We’ve already seen the first couple of artists’ drawings of Spinnaker’s plan for the Minute Man Cleaners’ parcel in Saugatuck.
The Norwalk-based developer hopes to build 157 market rate units of rental apartments on the 1.5-acre parcel at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Charles Street. Another 18 would be deed-restricted as affordable. There would be 283 underground parking spaces.
The view from the corner of Railroad Place (left) and Riverside Avenue.
The view down Riverside Avenue; train station is far left. Charles Street is on the right.
Now they’ve released architectural plans.
Level 2 (ground level)
Level 3
Level 5 (level 4 was not posted)
Level 6
Parking garage – level 1A
Parking garage – level 1
The Planning & Zoning Commission will hear a pre-application of the proposal on Monday (June 1, 6 p.m.; Zoom).
The Architectural Review Board discusses the pre-app the next night (Tuesday, June 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
Meanwhile, Westporters are getting their first look at the new Long Lots Elementary School.
The initial renderings have been released. Below is a computer-generated aerial view.
The new school (right) is north of the current school, which will be replaced by a parking lot (center). An athletic field (left) replaces the former Community Gardens.
The renderings also show the front entrance (below), as viewed from the parent drop-off lane …
,,, and the “Main Street” corridor. This view is from the Stepping Stones/after hours/weekend entrance, heading to the gymnasium …
… as well as the cafeteria.
They are drafts only. Architects are still working on those, and other renderings. More may be available next week.
The projected opening of the new school has been pushed back to January 2028 — after winter break. The previous plan was the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.
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.
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Applications must be made at least 7 days in advance. They’re limited to 1 reservation per household per season (a second may be granted, based on availability).
The centerpiece is Westport Pride’s townwide celebration (Saturday, June 22, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Jesup Green). Music, food, vendors, rainbows and much more — and (of course) everyone is invited!
Two weeks earlier (June 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Saugatuck Congregational Church hosts a family picnic and party on their front lawn
LGBTQ families — and allies, or course, — are invited to enjoy a bounce house, lawn games, face painting, crafts, hot dogs, cake, and more.
For more information, call 203-227-1261, or email sarah@saugatuckchurch.org.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Temple Israel has a host of activities planned for Pride Month too. They include:
“Unspoken” screening and discussion (June 10, 6 p.m.). The film is about a closeted teen in a religious community who discoverd that he might not be alone. A discussion with writer/director Jeremy Borison follows. Register here.
Pride Shabbat and concert with Elana Arian (June 13, 6:30 p.m.) open to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
Rainbow challah bake (June 21, 5:30 to 8 p.m.) — to be shared the next day, at Westport Pride. Open to all; register here.
Temple Israel is also organizing its first LGBTQ+ affinity group — a safe place for those who identify with the community, and allies. For more information, email jcadrain@tiwestport.org.
Meanwhile, Weston celebrates its own Pride on June 3 (4 to 6 p.m., Town Green, 56 Norfield Road).
They’ll raise a rainbow flag, hear from local officials supporting the town’s inclusive culture, and (in conjunction with the Weston Library) host a craft- and Pride-themed story time.
Oh, yeah: There’s an ice cream truck too!
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The Westport Library’s spring book sale opened yesterday, with a rush.
But there are still plenty of great volumes — and music, movies and more — available.
Hours are:
Today (Saturday): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (almost everything half-price)
Monday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (fill our logo bag for $10 per bag, or your own equivalent bag for $8, or buy individual books at half-price).
A tiny portion of the many books. (Photo/Pam Docters)
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The Architectural Review Board meets on May 27 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).
Among the agenda items: “To review and comment on the proposed construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School/Stepping Stones Pre-School…. Comments offered at the meeting will be considered in anticipation of further zoning review and approvals.”
So far, only general drawings have been shown of a new Long Lots School.
In just a few weeks,”Sunday Gravy” — the talk radio show hosted by Chris O’Dell (Staples High School athlete and coach), Mac DeVito (Staples football legend and coach), and Brian Philpott (son of Staples’ football defensive coordinator) — has gained a devoted following.
The conversation and banter is wide-ranging, casual, and always interesting.
Tomorrow’s show — from 12:10 to 1 p.m., on 95.9 FM and 600 AM WICC should be especially intriguing.
The 3 hosts will dive into the recent controversy involving the non-renewal of Staples boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense.
O’Dell has intimate knowledge of the situation. He was part of the Staples soccer staff for 20 years, and worked closely with Oost-Lievense.
“Sunday Gravy” is broadcast throughout southern Connecticut. But it’s very much a local production. Shows are taped at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios — and the 2 stations are owned by Westport-based Connoisseur Media.
“Sunday Gravy” crew, at Verso Studios (from left): Mac DeVito, Brian Philpott, Chris O’Dell.
As they prepare to leave Westport after several decades, Carl Swanson and JoAnn Miller must dispose of several large, compelling — but heavy — sculptures by their longtime friend, the late Kelley Spearen.
One has already found a new life. The couple donated it to Wakeman Town Farm, not far from their home off North Avenue.
The move was made recently. Today, it’s the newest — and most intriguing — addition to the Cross Highway farm.
The mural showing early-20th century Westport life — a decades-long feature of the long-gone Townly restaurant — was resurrected when Banana Republic moved in.
That store was briefly replaced by Oka. Now it’s gone.
But the mural can be seen, as work is done inside.
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Thousands of drivers on the Sherwood Island Connector have been stunned at the extent and speed of clear-cutting around the state Department of Transportation maintenance facility behind Walgreens.
Residents of the area — especially around Hillandale Road — are horrified. They wonder what will happen now that dozens of noise-shielding trees are gone.
One view, with the Sherwood Island Connector on the left …
The work occurred quickly, soon after permission was granted to construct a new building at the site.
Former Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin notes: “Sadly, state owned land is not subject to local zoning laws in Connecticut. The state is immune from following local zoning laws, and often does not notify the town of work.
“Connecticut communities really only exercise control over town-owned land. The state can do anything it wants essentially with this lot — and all the train parking lots too.”
… and another, from Hillandale Road. (Photos/Matt Snow)
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In June of 2021, years of controversy and lawsuits ended when — after long negotiations between the Planning & Zoning Commission, the developer and neighbors — the P&Z voted 5-0 to allow an apartment complex between Lincoln and Cross Streets, off Post Road West.
The proposed 6-story, 81-unit development was scaled back to 68 units. It was redesigned almost completely, eliminating a section that would tower over homes on Riverside Avenue. Fire safety and parking concerns were addressed to the satisfaction of Westport’s fire marshal.
And the developer would include 30% affordable housing.
But for nearly 4 years — after dilapidated housing was torn down — the land stood vacant.
Finally — following a change in ownership — the project has begun.
Enough new residents have come to town — and enough older ones have forgotten about the controversy — that almost daily, someone emails “06880” wondering about the construction.
The first element to go up — elevator shafts — made it look particularly spooky.
Lighthouse Living — the developer — did not respond to repeated emailed requests for comment.
Reached by phone, a representative in the leasing department said there would be studios, and 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. She thinks occupancy is about a year away.
Apartment construction, from Post Road West. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of new developments: After hackers disrupted, and ultimately canceled, Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, there was talk that the Hamlet at Saugatuck application — next on the agenda — would be added to the P&Z’s next session.
But the agenda for that meeting (April 21, 6 p.m., virtual at www.westportct.gov), does not include the controversial project.
Commissioners will discuss an indoor racquet sport facility at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, a modification of the site plan for 785 Post Road East (behind New Country Toyota), and an application to continue parking school buses for 2 more years at Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools, and Bedford Middle School.
The P&Z had already planned for public input into the Hamlet proposal at its April 28 meeting. That agenda has not yet been published.
And the Hamlet will be discussed at the Architectural Review Board meeting. It’s set for April 22 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).
Speaking still of developments: The land proposed for Summit Saugatuck’s new 157-unit housing complex on Hiawatha Lane Extension was clear-cut yesterday.
Carolanne Curry — a longtime opponent, and founder of the Save Our Saugatuck group that battled unsuccessfully against the development for nearly a decade — says, “There was no notice from anyone, or the town, that action has begun again.”
Cleared land, on Hiawatha Lane Extension. (Photo/Carolanne Curry)
Those are 2 products he can’t get anywhere else in the world. And they’ll be hit hard, if President Trump follows through on his threatened tariffs.
Yesterday, he entire country — at least, those who listen to NPR’s “Morning Edition” — heard the Westport native, and 2nd-generation CEO of the eponymous tri-state grocery store chain, discuss the impact of tariffs on his customers, his employees, and Stew Leonard’s’ bottom line.
Stew Leonard Jr. (Photo courtesy/Westchester Magazine)
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The first of 3 public workshops for the Westport Parks Master Plan is set for April 24 (6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Residents can meet the consultants, learn more about the planning process, and offer feedback.
The presentation will be available within a week, on the Parks & Recreation Department website. Additional workshops will be held in the summer and fall.
The Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading is “Paris.”
The “fierce, funny and subtle look at working-class America” is set for Monday, (April 14, 7 p.m.).
Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand curator Mark Shanahan calls it “a powerful, beautifully written play about the deep need to be seen, tackling issues of race, commerce, community, and invisibility in a small town workplace.”
The play is about one of the only Black people in Paris, Vermont. When she is hired at a store off the interstate selling everything from baby carrots to lawnmowers, she understands a new kind of isolation. “Paris” offers insights into invisibility, low pay, and how it feels to work on your feet 10 hours a day.
Tickets are $30. To purchase, and for more detailsclick here.
Hillary Fisher plays the lead role in “Paris.”
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The Weston Volunteer Fire Department is buying $215,000 worth of PFAS-free turnout gear.
Funds come entirely through their Benevolent Fund, which is supported by private donations.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that were used to make gear resistant to heat and water. Eesearch now shows that these “forever chemicals” build up in the body. They are linked to serious health concerns like cancer, hormone disruption and immune system problems.
For more information about the Weston Volunteer Fire Department or the current initiative, email contactus@wvfd.com.
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Our long wait is open.
At last, Westport will have its 9,294th nail spa.
The confusingly named Monday Nail Spa — which will be open more than 1 day per week — is now open.
It replaces Massage Envy. Perhaps Monday’s slogan should be: “Can’t get a massage? At least get your nails done!”
The latest addition to the Levitt Pavilion summer calendar: The Wood Brothers.
The noted roots music band — hailed as “freethinking songwriters, road warriors and community builders” — come to town on August 10. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today (Friday). Click here to purchase, and for more details.
Andrew Neilly, Jr. — former president and CEO of the book publisher John Wiley & Sons — died peacefully on February 4 at his Weston, Connecticut home. He was 101.
The Baltimore native joined the Army in World War II. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1947.
He was hired that year by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. in 1947. He married Janet Dayton. They raised their family in Weston, and lived there for over 60 years.
In 1971 Andrew became the first non-family member to be named president of Wiley. In 1979 he was named CEO. He served as vice chairman of the trustees until his retirement in 1995.
He entertained many well-known authors and publishers in Weston, where they discussed the role they should play in advancing education across the globe.
Andrew was elected chair of the Association of American Publishers, and president of the International Publishers Association — the first American to hold that position.
He was a trustee of the University of Rochester for many years. He and Janet established a deanship, and a lecture series that draws a diverse range of authors On March 6, flags were lowered to half-staff at the university, in his honor.
Andrew was a longtime member of Saugatuck Congregational Church. He was on several boards, and served as a deacon. He worked with Rev. Theodore Hoskins to establish Hoskins Place, an emergency shelter for women, and with Dr. James Gillespie to establish the Gillespie Center, an emergency shelter for men.
He loved painting watercolors, and studied under Charles Reid at the Silvermine Arts Center. His paintings were exhibited in many shows.
He is survived by Janet, his wife of 76; children Susan, Thomas (Jennifer) and Sarah (Carlos Paulino), 3 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Saugatuck Congregational Church on June 21 (11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Homes with Hope or Saugatuck Congregational Church.
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Upgrades to a pair of well-known Westport properties are on the agenda for next Tuesday’s Architectural Review Board Meeting (April 23, 7:30 p.m., Zoom).
Members will review a proposed façade modification and use of existing ancillary building for a floral studio and storage at 561 Post Road East.
That’s the small, gray 1900-era building — one of the last examples of a single-family house on the Post Road — owned by Terrain, at the corner of Crescent Road.
In 2011 — as part of its application process to open in town — Terrain agreed to preserve the house. They also promised not to use it for storage. That way, it would not count toward the number of parking spots needed.
In 2013, Terrain tried to gain 8 spaces by knocking down the house. The Planning & Zoning Commission denied their request.
For years, the house has been used for storage. Recently, Terrain replaced the roof.
The plan they’ll present to the ARB shows 642 square feet, where florists will build large custom planters for customers. The remaining 1,147 square feet would be used for storage.
The Terrain auxiliary building today (top), and the proposed renovation (bottom).
Renovations to the Inn at Longshore — long awaited, and much needed — are also on the ARB docket.
Interior work includes a new HVAC system, replacement of windows and doors, more guest rooms (and renovation of current rooms), updated ballroom and drawing rooms, updated lobby, completely remodeled kitchen, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and ADA compliance updates.
Architect Ken Nadler has proposed a new entrance with a porte cochère.
Other exterior renovations include a series of patios extending across the length of the building with access to the lawn and shoreline, new landscaping, upgraded exterior lighting and signage, and replacement of siding and roofing.
Site improvements also include a new drive entrance, enhanced parking, and a robust landscaping plan.
The current Inn at Longshore … (Photo/Amy Rizzuto Photography)
… and the proposed new look.
Enhanced patio behind La Plage restaurant.
A new terrace off the ballroom.
A third agenda item involves a much less visible property.
Greens Farms Academy plans an addition to an existing athletic facility, to include a fitness center, locker rooms and offices. The existing maintenance facility behind it would be demolished, with those offices relocated in the new building.
Artist’s rendering of Greens Farms Academy’s new athletic addition (right). The existing building is on the left.
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