Golden Pizza has opened at 1759 Post Road East, in the strip of stores across from Stop & Shop, in the space previously occupied by Jordan’s Pizza. Owner Matt Maras, 50, co-manages the eat-in/takeout eatery with his brother Kerem, 35 and son Max, 20. A family business enterprise, they also operate the Red Tomato pizzeria in Madison since 1994. The shop is open weekdays until 10 p.m. and 11 p.m on weekends. Jordan’s pizza restaurant, which opened at the Post Road East location in December 2010, continues to operate at two locations in Norwalk, 369 Westport Ave. and 252 Flax Hill Road. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

By James Lomuscio

Developer Felix Charney said today that he expects Westport’s Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) to deny his application to build a 187-unit rental complex in Saugatuck when the commission meets Thursday, May 23.

Developer Felix Charney: “This is not a greed-driven endeavor ... There’s no need for rudeness and rancor.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com

He also said he is going straight to court to sue the town under the state’s affordable housing statute 8-30g.

If anything, Charney, principal of Southport-based Summit Development, is persistent. The expected suit will be his eighth try since 2002 to build an affordable housing, rental complex on Hiawatha Lane in Saugatuck.

“This is not a greed-driven endeavor,” said Charney, adding that his company is doing well financially, having built 1,500 residential units and 7 million square feet since he started out in 1982. “I’m very busy. I don’t need this. This is something I believe in.”

Surface, a 3,000-square foot showcase for custom fabrication stone surfaces, has opened at 1320 Post Road East in the newly constructed commercial strip that includes Kohler and Bird Salon. According to Surface lead designer Jo Ann Ceasrine, a Westport resident, the site is the first showroom for the 15-year-old business owned by Italy-born Daniel Manegta who operates The Stoneworkshop fabrication facility, 1108 Railroad Ave., Bridgeport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The retail future of downtown Westport will be the focus of a Coalition for Westport (CFW)-sponsored, public forum set for Monday, May 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at The Visual Brand located at 56 Church Lane, CFW officials announced.

The forum, which is open to the public, will feature three speakers with experience in regional and local retail and development trends for creating a 21st century downtown, the announcement said.

Scheduled speakers are: David Kooris, deputy commissioner of CT Economic and Community Development (DECD); Randy Herbertson, president of Westport Downtown Merchants Association; and Joseph McGee, vice president of public policy and programs for The Business Council of Fairfield County.

Coalition member Julie Belaga is set to moderate the moderate the program, which will be introduced by G. Kenneth Bernhard, CFW vice chairman.