Abel Bradley House Focus of Hartford Meeting

Preservationists trying to save the 200-year-old Abel Bradley House on the Westport-Fairfield border and one of the owners of the structure who want to knock it down appeared in Hartford Wednesday before the State Historic Preservation Council.

Eleanor Dickey, president of the Coalition for the Preservation of Bradley House, said the council asked owners to delay demolition of the house an additional 45 days.

"The state does not have the power to make this request binding, but owners Mark Iuraduri and Mike Horvath indicated a willingness to comply," Dickey said.

A Bridgeport Superior Court judge has issued an injunction against demolition of the house at least until Monday. The court will hold a hearing then to determine whether the injunction will be lifted or extended. (See WestportNow Feb. 24, 2005)

Dickey said although the building was listed on the State Historic Preservation Council's agenda as "report only - not an action item," the unusual presence of so many advocates led the council into extensive discussion of the threat to the house.

She said the council listened to presentations from herself, Allen Bomes, a member of Westport's Representative Town Meeting (RTM), as well as from Horvath. Council members also viewed photographs of the house and maps of the site.

"After extensive discussion and consultation with legal counsel, they requested that the demolition be delayed for an additional 45 days," Dickey said.

She said during that time the owners could consult with the the State Historic Preservation Office and take advantage of the free architectural expertise that the state could offer them if they decide to incorporate the existing building in their new construction rather than demolishing it.

"They also requested the owners to return to the Preservation Council's April meeting to discuss the matter further," Dickey said.

Also present at the meeting was Connecticut State Archaeologist Nicholas Bellantoni from the Office of State Archaeology.

Bellantoni expressed concern about archaeological remains that could be destroyed by demolition activity on the site, which has been relatively undisturbed for decades. Dickey said.

Posted March 3, 2005 12:15 AM