The fast pace of Westport teardowns was too fast for a Fairfield man. Westport police arrested him for demolishing a home without a permit.
Illegally torn down: 59 Crescent Road. (CLICK TO ENLARGE Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Christopher J. Taylor, 35, was charged Thursday with taking down a home at 59 Crescent Road without having received the proper paperwork, according to officials. He was released on his own recognizance for a court appearance May 2 and could face a maximum of a year in jail and/or a $500 fine.
The home, which sold last month for $470,000, was featured as WestportNow’s teardown of the day March 15.
The house was demolished last week. Upon learning of the action, Steve Smith, Buildings Department director, filed a complaint with police.
The number of demolition permits issued in 2004 in Westport jumped 43 percent—to 106 compared to 73 the year before, according to Building Department records.
What is the penalty for such an action?
They make you replace it with affordable housing.
Wow, a $500 fine! With houses sold for $1 million or more being torn down, that sounds like an incredibly tiny penalty.