Tag Archives: Green’s Farms Road

Towering Over Greens Farms Road

Posted on June 1, 2015 | 10 comments

Remember that 120-foot cell tower proposed for a private residence on Greens Farms Road?

It’s on hold — but drivers in the area have recently noticed a smaller tower, near — but not on — the property in question.

Emergency response tower - Greens Farms Road

Hold your texts and emails (if you can get a signal). This is not that cell tower.

It’s Westport’s Emergency Response System — and it’s been there since the mid-1980s. It was installed to warn residents of impending disasters (I’m just guessing, but say, a truck accident involving toxic chemicals on nearby I-95).

The proposed cell tower will be 75 to 100 feet taller than this structure.

So why are people just now noticing it?

A widening project on Greens Farms Road (including a new turning lane onto Hillspoint, visible in the photo above), and resulting deforestation of the area, has made the Emergency Response System more prominent.

As for the cell tower: neighbors, local officials and state legislators are still working to prevent its construction on private property, in a residential zone. The town continues to seek an alternative site on state DOT property.

 

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Posted in Environment, Places, technology

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Saying Goodbye To The Bedford Estate

Posted on March 13, 2015 | 33 comments

The Bedfords giveth.

And the Bedfords taketh away.

One of the town’s most philanthropic families — think the YMCA, schools, the Westport Woman’s Club and much, much more — has long owned property on Beachside Avenue.

But Ruth Bedford died last June, at 99. Now her estate, at 66 Beachside, is slated for demolition.

Bedford demo

The sign notes that 3 buildings are intended to be torn down. All are 114 years old.

The Bedford family also owns a 2-story house at 225 Green’s Farms Road, opposite the Nyala Farms office complex. It too was built in 1900.

And it too is slated for demolition.

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Posted in People, Places, Real estate

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Check Out The Balloons: The Sequel

Posted on June 3, 2014 | 11 comments

North Atlantic Towers floated 2 balloons this morning. They’re part of preparations for building a cell tower in the back yard of a Greens Farms Road home.

Here’s the view from the I-95 overpass on Hillspoint Road. The view looks north.

Cell protest

A couple dozen anti-tower protesters turned up. So — in an observational capacity — did First Selectman Jim Marpe, town attorney Ira Bloom, and state representatives Jonathan Steinberg, Gail Lavielle and Tony Hwang.

(Photos by Mary Ann West)

(Photos by Mary Ann West)

State regulations appear to allow the erection of a cell tower on private property.

But Westport seldom lets an issue like this happen quietly.

 

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Posted in Local politics, Places, technology

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Check Out The Balloons!

Posted on June 2, 2014 | 2 comments

When North Atlantic Towers floats 2 balloons tomorrow morning — as part of a test for the cell tower proposed for Greens Farms Road — they’ll be greeted by a crowd of Westporters.

First Selectman Jim Marpe plans to be there. So does town attorney Ira Bloom. And conservation director Alicia Mozian.

Plus anyone else who wants to see what’s “up.”

Balloon-watchers are invited to meet at the intersection of Greens Farms and Hillspoint Road by 10 a.m. Parking is available at #116, 114, 115, 109 and 106 Greens Farms Road, and along Hillspoint Road.

Just look for the balloons!

This is NOT what will happen to the house at Greens Farms Road during tomorrow's balloon test.

This is NOT what will happen to the house at Greens Farms Road during tomorrow’s balloon test.

 

 

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Posted in Environment, Local politics, People, Places

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Today Is National Bike To Work Day. Be Careful Out There!

Posted on May 16, 2014 | 4 comments

The long winter of our discontent has given way to the glorious spring of our bike-riding.

But though the cold and snow are gone, remnants remain. They did a number on a number of Westport roads, and the public works folks have not yet been able to repair all the damage.

Alert — and not very pleased — cyclist Larry Berman took these photos on recent rides:

Green's Farms Road, between Hillspoint and Clapboard Hill.

Green’s Farms Road, between Hillspoint and Prospect.

Clapboard Hill Road

Clapboard Hill Road.

Hyde Lane, near Long Lots Elementary School.

Hyde Lane, near Long Lots Elementary School.

Wilton Road near Exit 41 -- a closeup.

Wilton Road near Exit 41 — a closeup.

Larry says:

Hitting these potholes in a car is bone-rattling. Imagine hitting them on a 23mm bicycle tire. I hope drivers will please take extra caution around cyclists. Many times we are forced into the middle of the road to avoid dangerous shoulders.

There’s a lot to be said for Westport’s narrow, winding roads. And not all of it is “!@#$%^&*.”

We’re all in this together. Let’s slow down. Look out for each other. And take time to smell the forsythia.

 

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Posted in People, Places, Transportation

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