Another chapter is ending for Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
Romanacci — operators of the iconic, 107-year-old beachside market — will not renew their lease.
Graziano and Maurizio Ricci — owners of Romanacci — will turn their attention to the continued growth of their business. They open a new Romanacci restaurant in Darien this fall.
In a heartfelt note to “Friends, Neighbors & Our Amazing Community,” the Riccis say:
After 3 wonderful years at OMG, we’ve decided it’s time for us to begin a new chapter.
Despite some very challenging times, it was still, without a doubt, worth every single minute.
(Photo/Dave Dellinger)
From the very beginning, your support, friendship and loyalty have meant more to us than we can put into words.
You welcomed us into this community, supported us, celebrated with us, and made this place feel like so much more than just a business. It became part of our family.
Saturday morning, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
And because of that, we want to say “thank you” the best way we know how: with a community party. We invite everyone to join us for one last special evening together.
On Tuesday, September 29, starting at 5 p.m. we’ll have food, drinks, and a little gift for each one of you — and for your beloved four-legged friends — as a small way of showing our appreciation for everything you have done for us over these 3 years.
And please remember: This is not goodbye. It’s a see you later.
For everyone who has contributed to the prepaid house account, we want you to know that your support does not disappear with the closing of this chapter. We will honor those accounts at all of our Romanacci locations.
We are also committed to doing everything we can to help Soundview Empowerment Alliance and the next operator make the transition as smoothly as possible. Our hope is that OMG remains open, thriving, and part of this wonderful community for another 100 years.
Thank you for believing in us, supporting us, and making these 3 years truly unforgettable.
We hope to see every one of you on September 29 so we can raise a glass, share some food, and celebrate the memories we created together.
Soundview Empowerment Alliance — owners of Old Mill Grocery & Deli — say:
Soundview Empowerment Alliance could not have asked for better partners or stewards of this special place.
From the moment they became tenants and stewards of Old Mill Grocery & Deli, they understood and fully embraced SEA’s mission of “preserving history and serving good,” supporting both with their trademark grace and enthusiasm.
They leaned in creatively and did their best to bring the community together, offering great food and drink, friendly service and accessible prices.
Among the Romanacci innovations: special candlelight dinners at the communal table. (Photo/Carol Alexander)
They also worked through some significant and costly challenges along the way, maintaining their composure, commitment and good humor throughout.
Our hats are off to them, and we wish them every success with their next (ad)ventures.
In anticipation of their departure at the end of this month, SEA has been working hard to identify the next operator to carry on OMG&D’s more than 107-year tradition of serving the community with food, beverage, convenience and connection.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli, decades ago.
We are in active discussions with several strong prospective operators, including successful well-known local operators. Each brings considerable experience, energy and an understanding of this community. We are optimistic that one of them will emerge as the right partner to carry the stewardship of OMG&D into its next chapter.
While Romanacci’s chapter at OMG&D is coming to a close, OMG&D itself is very much continuing, and SEA remains committed to preserving this historic gathering place for generations to come.
With enormous gratitude to our wonderful community and supporters,
Jim Hood & Ian Warburg, on behalf of Soundview Empowerment Alliance
(Photo/Ed Simek)
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In sustaining objections to Old Mill Grocery & Deli’s use of their 107-year-old property on Hillspoint Road last February, Superior Court Judge Dale Radcliffe said that allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages and outdoor dining in residential zones was “an impermissible expansion of the existing nonconforming uses.”
However, according to attorneys for OMG’s owner, the Soundview Empowerment Alliance, his ruling implied that a different regulation could pass legal muster.
While lawyers pursue an appeal of the Superior Court ruling, they have asked the P&Z to consider a new text amendment.
On September 14 (6 p.m., Zoom), commissioners will hear a proposal from Eric Bernheim to create a new “Food and Beverage Planned Development District, for lots used as grocery stores, delicatessens and Retail Food Establishments; Restaurants and Cafes and taverns.”
This would allow the P&Z to create floating zones for outdoor eating and the sale of alcohol in “pocket zones.” It would apply to establishments like OMG, Gruel Britannia and the Country Store on Wilton Road.
As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 nears, Christ & Holy Trinity Church invites the community to a screening of an important documentary.
Filmed over 5 years, years, “The Trees: Growing a Forest at Ground Zero” shows life returning to Ground Zero. It includes the story of the Survivor Tree, a damaged callery Pear that was the last living thing to come out of the wreckage, and is now an enduring symbol of resiliency for New York City.
The showing (Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m.) will be followed by a conversation with the producer and director, Westporter Scott Elliot.
A new Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading series begins September 14 (7 p.m.). It could not be more timely.
“The Next Best Thing” is a comedy about the battle between an outspoken, inappropriate grandmother and the “kinder, gentler” AI android duplicate her family builds to replace her when she dies. This play asks the question even ChatGPT can’t answer: Should we embrace what’s difficult about the people we love — or remember only the Next Best Thing?
Looking for a fun afternoon, with competition, food, camaraderie — and a chance to help support a new initiative?
A Better Chance of Westport’s inaugural Cornhole Tournament is set for Saturday, October 3 (11:30 to 3 p.m., Longshore’s Evan Harding Point).
Proceeds will help launch ABC’s College Scholarship Fund. It’s a way to expand their commitment to the scholars they sponsor and support during their time at Staples High School, as they move on to the next chapter of their educational journeys.
There are many ways to help Homes with Hope. And not all of them take place at the men’s and women’s shelters, or the food pantry.
On Saturday, September 26 (8 to 11 a.m., 19 Church Lane), residents are invited to volunteer to pack essential care items. It’s a great family activity — and an excellent way to meet like-minded, caring people.
Click here to register. The event is sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, FLB Law, David Adam Realty and Willo.
But Long Island Sound is still warm. So was yesterday’s weather.
A good-sized crowd took advantage of both, enjoying the late-summer holiday weekend.
(Photo/Pam Kesselman)
(Photo/Ed Simek)
The sun will be out this afternoon, and tomorrow. A high of 71 is predicted for today. Tomorrow it will warm up to 78.
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Hollywood Nights brought great energy — and great Bob Seger tunes — to the Levitt Pavilion last night.
Summer vibes continue this coming week with 3 free shows: ever-popular DNR (the almost all-doctor rock band; Thursday, September 10, 7:30 p.m.), in their annual tribute to EMS and first responders; the equally popular Sweet Remains (Saturday, September 12, 7:30 p.m.) and the Brian López Electric Trio (Sunday, September 13, 7 p.m.).
Channeling Bob Seger at the Levitt. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Former Westport resident William Luedke IV died August 20. He was 74.
After growing up in Schenectady, New York and Danville, illinoise, Will’s family moved here in 1968. He spent 7 summers as a Compo Beach lifeguard, rising to director of beaches in 1975. Compo was always one of his favorite places.
Will graduated from Williams College in 1974 cum laude, with honors in history. At Vanderbilt University School of Law, he was a member of the Law Review. He met Carolyn, his wife of 47 years, there.
Will joined Bracewell & Patterson in Houston, and helped build their financial institutions practice. For many years they were one of the nation’s most active firms in back mergers and acquisitions.
He was also a trustee at Wayland Academy, his alma mater. He also served on the board and executive committee of the Independent School Chairperson’s Association.
Retirement in 2019 offered Will more time for his vast book collection. He also loved to cook, run (he was Bracewell’s race winner for 8 years), play golf, grow herbs, collect art and play guitar.
Will is survived by his wife Carolyn; daughter, Hannah (Siddharth), brother Fred Fritz of Dallas; sister Ann Luedke Lobdell of Stonington, Connecticut; and 3 nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held October 1 (11 a.m.First Presbyterian Church, Houston).
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Will’s memory to Wayland Academy, (Attn: Advancement Office, 101 N University Ave., Beaver Dam, WI 53916).
Will Luedke
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Nature takes many forms, as our “Westport … Naturally” photo feature often shows.
Sunil Hirani spotted this colorful arrangement on Soundview Drive:
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As we prepare for another beach season — and Old Mill Grocery & Deli gets ready for its busiest time of year — we’re reminded of the history of the 107-year-old market/community center.
We’ve posted many photos of past iterations — particularly when Ken Montgomery owned it. Here’s a rare photo of the man himself:
Here’s one of our favorites, from the very early days:
(Photos courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
It shows how much has changed on Compo Hill.
And how little has really changed, at one of Westport’s favorite institutions.
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One month after a court ruling put the future Old Mill Grocery in jeopardy — and still several weeks before their busy season begins — the historic Hillspoint Road deli/market/neighborhood institution is turning to the community for support.
Soundview Empowerment Alliance — the non-profit with a dual mission of preserving history and “serving good,” which owns the 107-year-old property — is asking 150 residents, customers and friends to make a pledge to support OMG.
The goal is to help the small business operated by the Romanacci Restaurant Group make it through the quieter months of the year, stabilizing operations and protecting its long-term future.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
“Our community stepped forward once before to save the Old Mill deli from demolition,” says SEA co-founder Ian Warburg.
“Now we’re asking people to step forward again to help ensure this place continues to thrive, as part of the life and rhythm of Compo Beach. It’s an important cultural resource for the neighborhood, and all of Westport.”
Old Mill Grocery & Deli was preserved in 2022, when hundreds of residents contributed to an effort to purchase the property and prevent its potential redevelopment.
Romanacci now provides a full menu, ranging from breakfast sandwiches and coffee to salads, sandwiches, pizza, entrees an prepared foods. There is seating at a communal table inside, and outdoors too.
Saturday morning, at OMG. (Photo/Jim Hood)
Many customers purchase items to go.
With its beachside location, OMG thrives during the summer. But it faces a significant challenge from mid-September through mid-June, when fewer people are in the neighborhood.
As a result — and during a protracted legal battle, with a few people opposing the deli’s alcohol sales, gelato cart and outdoor seating — SEA is asking 150 residents to shift $125 per month in spending to Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
The money can be spent on coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, takeout, catering, or special gatherings.
That would generate about $18,000 in additional monthly off-season revenue.
Community members can “Make the Pledge” by opening a house account, committing to spend $125 each month.
“This is about protecting something much bigger than a store,” says SEA co-founder Jim Hood.
“Old Mill is one of the few true ‘third places’ left in our town. It’s where neighbors see each other, conversations happen, and community life unfolds. If we want that spirit to continue for another 100 years, we need people to make Old Mill part of their weekly routine.”
“Never do we want to hear someone say, ‘I can’t believe we lost the Old Mill. That is not who we are as a community. When Westport cares about something, we show up.”
To partcipate, visit Old Mill Grocery & Deli, create a house account and “Make the Pledge.”
Maybe not “lonely.” But — as they so often did — the Beatles nailed the past few months.
We’ve had a classic New England winter.
Big snowfalls. Frigid temperatures. Gray days, one after another after another.
Pretty gross. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Yet — as it always does — spring beckons.
It arrives Friday, meteorologically.
It comes early next month, religiously. Once again, Passover and Easter share the same week.
The holidays — one celebrating freedom and redemption, the other renewal and resurrection — are annual reminders that life goes on, stronger than ever, as the world reawakens with colors and warmth.
Spring is a glorious time, whatever God you follow. Or none.
So — as Westporters spend more time outdoors, in the garden, at the beach, on playing fields, and everywhere else in town — what’s ahead?
The Cribari Bridge will continue to dominate many discussions. The road upon which the can has been kicked down for decades may finally reach a fork.
There’s still no clear direction for the future of the 143-year-old span, whose impact on the town is far broader than its 2 narrow lanes might seem.
We may know a lot more after Thursday’s 6 p.m. Town Hall meeting, when the state Department of Transportation meets the public.
Whatever follows will be the first big test of 1st Selectman Kevin Christie’s tenure. He’s been quiet so far. Let’s hope he’s assessed his options, spoken behind the scenes with all the players, and is ready to lead.
Springtime at the Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
Soon, the budget — actually 2; the town’s, and the larger Board of Education’s — heads to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for approval.
Last week, the Board of Finance voted unanimously in favor of the BOE’s $157.9 million request. But they vowed to keep a “sharper eye” on next year’s request.
That’s nothing like the situation in the 1970s and early ’80s, when budget battles were annual affairs. Sides were clearly drawn: one claiming every penny was necessary for education, the other (including an actual “Taxwatchers Party”) demanding deep cuts.
There has been great cooperation recently between the BOF and BOE. Several drivers of the budget increase — especially healthcare costs — are largely out of the town’s control.
Renovation of Coleytown Elementary School will be an upcoming budget item.
But events both local (like the recent revaluation) and national (the war in Iran, gas prices, inflation) may impact Westport in the year to come.
We’re not yet talking much about those issues (though the Board of Assessment Appeals is plowing through a number of re-revaluation requests).
We soon may be.
I feel that ice is slowly melting …
We’re all ready to head outdoors.
Al fresco dining returns soon, all over town. Once again, Church Lane will be closed to cars. A tradition begun 6 years ago, in the very dark days of the pandemic, will continue, bringing the community together around food and music.
A new concessionaire may take over at Compo Beach and Longshore (if not, there will be food trucks).
At Longshore too, work continues on the Inn. The renovation is on schedule; it will reopen soon, as a wonderful, newly improved sparkle in one of our town’s true jewels.
Artist’s rendering of the renovated Inn at Longshore.
Old Mill Grocery will pulse with energy too. A couple of NIMBY neighbors are trying to stop the sale of alcohol, and the use of outdoor tables and a gelato cart. The existence of the 107-year-old beloved neighborhood spot remains in doubt. But for now, it’s lived to serve us for another season.
Spring returns soon to Westport.
All is not right with our town, or the world.
But after a long, cold, lonely winter, we’ll take what we can get.
Here comes the sun … it’s all right.
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Pat Saviano, Gabby Velez, Cat Malkin, Linda Stern, Matt Murray, Jonathan McClure, Micheal Simso, Sal Liccione, Andrew Colabella, Audrey Fox and Lisa Hayes all quickly identified the very easy image. Arf!
This week’s Photo Challenge comes courtesy of Mark Mathias. The other day — just after George Washington’s birthday, and before the snow melted — he snapped this shot:
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
The plaque commemorates one of George Washington’s 2 visits to Westport (then a part of Norwalk), over 250 years ago.
It was dedicated on the 200th anniversary of his birth. (At that point, the original Old Mill Market was already in its second decade.)
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The Westport Library is closed today (Tuesday), due to potentially icy conditions.All programming is canceled for the day.
Also closed: the Westport Senior Center.
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It’s official: March is Sandwich Month in Westport.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie made the proclamation yesterday, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli. He kicked off the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s 9th annual contest — this one focused on (duh) sandwiches.
He was joined by 2nd Selectwoman Amy Wistreich, plus Chamber members, attorneys with sponsor Bercham Moses, and representatives of the owner of the OMG property, the Soundview Empowerment Alliance.
The contest runs throughout March. Over 20 restaurants, delis and markets will compete in 10 categories.
Judging is done by residents, online. Each voter is also entered into a drawing to win a free sandwich, from one of the 10 winners.
The 21 competitors are: A & S Fine Foods, Calise’s, Clubhouse, Dunkin, Emmy Squared, Garelick & Herbs, Gold’s, Kabab & Hummus House, Kawa Ni, Lyfe Café, Match Burger Lobster, Nomade, Old Mill Grocery, Organic Market, Outpost Pizza, Pizza Lyfe, Rizzuto’s Lobster Shack, Romanacci, Saugatuck Provisions, Saugatuck Rive Café, The Granola Bar and Zucca Gastrobar.
The 10 categories are: Best Chicken Sandwich, Best Steak Sandwich, Best Vegetarian Sandwich, Best Combo Sandwich, Best Club, Best NY Deli, Best Pressed Sandwich, Best Breakfast Sandwich, Best Wrap Sandwich, and Best Fish/Seafood Sandwich. Each restaurant, deli or market may enter up to 4 categories, but can only win 2 at most.
From now through March 31, everyone is invited to visit the venues, enjoy the offerings, and vote here.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie enjoys a sandwich at Old Mill Grocery & Deli. He looks forward to chowing down at the competition too.
There are plenty of grandparents — with grandchildren — in Westport.
Soon, they’ll have a chance to play together — without screens — thanks to the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston.
The pilot program, called Grand Play Day, brings together grandparents and their grandkids (ages 5-12). Using simple tools (question cards, paper-and-pencil table games and other easy activities), they’ll laugh and share stories.
Grand Play Day is built on “Connections Thru Play,” created by Playocracy founder Lynn Campanella in partnership with the National Institute for Play — where Y’s Man Joe Miller, serves as a volunteer executive.
The Y’s Men pilot is planned for an afternoon on the weekend of April 24–25, coinciding with Global Intergenerational Week. It will be facilitated by Campanella and Miller, include academic input from professors of Childhood Development and Aging, and serve as a potential model for other community groups.
Dhilan Patel is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor for the month of March. He’s exhibiting archival prints of his paintings and drawings. All work is available for purchase.
One of the youngest featured artists ever at the Jesup Road store, Dhilan is currently a Staples High School senior. he began painting in 1st grade.
He says that art teaches important qualities. “Painting, for example, has taught me the importance of forward planning and patience (literally waiting for layers to dry).
“Also, when people see your work they see the end result, but not the uncertainty and mistakes along the way, which art also teaches you to deal with. My first true art instructor, Mr. Jenya, always emphasized that not every stroke has to be perfect and not every action has to have the desired outcome. He encouraged me to work with what’s there and move forward. In hindsight he was instilling qualities such as humility, trust in the process, and openness to possibility.”
In addition to oil painting, Dhilan has explored calligraphy and sumi-e (traditional Japanese ink painting). His work been selected for a national anthology published by CelebratingArt.com, and he has won awards at the Ridgewood Art Institute’s Young People’s Exhibit.
Speaking of Staples, and the arts: Congratulations to Demeil Betfarhad, Josie Caricato and Lyla McEntee!
The Staples High School students performed last weekend with the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Region Honor Choirs. Selection for the ensembles is one of the highest honors for choral singers in the region, following a rigorous audition process in 11 states.
The 4-day event in Providence featured an intensive schedule of rehearsals and masterclasses, culminating in performances at legendary venues.
Lauren Pine, Staples’ choral director, attended the conference, and supported the young singers throughout the rehearsal and performance process.
From left: Josie Caricato, Lyla McEntee, Demeil Betfarhad.
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Speaking (still) of Staples: Congratulations to the boys soccer team.
The 2025 class “LL” (extra large schools) state champions were named Team of the Year for the entire state, by the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association.
The award was announced on Sunday, at the All-State banquet at the Aqua Turf Club. Individual honors were also presented to Josh Whitaker (All-New England), Gabe Duque (All-State) and Dylan Shackelford (Most Valuable Player, state final).
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And even more Staples news: The wrestling team placed 3rd overall — out of 121 teams — at this past weekend’s state open meet.
Four grapplers earned medals. sophomore Julian Rousseau placed 2nd, at 215 pounds, while 3 others finished 5th: junior Gavin Donaldson (120), and seniors Seamus Brannigan (126) and Damian Rousseau (190). Congrats to all!
From left: Gavin Donaldson, Seamus Brannigan, Julian Rousseau, Damian Rousseau.
Westport Pride invites all members of the LGBTQ+ community — and all allies — to the second Happy Hour of 2026.
It’s this Thursday (March 5, 6 p.m., The Boathouse at Saugatuck Rowing Club). The restaurant is providing light bites. Everyone there will provide the vibe.
And more: there’s a “Pride Night” cocktail party this Saturday (March 7, 7 p.m.) at the Westport Country Playhouse, before Isaac Mizrahi’s 8 p.m. show.
LGBTQ+ community members and friends with tickets to the performance are invited to the event, in the Lucille Lortel White Barn Center. Appetizers are catered by Nômade, and there is a limited open bar.
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This Thursday at “Jazz at the Post,” an ensemble of master improvisers performs every track from “The Soothsayer,” the visionary Wayne masterpiece.
Greg Wall, David DeJesus, Andy Gravish, Jen Allen, Boots Maleson and Steve Johns bring decades of experience and deep jazz insight to Shorter’s richly textured writing, honoring the album’s lyrical mysticism, harmonic daring, and rhythmic subtlety while infusing it with their own vibrant interplay.
Longtime Westport resident Lester Becker died passed peacefully at home on February 16. He was 96.
The Brooklyn native met his wife Mary at a resort hotel in the Catskills. They were married for nearly 73 years. In 1963 they moved to Westport, where they raised their Ann and Michael. In the early 2000’s they moved to California for 5 years to be near their grandson Ellis, while he was growing up.
After graduating from Columbia University, Lester worked for Dynamic Films in New York. He then formed his own company, Custom Films. A major client was ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.” Focusing on auto racing, he and his team filmed and edited numerous events, including at aytona, Darlington, Indianapolis and the Monaco Grand Prix.
After airing, he often re-edited the footage for companies like Goodyear Tire.
Lester loved to ski, sail, play tennis, take solo motorcycle trips, and travel the world with Mary. Until the very end of his life, he remained intellectually curious. He was an avid reader, stock market enthusiast, lifelong Democrat, and generous man.
He is survived by his daughter Ann Moore of New York City; son Michael (Christine Dunford) of Los Angeles; grandson Ellis Becker of Madison, Wisconsin, and beloved cat Archie. The family expresses nduring gratitude to his kind and wonderful caregiver, Keneilwe.
A celebration of Lester’s and Mary’s lives will be held at a date to be announced. Donations can be made in Lester’s honor to theWestport Library or the Pet Animal Welfare Society (Paws of Norwalk).
Lester Becker
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A waxing moon, perched atop a tall tree, is a perfect look for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo feature.
And finally … in honor of Grand Play Day (story above):
(Hey grandma! And grandpa! And grandkids — and everyone else in between: If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Peter Tauck is a lifelong Westporter. He has lived in the Old Mill Beach neighborhood for decades. He and his children are frequent customers of Old Mill Grocery & Deli. and its predecessors. (His kids’ photos were among the dozens that the owners of Elvira’s kept under glass at the front counter.)
Now retired, Peter is a former CEO and board member of Tauck, the family-owned worldwide travel business. He is still part owner of the company.
Arthur was a humble but committed steward of Westport history, culture and traditions. He never fought majority sentiment for personal victory or gain.
He always supported the little guy, the underdog. Old Mill Grocery would have been just the type of place he supported.
Old Mill Grocery: a community hub.
He would have enjoyed the picnic tables as he valued human connection and storytelling, as an enabler of a healthy community. As I reflect now, my motivation to support the store for over 20 years came from lessons I learned from my dad.
When Nick and Stacey first took over the store, they were all smiles — yet struggling. There was a rotted picnic table outside, supported by cinder blocks.
I arranged to have a new table and umbrella delivered in the night. No one ever knew where it came from, until now.
I remember thinking “that’s how dad would have done it.” It felt good. Reading how the picnic tables have become such an issue is difficult for me.
Picnic tables at Old Mill Grocery. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
I have supported Soundview Empowerment Alliance, both in the purchase of the store and their ongoing legal battles with a group that has included a family member. While I respect the group’s right to their opinion and voice, I want to be clear that to my knowledge, no other family member actively supports the actions taken against the store. In addition, our business is in no way involved in any of these efforts.
I hope that the supporters of OMG continue in their resolve to keep it viable and vibrant. As a neighbor, and someone whose 4 children so enjoyed the store in their youth, I will continue to stand with the supporters.
Respectfully,
Peter Tauck
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Please send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com.)
My law partners and I have been reviewing the trial court decision carefully. We continue to disagree with the trial court’s analysis. The trial court sustained the appeal by the neighbors, thus voiding the text changes, and specifically ordered OMG to cease any activities inconsistent with the lawful preexisting use, including the sale of alcohol.
At this point I need to confer with the Planning & Zoning Commission, First Selectman Christie, and counsel for OMG to review our options. I will have more information in a few days. To answer your question regarding the other 2 properties (Gruel Britannia and The Country Store on Wilton Road), yes, they are also directly impacted by the court decision.
Bloom added:
Appeals in land use cases are not automatic. A party desiring to appeal a trial court decision must file a Petition for Certification to the Appellate Court, which is a request to the Appellate Court to take the case on appeal.
The petition must state the grounds. It is then discretionary with the Appellate Court. Any party has 20 days from the trial court decision to file a petition.
As part of its ongoing study of the Cribari Bridge rehabilitation/replacement project, the state Department of Transportation has released a detailed Environmental Assessment and Evaluation.
The 160-page document offers details of the current bridge, including history, traffic, functional issues, and controversy over its future.
The bulk of the report covers “environment and environmental consequences,” spanning property acquisition, socioeconomics, traffic, public safety, visual and aesthetics, cultural resources, water quality, navigable waters, wetlands, floodplains and coastal resources.
Five alternatives are mentioned throughout:
No build
Conservation
Rehabilitation
Replacement on-alignment
Replacement off-alignment.
DOT consistently offers “replacement on-alignment” — the same alignment as the existing structure — as its preferred alternative.
Cribari Bridge, as shown in DOT Environmental report …
… and an aerial view, from the same document.
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A Superior Court judge yesterday sustained 2 objections to Old Mill Grocery & Deli’s “nonconforming use” of their 107-year-old property on Hillspoint Road.
The sweeping decision could have implications for 2 other businesses in Westport — and for other actions taken by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Judge Dale Radcliffe’s 21-page ruling involved a pair of text amendments, adopted by the P&Z in 2024.
The first permitted the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a retail food establishment located in a “B” residential zone.
The goal was to “offer more flexibility to … existing establishments to keep afloat.”
Old Mill Grocery & Deli. (Photo/Matt Murray)
Many members of the public advocated for the text amendment, which was proposed by OMG’s owner, the Soundview Empowerment Alliance (SEA). The non-profit — which includes neighbors and other Westporters — bought the building several years ago, to keep it as a market and community hub.
A small group of residents appealed the text amendment. They maintained that it constituted “spot zoning,” and illegally expanded a non-conforming use. They also alleged that the P&Z usurped the powers of the Zoning Board of Appeals, by granting a zoning variance that only the ZBA can give.
While the appeal was pending, the SEA submitted a second text amendment. Changes — involving Old Mill Grocery’s use of a gelato cart and picnic tables — were designed to address objections raised by the plaintiffs.
In addition to Old Mill Grocery & Deli — operated by Romanacci’s — 2 other businesses would be affected: The Country Store on Wilton Road, and what is now Gruel Britannia on Cross Highway (formerly Christie’s Country Store, and The Porch).
Gruel Britannia on Cross Highway may be affected by the Superior Court ruling.
In December 2024, the P&Z passed that text amendment, 5-0.
In his decision, Judge Radcliffe wrote that “the proposed use of certain nonconforming uses in Westport’s residential zones as Retail Food Establishments (RFE) including the sale of alcoholic beverages and outdoor dining would unambiguously constitute an impermissible expansion of the existing nonconforming uses.
“The use of property as nonconforming is permitted only to the extent that it existed at the time of the adoption of the zoning regulations which rendered it nonconforming. Otherwise, it is prohibited.”
He added, “the Text Amendments were drafted with the clear intent of allowing certain nonconforming uses to operate in a fashion which constituted an expansion of the nonconforming use and avoided the necessity of concocting a legally cognizable hardship, a prerequisite to obtaining a valid variance.”
Old Mill Grocery dates back to the early 1900s. In the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s it was operated by Ken Montgomery.
The judge declined to rule on the plaintiffs’ claim of spot zoning, because the P&Z did not decide to change the zoning classification.
However, he concluded, “Both consolidated appeals are SUSTAINED.” SEA and Old Mill Grocery are “ordered to cease and desist from any use … which is inconsistent with the lawful preexisting nonconforming use existing on the property” prior to adoption of the 2 text amendments.
“The sale of alcoholic beverages at 222 Hillspoint Road, which was not authorized prior to the adoption of the challenged Text Amendments, is found to be illegal, and an unlawful expansion of the nonconforming use of the property.”
This is a developing story. “06880” has reached out to SEA for a comment on what this means for the future of Old Mill Grocery & Deli, and to Planning & Zoning Commission chair Paul Lebowitz and town attorney Ira Bloom, on implications for zoning decisions in Westport generally. Bloom said he is reading the decision, and will reply this afternoon.
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