169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.
Gorgeous 2 BR condo, spacious corner top-floor unit in sought after downtown Greenwich. Prime location with views of the idyllic courtyard garden, steps from shopping, restaurants and train.
Pristine living with brand new custom granite and marble kitchen includes sleek lighting and ample storage, separate dining room with ship lap accent wall, spacious living room with fireplace and area for an office setup. Sleek European-styled bathroom.
Close off the living space to the privacy of 2 bedrooms; master with cedar closet plus 2 oversized hall closets with built in shelving and dual level closet rods.
Recessed lighting, beautifully finished hardwood floors, 10’ ceilings, extra large windows and air conditioning throughout; pre-wired for cable. Off street parking space, separate indoor storage unit and laundry facilities in the building.
Don’t miss your chance to own the very best convenience of downtown living!
169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.169 Mason Street, Virginia Court, #4A, Greenwich, CT 06830.
José D. Cuartas is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with William Raveis Real Estate, 45 Field Point Rd, Greenwich, CT 06830.
Contact José with questions at 203-921-6154 or email jose.cuartas@raveis.com. Virtual tour available.
To inquire about running a House of the Week feature on Greenwich Free Press contact Leslie.Yager@gmail.com
Joseph M. Gavin passed away peacefully at Stamford Hospital on June 29, 2020 after an extended illness.
He was born in the United Hospital in Port Chester, NY on April 23, 1945, graduated from Rye High School in 1964 and served in the US Army Reserve for three years. Joe then joined the Greenwich Police Department in 1970 and retired as a Youth Officer after 23 years. He and William Gallagher then opened the Horseneck Tavern which became a well-known restaurant and gathering place for 16 years.
Photo: Greenwich Police Dept Facebook
Joe was the youngest of Mary Ellen and Patrick’s seven children. He is survived by his sister Priscilla Costigan and Patrick Gavin (wife Nancie). He is predeceased by his sisters Patricia Mahoney, Eileen Hoey, Bernadette Maguire, brother John and foster brother Shang Jung. Joe also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Due to Covid-19 a private family service will be held Friday at Gallagher Funeral Home in Greenwich.
The burial will immediately follow at Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye. A memorial service will be held at later date.
The idea for “The Clam Shack” had been on the back of their minds for years, but it took a pandemic for the Garden Catering take-out seafood stand to become a reality.
Frank and Tina Carpenteri run a brisk business at Garden Catering on Sound Beach Avenue, pandemic notwithstanding, but they were surprised by the instant success of their pop-up “Clam Shack,” which had its soft opening last Thursday.
“Last Thursday we had a soft opening and sold out of product for the entire weekend in three hours,” Tina said, adding that all it took was some social media posts and word-of-mouth. “What people went crazy for were the hot Connecticut lobster rolls.”
Hot lobster roll from The Clam Shack was too good for words. July 9, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerTina and Frank Carpenteri at The Clam Shack, a pop-up seafood stand outside Garden Catering on Sound Beach Ave in Old Greenwich. July 9, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
Of course Garden Catering makes delicious take-out food look easy, but time was taken to perfect several recipes before they moved on to construct their brick-and-mortar “shack.”
The menu includes two varieties of lobster roll: the cold Maine style lobster roll with mayo; and the hot, Connecticut style lobster roll, which features fresh lobster meat and clarified butter on a toasted Martin’s famous split top hot dog bun, which Frank said is sturdy and holds up well to the lobster meat.
Another option is the clam strip roll with house made tartar sauce.
And, for shrimp lovers, The Clam Shack offers a New England shrimp roll, which is like a shrimp salad. It is made with whole shrimp and mayonnaise, and is served on a toasted bun.
The Shrimp Po Boy features fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato and house made Cajun remoulade, which Frank said has a kick to it. It is served on a French baguette, cut into thirds and toasted. It features a dozen shrimp, so it is a good sized sandwich.
“You get that Po Boy and a cold beer and there’s nothing like it,” Frank said, adding that local customers are nostalgic for the days they could get fried clams at Howard Johnson’s, or seafood at The Showboat or the Clam Box.
“It’s a throwback for a lot of people,” he said. “And we’re right on the way to the water.”
Hot and cold lobster rolls and clam strips from “The Clam Shack” at Garden Catering on Sound Beach Ave in Old Greenwich. July 8, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
“We have a couple secret ingredients we put in the batter for the clams that give it a little bit of a kick at the end,” Frank added. “And fresh squeezed lemon ties it all together.”
Then there was the task of creating a logo.
“Jaime Jones worked on The Clam Shack design with us,” Frank said. “She is a wonderful person and a wonderful artist.”
Jones hand painted the A-frame menu and the shack itself.
“She also helped design our painted mural inside our Fairfield and New Haven locations, which is where we first met her.”
“People are so excited, and excited for us as a company, and us as a town,” Tina said. “Someone said, ‘You’re really stepping up the game in Old Greenwich.’ We like to do something new and innovative, and a lot of people are doing that now with Covid impacting businesses differently.”
Frank said one Clam Shack customer was skipping their annual family trip to Nantucket. “She said, ‘We’re bringing Nantucket here this summer.'”
Tina agreed. “It’s about experiences. When you take a lobster roll and go to the beach, it’s more than just going to the beach or bringing it back to your house.”
Frank and Tina say their inspiration for The Clam Shack came from long time Garden Catering owner, Frank Carpenteri Senior.
“My father owned Main Street Seafood on Main Street in Port Chester back in the 1980’s, and we grew up doing our homework in the back room of the restaurant,” Frank Jr recalled. “We learned how to eat raw clams right off the half-shell at a very young age.”
Frank and Tina said they’re looking forward to a visit from Frank Senior next Thursday from 3:00-7:00pm.
“He’s actually going to be on site shucking clams on the half shell,” Frank Jr said. “We’re going to call it ‘The 2 buck shuck.'”
The Carpenteris said they hope to keep their pop-up Clam Shack open until the end of September.
Follow @theclamshackatgc and see more stories and more photos of what’s on the menu.
The Clam Shack at Garden Catering on Sound Beach Ave in Old Greenwich is open Thursday & Friday from 3pm to 7:30pm, Saturday 11:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday 11:00am to 5:00pm (or until they sell out). Pre ordering is suggested. Call (203) 698-2900 with your name, order, credit card and desired pick up time. Photo: Leslie Yager
At Thursday’s Board of Selectman, town administrator Ben Branyan presented an amendment to the town’s Nuisance Ordinance for a “first read.”
First Selectman Fred Camillo has made quality of life issues a priority. Two weeks ago he did a walking tour of the waterfront along South Water Street with P&Z commission chair Margarita Alban and P&Z director Katie DeLuca where there are three blighted buildings, as well as graffiti in a pocket park.
“The town is taking a two-prong approach to address the qualities of life issues related to the condition of private and public property,” Branyan said. “It involves both a policy change, as well as a process change.”
Branyan said the proposed amendment expands the definition of Nuisance because at present it only allows the Town to force property owners to board up windows or doors, and some properties have been boarded up for years.
“We get concerns from residents about vacant buildings boarded up,” he said. “There’s nothing in the building code that allows us to do enforcement.”
Proposed changes to the definition of nuisance in the town’s Nuisance Ordinance in chapter 6C-2.h DefinitionsStructure that is wide open on So Water Street along the Byram River was once a yacht brokerage. June 26, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
He noted that in the town charter, in Chapter 6C, Nuisance, says, “The Town of Greenwich has a history and reputation for well-kept properties, and the property values and the general welfare of the town is founded, in part, upon the appearance and maintenance of private and public properties.”
Branyan said a targeted change in the definition of “nuisance” would have the greatest chance of adoption by the RTM.
The original ordinance was enacted in 1991 after much debate in the RTM about individual property rights.
Branyan said the proposed text has been reviewed by the town attorney’s office and Town departments.
In addition to the amended ordinance, Branyan proposed the creation of a standing working group he would lead. The group would take a coordinated approach to identifying and addressing nuisance properties.
It would include representatives from departments including Human Services, Zoning, Health, Building, Fire Marshal and Police.
File photo: Property on William StreetProperty on William Street. File photo
First Selectman Camillo said nuisance properties are not only in Byram, but also on the east side of town, in Glenville and in the northwest corner.
“The residents have been crying out for this for a long time,” he said, adding that some situations have carried on for many, many years.
“We are respectful and mindful of the property rights issues,” he added. “This is not just a local issue unique to these neighborhoods. Some people have applied for tax abatements and they have been granted.”
“We’re trying to do something with compassion, and to help people who may have fallen on hard times,” he said. “Certainly, there’s got to be a limit. Otherwise people are just held hostage.”
Boarded up property on Mead Ave in Byram was demolished after decades of complaints. File photoResidents complained about a property on Mead Ave in Byram for decades before it was torn down. File photo
Planning & Zoning director Katie DeLuca praised the proposal and Branyan “getting all the players to the table.”
“The current language is extremely limited as it relates to the issue we’re trying to solve with blight,” DeLuca said, noting that the committee approach would mean the zoning inspectors won’t be charged solely with enforcement.
She pointed out there are fire codes, building codes, and health codes that zoning inspectors have neither the power nor the knowledge to enforce.
“I think it’s a significant reduction in liability to the Town as a whole,” she added. “These are never one-track issues. We have found these are multi department issues.”
If the Selectmen vote to approve the amendment at their second read, scheduled for July 22, the proposal next goes to the RTM, which requires two reads: One on Sept 21 and the second one on Oct 26.
Tropical Storm Fay is forecast to make landfall near New York City about 9:00PM Friday evening, and move north along the NY / CT border between 10:00PM and 2:00AM Saturday morning. Local rainfall is currently predicted to total 2” – 4”.
From the National Weather Service: Heavy rain showers and embedded thunderstorms are forecast through Friday evening. Torrential rainfall within a short period of time will be possible and this could lead to flooding. Peak Wind Forecast is 35-45 mph with gusts to 50 mph. The window for Tropical Storm force winds: until early Saturday morning.
Original story: A powerful tropical storm is on its way up the coast Friday morning.
During the day Friday there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 77.
Tropical Storm Fay is expected to hit Greenwich Friday night.
The storm is expected to dump about 2-4″ of rain, causing flash flooding.
7/10 8AM EDT: A special advisory has been issued to expand the Tropical Storm Warning southward, with tropical storm conditions expected soon over portions of the Delaware coast. More info: https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb#Faypic.twitter.com/EaSJUviXlk
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) July 10, 2020
Gusty winds as high as 55 yo 65 MPH could cause power outages.
Residents are advised to remove any objects outside that might become a projectile in high winds.
On Saturday, there is a chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10:00am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Tropical Storm Fay is the sixth named storm of the season.
Tropical Storm #Fay Advisory 4: Tropical Storm Warning Extended Southward Along the Delaware Coastline as Heavy Rains and Gusty Winds Move Onshore Along The Mid-Atlantic Coast. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) July 10, 2020
Property transfers are transcribed from the Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall
2B Minerva Place from Mary Young, Executor of the Estate of John R Young and Anne Young, Executor of the Estate of John R Young to Minerva Place II LLC on June 17, 2020 for $1,610,755.59
2A Minerva Place from Mary Young, Executor of the Estate of John R Young and Anne Young, Executor of the Estate of John R Young to Minerva Place I LLC on June 17, 2020 for $1,679,298.38
11 Ledge Road
11 Ledge Rd from Mary Young Executor of the Estate of John R Young and Anne Young, Executor of the Estate of John R Young to Ledge Road II LLC on June 17, 2020 for $3,059,946.03
26 Nimitz Place
26 Nimitz Place from Danny and Wendy Roobaert to Ming Zhu on June 17, 2020 for $1,903,125
14 Dawn Harbor Lane
14 Dawn Harbor Lane from Chris Bechtel to Joseph Jacobs on June 17, 2020 for $6,000,000
36 Lismore Lane
36 Lismore Lane from Richard Zanino and Ana Zannino to 36 Lismore LLC on June 17, 2020 for $7,575,000
1 Powell Street aka 17 Fletcher Ave from Steven and Robert Crawford to James Portanova on June 17, 2020 for $500,000
75 William Street from John Grier Poole to Thomas Ireland on June 17, 2020 for $2,675,000
61 Orchard Street Unit B from Rafael Silvera to Joyce Teevan on June 17, 2020 for $1,018,750
45 Stanwich Rd
45 Stanwich Rd from Randall and Deborah Wolf to Andrew and Natasha Luboski on June 17, 2020 for $3,300,000
38 Aiken Rd from Adelaide McManus to Christopher Lapolice on June 17, 2020 for $3,200,000
53 Park Ave
53 Park Ave from Mary Borderding Barber and William Barger to Miles Lewis IV and Vanessa Kay Forma on June 17, 2020 for $2,100,000
42 Winding Lane
42 Winding Lane from Berdie Brady to Randi Abramowitz Fuks and Joachim Fuks on June 19, 2020 for $2,475,000
4 Plow Lane
4 Plow Lane from Susannah Peardon to Timothy Duffy on June 19, 2020 for $1,800,000
74 Sinawoy Rd
74 Sinawoy Rd from Lisa Capalbo Floros and Anthony Capalbo to Toni Capalbo on June 19, 2020 for $480,000
Even though many summer camps are closed this year, curious young minds still have an opportunity to learn about and experience nature.
Join Audubon for up to five weeks of Virtual Summer Camp, starting July 21.
Discover the fascinating world of everything from birds to butterflies to beavers in this engaging online program, led and designed by expert Audubon educators.
Details for this exciting program include:
Ages: For children in kindergarten through sixth grade
Schedule: Three 90-minute sessions per week (from 10 – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)
Flexible Options: Register by the week or for individual specific days
Fees: $40 per week or $15 per session
Technology Requirements: Mac, Windows PC, or a mobile device with a webcam, stable internet connection, and access to Zoom video conferencing
Each 90-minute virtual camp session will include activities such as livestream segments and recorded segments with educational nature lessons, featured crafts, and some Wild Jobs highlights from field professionals. The sessions will be hosted live via Zoom by Audubon Connecticut educators from Sharon, Greenwich, and Bent of the River Audubon Centers. Audubon will also provide links to additional educational videos and ideas for more activities and crafts for your child to enjoy at home, beyond the scheduled camp time.
Enjoy a variety of weekly themes:
Week 1 – Feathered Friends (July 21 – 23)
Week 2 – Wet and Wild Adventures (July 28 – 30)
Week 3 – Bioblitz (August 4 – 6)
Week 4 – The Amazing World of Plants (August 11 – 13)
Week 5 – Twilight Adventures (August 18 – 20)
Join the fun—and experience nature from wherever you are!
Contact tracers, the people who work for state health departments to try to track anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19, are an important part of the road to recovery.
But scammers are pretending to be contact tracers. They’re trying to steal your identity, your money – or both.
Luckily, there are ways to tell the difference between a real contact tracer and a scammer.
Legitimate texts you will receive from authorized contact tracers will not ask you to click on a link. Nor will they ask you for money or information like your Social Security number, bank account or credit card number. Anyone who does so is a scammer.
But scammers may send spam text messages that ask you to click a link. Don’t click on any link from someone purporting to be a contract tracer.
Legitimate contact tracers are usually hired by a state’s department of public health. They work with an infected person to get the names and phone numbers for everyone that infected person came in close contact with while the possibly infectious.
A contact tracer might get in touch to discuss results of a test you know you took, or because someone you’ve been in contact with tested positive. Depending on how your state has set up its program, legitimate contact tracers may call, email, text, or visit your home to collect information. They may ask you for:
your name and address
health information
the names of places and people you have visited
Scammers will ask you to do more. Here are some things to do to protect yourself from fake contact tracers.
Don’t pay a contact tracer. Anyone who says you need to pay is a scammer, plain and simple.
Don’t give your Social Security number or financial information. There’s no reason for a legit contact tracer to need your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number.
Don’t share your immigration status. Legit contact tracers don’t need — and won’t ask for — this information.
Image: FTC
Don’t click on links or download anything sent from a contact tracer. Real tracers will only send you texts or emails that say they’ll be calling you — not ask you to click or download anything.
Unlike a legitimate text message from a health department, which only wants to let you know they’ll be calling, this spam message includes a link to click.
Don’t take the bait. Clicking on the link will download software onto your device, giving scammers access to your personal and financial information. Ignore and delete these scam messages.
Tuesday’s Planning & Zoning meeting has an interesting pre-application on the agenda.
Renamba Greenwich LLC, owner of a 2.5344 acre parcel of land at the end of Old Track Road seeks a new zone: “Assisted Living Facility Overlay Zone.”
Renamba, a private, for-profit developer, seeks to amend the town’s building code to incorporate a new “Assisted Living Facility” (ALF) regulation so they can develop property on Old Track Rd beyond McDermott Paint and J Lofts.
They say the location is ideal because it would not conflict with established residential development and would still be close to central Greenwich community services such as transportation and shopping.
The property is in the GB zone.
Previously, the site was owned by RD&D Land Development and used as a yard for its local excavating business. It has a small office building, shed and storage containers and piles.
The applicant purchased the site in 2019. (0 Old Track Rd from R.D.&D. Land Development Inc to Renamba Greenwich LLC on Sept 6, 2019 for $11,650,000)
The idea of a pre-application is relatively new and the commission has only entertained a few previously: Greenwich Hospital’s proposed 80,000 sq ft Smilow Cancer Center which didn’t move forward given the pandemic interupted the hospital’s plans, and the GHS stadium, which has moved forward. Also the scenic loop around Binney Park started as a pre-application.
The pre-application is non binding. It is a discussion to elicit guidance from P&Z and is not part of the public hearing, so there will not be an opportunity for public comment. However, interested parties may want to watch the meeting via Zoom (instructions are at foot of this article) or email P&Z.
Priority of occupancy at the facility would be given to Town of Greenwich residents, second to spouse of an occupant from Greenwich, third to occupant who survives spouse, and lastly occupant whose spouse has entered into a long term continuing fare facility and other persons employed in the Town of Greenwich.
The 2019 POCD includes language about ‘aging in place,’ and specifies a prime objective is to “facilitate housing options that encourage seniors to stay in Greenwich” and promote age-friendly housing options in or near commercial areas…[with] lifestyle amenities and elevators, and that are close to restaurants and other amenities…; and b. Create regulations specific to assisted living facilities…”
The facility would include 100 one-bedroom assisted living units plus 30 studio memory care units.
Communal spaces include a lobby, main dining room, gallery, informal bistro, multipurpose room library, card room and wellness center. There would be a secure entrance to the memory care wing that wraps around an interior courtyard. Upstairs the apartments have amenities including wellness suites on each floor.
The applicant anticipates the ALF to generate “very small traffic” and have little adverse impact on the neighborhood. Most required parking would be underground.
The applicant seeks guidance from P&Z on whether the facility would be consistent with the town’s objectives and whether the commission supports the incentives for the developer.
Incentives?
Yes, the proposed regulation says FAR for the living units would be .9 FAR, or a max of 1.15 FAR when common spaces are included.
The GB zone normally has a .5 FAR.
The building would be four stories, 47-1/2 ft high.
Currently, regs allow for two types of facilities: the RPHD-E zone for independent elderly who need require minimal assistance, and Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), which allows for full on-site nursing and medical services.
The applicant says that assisted living meets the needs of those who fall between these two extremes.
“Assisted living provides a popular residential option for older adults who have supportive care needs due to physical or cognitive limitations and who cannot live independently, but who also do not require round-the-clock medical care,” the applicant’s attorney Bruce Cohen wrote in a letter to P&Z director Katie DeLuca in March.
Please use the link below to view, listen, and/or participate in this meeting: https://greenwichct.zoom.us/j/91490207380?pwd=eFUrdjhOdlhRUUVzU3Y2dlVnbHZTQT09Password: 0518864
Or you may listen, and/or participate in this meeting by calling the following: By Telephone: +1 (646)518-9805 Webinar ID: 914 9020 7380 Password: 0518864
The Greenwich real estate market is on fire! Homes are selling very quickly, often with bidding wars. It’s become a seller’s market, demand is high and inventory is low. Buyers are waiting for more homes to hit the market. If you’ve been contemplating selling your home, this is a great time to reach out to an experienced real estate agent for a price opinion.
There are 52 public open houses in Greenwich this weekend. Please bring a mask and gloves if you plan to attend.
This colonial home features a modern flare. From the sprawling open floor plan to the designer kitchen, this 2.29-landscaped home is both expansive and private.
A front to back foyer leads to an openly connected living room and dining room, providing for a beautiful entryway. French doors connect the illuminated foyer entryway to a terrace.
The living room is complete with a wood-burning fireplace. The open gourmet eat-in kitchen features an island fit with high-end appliances. Opening out of the designer kitchen, an expansive family room comes complete with cathedral ceilings.
All six bedrooms are on the second floor. The master suite comes with three walk-in closets and a radiant bathroom. The three following bedrooms sprawl out of the master suite along the second floor’s corridor, all entailing en-suite bathrooms of their own with private closets in each. The remaining two bedrooms share a hall bath.
Featured open house, 105 Parsonage Rd, Sunday, 7-12-20, 1:00-3:00
105 Parsonage Rd, open house Sunday, 7-12-20, 1:00-3:00 Click on photo for details
Stefanie Lacoff is a licensed real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New England Properties in Greenwich, CT. Contact Stefanie for assistance selling your home or purchasing a new one.
The Board of Selectmen discussed a proposal on Thursday to purchase and preserve 72 acres of land out of 100 acres owned by Aquarion.
The 72 acres, located at at 836 Lake Ave, would be preserved in partnership with the Greenwich Land Trust.
The agreement would allow for the creation of a trail system that could include benches, bridges with no footing, boardwalks, wayfinding markers, kiosks and educational or enforcement signage.
Pat Sesto, Director of Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, gave an overview of the proposal and conservation easement at Thursday’s meeting.
Describing the proposal as a great deal, she said the land has ecological value and features Converse Pond Brook, which is associated with wetlands and wooded upland areas.
Aquarion became able to sell the property after the land was reclassified from Class I or II Land to Class III, meaning they own the land, but it is outside of the public watershed.
Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA), has oversight of when a public utility can dispose of land, and determined Aquarion can dispose of the property.
About ten years ago the town discussed a possible deal with Aquarion, but at the time there was a large gap between what the town thought the property could support (7-10 lots) and what Aquarion thought it could support (14-16 lots). Aquarion was looking for $10 million at the time. No deal was struck.
What a difference ten years makes.
The proposed price for this deal is $2 million, which is below-market value.
Greenwich Land Trust Map.
The conservation easement would assure the protected property is retained in its natural state, and prevent any use that would impair its conservation values.
The public would be limited to passive recreational use of trails.
The land could not be divided, partitioned or subdivided. Nor could fees be charged for public use. Existing stone walls cannot be altered. No building, vehicles, camping, signs, billboards or fencing. No snowmobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles allowed. No changing topography or placing soils such as landfill or dredge spoils.
It will be possible to alter vegetation and topography to create on-site parking areas and access ways, and to use vehicles to manage and protect the property.
Also it will be possible to “conduct a management plan for animal species, including lethal means, when such management is prudent for public safety, habitat protection/restoration, or other conservation goals.”
Sesto said Aquarion will seek to develop 2 four-acre lots off of Cherry Valley Road, and have submitted to IWWA an application for the subdivision and are on track to go before P&Z.
“Aquarion would hold 20 acres as class I/class II land, and 8 acres for two lots, leaving 72 acres to be protected for the bargain price of $2 million.”
Pat Seto, Director of Greenwich’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency
The 100 acres was valued at $6 million.
Greenwich Land Trust would pay $1 million and the Town would pay $1 million. In the end, Land Trust would own the parcel and maintain it. The Town of Greenwich would have an overlying easement guaranteeing public access.
“I feel like this is a great opportunity for the Town. We spent $1 million for 72 acres of open space for public use and someone else maintains it,” Sesto said. “I’m feeling like that’s a great deal.”
The Greenwich Land Trust will create a management plan every 10 years that the Town would conduct a review to make sure the plan is being implemented.
“It’s a very exciting development for our Town – to add to open space and add to our hiking trails,” said First Selectman Fred Camillo.
Camillo noted that the land is in close proximity to other open space owned by the Town that are available to the general public.
“This kind of connects to the Babcock property,” he said. “To access that from this 72 acre parcel, will we be given access?”
Sesto said Aquarion is open to discussing whether to allow pedestrians to traverse their property to get from one trail system to another, but it is not part of the structured deal.
The Board of Selectmen will do a second read of the proposal on July 22.
Should they vote in favor, the next steps are for the acquisition and easement to go before the P&Z commission for MI approval.
Nestle into 200 Overlook, located in the heart of the beautiful, private community of Milbrook Association.
This home is modern and move-in ready, with new open-concept chefs kitchen, breakfast area, and family room, fully appointed home office, recently renovated luxury bathrooms, new roof, new generator, fabulous, professionally designed grounds and so much more.
Secluded, private, security guards, camera protected, gated, yet close to everything. Walk to downtown, Greenwich Avenue shopping, trains, and schools.
Potential 4th bedroom in LL next to full bath currently used as a fitness studio!
A great investment and a great place to live!
Join Milbrook Club for golf, tennis, platform tennis, pool/aquatics, summer camp for kids.
Schoenberg founded PrimeSites, Inc. in 1988 as a real estate brokerage company. Clients benefit from Sabine’s 20+ years in Greenwich real estate. Her transactional expertise, 10+ years of remodeling and building homes for which Sabine received extensive media coverage including a half hour exclusive, nationally syndicated TV show entitled “Beautiful Homes and Great Estates” (see video excerpt) are unique.
To celebrate the artistry of L.A. Ring — the Danish master painter presented in the Bruce Museum’s current visiting exhibition — the Bruce Museum will host a virtual solo concert performed by internationally renowned Danish jazz and improvisational artist Nikolaj Hess. Filmed on June 24 before a live audience at SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark in Copenhagen, the audiovisual hybrid concert will also feature visuals by acclaimed film director Andreas Johnsen based on the paintings of Ring.
Part of the Bruce Experiences series of special programming for Museum members, admittance to the virtual concert is being offered free of charge for members and AFSMK patrons and $10 for non-members to benefit the Bruce Museum.
To reserve a place or to join as a member, visit brucemuseum.org or call 203-869-0376; a link to attend the online concert will be sent to registered attendees one hour prior to the program.
Nikolaj Hess, whose influences can be described as a Nordic mix of International jazz, European classical, and Scandinavian folk music, has composed a unique concert reflecting on the themes in L.A. Ring’s artistic universe to paint a modern impression of one of Denmark’s most celebrated artists. The performance explores Hess’ interest in the five main themes of Ring’s work as highlighted in the exhibition, such as the naturalism seen in the landscape paintings, and the humanity captured through portraiture.
The exhibition was initiated by the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst, the National Gallery of Denmark, which holds the largest collection of Ring’s paintings and drawings. The Bruce Museum is the only East Coast venue to host this first exhibition outside Scandinavia to be solely devoted to L.A. Ring.
“It is part of our mission at SMK to inspire and spark creative thinking by making the art of our collection known to a wider audience, which includes audiences outside the Nordic region,” said Mikkel Bogh, Director of SMK. “L.A. Ring was a sensitive and profound interpreter of the changing conditions of human existence at the threshold of modernity, in Denmark and elsewhere. We believe his painting has an appeal to U.S. audiences and that his works, while embedded within specific geographic and historical circumstances, speak to us today in a powerful artistic language that matters as never before.”
“The opportunity to present the work of this great Danish artist to audiences on the East Coast is unprecedented, and the Bruce strives to engage museum visitors both near and far with new experiences and insight,” said Robert Wolterstorff, The Susan E. Lynch Executive Director.
“The issues Ring addresses, and the visual and psychological means he uses to address them, remain relevant today. Ring is unusual, at the turn of the 20th century, because he addressed modern issues in a traditional style. That makes him fascinating to me. His landscapes and images of peasants on the land and of workers in the town or city address contemporary issues of land reform, rapid population growth, and people moving to the cities. At the same time, the railroad and the telegraph knit the nation together, but speeded up life. Ring captured a world that was poised between traditional values and modernism. That’s a balance, and a tension, that we here in Connecticut—the gateway to New England—grapple with to this day.”
On Friday the Norwalk Police midnight shift officers responded to a report of a suspicious motor vehicle in the Rowayton area of Norwalk.
Around 5:00am Norwalk officers found a Jeep Cherokee that had been stolen from Sheephill Rd in the overnight hours. A group of juveniles was standing around the car.
Based on witness accounts officers determined that two of the suspects were in the vehicle. Officers located another suspect hiding behind a tree. This individual had an active “Take into Custody” order for a stolen motor vehicle case in May.
Police say the first juvenile, who had been reported missing since April, was charged with Larceny 1 and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny.
The second Juvenile was charged with Larceny 1 and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny.
The third Juvenile was not charged in relation to this case, but arrested on a “Take into Custody Order” from a separate case.
The Norwalk Detective Bureau is investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call 203-854-3011.
Residents are reminded to keep their car doors locked, and not to leave any keys or key fobs or valuable items in their cars. Lock it or lose it.
The Town of Greenwich is celebrating its 380th birthday with a virtual celebration to commemorate its origins as one of the oldest and most distinguished communities in the nation. A key component of the celebration is a call to all residents to share their dream for the Town’s future.
Dedication of monument to first settlement on Founders Day in 1936. Located in Tomac Cemetery. Contributed photo
“Our town has a long and rich history and in many ways mirrors that of our nation,” said Greenwich Historical Society Executive Director and CEO Debra Mecky in a release. “Our birthday is a fitting reminder that everyone plays a role in shaping our future. A more inclusive, diverse, and honestly told story will serve Greenwich with the integrity, truth, honor, compassion, and wisdom that comes with broad knowledge and active listening.”
Mecky said residents are encouraged to take a few minutes to reflect on Greenwich’s founding and share their hopes and dreams for the Greenwich of the future via MY WISH for GREENWICH portal.
“We hope these messages will help inspire a commitment to listen and learn from each other,” she added.
Virtual Format Shines Spotlight on Little Known Greenwich Stories
Founders Day programming will include the time-honored reading of the deed and proclamation and the reveal of this year’s winners of the This Place Matters photo competition. Several new tours will be introduced: a docent-led Landscaping and Garden tour of the campus grounds and self-guided tours of Greenwich Point and the Revolutionary War. In addition, narratives will be shared that shaped the town over the centuries, even hundreds of years before the deed was signed in 1640.
“We’re taking a more expansive look at how our town and the Historical Society developed and asking residents to take part in the conversation,” says Mecky. “Pride of community, state and nation is codified in stories of origins. Our virtual format provides an ideal opportunity to learn from the past and imagine the future.”
Virtual content will be available on the Greenwich Historical Society website on Friday, July 17. Founders Day is Saturday, July 18.
Founders Day, July 18, 1956. Left to right: Dorothy D’Amato (nee Salerno), Larry Sisson and Shirley Andreason. Contributed photo
This Place Matters Photo Contest Winners to be Unveiled
The top three entrants to the Historical Society’s contest that recognizes the many ways Greenwich residents and institutions are rising to the occasion during the pandemic will be announced. Judged by Greenwich Magazine Art Department editors, the winning photos will appear in a fall edition of Greenwich Magazine, Exclusive Magazine Sponsor of This Place Matters, and will be proudly displayed at the Greenwich Historical Society campus.
This report was originally published on sister site Darienite.com
A 58-year-old Greenwich man who got into a dispute with restaurant employees at The Goose in Darien and refused to pay his bill back in February has now been charged for the third time by police in connection with the incident, according to Darien Police.
Police described what happened with this account, including accusations not proven in court:
Part One
On Feb 21, Andrew Herz argued with employees of the downtown restaurant at 972 Post Road, then resisted arrest when police were called. Police charged him with sixth-degree larceny, interfering with an officer, breach of peace and threatening.
From Darienite.com’s article about the two sets of charges:
When a 57-year-old man refused to pay his bill at a downtown Darien restaurant Friday night, police said, the dispute eventually led to the man kicking a police officer in the groin, getting arrested and returning to the restaurant to get his lost wallet — resulting in [Part Two] another argument, violence, call to police and charges.
All within three hours.
When Herz went back to The Goose, the new argument led, police were told, to his spitting on employees and throwing rocks at the business. Police issued him a misdemeanor summons charging him with breach of peace.
Andrew Herz. Photo: Courtesy Darien Police July 7, 2020
Part Three
Then on March 5, police received a report from The Goose about harassing phone calls from someone purporting to be a lawyer representing Herz and demanding to know personal information about employees involved in the February incident. Police were told that the caller said there would be retribution if the information wasn’t provided.
The caller used several numbers, but the caller IDs on each of them showed that they all belonged to Herz, an attorney who lives on Flower Lane in Greenwich.
A police officer tried to contact Herz over the next several days, leaving voicemail messages but getting no response. On the fourth try, the officer left a message with Herz that he was not to contact The Goose again.
On March 10, police were notified that someone at The Goose had received another call from Herz. Police were told Herz threatened one of the employees involved with the earlier confrontation, and that Herz made profane and inappropriate accusations, blaming employees at The Goose for his previous arrests.
The phone call was recorded and the recording was given to police.
The officer again tried to get in touch with Herz and again had no success.
So police applied for an arrest warrant, which was approved by a prosecutor and a judge.
The arrest warrant charges Herz with second-degree harassment, a misdemeanor.
It wasn’t until July 7 that Herz was again arrested. On that day Greenwich police notified police in Darien that they had Herz in custody after coming across him during a routine traffic stop.
Police officers went to Greenwich, where they took custody of Herz and brought him to Darien Police Headquarters. He was released on a $15,000 court-set bond. He is scheduled to appear Aug. 6 in state Superior Court in Stamford.
The Greenwich Tree Conservancy recently heard from a resident whose neighbor was trying to save her private trees from extensive pruning by Eversource. The neighbor did not know what rights she had, and the trees were “butchered.” We often are asked what can be done to protect the tree which shades your property and adds to its esthetic, economic and health value.
When trees are on private property, residents have the right to tell Eversource what is acceptable to them. The best idea is to say you want to be there when they do the work. While Eversource has a guideline to clear ground to sky and 8 feet from the lines (UPZ) as they do in many towns, this is not Greenwich’s policy. Nor can Eversource automatically take the tree down if it is not a public safety issue. They often say it’s a safety issue but they are speaking of safety to their lines, not safety to the public. They do have the right to prune the tree if it is currently interfering with the power lines or will be imminently. Eversource’s contracted tree service is Lewis Tree Service. They should prune in a careful way which they will do if you are present when the work is being done.
If a tree abutting your property is in the Town right-of-way, Eversource must obtain a permit from the Town Tree Warden for pruning or removal by filing a written application and must give 15 days notice to an abutting property owner prior to pruning or removal in the UPZ (Utility Protection Zone) and within the public right-of-way.
The Town Tree Warden must issue a decision 10 days from receiving an abutting property owner objection or request for modification, provided a requested consultation has taken place. The property owner or Eversource may appeal the Town Tree Warden decision to PURA (Public Utilities Regulatory Authority).
The Tree Conservancy has published a brochure, “What Are My Tree Rights Relating to Public Utilities?” that is available at Town Hall or can be viewed on our website www.greenwichtreeconservancy.
Don’t feel powerless when confronted with Eversource!
On Friday around 6:30pm Greenwich Police responded to Spruce Street in Byram on a report of an unwanted man refusing to leave the residence.
Investigation revealed that Willy Asmat, 51, of Spruce Street in Greenwich hit and dragged the victim within the residence while attempting to get him to leave the residence.
The victim suffered minor injuries.
Asmat was Charged with Assault 3 and Disorderly Conduct.
He has a date in Stamford Superior Court on July 24, 2020.
