Westport's Jesup Green is White

Westport's Jesup Green is covered in white as the snow falls tonight. The Westport Public Library is on the right. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Winter Wonderland

Few cars were on the road tonight as the snow fell. This is the view looking east on Post Road East from the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge over the Saugatuck River. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Urges Shoreline Residents to Move Cars, Prepare for Evacuation

Westport emergency management officials tonight urged shoreline residents to move extra cars to higher ground and prepare for possible evacuation Sunday morning as a blizzard walloped the area and threatened coastal flooding.
Westport Fire Chief Denis McCarthy takes a call tonight from a Compo Beach resident worried about flooding. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

"We are taking this very seriously," said Fire Chief Denis McCarthy. "We don't want to scare anyone, but we know what happened in 1992 and this could be on that scale."

McCarthy, Police Chief Al Fiore and other town officials met in mid-afternoon at the town's emergency management center at fire headquarters. First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell joined them via speaker phone (CORRECTED) from the road returning from New York State where she dropped off a child.

They discussed plans for possible evacuations, opening of an emergency shelter at Long Lots School, and possibly requesting National Guard help to provide high-water vehicles to move shoreline residents to safety.

McCarthy urged shoreline residents in the Compo Beach and Saugatuck Shores areas to move extra cars to higher ground and keep one car at home for possible evacuation Sunday morning.

He said parking lots would be open and plowed at the "cloverleaf" commuter parking lot off of I-95 at exit 17 and at the Parks and Recreation Department administration building at Longshore Club Park.

A statement from emergency officials said "flooding is expected along the coast to about 11.5 feet at 9:48 a.m. on Sunday which will cause some flooding in lower lying areas."

It added, "In comparison, some residents may remember that the flood of Dec. 11, 1992, reached 12.5 feet. Residents in the area of Compo Beach and Saugatuck Shores are advised to keep appraised via local media as to how severe the flooding may be."

The statement said "if predictions become more severe, Westport's emergency response team is prepared to open the emergency shelter at Long Lots Elementary School off of Hyde Lane and assist with evacuation as necessary."

Town officials said any announcement of evacuations will be made at 6 a.m. Sunday using local media including WWPT at 90.3 FM, WestportNow.com, Cablevision News-12, the town's Web site at www.westportct.org and the emergency sirens located throughout the flood-prone areas.

In addition, residents may call (203) 454-6199 for up-to-date information.

McCarthy said the shift on duty would be held over when the day shift comes on Sunday morning, allowing for extra personnel on hand to deal with any emergencies.

He said emergency units would be assigned to the Saugatuck Shores area, as is standard in such storms, in case Saugatuck Island is isolated by flood waters.

Westport to Decide Early Sunday if Shoreline Evacuations Advised

Westport's center is deserted tonight as a heavy snow blankets the area. Almost 6 inches had fallen by 6 p.m. Fire Chief Denis McCarthy said the town would decide early Sunday if evacuation of shoreline areas is necessary due to the coastal flooding threat. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Activates Emergency Center, Urges Shoreline Residents to Move Cars

Westport activated its emergency operations center at fire headquarters today because of the blizzard and threat of coastal flooding. Town officials tonight urged residents at Compo Beach and Saugatuck Shores to move extra vehicles to higher ground – either to the commuter parking lot at I-95 exit 17 or the Parks and Recreation Department parking lot at Longshore Club Park. They were told to keep one vehicle at home in case of evacuation. Picture shows the emergency center "hot" and ready to go. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Gassing Up in the Snow

Even after the snow began falling today, Westporters were still filling up at gas stations which still had supplies. This was the scene at a station on Post Road East. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Laura Glickstein for WestportNow.com

Westport Emergency Officials Plan for Possible Shoreline Evacuations

The waters of Long Island Sound looked relatively calm at Westport's Compo Beach today as the snow began falling. But the National Weather Service warned of possible coastal flooding with waters surging 4 to 7 feet on top of the normal tide Sunday morning. Westport emergency officials held a planning session in case shoreline evacuations are necessary. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Laura Glickstein for WestportNow.com

Snow Forces Early Closing on Westport's Main Street; Flood Warning Issued

Stores on Westport's Main Street shut down early today as the snow began falling. Firefighters went door-to-door warning store owners of possible flooding in the area similar to what occurred in 1992 as a nor'easter hit the area. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport Board of Ed Holds Furniture Sale

Just before the snow started today the Westport Board of Education held a sale of used furniture plus at the Bedford Middle School parking lot. Despite the bitter cold, many shoppers showed up for bargains as cheap as $1. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com

Westport Snow Scene

Westport roadways quickly became slippery as snow began accumulating today. View is of Hillspoint Road from Greens Farms Road. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Eric Goldschmidt for WestportNow.com

Bridge Over Snowy Waters

The Interstate-95 bridge over the Saugatuck River in Westport is obscured as snow began falling today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Eric Goldschmidt for WestportNow.com

Out of Gas

Westporters seeking gas at the Amoco station on Post Road East today had slim pickings as residents rushed to gas up before the storm. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com

Snowstorm Prompts Rush on Gas Stations

Westporters rushed to gas stations today in to fill up in advance of the snowstorm. Some stations ran out as the snow began falling. Scene is at the Mobil self-serve on Post Road East. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Several Minor Accidents Reported, Flooding a Concern

Several minor accidents were reported on Westport roadways today as snow began falling and the town braced for blizzard conditions possibly accompanied by serious coastal flooding that could reach Main Street.
Compo Basin looked calm before snow began falling today but forecasters said the snowstorm could be accompanied by serious coastal flooding. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

No injuries were reported in a six-car accident in early afternoon on Post Road West near Sylvan Road. Police investigated several other minor accidents as roads became slippery with snow falling in 11-degree weather.

The National Weather Service, in addition to issuing a blizzard warning, issued a coastal flood warning. Firefighters went door-to-door on Main Street warning business owners that serious flooding similar to what occurred in the downtown area in 1992 was possible.

In that storm, parts of Compo Beach, Saugatuck Shores and Main Street were inundated with flood waters as a nor'easter barreled through the area.

Fire Chief Denis McCarthy ordered firefighters to gather contact numbers from Main Street business owners so they can be informed if flood waters reach their stores.

He also held a planning session with department heads in the town's emergency operations center at fire headquarters to plan for possible shoreline evacuations Sunday because of the threat of flooding.

Westport's flood preparations followed word from state emergency officials telling them that they should use the 1992 coastal flooding as a benchmark in planning for this weekend's storm.

During that incident, Westport and other area towns called for National Guard help in evacuating shoreline areas.

The flood warning said northeast winds will increase to 25 to 35 mph tonight with higher gusts and would push water westward into Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay. It said the winds will increase further late tonight into Sunday morning while gradually turning to the north.

"With a full moon coming up on Tuesday, tides will already be approaching astronomical highs," the statement said. "The main threat at this time appears during the Sunday morning high tide cycle.

"Computer model guidance suggests that quite a bit of water will be pushed into Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay.

"Over western Long Island Sound, a surge of 4 to 7 feet is expected to pile on top of the normal high tide Sunday morning with a 3- to 5-foot surge in Peconic Bay. This will likely result in widespread moderate coastal flooding with locally severe coastal flooding possible.

"It is recommended that all residents in flood-prone areas take proper precautions now to protect life and property."

Light Traffic as Snowflakes Begin to Fall

Traffic was light on Post Road East near Turkey Hill Road today as the first snowflakes began falling in Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Riding Out the Storm With Videos

As the snowflakes began falling in Westport today, many Westporters made a last-minute trip to Blockbuster Video on Post Road East to make sure they had enough entertainment to last through the storm. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

A Chilly Walk on Compo Beach

Only a couple of dogs and their owner were on Compo Beach at mid-day today in 14-degree weather as the snowstorm approached. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Metro-North Says New Haven Line Trains Running Normally

Metro-North said its New Haven Line trains were running normally today and that it would make every effort to keep tracks clear during today's snowstorm. But a statement added that "Metro-North will be adjusting its train schedule according to blizzard conditions." Many Westporters headed into New York on this mid-day train at the Saugatuck station. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Get Your Cameras Ready, WestportNow Wants Your Snowstorm Pictures

With the snowstorm approaching, this is a good time to add another item to your checklist -- your digital camera.

WestportNow, as always, welcomes photo and news contributions from its readers, but they would be especially welcome during the snowstorm.

And you don't have to venture into the outside cold for all of them. Send us snaps of how your family is riding out the storm, too. Just be sure to identify who is in the pictures and where and when they were shot.

All contributions should be e-mailed to editor@westportnow.com. Thank you.

National Weather Service Issues Blizzard Warning for Westport Area

The National Weather Service said today a blizzard warning is in effect for the Westport area for this afternoon through Sunday morning.

The text of the 6 a.m. statement: "Snow will move in late this morning. The snow will become very heavy late this afternoon and evening and may mix with sleet tonight as warmer air moves in aloft.

"Total snow accumulations will be 14 to 21 inches by Sunday evening. In addition to the snow, northeast winds will increase this afternoon and will be quite gusty tonight and Sunday morning.

"Winds may gust up to 50 mph late tonight and Sunday morning, allowing visibilities to drop to near zero at times. These winds will result in significant blowing and drifting of snow as well as power outages. Wind chill values will be below zero at times.

"A blizzard warning means that sustained wind speeds or frequent gusts of over 35 mph are expected with considerable falling and or blowing and drifting snow. Visibilities will become poor with whiteout conditions at times.

"Those venturing outdoors may become lost or disoriented so people in the warning area should stay indoors. Any travel is strongly discouraged. If you leave the safety of being indoors -- you are putting your life at risk.

"This is a life-threatening winter weather situation. Preparations to
protect life and property should completed by noon today."

Honored by Westport Sunrise Rotary

The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club Friday presented its Student of the Month award to Rebecca Kamins, 17, a senior at Staples High School. Rebecca is very active in the community and next month leaves for India with two other Girl Scouts (See WestportNow Jan. 6, 2005). She also is heavily involved with research through the Goddard Institute Space Studies at Southern Connecticut State University dealing with state of the art images related to bone density studies. With her is the Rev. John Branson, pastor of the Christ and Holy Trinity Church and secretary of the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Leo Cirino for WestportNow.com

Westport/Weston YMCA Postpones Fun Night

The Westport/Weston YMCA Youth Fun Night scheduled for Saturday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. has been postponed until Feb. 5 at the same time due to the forecast snowstorm, organizers said today.

No Calm Before the Storm for Some as Westport Prepares for Big Snow

There was no calm before the storm for some Westporters today as they and town officials prepared for the first major snowstorm of the season.
Loading up at Stop and Shop: "It's panic here," said one store worker. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Forecasters issued a blizzard warning and said the area could get as much as 15 inches before the system moves out Sunday.

"It's panic here," said one Stop and Shop employee as he watched food move off of the shelves in mid-afternoon at the giant supermarket on Westport's Post Road East near the Fairfield town line.

"But if you think this is bad, wait until tomorrow morning."

Hardware stores did a brisk business in snow shovels, ice melt, and other supplies.

At Westport Town Hall, Public Works director Steve Edwards, who has seen many major storms come and go in his career, went though his familiar last-minute checks with the snow predicted to begin falling at mid-day Saturday.

"We are spending the latter part of today going over the equipment," he said. "We have our regular fleet of 10 large trucks and seven smaller trucks assigned across four districts."

He explained that the larger trucks handle the primary roads within each district while the smaller trucks handle the smaller roadways and intersections.

"During the storm event the major emphasis will be spent on keeping the primary roadways open and passable," Edwards said. "Secondary roadways will be kept open but will be subject to accumulations between plow events."

He said there are 17 men in the Highway Division with the primary responsibility for snow removal. In addition, the department calls on workers in the Building Maintenance Division, the Solid Waste Division, the Water Pollution Control Division and even the Engineering Division as necessary.

"Once the crew is called in, they are typically kept on duty through the duration of the storm." Edwards said. "Depending on the amount of snow, it typically takes four to six hours after the snowfall ceases to have the roadways cleared."

He said a major problem encountered during plowing is the on-street parking in some neighborhoods.

"It is not uncommon for homeowners to leave their car on the road to facilitate snow removal on their driveway," Edwards said. "The end result then is a windrow of snow left on the roadway when the car is eventually moved."

He said to date the department has expended approximately $120,000 of the $350,000 snow budget, or 34 percent.

Last year, the town spent approximately $520,000 on snow removal but received a $100,000 reimbursement from the federal government.

Shopped and Stopped

With the winter's first major snowstorm bearing down on the tri-state area, Westporters headed to area supermarkets today to stock up on groceries to last through the storm. This was the scene at one checkout at Westport's Stop and Shop at mid-afternoon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Kmart Expanding Martha Stewart Line

Kmart Holding Corp. plans to expand its reach into the domain of Westport's Martha Stewart with a new line of nearly 2,000 home products, from kitchen towels to bed sheets to desk lamps.

The line will be called Essential Home -- replacing Kmart's current brand, Home Essentials. Part of the new collection goes on sale next month.

Kmart spokesman Caryn Klebba confirmed the company is overhauling its home line, but the company won't unveil the new products and other details until next month.

The major overhaul of the discount retailer's domestic wares comes after Stewart was sentenced to five months in prison last summer for lying about a stock trade.

The Martha Stewart Everyday brand is Kmart's most successful line, accounting for more than 5 percent of the retailer's sales. Kmart does not break out sales of the Home Essentials line.

Westport's Inn at National Hall Files Application to Convert to Apartments

Westport's Inn at National Hall, transformed 12 years ago from a rundown landmark 19th century building into a small luxury hotel, has applied to the town's Planning and Zoning Commission for permission to convert its second and third floors from hotel use to luxury condos.
Inn at National Hall: application filed to convert from hotel to apartments. File photo

A legal notice said the application was filed for a special permit and site plan "for a change of use from hotel to apartments on the second and third floors of National Hall, and garage improvements."

The commission opened the application at its meeting Thursday night but continued it until Feb. 17 with no testimony taken. The applicant requested the extension because it reduced from 10 to nine the number of luxury condos envisioned in the original plan and made other changes, according to Mary Young of the P&Z office.

Built in 1873 and once part of the thriving 19th century Westport waterfront, the Inn at National Hall was restored and transformed into a 15-room luxury hotel in 1993 by developer Arthur Tauck at a cost of about $2.5 million. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The hotel's ground floor has housed several luxury restaurants since its opening but now is occupied by a home loan center of Washington Mutual. According to the hotel's Web site, rooms and suites range from $295 to $650 a night.

When it opened in 1873, the building housed a bank, newspaper and ballroom. It became the site for town meetings, concerts and graduation exercises. Its last tenant, a furniture store, moved out in 1987. That year Tauck bought the property for $1.57 million at a bankruptcy auction.

Initially, Tauck wanted to put up a little bed-and-breakfast inn, but when he realized the restoration was going to be expensive, he knew he needed higher room rates and decided to turn it into an elegant hotel.

Tauck hired Westport architect Roger Ferris to stabilize and redesign the structure and to restore the brick facade with cast-iron trim to its original grandeur.

The application to convert the rooms from hotel use to apartments was filed by Dave Beem in care of Roger Ferris and Partners for property owned by National Hall Associates, LLC, in care of Norwalk-based Greenfield Partners. Greenfield bought the building from Tauck in 1998 for $4 million.

In a letter to the P&Z office dated Jan. 18, Beem said the revised plan for the building calls for four two-bedroom units and five one-bedroom units. It also provides for a change in the configuration of the parking lot near the building and a parking garage across the street which would add enclosed parking units with storage space.

The Inn at National Hall received national attention on March 10, 1998, when a luncheon honoring President Bill Clinton was held there under the auspices of the Democratic Business Council. The hosts were Westporters Bob and Yvette Rose.

At the luncheon, Clinton recalled his last visit to Westport in 1991. "My name recognition was less than 50 percent among the people in the room to meet me that night," he said, evoking much laughter from guests.

Friday, Jan. 21, 2005

9:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Commission for Senior Services

Westport Property Transfers Jan. 10-14, 2005

Property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk's office for the period Jan. 10-14, 2005:

Irene Zoschnick to Thomas W. and Kim M. Constantino Jr., 8 Loren Lane, $495,000

Ford R. and Carolyn M. Lynch to Russell Dale Campbell, 2 Aspetuck Lane, $935,000

Richard J. and Diana R. Carter Jr., to Luigi Casatelli, 29 Easton Road, $1,120,000
Peter K. and Lynda Aitkin to Brian and January Cliento, 148 Bayberry Lane, $1,005,000

Sybil G. Gruner and Estate of Saul G. Gruner, Unit 227 Lansdowne, $900,000

Adam and Barnaby Starr to S. Coppy Holzman, 27 Edgewater Hillside, $1,230,000

Floyd and Pagricia Gelini to John and Daniele Hein, 43 Burr Farms Road, $980,000

Francis X. and Pamela L. Driscoll Jr. to Mark H. and Emily R. Rothenberg, 12 Wheeler Gate, $1,660,000

Sidney C. and Winifred A. Reed to Land Group Inc., 33 Otter Trail, $735,000

Allison Fritz and Jack J. Feurer to Avery W. and James D. Horne, 18 Clinton Ave., $890,000

Guy LaLonde and Louise Leduc to Migroup Inc., 21 Reichert Circle, $629,000

Migroup Inc. to Rytis N. and Yovita Varnas, 21 Reichert Circle, $629,000

Stephanie T. Moore and Stephen E. Girling to Derek M. and Ilauren S. Goodman, 9 Woody Lane, $1,769,000

Cynthia A. Fitzgerald to Stephen E. Girling and Stephanie T. Moore, 10 Apache Trail, $1,315,000

M & R Development LLC to David Cohen and Jill Gerla, 54 Maple Ave. South, $2,500,000

Mark and Michael Burton to Beth Heroux, 39 Weston Road, $660,000

Historic Westport Banking Ledgers Gifted

The Hudson United Bank has donated more than 70 historic banking ledgers (inset) to the Westport Historical Society (WHS). The ledgers date from the late 1800s and The First National Bank, Westport, which ultimately became Hudson United Bank. They contain financial and investment records of Westport individuals and businesses and are a unique window on an important part of Westport history, according to the Society. Shown looking over the ledgers are (l-r) Denise Torv, executive director, WHS, Mar Jennings, Hudson United Bank vice president, and Joni Andrews, Society president. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Andrea Fine/Westport Historical Society photos

Shays: Bush Set "Bold Agenda" in Inaugural Speech

Rep. Christopher Shays said today that President Bush in his inaugural speech had set a "bold agenda" for his second term.

"Today President Bush presented an expansive vision for our nation and the world. Anchored by the principles of freedom, strength and dignity, he set a bold agenda for the next four years," Shays said in a statement.

"I am hopeful the second Bush term and the 109th Congress will take steps to fully transfer power to the Iraqi people; work to preserve our social security system; fight the war on terror at home and abroad; work toward energy independence; and get our financial house in order."

Shays, a Republican whose 4th Congressional District includes Westport and much of Fairfield County, added: "Today was a true celebration of democracy that sent a message of hope to our nation and nations around the globe."

Connecticut's Lt. Gov. Determined to Have "Hand and Voice" in Setting Policy

Connecticut's Democratic Lt. Gov. Kevin B. Sullivan, making his first official appearance in Westport since assuming his new post last summer, said today he is determined to have "a hand and voice" in setting state policy in Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell's administration.
Kevin Sullivan: lobbyists are a "necessary evil." (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com

The former state Senate leader spoke to a meeting of the Westport/Weston Y's Men at Saugatuck Congregational Church almost a year to the day after Rell made a similar appearance before the group last January when she was lieutenant governor.

Sullivan said he and Rell had lunch when she succeeded former Gov. John G. Rowland and he told her that even though he was a Democrat in a Republican administration -- the first time that has occurred in Connecticut in 50 years -- he intended "to continue to have a hand and voice in state policy."

"It's been an incredibly warm experience," Sullivan said of his new job. He added that he has seen more of Connecticut in seven months since taking up his post than he had seen in seven years as Senate majority leader -- and had five more similar appearances on his schedule today.

The former mayor of West Hartford said he was grateful to Rell for naming him to head up a statewide initiative concerning mental health.

"We need a blueprint for how to change mental health in Connecticut," Sullivan said. He said it should concentrate not on assessing the problem but on how to improve services for those in need.

"The state is well behind others in intervening, treating, and helping people on the road to recovery," he said.

Sullivan, who became a state senator in 1986, said ethics reform in the wake of the corruption scandal that drove Rowland from office was a hot topic in Hartford.

There had been "an amazing sense of relief that the Rowland problem has been dealt with," he said.

He said the reality is that no matter how perfect the laws may be "there is always a way for a person to do wrong" if that is his intent. But he added that upon discovery and a jail sentence, Connecticut should not reward such people with state pensions.

"When you do public service, there is an expectation and duty of ethical conduct and if you breach that conduct, you do not enrich yourself with a state pension," Sullivan said. The remark brought the only round of mid-speech applause from his audience.

Sullivan said a priority for him has been winning increased benefits for National Guard members and reservists while they served overseas and that he had found such efforts especially rewarding.

He said unveiled a plan of fiscal reform on Wednesday that provides $356 million in middle income tax and property tax relief and helps reduce the projected state budget shortfall by $282 million, or about half.

Sullivan said Connecticut has a steep property tax that unfairly penalizes those least able to afford such taxes -- young families and those on fixed incomes.

"It's a system that front loads a burden on those least able to pay it," he said.

Asked about a state law that he favored that sets strict times for high school testing but also has brought disruption to some schools, Sullivan said its intent was not to disrupt school schedules. He said it was to ensure that students are taking tests at a time when they are at their best.

"Take a trip to Weston and see what has been done with school time issues there," he said, noting that the law in question was due to expire at the end of this year unless renewed.

In response to a question about lobbyists in Hartford, Sullivan said legislators need to have common sense about them.

Calling them a "necessary evil" but "not a pernicious influence," he said lobbyists are often able to bring a point of view to an issue that legislators do not get from the members of "the permanent government" in state agencies.

Nevertheless, he said he always voted on the merits of an issue, even if the stance happened to be the opposite of one favored by a lobbyist who contributed to his campaign.

Westport Senior Center Anniversary Celebration Postponed for a Week

Due to the snowstorm forecast for this weekend, the Westport Center for Senior Activities' first anniversary celebration scheduled for Sunday has been postponed, it was announced today.

The snow date is the following Sunday, Jan. 30, at the same time -- 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the center on Imperial Avenue.

Lt. Gov. Sullivan Calls for End to Pension Benefits for Corrupt Officials

Connecticut Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan told the Westport/Weston Y's Men today that ethics reform in the state must include an end to pension benefits for those found guilty of corruption. "When you do public service, there is an expectation and duty of ethical conduct," he said, "and if you breach that contract, you do not enrich yourself with a state pension." The statement brought applause from his audience. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

New WestportNow Feature: "Westport Revival"

WestportNow today launches a new occasional feature: "Westport Revival." As a counter to our popular "Teardown of the Day" feature, "Revival" will highlight a Westport property that has been “revived” rather than torn down. The first is a house at 140 Compo Road South that the owner believes may have been one of the few that escaped being burned by the British more than 200 years ago. See the debut story below. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Today's Westport Revival: 140 Compo Road South

By Emily Laux
Contributing Editor
WestportNow.com

WestportNow today launches a new feature as a counter to our popular "Teardown of the Day" series – "Westport Revival."
140 Compo Road South: marketed as a teardown in 1998. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

This occasional photo and text feature will highlight a Westport property that has been “revived” rather than torn down. Although the series is not intended to focus only on historic homes, this first one is about a home that may well be among Westport’s oldest.

Property Details: 140 Compo Road South. Owners Damon and Alanna Conte live here with their two small children. They believe the house was one of the few on Compo Road South not burned by the British.

While the age of the house has not been confirmed, Damone Conte believes it was built around 1760. The town's field card says 1820, although there is much physical evidence that it is older. A neighbor claims to have a map that dates the house prior to 1700.

A 1999 view: the renovation took five years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photoThe Contes purchased it in May 1998 and received a certificate of occupancy in May 2003. The 2,200-square foot house, which sits on a half acre, has been restored and renovated with a net 50-square feet added to the structure.

There is also a 1,000-square foot barn that serves as garage and museum for many of the relics discovered on the property.

Q&A:

WN: Do you believe you “saved” your house from being torn down?
DC: Yes, it was definitely being marketed as a teardown in 1998. The owner had been inundated with calls from builders to knock it down. I saw it almost by accident -- my wife and I were bidding on a property in Fairfield -- but the moment I pulled in the driveway, I knew it would work out.”
Damon Conte: "It would have been sinful to throw all this in a dumpster." (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

WN: Why didn’t you tear down the house?
DC: It would have been sinful to throw all this in a dumpster.

WN: Have there been financial benefits to restoring rather than tearing down?
DC: In my case, because I’m builder who specializes in restoration, the answer is definitely yes.

WN: Have there been non-financial benefits to restoring rather than building new?
DC: There’s no question that restoration is a longer and tougher road to travel, but the rewards are far superior. This started out as “just a project,” but in the first two months of working on the house, we had dozens of people who stopped by to thank us for not knocking it down. Nobody stops by new construction to say, “Thanks for building this new house. “

WN: Final question: do you have a ghost?
DC: Absolutely! Lots of them, they’re here and they’re very happy and healthy!

Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005

10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Historic District Commission
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Board of Finance anticipated executive session
7:15 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Youth Commission
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning and Zoning Commission
7:45 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - RTM Public Works and Finance Committees

Lobbyists Work the Lobby in Hartford

Fairfield County residents who traveled to Hartford today under the auspices of the Connecticut Citizens Transportation Lobby are shown, where else, in the lobby of the State Capitol. The group, which traveled from Westport by bus, met with state legislators to hear their views on how to improve transportation in the state. Among them was freshman Rep. Joe Mioli of Westport, a member of the legislature's Transportation Committee. He said the lobbying effort helped call attention to the severe congestion problem in southwest Connecticut. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jim Cameron for WestportNow.com

The Sight Our Congressman Had to See to Believe

When Rep. Christopher Shays returned from a quick trip to tsunami-devastated areas of Asia earlier this month he said he would not have believed the extent of the destruction if he had not seen it with his own eyes. (See WestportNow Jan. 13, 2005). This is one of the sights the 4th District Republican saw in Indonesia. A colleague took the photo from their plane as a congressional delegation toured the area. Shays' office made it available this week. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

"A Human Tragedy of Biblical Proportions"

Rep. Christopher Shays told reporters last week he would have had only one-tenth of the sense of the devastation of areas hardest hit by the Asian tsunami if he had not gone there himself. "I have struggled with how to make comparisons," he said. "This is a human tragedy of biblical proportions." A colleague took this photo as their congressional delegation toured Banda Aceh province in Indonesia. Shays' office made it available this week. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Christopher Plummer Headlines Playhouse Reopening Gala

Christopher Plummer: headlines Playhouse gala reopening. Contributed photoVeteran actor Christopher Plummer will headline the gala reopening of the Westport Country Playhouse and its 75th anniversary season on Friday, June 3, the Playhouse announced today.

The inaugural public production in the newly-renovated theatre will be "A Word or Two, Before You Go," written, arranged and performed by the Canadian-born Plummer, 75, who has lived in Weston since 1981.

The gala evening will celebrate the completion of the historic theatre's 18-month, $17.3 million renovation and expansion and will benefit the Playhouse's artistic, educational and endowment initiatives.

To add to the evening's festivities, an illustrious roster of Playhouse alumni actors will be invited back to attend, an announcement said.

Pre-performance events with alumni and a post performance supper hosted by Plummer and his wife are planned as part of the festivities.

The gala alumni chair is actress Julie Harris, who appeared at the Playhouse in 1948's "Sundown Beach," directed by Elia Kazan; in a 1978 fall season of guest artists in concert; and in a presentation of the 1988 "Sundays at Eight" series as Charlotte Bronté.

"'A Word or Two, Before You Go' could be described as a personal stroll through literature; literature I have long loved, that has stirred my imagination since youth and that for one reason or another I cannot let go," said Plummer of the theatre piece he also presented to benefit the Playhouse in 2001.

"The poetry and prose I have chosen is silly and sad, sacred and profane," he said.

The literary repertoire ranges from "Winnie-the-Pooh" to the Old Testament, from Nash and Leacock to Shaw and Wilde, from Auden and Frost to Shakespeare and Jonson.

"If there must be a theme," he added, "let it lie in my gratitude to a family who made me realize from the moment I opened my eyes what a miracle it is to enrich one's life with the magic and power of language which is our heritage to hold onto for dear life, while we can."

An honored member of the theatre world for more than 50 years and veteran of over 100 motion pictures, Plummer has a personal connection with the Westport Country Playhouse.

In the 1950s as a young actor, he appeared on the Playhouse stage in two plays on their way to New York, "The Starcross Story," starring Eva Le Gallienne, which became his Broadway debut, and an Irish play, "Home Is the Hero," with leading lady Peggy Ann Garner.

Today, he is a member of the Playhouse board of directors and artistic advisory council and a champion of the renovation.

"It is obvious that we must continue to cherish this gem of a theatre, which has not only found its way into all our hearts, but surely harbors more history within its walls than almost any other playhouse of its kind on our continent," he said.

Gala co-chairs Kate and Bob Devlin of Southport and Barbara and James Bradley of Fairfield share Plummer's enthusiasm for the legacy of the Playhouse.

Jim Bradley chairs the Playhouse building committee, continuing a long family association with the Playhouse. His mother, Ina, was president of the Playhouse board in the 1970s and his father, J. Kenneth, the Playhouse attorney.

Kate Devlin serves on the Playhouse board, and she and her husband are among the lead donors who provided support to renovate the Playhouse. Honorary co-chairs are Suzanne and Bob Wright of Fairfield and Laurie Lister and Judd Burstein of Westport.

Event tickets range from $250 to $1,000. Corporate and individual event sponsorships are $20,000 and include seating for 10. To request an invitation to the Playhouse's 75th Anniversary Season Reopening Gala on June 3, call (203) 227-5137 extension 38.

The benefit is a prelude to the four-play summer series beginning June 16 at the not-for-profit Westport Country Playhouse, under the artistic direction of Joanne Woodward. Subscriptions for the summer season are available by calling the Playhouse box office at (203) 227-4177.

Martha Stewart Living Issues Lantern Recall

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. is recalling about 1,700 sets of decorative Halloween lanterns after receiving 11 reports of overheating, melting and fire, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said today.

No injuries were reported, the commission said.

The hanging Full Moon Lanterns, manufactured in China, are orange or white and have one of three black designs -- bats, a flying witch or a jack-o'-lantern.

The New York company sold the $19 paper lanterns online and through its print catalogue in September and October.

The company is contacting affected consumers, who are advised to stop using the lanterns, to arrange full refunds.

More information is available by calling Martha Stewart Living at 800-950-7130, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST.

Icing Over

This week's freezing temperatures have caused the ice on the Saugatuck River in Westport's center to get a little thicker. The forecast calls for cloudy skies with a chance of light snow through early afternoon, then periods of light snow. Snow accumulation will be about an inch. Highs in the upper 20s. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Forum on Underage Drinking Draws Crowd

There was a large turnout today for a Westport Town Hall forum on teenage underage drinking organized by the Westport PTA Council. The session was held in advance of a Feb. 1 vote by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) on a controversial ordinance that would allow police to issue tickets to underage drinkers on private property. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

On the Bus to Improve Transit

More than 50 area residents set out for Hartford from Westport today to attend a rally to improve transportation sponsored by the Connecticut Citizens Transportation Lobby. While in Hartford, members will be meeting with state legislators to hear their views on the issue and press for action during this legislative session. They boarded the bus at Westport's Sherwood Island Connector commuter lot. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Today's Westport Teardown: 4 Dexter Road

Today's WestportNow teardown is at 4 Dexter Road off of Bulkley Avenue North. The home was built in 1945. A demolition application is pending. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Martha Stewart Web Site Eliminating Online Shopping

At a time when Internet shopping is booming, Martha Stewart's company plans to shut down its online store and catalog next month, Newsday reported today.

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. is holding a "final tag sale" on its Web site, marthastewart.com. Only magazine subscriptions and flowers will continue to be sold online after February, the newspaper said.

The move comes as retailers such as Home Depot rush to expand their Web offerings. And the National Retail Federation reported that online purchases soared 25 percent during the holidays to $23 billion.

Experts questioned why Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, an early entrant in Internet retailing, is throwing in the towel, the report said.

Others said the company, battered by its namesake's legal troubles, is attempting to bolster the bottom line by eliminating a money-losing division.

The clearance sale appears to be popular, with much of the merchandise already picked over, Newsday said.

Some categories only have a half-dozen products still in stock. But the range is broad, from wine journals ($12 to $34) and Danish Fern dinnerware ($19-$189) to label makers ($9-$45) and Highland Twill Garden Boots ($34).

Company spokeswoman Elizabeth Estroff said only a few hundred types of products remain.

She also said the Web site would be redesigned in late February to emphasize flower sales, which doubled last year compared with 2003, along with subscriptions, the report said.

"The print and online catalog had not been profitable and was not tracking to achieve profitability," she said.

Still, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia hasn't written off future online ventures.

"We are looking at a number of new merchandising opportunities," said Estroff, "and will pursue the sales channel that is most appropriate to deliver those products to consumers

Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005

8 a.m . - Sherwood Island Connector -- Bus departs for Connecticut Citizens Transportation Lobby rally in Hartford
9:30 a.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Forum on teenage underage drinking
10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
7 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Conservation Commission
7:30 p.m. - Westport Library - Library Board

School Building Committee Needs Additional $2.5 Million for Staples

The citizens building committee overseeing the renovation and expansion of Westport's Staples High School told the Board of Education tonight it needs an additional $2.5 million on top of $74.9 million already approved.

Dan Kail, chair of the Staples Subcommittee of the School Building Committee, said his committee had worked "tremendously hard" to come in under budget. He said with the additional appropriation "we'll finish the job and finish it in the right way."

But he said an initial $5 million cut in the project's budget was just too steep to overcome.

Kail said he will ask the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting (RTM) to approve $1.25 million additional contingency and $1.25 million for furniture, fixtures and equipment. He added, "Hopefully a lot of the contingency will not be used."

The Board of Education took no action on the request to approve recommending the extra funds and will take it up again at its meeting next Monday.

Board of Education Member Resigns

Mark Owades, a Republican member of Westport's Board of Education, announced tonight – in a computer-enabled appearance – that he intends to resign.

"It is with great sadness that I must announce my intention to resign from the Westport Board of Education," Owades told fellow board members via a computer connection from California.

"My business obligations have become more time consuming and travel intensive than I had hoped.

"I wish to express my sincere regrets to the citizens of the town of Westport who elected me to the board with the expectation that I would complete my term in good order."

Owades, 52, whose term expires in November, added that, "I feel that at this time, it is more beneficial to the town and the school system that I step aside in order to allow someone who can devote the appropriate level of attention to this important task to take over."

He thanked Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon, the staff, and fellow board members "for their devotion to the children of Westport, and their willingness to work with me and each other to create perhaps the finest school system in the state."

Owades said he will miss "the lively and stimulating debate that our meetings generate, as well as helping our system grow and improve."

He said he has asked the Republican Town Committee (RTC) to search for a suitable replacement candidate to recommend to the Board of Education.

"I expect that the meeting of March 7, 2005, will be my last, but I will remain on the board until a replacement has been selected."