Tag Archives: Soundview Empowerment Alliance

SEA Says: “Take The Pledge. Protect Old Mill Deli!”

Posted on March 27, 2026 | 1 comment

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.”

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Old Mill Grocery Lawsuit Sustained; Judge Cites Zoning Issues

Posted on February 19, 2026 | 20 comments

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.

To view the full Superior Court decision, click here.

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“Don’t Kill Old Mill”

Posted on June 22, 2025 | 61 comments

Summer is here.

For 105 years, that’s the busiest time for the Old Mill market.

The small spot at the foot of Compo Hill has been called many things throughout that century-plus. These days, it’s Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci.

Since taking over operation a year and a half ago, the operator has won the hearts of the beach community, and many other residents around town.

Not 2 neighbors, though.

They object to outdoor tables, a gelato cart, and a wine and beer license.

They’ve filed 3 lawsuits against OMG. If successful, they would overturn decision made by the Planning & Zoning Commission, deny the sale of beer and wine, and strip away the outdoor tables that have been there for generations.

Now Old Mill Deli’s owner — the Soundview Empowerment Alliance — is fighting back.

With signage inside and out, stickers on coffee cups and pizza boxes, and a social media campaign — all with a QR code, linking to a digital petition — they hope to show that they are responsible neighbors, purveyors of popular foods and drinks, and a place that honors and respects Old Mill’s special beach vibe.

Ian Warburg and Jim Hood of the Soundview Empowerment Alliance, outside Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

Headlined “Westport Chose, We Won’t Close!” — and calling it “a battle for the soul of the community” — a large poster describes how, 3 years ago, 600 residents donated generously, to save the building from possible demolition.

Now, however, “a small and well-funded group of opponents wants to erase that victory.”

Fighting the lawsuits, SEA says, is “bleeding our non-profit dry.” They say thee are “protecting our values: inclusion, historic preservation, and economic opportunity for all.”

The “costly and time-consuming litigation” also inhibits SEA from investing in the expansion of providing job training for people with disabilities.

SEA says that the lawsuits threaten both pillars of their mission.

Old Mill Grocery & Deli staff.

There are 4 calls to action: signing and sharing the petition, donating to cover legal costs, and contacting Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members.

Meanwhile, the weather is — finally — hot. Customers will clamor for food (including gelato) and drinks. They’ll sit outside, enjoying the scene.

Just as they have since long before SEA, Romanacci, and any of their neighbors came to town.

Sign on Hillspoint Road. (Photo/Richard Fogel)

 

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OPINION: Lawsuits Threaten Old Mill Grocery

Posted on January 6, 2025 | 57 comments

In the wake of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s decision allowing Old Mill Grocery & Deli to serve alcohol, and use pre-existing picnic tables and a gelato cart, 2 neighbors filed 3 lawsuits.

Soundview Empowerment Alliance (SEA) — the non-profit that owns the 222 Hillspoint Road building — has written a note to donors who funded the purchase of the building 2 years ago. Here is a slightly edited version of that letter.

Three years ago, you and nearly 600 other neighbors and friends generously donated to save Old Mill Grocery & Deli from the wrecking ball.

Since then, thousands of people have frequented OMG&D, loving their neighborhood gathering place.

Along the way, OMG&D received 3 historic designations from Westport and the state of Connecticut, acknowledging its 105-year history as the oldest continuously operating retail food establishment in Westport — and the heart and soul of the Compo Beach community.

Thanks to you and many others the OMG&D tradition lives on, generational memories continue to be shared (and new ones made), neighbors connect over great coffee and food, and new friendships are forged daily. We hear countless times every day how grateful the entire community is that the neighborhood gem called OMG&D was spared.

The good news: In January of last year, the Romanacci Group took control as the operating tenant of OMG&D. They have been embraced by the community for their great food and beverage offerings, and warm sense of hospitality.

Additionally, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved a text amendment to the zoning regulations which permits the sale of beer and wine for on-premises consumption, the use of pre-existing picnic tables, and more, for “retail food establishments” in residential neighborhoods. This includes Old Mill Grocery & Deli, and 2 others.

More than 600 residents signed a petition, wrote to the P&Z, or spoke at meetings, offering their unwavering support and approval of these regulatory changes.

The bad news: While there is so much to be happy about and grateful for, SEA and the Romanacci Group face significant challenges, in the form of 3 lawsuits filed against SEA (owners of the building), the town of Westport and Romanacci Compo Bach LLC, which operates OMG&D).

These lawsuits challenge the beloved market’s very existence.

The lawsuits were filed by an attorney on behalf of 2 neighbors who are leading and funding the efforts, along with a very small number of others from across town who have joined the suits.

The lawsuits seek to overturn the decisions of the Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, with respect to adoption of the text amendments, and the P&Z’s approval of the liquor license application.

The Romanacci team, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

We need all the support we can muster. And support comes in many forms.

First, we need to raise money. At $400 an hour, our legal fees are significant and mounting. Our attorneys have advised us that these fees could exceed $100,000. Your GoFundMe donation will help pay our legal bills, and ensure that SEA has adequate resources to fulfill its charitable mission of preserving the historic building and providing job training for people with disabilities.

Second, please let your RTM representatives know how you feel about OMG&D, and its importance to the community.

Third, please support the Romanacci team with your business. Make OMG&D one of your top choices when getting something delicious to eat or drink. And don’t forget the amazing wines, sold at wine store prices.

Feel free to reach out to us with comments and questions. For more details on “How We Got Here” and “What Happens Next,” please click here, then scroll down.

(NOTE: “06880” has contacted opponents of Old Mill Grocery’s regulatory approvals, and invited them to respond.)

Picnic tables flank Elvira’s, a predecessor of Old Mill Grocery. (Photo/Katherine Bruan)

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Old Mill Grocery Seeks New Operator

Posted on August 26, 2023 | 17 comments

Last year, when a group of Westporters saved the former Elvira’s from possible conversion to a large home, they needed an experienced operator.

The Granola Bar stepped up. In just a few weeks they had Old Mill Grocery & Deli running.

The July 2022 opening filled a void, reinvigorating the neighborhood while also serving hungry folks headed to and from Compo Beach.

But as The Granola Bar expands, opening new locations in Connecticut and New York, they’re focusing staff and resources on that brand.

They’ve opted not to renew their lease. Their final day will be September 30.

Old Mill Grocery & Deli reopened in July 2022. (Photo/Matt Murray)

Soundview Empowerment Alliance founders Jim Hood, Ian Warburg, Emily Zobl, Chris Tait and Tommy Febbraio — who formed a non-profit to buy the century-old building, renovate it and re-open the market/deli, while also providing employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities — are working closely with the Granola Bar team on the transition.

SEA is also working to identify a new restaurant operator. They’re talking with several, and invite any group interested to contact them by email: SoundviewEmpowerment@gmail.com.

“Together since July 22, The Granola Bar Hospitality Group and Soundview Empowerment Alliance have proudly fulfilled SEA’s mission to save the historic building and to empower adults with disabilities, while creating a special space in the community to share delicious food together,” SEA says.

“Since day one, the team has remained focused on ‘preserving history and serving good,’ with incredible support from the community.”

The renovated building has won 3 state and local preservation awards. The training and employment program for adults with disabilities began several months ago.

“As the team works together to identify and transition to a new operator, OMG&D will remain open through September 30, serving everything from morning coffee to award-winning pizza in Westport’s most beloved building.”

Old Mill Grocery, soon after reopening. (Photo/Maggie Moffitt Rahe)

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Posted in Beach, Local business, Restaurants

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