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Some interesting real estate statistics, courtesy of KMS Partners @ Compass:
Between January 1 and June 30, Westport’s total volume of single-family homes was $493,710,999. An additional $17,508,061 worth of condos and townhouses was sold.
That’s a 78% jump from 2020 for homes, and a 141% increases for condos/ townhouses.
The number of sales (267 for homes, 28 for condos etc.) represents rises of 34 and 87%, respectively.
The median sales prices of homes ($1.575 million) and condos/townhouses ($493,000) are up 30 and 4 percent from 2020, respectively.
Single family homes were on the market for a median of 33 days; condos etc., 65.
The most expensive home sale recorded last week in Westport was 10 Gray Lane, off Sasco Creek Road. It fetched $10 million.
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There are changes cooking at Balducci’s.
The gourmet grocery store is changing 3 of its 6 registers to self-serve.
Staff members have been asked to stay Tuesday night, to work on the store’s remodeling. A source says, “No one in the store knows what that will be.”
Last fall, Acmme Markets bought 9 Balducci’s stores on the East Coast. They said they would not change the name — or the quality of the goods.
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Weston resident Ed Whitley is global head of content partnerships for Bridgeman Images. They represent over 2,500 museums, galleries and artists around the world.
He had a great — and pleasant surprise — yesterday, at Weston’s inaugural Art Fine Arts Festival. One of his own contemporary artists — Ben Bonart — exhibited.
Yesterday’s festival included Weston’s own José Feliciano, in his first live performance since the pandemic struck.
The Weston Fine Arts Festival continues today, through 5 p.m. on School Road.
Ben Bonart (left) at the Weston Fine Arts Festival, with Edward and Susie Whitley,
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Congratulations to Westport Little League’s champion 10U All-Star district team. They won the title Friday, beating Fairfield National. with a score of 14 to 1 beating Fairfield National.
Team members are Dylan Burdeshaw, Brody Chiupsa, Miles Delorier, Henry Ellis, Justin Goldshore, Christopher Lambert, Chase Landgraf, Jack McGratah, Luke Moneyhon, Noah Smith, Grant Theisinger, Nolan Walters and Wes Walters. Coaches are Justin Walters, Marc Theisinger and Dave Smith.
Next up: the sectional tournament.
Westport Little League district champs!
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Speaking of sports: Two soccer events yesterday highlighted the importance of the game for all youngsters, regardless of physical or mental disability, or socioeconomic status.
Staples High School boys team tri-captain Bruno Guiduli continued his fundraising and awareness campaign for TOPSoccer, a national program for players with intellectual, physical or emotional challenges.
Bruno began his efforts in November. He brought his specially made goal — with the “O” in “TOP”soccer cut out — to Wakeman Field. Four hours later, his total raised passed $3,000.
Bruno Guiduli, with some of his TOPSoccer supporters/kickers. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)
A couple of hours later at Cesar Batalla School in Bridgeport, 1999 Staples High School grad — and former MLS pro/national team player — Kyle Martino unveiled his Over Under Initiative.
Martino designed a goal that converts any basketball court into a field for soccer, street hockey or handball. It’s easy to set up, and — through his non-profit foundation — will provide access to added recreational opportunities for millions of underserved youth.
The Cesar Batalla court is the first in the nation. Martino was joined by Bridgeport superintendent of schools Michael Testani, coaches and players from Beachside Soccer Club, and — of course — a ton of eager kids.
Youngsters play at Cesar Batalla School’s new multi-sport court. The soccer goal can be pulled out of the ground, then sunk back into the ground, with ease.
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Add one more local name to the list of 2021 Emmy nominees: Michael Lonsdale.
The longtime Westporter is up for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special. He was the production mixer on HBO’s “David Byrne’s American Utopia.
Emmy Award
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Thursday’s “06880” blog party. This guy tried to crash the event. He’s lucky he didn’t end up cooked.
(Photo/Isabelle Alvarado)
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And finally … happy 82nd birthday to Dion DiMucci. Known just by one name, Dion made his mark as a doo-wop singer with the Belmonts.
In 1968 he shifted gears, recording a song memorializing 4 slain American heroes: Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy.
Dion is lucky to have made it past 19. In early February 1959, he was part of a star-studded “Dance Party” tour. When asked to spend $36 on a flight from Clear Lake, Iowa to the next stop, Dion said no to the extravagance. He took the tour bus.
The plane crashed, killing all on board: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.W. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, and pilot Roger Peterson.
