The L.C.R. design and decoration retail store at 275 Post East in Playhouse Square is moving to a new location at 615 Post Road East in the space that was vacated by Gary’s Frame Gallery (WestportNow, May 19, 2009) in the shopping center formerly anchored by Shaw’s supermarket According to Dana Robbin, co-owner, L.C.R. occupied its current location for five years after 12 years at 178 Main St. currently occupied by Papyrus. “We selected the new location because of the increased visibility, high traffic and the rent and we think that Fresh Market will be an attraction” she said. “We’re doing a lot of interior renovations with major construction and hope to move by the end of July.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Plans to expand the Westport Housing Authority’s Hales Court low-income housing development are back on track thanks to a $34 million award Friday by the U.S. Treasury Department.
One of the Hales Court units that are part of the $24 million renovation and expansion project. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Plans for building 78 new housing units, doubling its current size, had been put on hold because the federal and state funding arrangements became a victim of the poor economy. Westport’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved the plans in December. (See WestportNow Dec. 19, 2008)

A total of $486 million was released Friday to Connecticut and 10 other states and the Virgin Islands as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This award comes at a critical time for Connecticut’s residents,” said Timothy Bannon, president and executive director of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), which will distribute the funds.