By James Lomuscio

Westport’s Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) tonight heard developer David Waldman’s proposed land swap on Elm Street—one that would allow him to put up a $7 million building on a piece of the town’s Baldwin Parking Lot in exchange for land across the street, netting the town nine additional parking spaces.

The property at 36 Elm St. would be turned into a parking lot to be swapped for town-owned land in the Baldwin lot across the street. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Waldman, principal of David Adam Realty who is heading the nearby Bedford Square Pproject, also owns the historic Kemper Gunn House relocated to the town lot three years ago.

With Frist Selectman Jim Marpe supporting the land swap and requesting a positive P&Z endorsement, Waldman and his architect Rick Hoag detailed the plan. The P&Z took no action, but closed the hearing to later vote on the matter.

The proposal includes Waldman buying the Villa Del Sol building and property totaling .15449 acres at 36 Elm St., on which he has an option, for $6 million, including buying out the restaurant’s lease. He then plans to raze the building, making the area it into a parking lot.

UPDATE Stanton Miles, the home decorating and power vacuum service and sales store, 1620 Post Road East, between Pane e bene restaurant and Innovation Luggage, will relocate to 1803 Post Road East on Nov. 1, according to co-owner Dave Kernstock.

Stanton MIles is moving from its current location after 45 years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

He and Mike Rowland acquired the business in 2004.

“The building is being sold,” Kernstock said. “We’ve been on a month-to-month lease since April, so we decided to be proactive and move now.”

He said Stanton Miles has been in Westport for 65 years, its first 20 years located in the space of the current nearby Dunkin Donuts,1533 Post Road East, before moving to its current location 45 years ago.