Tag Archives: KMS Partners @ Compass

Roundup: Historic Homes, Terrible Traffic, WWPT Winners …

Posted on November 6, 2023 | 5 comments

100 guests toured 4 unique houses yesterday.

Each was special, in its own way. All were impressive. The result was a very successful first-ever “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour.

Annette Norton’s small 1700s home on North Avenue was a great attraction for the many residents who drive by often, admire her exterior renovation, and wonder what’s inside.

Annette Norton (left) shows guests the original fireplace, with a mantel she found in upstate Connecticut. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Mark Yurkiw and Wendy Van Wie’s barn is a 2-story, wide-open, wood-paneled  delight that includes Mark’s artwork treasures in every corner.

A view of the Cross Highway barn, from the 2nd-floor landing. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Matt Burrows and Amy Gay surprised visitors to their 1742 home, also on Cross Highway. The exterior is a faithful restoration of a well-known, once-dilapidated property, while the interior is very modern, beautifully designed (by the owners), and open.

Matt Burrows (right) shows off the open floor plan he designed for his home. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Julia Gross and Mark Lamensdorf’s property on Old Hill Road delights at every turn, from original wooden beams and a formidable stone basement, to an old outhouse (now shed) in the back that “seats 3.”

The original door and beams in the original kitchen on Old Hill Road. (Photo/Amy Saperstein)

KMS Team at Compass co-sponsored the event. Karen Scott, Laurie Morris, Michael Mombello, Susan Seath and Karen Hagen were superb docents.

“06880” board members Amy Saperstein, Bill Scheffler and John Dodig (and his husband Rodger Lawrence) assisted, with help from Staples’ Service League of Boys.

“06880” often reports on Westporters who restore — rather than tear down — some of our oldest homes. Yesterday, readers went behind the scenes, to experience 4 of the homes they’d only read about before.

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Speaking of restored homes: Here’s another shot of the continuing work being done at 44 Compo Cove, perhaps the most photographed house in Westport.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

The bones of the 1917 home will remain.

But the interior will look very, very different.

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For the second weekend out of three, the feared “traffic-geddon” generated by the I-95 Saugatuck Avenue bridge replacement project was largely avoided.

Traffic flowed smoothly — well, as smoothly as our “new normal” on Friday night, all day Saturday, Sunday morning, and early Sunday afternoon.

Then — for the second Sunday afternoon out of 3 — Westport was suddenly gridlocked.

Just like 2 weeks ago, traffic materialized out of nowhere. And it was everywhere.

Saugatuck — and feeder arteries like Greens Farms Road and Bridge Street — were jammed.

A line of cars and trucks extended from the North Kings Highway/Wilton Road light, all the way past Hudson Malone.

And the stretch from Parker Harding Plaza to the Post Road/Riverside Avenue/Wilton Road cluster**** was as bad as its ever been.

Some drivers waited patiently. Others devised new maneuvers to try to gain an edge, creating (of course) further chaos.

The state Department of Transportation once again completed the “bridge slide” portion of the project ahead of schedule.

The southbound span of I-95 was open around 4:30 p.m. But traffic continued for quite a while on the mean streets of Westport.

“It defies logic,” says Dan Vener, who took this photo of I-95 traffic, while stuck in the ground-level jam:

(Photo/Dan Vener)

Meanwhile, for a fascinating time-lapse version of the “bridge slide” — from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Sunday — click below:

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it’s an annual tradition.

But it never gets old.

This weekend, Staples High School’s WWPT-FM broadcasters traveled to Chicago for the John Drury Radio Awards ceremony.

The station earned 16 nominations. They earned 11 honors — all (as anyone who ever listens to 90.3 knows), very well deserved.

Congratulations to:

  • Best Station Advisor: Geno Heiter
  • Broadcaster of the Year winner: Charlie Scott
  • Broadcaster of the year finalists: Elise Eisenberger, Henry Manning & Katherine Spada
  • Best DJ: Charlie Scott
  • 2nd place, News Feature: Maya Brody
  • 2nd place, Newscast: Charlie Scott
  • 2nd place, Radio Drama (@playersinsta )
  • 3rd place Talk Show: Henry Manning & Charlie Scott
  • 3rd place, Sportscast: Elise Eisenberger & Charlie Scott
  • 3rd place, Sports Play by Play: Devon Jarvis & Mason Siskind
  • 3rd place, Specialty Music: Cooper Sadler

Other nominations garnered 4th and 5th places.

WWPT rocks!

And obviously, does much more too.

At the John Drury Awards (from left): WWPT-FM advisor Geno Heiter, Devon Jarvis, Maya Brody, Katherine Spada, Henry Manning, Charlie Scott.

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Jon Gailmor — the beloved Vermont musical icon — returned to his Westport home town yesterday, for a sold-out show at the VFW.

The 1966 Staples graduate was joined by a few talented friends: former classmates Rob Carlson (his singing partner from the 1970s) and Roger Kaufman, plus Suzanne Sheridan, the producer of the popular “First Folk Sunday” series.

It was a trip back to a magical musical time.

And just perfect for these days, too.

From left: Jon Gailmor, Roger Kaufman, Suzanne Sheridan, Rob Carlson. (Photo/Pam Washburn)

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Yesterday was jam-packed.

The Westport Arts Advisory Committee sponsored its annual TEA (Thinkers, Educators, Artists) Talk at the Westport Library.

A crowd of 150 people heard experts — including Emmy- and Grammy Award-winning 1971 Staples grad Brian Keane, town-wide K-12 arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman, and artist/arts consultant Liz Leggett — discuss “What’s Next for the Arts?,” as it faces challenges from artificial intelligence.

Topics included whether or not AI poses an existential risk to the arts; the role of education; the pure joy of making art, and — intriguingly — how we decide what is real, not real, and “authentic.” Does, in fact, “authentic” matter at all?

Panelists used AI tools to create illustration and art, using prompts from attendees. Artists showed traditional techniques.

There was a lot to think about.

And every comment was generated by humans.

Panelists — each under their photo — at yesterday’s TEA Talk.

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Field Trip jerky — the very popular producer of healthy, protein-rich snacks ranging from beef, chicken, turkey and pork to jalapeño, cracked pepper and everything bagel — is headquartered in downtown Westport.

But it reaches all over the country.

Literally.

The other day, Bruce Miller and his wife were in Alaska. On a tour of Denali National Park, guests received a snack box.

Inside was a Field Trip Cracked Pepper Turkey Stick.

“We traveled 4,400 miles from home to enjoy a local treat!” he says.

You don’t have to go to The Last Frontier.

Field Trip is sold at retailers like Stop & Shop and CVS.

And in their only retail outlet, next to their Post Road offices opposite Design Within Reach.

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Artists Collective of Westport member Maj Kalfus’ work is featured at the Weston Senior Center, through the end of December. Her 30 pieces include oil paintings, collage, brush and ink, graphite, digital art and drawings from life.

A reception is set for November 16 (6 to 8 p.m.). Kalfus teaches at the Westport Senior Center. Her portrait of Ella Fitzgerald was featured at the recent Westport Country Playhouse tribute to the jazz singer.

Works by Maj Kalfus

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As we head into mid-fall — with winter not too far away — this is the “Westport … Naturally” scene from Ellen Wentworth’s living room:

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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And finally … in honor of our great “Historic Homes of 06880” tour (story above):

(A lot went on this weekend — and, as always, “06880” previewed, and now reviews, it. If you enjoy our hyper-local coverage, please consider a contribution. Click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Real estate, Staples HS, Transportation

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Roundup: Stats: Real Estate, Police, PopUp Bagels …

Posted on October 26, 2023 | 4 comments

The hot real estate market has cooled a bit. Several indicators are down during the first 3 quarters of 2023, compared to last year.

But the median sale price is up 2.4% from January-September 2022. The current median is $2.1 million, according to KMS Team at Compass.

Other statistics, for the first 9 months of 2023 compared to ’22:

  • Number of sales: 257 (down 29%)
  • Total dollar value: $627,258,757 (down 29%)
  • Number of new listings: 379 (down 18%)
  • Average percentage over asking price: 1.67% (down 2.4%)
  • Number of days on market: 29 (down 5%).

This 8,246-square foot, 4-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom on 1.35 acres on Saugatuck Avenue is listed at $13.9 million.

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Westport Police had a busy week.

There were 5 custodial arrests of adults, between October 18 and 25.

Three were charged in connection with Monday’s chase on I-95 and the Greens Farms area, ending at the Sherwood Island Connector.

Two 20-year-olds from Ansonia, and a 19-year-old from Seymour, were all charged with the same crimes: reckless driving, engaging police in a pursuit, larceny of a motor vehicle, interfering with police officers/resisting arrest, assault on a public safety officer, and reckless endangerment.

The day before (Sunday, October 22), an attempted motor vehicle theft at 4:20 a.m. led to police pursuit onto I-95, where the vehicle’s tires were deflated after stop sticks were deployed.

Two juveniles were caught at the scene. A Westport K-9 officer found an 18-yar-old from Meriden in nearby bushes. He was charged with reckless driving, improper use of marker plates, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, larceny of a motor vehicle, larceny 6th degree, conspiracy to commit larceny 6th degree, and interfering with an officer. He was turned then over to New Haven police, where he had outstanding warrants.

In addition, a 20-year-old Waterbury man was arrested in connection with last month’s carjacking inside a Bayberry Lane garage. He was charged with home invasion, burglary 1st degree, larceny 1st degree, conspiracy to commit larceny, robbery 1st degree, robbery by carjacking, assault 3rd degree, and reckless endangerment.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 9
  • Failure to comply with state traffic control signals: 5
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Larceny 5th degree: 1
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehice: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

The aftermath of Monday’s pursuit of stolen vehicles. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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The “pop” in PopUp Bagels first referred to its peripatetic appearance — an underused location in Westport, then a few nearby towns, eventually New York.

It could also mean “popular.” The Westport-based bagels (and schmears) always sell out. Block-long lines waited in the city. They won 2 straight “Best Bagel” awards at the very prestigious Brooklyn Bagelfest.

Now, Adam Goldberg’s 3-year-old business has closed on an $8 million capital raise. The funding will enable future growth, and an expansion of the executive team.

The round was led by New York equity firm Stripes. Click here for the delicious details.

Adam Goldberg, with the gold.

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The private garages at Sherwood Mill Pond — behind the Old Mill homes, on the way to the pedestrian walkways to Compo Cove — are an object of fascination.

They’re old — a throwback to perhaps the 1920s.

One owner has decorated hers with seashells and baubles.

Then there is this one:

(Photo/Karen Como)

There must be a back story. Perhaps a wife said to her husband, “Honey, that is not going in the house. It belongs in the garage!”

Click “Comments,” to share your own bathroom humor.

But keep it clean. No potty mouths.

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Amy Schneider spotted these pumpkins yesterday, at the Compo brick pavilion.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

Perhaps someone heard that the beach was a favorite spot for trick-or-treaters.

Let’s clarify: It’s the homes in the very walkable Compo neighborhood, not the beach itself.

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Longtime Westporter Paul Hammond, more recently of Fairfield, died  peacefully at home earlier this month, with his family and rector at his side. He was 82.

Paul grew up in Darien, where he was an acolyte at St Luke Church, acting in theater, and played baseball and football. His summers were spent in Chatham, Massachusetts, where his family had 300 years of history.

.After graduating from Darien High School in 1959, Paul took a gap year to work as head doorman at Hawaii’s Waikiki Hilton. He graduated from Brown University in 1965, then earned his masters degree at New York University in international development.

In 1966 he joined the Army. Paul served for 3 years as a 1st Lieutenant and executive officer of his training battalion, receiving a Commendation Medal.

He began his business career at International Paper, then worked at Emery Air Freight and All Transport. Paul started his own company, US Trade and Transport, and traveled the world selling heavy construction equipment.

He later entered market research, working for Teeton Group, Yankelovich and TRC, where he was an executive vice president and principal shareholder.

Paul met the love of his life, Paige, in 1979. They were married the next year. They settled on Saugatuck Shores, where they lived for 35 years.  Paul enjoyed lobstering, fishing, waterskiing, and spending time with Paige’s children.

The couple traveled extensively. Treasure Cay, Abaco Bahamas became their home away from home.

In retirement, Paul wrote novels and researched. He published 4 books aboutthe American Revolution.

Paul was active at Christ & Holy Church on the vestry, Fundraising Committee, and as building project manager for the renovation project. He served as a president and board member of the Saugatuck Island Owners Association.  He was also chair of the Treasure Cay Golf Club, commodore of the Yacht Club, and a board member of the Treasure Cay Medical Clinic. Recently, he served as Grounds chair and a board member at the Meadows in Fairfield.

Paul fully encouraged all his grandchildren, and rarely missed an event.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Paige Hammond; stepchildren Connie (Jamie) Widmann of Newtown, and David (Andrea) Moore of Westport; grandchildren Jimmy and Sarah Widmann, and Tessa, Janna and Ella Moore;  sister-in-law Suzanne Hammond. and many cousins, nieces and nephew.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held November 17 (noon, Christ & Holy Trinity Church).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Paul’s name to Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810.

Paul Hammond

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Many “Westport … Naturally” photos feature an animal, plant or flower.

This one shows a much bigger scene, at Sherwood Mill Pond. It’s one of the reasons we love this part of New England so much.

Enjoy it now. It won’t last forever — or even a couple of weeks.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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And finally … (and speaking of Sherwood Mill Pond): today’s song honors a certain garage on the way to Compo Cove:

(Where else but “06880” do you get real estate, police, business and  beach news — and much more — every day? We rely on reader support to do it all. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Beach, Local business, Obituaries, Police, Real estate, Totally random

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Real Estate: Novel Twist On Town’s Popular Activity

Posted on April 13, 2020 | 5 comments

“Open House” signs are gone. Building inspectors wear hazmat suits. Renters will pay $40,000 a month for a home — but you can no longer rent for just 30 days.

Welcome to the new normal in one of Westport’s oldest obsessions: real estate.

The tried-and-true dance that long linked sellers, buyers and realtors has — like everything else in the world — been turned topsy-turvy by COVID-19.

But real estate professionals are flexible and creative. To get a sense of how they’re adapting, and the new Westport market, I turned to a veteran.

Karen Scott of KMS Partners @ Compass says the rental side is particularly interesting.

Westport has always had a thriving summer rental market — primarily at the beach, but elsewhere too for folks wanting a bit more yard for fun and entertaining. Our amenities are great, plus we’re a lot easier to get to (and cheaper than) the Hamptons.

The Compo Beach neighborhood is popular for renters.

Residents who rent out their properties often travel in summer, or head to second homes.

The pandemic hit New York right as renters were signing contracts. Suddenly, they were joined by others who did not care about Compo or cookouts. They just wanted to flee the city.

“Anything on the market was scooped up,” Scott says. People called realtors, friends in town, friends of friends — anyone they could think of.

A few more homes came on the market — by snowbirds who figured they’d stay south a bit longer, for instance — but prices shot up “overnight.” Suddenly, non-beach homes were renting for $25,000 to $40,000 a month. Some of those were previously unsold homes, which their owners converted to rentals.

That frantic pace has slowed somewhat, Scott says. But that does not mean there is much inventory.

Karen Scott

Meanwhile — as the prime summer rental season looms — people who always rented out their homes are reassessing their plans. They may not leave town this year.

Last week, 1st Selectman Jim Marpe issued an order prohibiting leases of less than 31 days. That further upends the traditional rental market.

Home sales are affected too. With college kids back, and homeowners working from home instead of commuting to distant cities for work, some owners took their properties off the market.

But there are still houses for sale. And, Scott says, “buyers are out shopping. They want something immediately.”

Some were already looking to settle in this summer, to get used to the town before school begins. The pandemic spurred others to make a move they may have been thinking of only casually. Very low interest rates make buying now an attractive option.

The process of showing — and seeing — a home has changed dramatically, notes Scott.

“Virtual” tours of a property — including 3D walk-throughs — now include less-sexy (but more practical) areas like pantries. To reduce personal interactions some homeowners are making their own videos, rather than relying on realtors or professionals.

Traditions like open houses have been upended. Casual looking is gone. “Anyone entering a home now is a serious buyer, not a weekend browser,” Scott says.

Some sellers don’t want anyone entering their home. Some have imposed strict rules, like only one potential buyer inside at a time; no touching allowed. Afterward, every surface, door knob and light switch gets wiped down anyway.

Some realtors stay outside, when the client goes in. Even so, all wear masks and gloves. Every interaction is discussed in advance. Realtors honor all requests, from sellers and buyers.

Of course, real estate transactions involve many other people. Scott says that building inspectors are being ultra-careful (like the one wearin a hazmat suit). Attorneys work remotely. Title searches — which must be done in person — can be a challenge.

But, Scott adds, “Everyone has been very collaborative. The entire real estate community puts safety first. It’s been very satisfying so far.”

Scott has been a realtor long enough to have seen dark, dismal times: 9/11 for example, and the Great Recession.

“When we’re in the thick of things, the future of real estate looks unknown and scary,” she says. “But we got through them. We will get through this. We can maneuver through prevailing winds. We deal with situations. We help people get whatever is needed done. We advise and guide, and we are doing that right now.”

Despite — or perhaps especially during — the current crisis, housing is an important need. Westport remains an attractive destination for many homebuyers.

And not just for its amenities. Potential buyers have seen the outpouring of spirit, by neighbors and strangers, during the pandemic. “They see and read about so much compassion, care and sense of community. They want to be part of this amazing place,” Scott says. “They see people doing things for each other and the town. It gives them hope.”

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Posted in Environment, Local business, People, Real estate

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