual. All are welcome.

Rev. Heather Sinclair leads a Sunday beach service last year.

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Speaking of Compo Beach: By yesterday morning — just hours after the last blast — Parks & Recreation crews had cleaned every pizza box, flip-flop, tent and table left behind.

It’s a remarkable transformation. And it meant that couples like this one could go back to enjoying the sun and sand, without sharing their space with 10,000 other people.

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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Google says there are 42,998 Subway locations worldwide.

It would have been just 1 shy of 43,000, but the Westport location closed a couple of years ago. (It’s now Savvy Smoker. Go figure.)

But there’s one fewer Subway on that list. The Southport location, a few yards over the border — where Westport teenagers and others craving a turkey, tuna or other have had to go — closed Monday.

The nearest one now is on Route 1 in Norwalk, near Marshalls, Truly Greek and the Staples office supply store.

Southport Subway. (Hat tip and photo/Seth Schachter)

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Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — celebrates today. Looking red, white and cute!

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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Photographer Julie O’Connor is the Westport Book Shop exhibitor for July. A reception is set for July 17 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).

Julie O’Connor

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Ruth Hartmann Kaufman — a longtime Westport resident, and former Staples High School teacher — died last month. She was 93.

The Passau, Germany native arrived with her family in June 1938 through Ellis Island. She lived in Troy and Albany, New York from 1938 until 1948, when she received a scholarship to Cornell University.

After graduating she married Arthur Kaufman. They were together for 77 years ,and married for 72.

Ruth earned a master’s degree from New York University in 1970. That year she began teaching new and somewhat controversial courses at Staples High School: Values Clarification, Family Relations, and Human Sexuality.

She continued teaching for more than 2 decades at Staples with her mentor and friend, Robert Selverstone.

Her family calls Ruth “a good teacher,  listener and friend to hundreds of young students as they flourished in their lives, relationships, ambitions and personal development.”

After teaching at Staples she became a travel agent. She explored the world with her husband, visiting cities, forests and countries on every continent.

She enjoyed tennis, rollerblading, skiing, hiking and baking desserts. Ruth and Arthur moved to Seattle in 2000, joining their daughter and grandchildren for another 25 years of hiking in the Pacific Northwest.

Ruth was grateful for the beauty of Westport all her life and spoke warmly of her many friends, the town’s beautiful beaches, and her family’s homes on West Ambler Road, High Point Road, and Covlee Drive.

Ruth is survived by her husband; their children Kenneth, Ronald, Douglas, Theodore and Catherine, and 18 grandchildren. Ruth’s family can be reached by email: Ron@RonKaufman.com.

Ruth Kaufman

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It’s Fresh Market osprey time again at “Westport … Naturally.”

Nearly every photo we’ve run has shown a color close-up of the magnificent raptors.

This one is different.

But still majestic.

(Photo/William Weiss)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming forum on accessory dwelling units (story above):

Bonus local connection: The animation above was created by Westport’s own Jeff Scher.

(Our blog is a very, very, very fine blog. To help keep it going, please donate by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Environment, Library, Local business, Obituaries, Real estate, religion, Restaurants

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ADUs: Spreading The Word On Housing Option

Posted on February 8, 2024 | 1 comment

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.

John Rountree knows about — and appreciates — ADUs. An architect specializing in net zero energy homes, he has already designed several.

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!)

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