Greenwich’s Director of Environmental Affairs Pet Sesto spoke at the Retired Men’s Association on Jan 8, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager

Pat Sesto, Greenwich’s Director of Environmental Affairs, addressed the RMA on Wednesday. It was the first in their speaker series: “Greenwich: What Does the Future Hold?”

Sesto started off by saying the forum was not one to debate climate change.

“It’s happening,”she said.

Instead she focused on how Greenwich should plan for rising sea levels and storm surge.

Sea level has risen 8-9 inches since 1880, with the last 3inches increase coming in the past 25 years. And in many locations along the US coastline, high-tide flooding is now between 300% and 900%+ more frequent than 50 years ago. (Source: NOAA).

Sea level rise is caused by warming waters, greater volume of water and geologic and oceanic processes.

On Long Island Sound, between 1936 and 1976, the average rate of sea level rise was 2.4 mm a year, and from 1976 to 2016 the average rate of sea level rise was 4 mm a year.

In addition to sea level rise, storm surge has increased coastal erosion and nuisance flooding.

Salt water intrusion has resulted in migration of salt water inland and is exacerbated by high withdrawal rates, septic failures, storm water system failures, injuries to sewer lines, wastewater treatment plants, and private coastal structures.

“Grass Island is not that far above current high water, let alone adding several feet to that,” Sesto said, adding that salt water intrusion will also impact residents with fresh water wells.

“Also, people irrigate their lawns with fresh water and don’t irrigateur lawns with salt water for obvious reasons,” she added.

“Between 2000-2015 nuisance high tide flooding increased on average from 3.4 days a year to 6 days a year – that’s a pattern you can pay attention to. It has been said that the nuisance flooding of today will be high tide of tomorrow.” – Pat Sesto

“As our storm surges increase we have some real impacts,” Sesto said, adding that most people in the audience recall Storm Sandy.

Sesto showed an aerial of an eroded peninsula, not unlike the causeway that connects to Greenwich Point.  She noted that during Storm Sandy the causeway was eroded.

Flooding at Greenwich Point. Oct 27, 2018 Photo: Greenwich Police Facebook

“It’s definitely within the planning horizon to see Greenwich Point become an island,” she warned.

And because it provides an important geographic function as a storm break, she said, “to lose Greenwich Point to erosion or sea level rise would mean losing a treasured asset.”

Sesto said that Greenwich is preparing for sea level rise and and storm surge.

DPW is elevating pump stations and is upgrading the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

DPW also proposed to elevate Sound Beach Ave, though that met with fierce neighbor opposition in part because, to qualify for state funding, it would necessitated construction massive rotary in place of the modest one.

“On a 30 year horizon, the bridge needs to be replaced,” she said.

Shore Road in Old Greenwich. Oct 27, 2018 Photo: Greenwich Fire Dept Twitter

“When (DPW’s) proposal was put to the community – not just to replace that bridge but also to raise Sound Beach Ave to reflect sea level rise and the need to get to our low lying area of Old Greenwich – there was a strong outpouring,” Sesto said. “People said ‘We like the way that intersection looks and how it functions now.’ There was not sufficient concern on the community side about how we are going to get in and out of Old Greenwich in the future.”

“That situation makes me wonder is this a community not well informed? How can we be better prepared to have life and property to be preserved?” she asked. “We have to understand where we’re falling short for  you the public in not conveying what you need to know.”

Sesto said the town is assessing sea level rise projections for 2050, 2075 and 2100, to identify specific parts of Greenwich at most risk and make recommendations.

The Town is also evaluating risk to coastal septic systems and reviewing building and zoning regulations to propose changes with an eye to sea level rise.

“We want to identify the specific parts of Greenwich at most risk, identify town assets and make recommendations to minimize damage, and that includes damage to our shoreland,” she said.

In addition the Town is taking a look at its four tidal ponds.

“We know that between sea level rise and storm surge that the tidal character will change,” she said more brackish water will impact the ecosystem, including plants and animals that are attuned to certain salinity levels.

At Binney Pond we’ve been working to put in the right trees.

“The selection today may not be the right selection 20 years from now,” she said.

She said various groups and different professionals are involved in anticipating impacts to the town, including landscape architects, economists and planners. “We’re trying to look at this from a very broad scope,” she said. “It’s not just an ecological evaluation. It will include a lot of public recommendations.”

The recently adopted POCD urges a stronger role for the conservation commission, though it is not regulation, but rather designed for guidance.

“It recommends new regulations that better accommodate storm surge and sea level rise,” she said.

Sesto said her Environmental Affairs Dept has 177 action items in the POCD. The effort is supported by over 30 organizations including the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, Land Trust, Green Schools, Green & Clean, BYO Greenwich and the Shellfish Commission.

“I suspect this year we will work on revising our open space plan,” she said. “We also look forward to implementing a food scrap program. There are requirements coming from the state that we need to increase recycling and decrease solid waste.”

She said food waste is very heavy. “It costs a lot to haul it away. It’s 70 a ton to haul away.”

Sesto said if all the action items are complete, the work is never done. “You have to have priorities,” she said. “Even if the world follows a low impact scenario, global sea level will likely rise at least 12 inches (0.3 meters) above 2000 levels by 2100. If we follow a pathway with high impacts, a worst case scenario of as much as 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) above 2000 levels by 2100 cannot be ruled out.”

See also:

Municipal Improvement for Sound Beach Ave Bridge/Rotary Upgrade Fails to Carry at P&Z May 14, 2018

P&Z Pushes Back on DPW Bridge/Rotary Project on Sound Beach Ave April 4, 2018

Residents on Bridge Fix and Raised Rotary in Old Greenwich: “Fix the Railroad Culvert, Not the Rotary!” March 8, 2018

Severe Flooding Closes Greenwich Point Park October 28, 2018

Flooding at GHS by the theater wing in 2011. Photo: Leslie Yager

Flooding in Bruce Park after Irene in 2011. Photo: Leslie Yager

With the New Year comes resolutions for a healthier lifestyle that often include more exercise and eating right.

Many consumers look to join a gym, start eating better or try a new health supplement in order to jump start their resolution.

The BBB serving Connecticut offers these tips for consumers looking to jump start a healthy lifestyle without getting scammed in the process.

Gym Memberships
Joining a gym can be a big decision and before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into.

Take a tour. Make sure the gym has the equipment, classes and trainers you need or expect. Pay attention to things that are important to you, whether it’s the cleanliness of the locker room or the availability of Wi-Fi.

Calculate the true costs. Gyms often use special introductory offers to encourage new members, but the price could go up more than you budgeted once the initial period is over. Make sure you understand what the regular monthly fees will be and what they include.

Don’t feel coerced. Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics to join right away. A reputable gym will give you enough time to read the contract thoroughly, tour the facilities, do some research, and make an informed decision.

Meal Delivery Services
Meal delivery services offer a convenient way for consumers to make simple healthy meals at home. Before trying one of these services, make sure you know what you are agreeing to.

Read the fine print. Many meal companies want to entice new customers by offering impressive coupons like “$100 off” but read the fine print. You won’t be able to get 3 boxes of free food, instead you might get a small discount off several shipments once you are subscribed to the program.

Beware of automatic shipments. Be aware that many meal delivery services run on an automatic shipment schedule. Know what you are agreeing to so you aren’t surprised by another package of fresh food on your doorstep and another charge to your credit card.

Diet Plans and Health Supplements
Before starting a new diet plan, pill, or health supplement you should always contact your physician first. Be weary of exaggerated or fake health claims that accompany these products which claim to give you the “perfect” body in one month.

Don’t trust celebrity endorsements. Just because the company or advertisement claims they are endorsed by a celebrity doesn’t mean they actually are. Refer to the celebrities’ official social media pages or website to make sure they actually endorse the product.

Is it really a “free” trial? If you only have to pay for shipping, is that still free? Prevent yourself from falling for a free trial offer scam.

Research the company. See if there have been any other complaints or reviews for the company or website. You can learn a lot from other consumers’ online reviews. You can always search BBB.org to see if a company is trustworthy or not.

Bob Watters, Southern Regional Manager at The Next Street, in the company’s newly opened Greenwich location. The company has 92 locations in Connecticut. Jan 10, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager

A new driving school has opened in Greenwich.

The Next Street is open for business at 177 West Putnam Avenue.

On Friday Bob Watters, the company’s Southern Regional Manager, showed off a recently reconfigured space in the office building.

With an entrance at the back of the building, the space now features a spacious classroom and testing room.

The company, which already has 92 locations in Connecticut, tested over 7,000 students last year.

Watters said the school has affordable prices and fantastic customer service, and students don’t have to go to the DMV for their driving test. All testing will be done on West Putnam Avenue.

“We handle all the paperwork. All they do is show up with their permit,” Waters said.”It’s great because students take the driving test in the location they’re familiar with, in a car they’re familiar with.”

The company has 100 cars on the road in Connecticut. In Greenwich they are starting with one or two cars and will bring in more as needed.

“It’s important to always have availability for students to take lessons. That’s why we predominantly work after school and on weekends,” he said.

“We’re excited to be in Greenwich!” Watters continued, adding that the company originated in Watertown, CT and fanned out throughout the state, recently opening in Old Saybrook and Norwich to the east, and now in Greenwich.

“Next is New York,” he said.

In addition to their stand alone locations, the company provides after school driving lessons inside many public high schools including Stamford High School, Westhill, Brien McMahon, Norwalk High School, Wilton High school, Fairfield Ludlowe and Fairfield Warde.

They also provide driving lessons at boarding schools including Kent School, Avon Old Farms, Salisbury School, Hotchkiss Scholl, Taft, Marvelwood, Suffield Academy, Westminster and Choate.

The appeal to public schools who bring in The Next Street is a cost savings.

At Staples in Westport, Watters said driving lessons were previously offered as part of the curriculum. “They reached out to us,” he said. “They cut it out because of budgets. When we work with high schools, we pay them per student. We go in through adult ed, or through PE programs and give the school money per student.”

Watters said The Next Street is the biggest driving school in Connecticut, but the company is actually a small family owned business.

“We have great instructors, and give a great program at a very fair price.”– Bob Watters

Watters said his company is keen on providing excellent customer service and has 8 people answering phones in the call center, full time. “You’ll never call and get an answering machine,” he said.

Also, he said the website has abundant YouTube videos as well as prep books available to download for free for students hoping to get their permits.

There are also more practice tests on the company’s website than there are on the DMV website. There is even a prep book for parents to help make the process smooth.

“Easy is a big word for us,” he said. “We like to make things easy.”

Watters said his company’s mission goes beyond helping students get their driver’s license.

“We’re trying to change the culture of the roads and make it safe for everyone on the road,” Watters said.

In Greenwich, driving lessons will originate on Hillside Rd at Greenwich High School and at 177 West Putnam Ave.

They also offer an accelerated program in the summer, where aspiring drivers complete 30 hours of course work in just two weeks.

And, for adults who need to take the 8-hour safe driving course, they can complete that and receive their certificate in one day.

Other unique features of the company are that they hold the parent class first, so parents can ask questions about the company and meet their child’s instructor.

And, because the company has so many nearby locations, including one on Summer Street in Stamford, if a student misses a class, he or she can make it up at another location.

The Next Street also teaches students how to drive manual shift, but only to drivers who already have a license.

And, Watters said The Next Street is the only school in Connecticut to offer driver rehab.

“If you get injured, and lose use of arm or a leg, we have a van we put you in, and figure out what you need. That way you can adapt a vehicle and won’t lose your independence,” Watters explained. “We are the only school in state do that. It was a costly investment, but we want to help anybody drive who needs to drive.”

Yet another unique offering is that The Next Street offers au pair evaluations.

“If you’re putting your kid in the car with an au pair with a driver’s license from another country, we’ll let you know where they are as a driver. We’ll have them drive to where the child’s school is, for example.”

The Next Street is having a Grand Opening Sale now until Feb 29, 2020 (It’s a leap year.)

They offer $100 off the full driver education course. Use the code: GRAND.

Another offer is $25 off the 8 Hour Safe Driving Course with the Code: OPEN.

In Greenwich The Next Street is located at 177 West Putnam Ave. Tel. 203.742.5448 or 800.732.8090.

Joe “Happy” T. Imm, Jr. 90 was a country boy from Mississippi, a US Army Veteran, and retired TWA agent of 35 years.

Happy was born in Cleveland, MS, attended Mississippi College, lived and worked in NYC and spent the last eight years at Hill House in Greenwich.

Happy was always telling stories and jokes and he read the New York Times every day.

He was so proud of his family including: daughters, Susie Imm-Chow Chin, Jamaica, NY, Mamie Imm-Chow Lee (Jim) Greenwich, CT; six grandchildren Bryan (Lisa), Matthew, Amy, and Donna Chin, and Melanie and Caroline Lee; four great grandsons Daniel, Alex, Lucas and Tyler Chin; siblings Pearl Chow, Queens, NY, Lucy Leung, Phoenix, MD, Gilroy Chow (Sally), Clarksdale, MS; and many relatives across the country.

He was predeceased by his parents Joe T. Im and Rose Wong Im-Chow, brother James Chow and sister Lilly Leung.

Visitation is Wednesday, January 15  between 3:00pm and 7:00pm at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home in Greenwich.

Funeral services are Thursday, January 16th at 10:00am at Second Congregational Church with burial in Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to The Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum, Susan D. Flynn Oncology Nursing Training and Development Fund at Greenwich Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Information from Leo P Gallagher & Son Funeral Home

Lincoln Kenneth Siddhartha Barakett (2017–2020) officially passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020, at 7:00pm, surrounded by family, friends, love, and prayers, just six weeks before his third birthday.

Lincoln most likely had died peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, during his afternoon nap at his home in Greenwich, due to cardiac arrest, the cause of which is still unknown.

Lincoln was beautiful in every way. His light was so bright and continues to shine on and keep us warm and loved. So many people received the gift of his huge light. We do not know why he left so soon, but all who met him were happier for it.

Lincoln is survived by his devastated parents, Brett and Meaghan; his siblings, Avery, Elysée, Miles, and Madeleine; his grandparents, Kenneth & Jeanne Jarensky, Marc & Lisa Cotton, Darlene Panneton Daccord, and Peter Barakett; his large extended family, Jim & Shannon Howell (Zac, Conar), Chris & Alison Meshinski (Maggie), Matt & Elizabeth Podolski (Corinne, Cadence, Kevin, Kyle, Caroline, Clara), Patrick & Janeth Thomson (Patrick, Natalie, Alex), Peter & Bernadette Barakett (Peter, Christian, Lucas), Tim & Michele Barakett (Sophia, Lauren), Chantal Barakett (Gia, Dante); his godparents Theresa Marchese Oliver (Brian, Maddie, Emma), Kelly Flynn (Michael, Gianna, Mackenzie), Chris Shumway (Carrie, Alexa, Catherine, Anna); so many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends from Whitby School and Apple Blossom School; and his beloved doll, Lamb Chop.

The family is in too much pain to hold a service at this time and asks for no gifts or donations; we do ask for your continued love, support, and empathy in the difficult time ahead.

The outpouring of assistance from Lincoln’s community has been overwhelming. Lincoln has gone to see his Creator face-to-face, and will enjoy the vision of God forever.

Lincoln’s love and light are in everything, and he is everywhere; and for that we are thankful.

This information has been updated to reflect that there are no special arrangements to register on Election Day. Tuesday was the last day to register for this Special Election. The deadline was only for new registrations. People already registered vote at their usual polling place.

On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, a Special Election for the 151st State Assembly District will be held to fill the seat in Connecticut State Legislature vacated by now Selectman Fred Camillo.

The candidates are Democrat Cheryl Moss and Republican Harry Arora.

The successful candidate will serve the remainder of Mr. Camillo’s term.

All State House of Representatives’ seats in the 149th, 150th, and 151st Districts will be up for election or re-election in November 2020.

This election applies only to residents of the 151st Assembly District. Voters may check to determine if they live in District 151 by checking the State’s legislative district map.

The Greenwich League of Women Voters has created a Voter’s Guide containing important election and poll information, as well as information about the candidates. This Guide is available at the League’s website.

Voters may print the Guide and take it into the voting booth with them.

January 14 was the last day to register for this election.

Voters may request applications for Absentee Ballots by visiting the Town Clerk’s office at the Town Hall or by calling 203-622-7897 or online. Applications are available in English and Spanish. Completed applications should be be delivered in person to the Town Clerk’s office at 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT 06830.

Once the application is received by the Town Clerk, she will mail the ballot to the address specified on your application. Ballots must be received by January 21st to count in the election and can be dropped off at the Town Clerk’s office or sent in the mail, should be mailed by January 16th.

Special Elections and off year elections are often poorly attended by the voters. However, decisions made in these elections will have a significant impact upon the decisions made by the state legislature in the years to come. Voters are urged to participate.

On March 19, 2019 a property at 21 Calhoun Drive sold from Thomas and Katherine Fleming Trustees to 21 Calhoun Drive LLC (registered to Emil Fish of Round Hill Rd). The sale price was $3,100,000. Photo: Assessor’s Office

Located in a private association, a house at 21 Calhoun Drive was built in 1923.

It sold on March 19, 2019 for $3,100,000.

An advertisement described “Park Hill” as a magnificent English Manor estate with park like grounds, putting green and sand trap, Har tru tennis court, 40 ft indoor pool, jacuzzi, exercise room and a 2,200 bottle wine cellar.

The front of 21 Calhoun Drive where owners would like to build a 4,500 sq ft “carriage house.” Jan 10, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager

Park Hill at 21 Calhoun is a Tudor style home made of stucco and wood timber, with massive chimneys. Jan 10, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager

On Jan 7, the Planning & Zoning commission reviewed an application from 21 Calhoun Drive LLC to remove a detached garage and construct a new single family dwelling.

Also the applicants seek a façade easement to preserve and protect the exterior of the 1923 house on a 1.8 acre property in the RA-1 zone (one acre), and rezone it to RA-1-HO (Historic Overlay) zone.

Attorney John Tesei said he initially represented his clients in the purchase of both the 21 Calhoun property and an adjoining parcel on Turner Drive.

“Part and parcel of the purchase was the obligation of the seller (the Flemings) to change the property line between the two properties,” Tesei said.

He said his clients had initially intended to build a spec house on Turner Drive and raze Park Hill at 21 Calhoun and build a new house there.

Instead, he said he told his clients about the Historic Overlay (HO) Zone and how it could offer incentives to incorporate a second “subordinate dwelling,” in exchange for preserving the exterior of the historic home.

The applicant, Annette Perry, said she decided instead to preserve the exterior of the house and pursue the HO incentive and build “a carriage house” in front.

“We are developers. Typically we do spec houses.” – Annette Perry

Ms. Perry researched the history of the home with help from the Historical Society.

She said during the process of insuring the home, an inspector advised clearing vegetation around the house including cutting back trees and removing vines that were going up chimneys.

“When we did that we discovered a lot of hidden architecture,” she said, mentioning gargoyles, faces and even a terracotta cat sitting on the roof.

Park Hill which is plaqued by the Historical Society and had been listed for sale for a very long time.

Perry said one potential buyer is from Russia where the architecture is similar.

“They have staff they don’t want in their same quarters,” she said.

“We had one potential buyer who wanted to live in this house, but they came with security detail, and wanted to have somebody in a gatehouse in the front.” – Annette Perry, applicant

The other buyer didn’t want to be in an older home.

“He wanted to live in a new house and had antique cars to store in (original house),” Perry added.

“They’re going to park the cars inside the main house?” Dennis Yeskey asked.

“There’s a four car garage and an indoor pool,” Perry said.

Mr. Tesei said Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency issued a permit after clearing up an issue with respect to the septic system.

“Our clients had to get the septic system off the Turner Drive property,” Tesei said.

“The client did a little clearing in front,” Tesei added. “One pine tree and three rhododendron bushes were removed in anticipation of moving forward one way or the other.”

“It looks like way more disturbance than that,” commented commissioner Peter Lowe.

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“It’s bare ground, it’s brown,” said commissioner Victoria Goss.

“The septic work had to cut through the entire driveway, and there were excavators and machinery on the grass,” Perry explained. “Nothing has been cut down. Only evergreens too close to the house.”

“That’s not what we’re talking about,” Mr. Lowe said.

“It seems the tail is wagging the dog here,” said commissioner Dave Hardman, adding that the new secondary structure didn’t seem complimentary.

“I’d almost feel that the neighborhood and site would be better served by a new bigger home, as much as we’d like to see the older homes in town preserved,” Hardman said.

“You keep saying carriage house, but it’s reading like a primary house,” said commissioner Andy Fox.

Mr. Hardman said the decision would set a precedent as far as HO. “Are we on a slippery slope?” he asked.

“We should move away from calling it a carriage house,” Mr. Lowe said. “It’s at least three-quarters of the size of the main house in terms of sq footage.”

“It’s 4,491 sq ft,” Ms. Goss said.

“Plunking yet  another dwelling that close to the road is out of character with the road,” Mr. Lowe said.

“Unfortunately some of the neighbors who wrote in to you, I didn’t have a chance to meet or talk to,” Ms. Perry said. “We offered the other neighbors the opportunity to speak personally and walk the property. For those who came, the consensus was they wanted it saved.”

Ms. Perry said Tudors are very expensive to build with brick and stucco versus a standard clapboard spec house in the front with three or four levels up the slope.

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She said there were neighbors who supported the application, and therefore were not at the hearing.

“What HDC liked about the Tudor carriage house in front is we agreed to use the same type of materials: with the stucco, brick and timber,” she continued.

“It’s not clear that it’s in the spirit of the HO,” Mr. Lowe said.

“We can do more work,” Tesei said. “We have an attic that really we don’t need that we could eliminate. It’ll cut down the FAR too.”

Tesei said the applicant could  redesign the building so it is under 4,000 sq ft and the height be reduced ten feet.

“We want to make it work for everyone,” he said. “It’s still a gamble on our client’s part because they don’t have a contract.”

During public comment Jim Matthews, of 18 Calhoun said his house was built in 1929.

“It is one acre zoning but most homes are on more than on 1-1/2 acres,” Matthews said, adding he did not oppose HO, that it was being used as a loophole.

“What troubles me is that this applicant seems to be using HO and exploiting it to create a 3 home subdivision on 2.9 acres.” – Jim Matthews, 18 Calhoun

Matthews said he feared the intent of the third structure, 4,500 sq ft,  was to create a condominium scenario.

“These stories are great about Russians with security guards, but who knows whether that materializes,” Matthews added.

Laurie Craighead of 52 Upland, built in 1928, and whose back yard is right next to 24 Calhoun, said there are mature rhododendrons possibly 50 years old throughout the neighborhood, including the ones that had been cut down at 21 Calhoun. “The Flemings’ yard was beautiful, charming and delightful,” she said.

“Having a 4,000 sq ft house so close to the road is going to  set a big precedent,” she said. “A lot of people would be excited to hear this and be excited to sell their house and divide the land up.”

Peter Hanlon of 45 Calhoun Drive said his house was built in 1913 and sits on 2.2 acres.

“I have a garage that looks like a carriage house. It’s behind my house, not in front of it,” Hanlon said.

“I’d never heard of the HO, but I support it. But this is the wrong place, wrong time, wrong type of house, wrong neighborhood, wrong everything.”  – Peter Hanlon, 45 Calhoun Drive

“Calhoun Drive is dead in the center of the most important part of our association,” he added, adding that the neighborhood has a 70-family association. “It’s a very narrow road with a pond on the other side. It’s a steep drive to the old beautiful house. They’ve cleared down below and created a tiny little lot right on top of Calhoun. They propose two driveways looming right onto Calhoun in the heart of our association.”

“It’s literally the worse possible thing I can imagine,” he said.

Nicholas Vitti, an attorney with Cacace, Tusch & Santagata in Stamford, represented neighbors at four contiguous properties adjacent to 21 Calhoun, and that the regulation requires the property as a whole be considered, not just the historic structure.

“This property was originally a three acre estate with the existing structure, Park Hill, rolling hills, steep inclines….The reg does not say ‘the structure’ has to be the same. It says, ‘the property.’ By subdividing or a lot line revisions to this lot, they’ve changed this its state to where it is no longer applicable to the HO.”

“It’s our sole jurisdiction to make that determination,” commissioner Fox said.

“I respectfully disagree,” Vitti said.

“The same thing came to my mind,” Ms Goss said.

“I disagree and we shouldn’t be debating this,” Fox said.

Mr. Vitti said the application is fatally flawed because it doesn’t meet the intent of the HO regulation. “This is a way of building three separate homes when on land where only two would be allowed under RA1 zone.”

“It’s already been clear cut by the developer,” Vitti continued. “Look at Google maps and drive out there. It’s evident despite what the applicant has stated for the record.”

“It’s obvious that there is no way this new dwelling they call a carriage house is complimentary,” Vitti said, asking whether it would even be possible to see the existing historic structure once the new house is built.

Ms. Alban said the HDC sent P&Z a favorable opinion on the application.

“What they say to us – and we don’t have to agree with them: ‘It should be noted that the proposed new structure would not be considered a new idea to the immediate surroundings, as presently there is a Tudor style gatehouse located at  at 59 Upland.”

The letter also said the proposed new structure “would not alter or destroy historic materials, features and spacial relationships that characterize the property.”

Mr. Matthews said Bill Raine of 59 Upland, who couldn’t attend the meeting, had emailed to say his gatehouse structure was well under 1,000 sq ft and his main house is 4,000 sq ft.

“It’s essentially a two car garage and in no way resembles what is proposed here,” Mr. Lowe said.

“This is not a carriage house,” Mr. Vitti said. “Calling it such is outright laughable. It’s not a small guest house or guard house or anything that can be seen as secondary or complimentary to the existing structure.”

The neighbors had not attended the HDC meeting. Only adjoining neighbors received notices.

Stephanie Milligan, of 4 Angus Lane, said the invitation to neighbors Ms. Perry referred to was last minute and scheduled over Thanksgiving weekend.

“They’ve taken down rhododendrons, trees and a whole sea of bamboo, so now the neighbors at 29 Calhoun have a view of a construction site,” Milligan said.

“The applicant is trying to circumvent the RA-1 zoning. You can’t put two large buildings on 1.8 acres. I find that arrogant.” – Stephanie Milligan, Angus Lane

“It’s very clear it’s going to be two separate houses. There are plans for two separate driveways,” Milligan added. “They want to take down an existing attached garage. Why not use that?”

Ms. Alban explained that HO was created after a “desperation” in Greenwich over all the old buildings being torn down.

“My question is if these people came in and took down the house and built a brand new 10,000 sq ft house, would you be more satisfied?” Alban asked.

Mr. Tesei disagreed with Mr. Vitti about HO intending to preserve a “property” rather than simply a “structure.”

“If that’s the case you eliminate 98% of the opportunities,” he said.

“The intent is also to preserve neighborhoods,” Ms. Alban replied.

“There’s always a balance. It’s up to you to sort it all out at the end of the day,” Tesei said.

“There’s plenty for you to work with here. The driveway could be reworked and should be. There’s just too much driveway,” commissioner Levy said. “I appreciate the idea of HO but I’m still thinking about it.”

The application was left open, and will return to P&Z at a future date.

See also:

Historic District Commission Approves New House on Strickland with Salvage from 1870 Carriage House

Dec 14, 2019

Calling it a “test run” for the November elections, the Registrars of Voters are partnering with Neighbor to Neighbor to run a food drive during the 151 st State Rep Election.

Drop-Off bins will be located at the three largest polling places where voting is taking place.

Voters can bring non-perishable items with them to North Mianus School, Central Middle School, or North Street School. In the future, more polling places will be added.

“I heard this program was working very successfully in Bristol, CT, and it seemed clear to me that Greenwich residents have the resources and the heart to participate in a similar program,” said Fred
DeCaro III, Registrar of Voters (R) in a release.

Donations of non-perishable items may be placed in a clearly-marked bin at the polling places listed. No cash donations will be accepted.

Neighbor to Neighbor is coordinating the bins and the collection of items.

DeCaro indicated they want to work through any kinks in the system before the big event of the year, the Presidential Election.

“We have more than 30,000 voters at a Presidential Election,” DeCaro said in a release, adding, “Can you imagine what an impact we can have if just half the voters brought a can of soup or a jar of peanut butter to the polls?”

Both DeCaro and his Democratic counterpart, Mary Hegarty point out that no cash will be collected at the event. They said they do not want this to in any way hamper the fundraising efforts of the Girl Scouts and school bands and orchestras who are given permission to sell goodies on election day.

Further, no election workers will be handling any of the donated materials; they will continue to be focused on running fair and efficient elections.

“We want to be very clear that this is a voluntary activity and will not interfere with voting activities or in any way disrupt that process,” Hegarty said.

Those who wish to participate and who vote at North Street, Central Middle School, or North Mianus
School, should bring a non-perishable food item.

A list of the most needed items can be found
on Neighbor to Neighbor’s website, or here.

Voting will be from 6:00AM to 8:00PM on Tuesday, January 21.

Harry Arora photographed at his AlphaStrat offices. Jan 13, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager

Interviewed Monday in his Greenwich AlphaStrat offices, Republican candidate in the Jan 21 special election for State Rep District 151, Harry Arora shared some of his background and rebutted some of the criticisms directed at him by local media.

A month ago GFP interviewed Arora’s opponent Cheryl Trepp Moss. Moss, a small business owner, is currently chair of RTM District 8, the position held for years by Republican Christopher vonKeyserling.

The winner next Tuesday will fill the remainder of Fred Camillo’s term. Camillo resigned after he was elected Greenwich First Selectman on Nov 5, 2019.

Arora hails from India where he said he grew up in a loving family who had very little.

“I came to America with nothing. I came here at 23 for graduate school,” he said, adding that his family encouraged him to focus on education. “From the opportunity I got in this country, and through hard work I have made something of my life.”

Arora said his wife Nisha, who is working on his campaign, is also from India, but grew up in Delaware and New Jersey since the age of 2.

The couple’s children, age 13, 12 and 10, were born in town and attended GCDS before heading to other private schools.

“Greenwich is the only place we’ve called home and we love our community,” he said.

Arora said Connecticut is suffering as a result of bad policy choices over a long time. “I call them self inflicted wounds,” he said.

“I’m a private sector person who has run his business since 2006,” he said, referring to AlphaStrat, a diversified commodities hedge fund he founded in 2006.

“My business has been about policy and how that impacts economies as well as markets,” he said. “What I’ve done in the past five years is to pivot to policy advocacy, understanding policies and how they work for the benefit of the public.”

“When elected I’ll work with leadership to launch a vision for Connecticut, which will bring us back to growth.” – Harry Arora, Republican candidate for State Rep District 151

Arora talked about the concept of growth.

“Communities, states, economies and countries that don’t grow are destined for stagnation and failure,” he said.

He said Connecticut’s path to growth will come from good public policy which, in turn will result in retention of residents and attract both new residents and businesses.

Arora said the new state taxes on, for example, dry cleaning, and excessive “meddlesome” business regulations, come at the expense of growth.

“My opponent and the Democrats in Connecticut have repeatedly said they stand for growth, but most of the polices they’ve pursued over the past decade are antithetical to growth,” he said, using as examples tolls and the now dropped proposal for regionalization of public schools.

That said, during a forum on Channel 12 with Mr. Arora, Ms. Moss indicated she would vote no in a trucks-only tolls vote.

“Truck tolling is going to end up in courts, and the other option, taking money out of the rainy day fund is not a good option. And borrowing more money is definitely not a good option,” she said. “If we do tolling as a way of raising money, we have to do something for our constituents, perhaps lowering sales tax. That way our local residents don’t take the burden of the tolls.”

Arora, in that forum, said, “No to truck only tolls, and no to the wider variety.”

“We spend over $3 billion on transportation every year,” he said, adding that there are many spending items that can be curtailed or taken over by the private sector.

He said efficiencies could be found in the Transportation budget, and referred to a $16 million parking garage. “The private sector can build parking garages. We don’t need to have to make parking garages.”

Arora said his vision for the state has four pillars: 1. Attracting investment. 2. Reducing state bureaucracy and making it more efficient. 3. Increasing efficiency and effectiveness of all state programs including health care, energy, transportation and human services. 4. Creating strong incentives for residents and small businesses.

Arora had asked for an opportunity to rebut some letters to the editor and articles in local media, including his declining to participate in a Greenwich League of Women Voters debate unless the moderator, Kay Maxwell acknowledged publicly that she was a registered Democrat.

The LWV balked at the request.

This week Arora said he is overall a strong supporter of the League of Women Voters.

“We need strong institutions that encourage voter participation,” he said. “I encourage my supporters to join the League.”

But he said, “I think it’s unfortunate the current leadership of the League was unable to agree to a simple request of ours and took an adversarial stance. I wish it hadn’t been adversarial.”

“I am open to debate,” he continued. “Our request was just about transparency.”

Arora said Moss declined an offer from radio talk show host Lisa Wexler to debate. Wexler lives in Westport and is a Republican.

“Any discussion I avoided debate is just a lies,” he said.

Arora said he’d also been unfairly chastised for having worked at Enron.

“Enron had tens of thousand of people working for it. It was a firm that went bankrupt. I was as much of a victim as anyone else,” he said. “I lost a part of my savings, but I picked up my career, left Houston and found opportunity in Connecticut.”

Lastly, Arora said his past affiliation with the Democratic party boiled down to error.

The Registrars of Voters in both Greenwich and Stamford shared records of Arora’s changes in party affiliation.

The Stamford Registrar provided a list of general elections and primaries Arora voted in, including the primary election on April 26, 2016.

Records indicate he registered as a Democrat in Greenwich on Sept 17, 2010. On May 4, 2016, records show he switched to Unaffiliated.

On Oct 11, 2017 the Registrar recorded a switched from Unaffiliated to Republican.

“That was an error,” he explained when shown a copy of his registration card obtained from the Registrar’s office with Democrat circled.

Courtesy Greenwich Registrar of Voters.

Courtesy Stamford Registrar of Voters.

“It was an error for which I do not have an explanation,” he said. “It’s my signature and I take responsibility.”

Arora said he has been a lifelong Republican.

In Greenwich he said he canvassed for Republican Peter Tesei, and in Stamford supported Jerry Bosak, a Republican candidate for Board of Education. He said he invited 100 friends to an event he hosted in support of Dan Debicella in his run for US Congress, and also wrote policy articles for Debicella in a second race for Congress.

“Since then I have supported Chris Shays and spent several years, plus personal resources to support the Republican agenda,” he added.

“I have been advocating and fighting for local Republicans the last 20 years. In 2018, I spent a full year and a half running for US Congress, mobilizing close to a million dollars in donations.” – Harry Arora

“I’m a lifelong Republican in my beliefs and advocacy, as well as my policy and actions,” he said.

See also:

LWV Announces Arora-Moss Debate for State Rep District 151 Is Cancelled  Jan 2, 2020

Meet Cheryl Trepp Moss, Democratic Candidate for State Rep in District 151 December 15, 2019

Susan Holey. Contributed photo

Susan Holey and Pete Danielsen, licensed residential real estate agents at Sotheby’s International Realty and longtime Greenwich residents, announced on Tuesday the creation of the Holey Danielsen Team to provide complete real estate services to clients in Greenwich.

Susan and Pete will continue to be based at the Sotheby’s office at 1 Pickwick Plaza in Greenwich and will bring their combined expertise of the community, marketing, data-driven analysis, and negotiation to offer their clients unprecedented insights and service, whether they are looking to sell or purchase a property.

The Holey Danielsen Team’s mission is to offer informed, data-driven guidance and analysis of the market to help their clients become well-informed buyers and sellers of real estate in Greenwich. The team offers a deep connection to Greenwich, where both Susan and Pete have lived for over 20 years and raised their respective families. They will combine that unique community connection with the most innovative and efficient real estate tools available today.

“I am thrilled to be partnering with Pete,” said Ms. Holey. “He has proven adept at converting his extensive marketing skills, honed in television, to the real estate market, to an extraordinary level. In addition, his ability to evaluate a property for sale, and tailor a marketing plan that is effective is exceptional. As an added bonus, he has an innate feel for an otherwise complicated Greenwich
market, that cuts through the noise and gets the job done.”

Pete Danielsen. Contributed photo

“I could not think of a better person to team with than Susan,” Danielsen said, adding, “She is a triple threat with integrity, significant market experience, and a determination to dive deep into the data.

With her engineering background and an MBA, Susan can discern what is happening in the ever fluctuating and complicated Greenwich real estate market. This process allows her to provide detailed and invaluable information to help her clients make the most informed decisions possible. We both believe the client’s interests come first and that our job is to help them improve the quality of their lives and
achieve their home ownership dreams.”

In addition to raising their families and serving their real estate clients Susan and Pete are both involved with local Greenwich charities and community organizations, including The Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit dedicated to protecting children from gun violence, and Greenwich’s Neighbor to Neighbor program, which provides access to food, clothing and living essentials for people in need in the community.

Board of Selectmen held a workshop in First Selectman Fred Camillo’s office on Monday, Jan 13, 2020. The workshop format is unique in that members of the public are invited to participate. Because the formal Selectmen meetings are not public hearings, the public does not necessarily have opportunity to speak.  Photo: Leslie Yager

On Monday the Board of Selectmen held a workshop format meeting where members of the public were invited to participate in the conversation, which included the topic of the banner strung across the top of Greenwich Avenue, by Lewis Street.

The banner had come up the previous week at the formal Selectmen meeting when Parks & Rec beach and park fee increases were approved.

At the request of Selectperson Jill Oberlander, the board agreed to hold off on approving a requested increase from $250 to $300 for the banner, plus overtime to fix it when gets tangled in the wind.

The Greenwich Avenue banner is a fairly recent addition, having been initiated three years ago under former First Selectman Peter Tesei.

It is only available to non profit organizations.

At last Wednesday night’s Parks & Rec meeting, director Joe Siciliano said the overtime was typically  about $150.

“The first year we didn’t charge a fee at all,” Siciliano said, adding that overtime was being incurred, but the non-profits were not being charged for it.

Instead, he said overtime was being paid out of the Tree Dept’s overtime budget.

“We have an application. I approve the language and who the organization is.  They drop it off and our guys put it up,” Siciliano said, adding. “Tax payers should not be paying overtime for a banner for the Avenue.”

“I don’t have a position on the banner,” Siciliano continued. “This gives this First Selectman a chance to say, if they renew the fee, they’re supporting the initiative to put it up.”

On his Friday radio program on WGCH, Camillo said he had no problem with the banner or the fee. “I don’t look at it as commercialization. It’s adds a little bit of a home town kind of feel.”

Oberlander, during Monday’s workshop, suggested the Selectmen come up with a policy on advertising in general.

“I don’t think the town has a policy on advertising. We have a zoning regulation*(See below) about when signs are permitted and when they aren’t.”

Oberlander said there had never been an opportunity for public comment, and asked a series of questions.

ThinkGreenwich banners hang from lamp posts on Greenwich Avenue. Aug 15, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

“Does the town want advertising on its avenues? Who gets the benefit of that advertising? This weekend I just noticed all the advertising flags on the Avenue for Think Greenwich, with no public vote. If we are going to start to allow advertising, how do we price it? Where’s the money going? Who gets access to it? Is it only on Greenwich Avenue? Is it on other commercial streets? And who gets to decide? Can we have other non profits advertising in other parts of town?”

There was some discussion about the proliferation of lawn signs on public property – other than political campaign ads which are exempt.

“If someone tomorrow said let’s get rid of them on public property, I’d be okay with it,” Camillo said. “We banned real estate signs.”

He suggested conducting an email poll of residents.

“I haven’t heard anyone advocating for advertising on the Ave,” Oberlander said.

“I have (heard support) from non-profits,” said Selectwoman Rabin.

“I agree, we do need to have a policy,” Camillo said. “I think most people would be okay with one banner going across Greenwich Avenue for a non profit. But is that okay in Byram, Old Greenwich and Cos Cob? I think it should be uniform.”

Camillo said it would be good to have a well thought out policy that would then be posted on the town website.

Stay tuned.

See also:

Those Pesky Lawn Signs! Strict Rules, Except for Campaign Signs!

*The town ordinance with respect to signs, Sec. 6-166(e)(1) of the Town’s Zoning Regulations, “All signs that are on the public right of way are expressly prohibited except those signs erected by or on behalf of:
(1) a governmental body to convey public information…

Sec. 6-166. LOCATION OF SIGN.
(a) No sign shall be located on the roof of any building or on any exterior wall so as to project above the top of said exterior wall at the location of the sign. No business sign shall face any lot line of any immediately adjoining lot in a residence zone within a forty (40) foot distance.
(b) All signs on the property shall be so located that they will not interfere with the vision of a driver entering or leaving the property or interfere with visibility at an intersection or traffic light
(c) No sign shall project more than nine (9) inches over any public traveled way.
(d) A sign may be affixed only to the portion of a building or structure wall which encloses the use to which the sign pertains.
(e) All signs that are on the public right of way are expressly prohibited except those signs erected by or on behalf of:
(1) a governmental body to convey public information or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
(2) a public transit company bus stop or similar signs;
(3) a public utility informational signs; or
(4) (i) a hospital or educational, civic, historic, or religious institution; a neighborhood, fraternal or athletic organization; or a country club,that give directions thereto or convey public information and  (ii) temporary non-commercial signs, under guidelines issued by the Office of the First Selectman or designee and for which a permit has been issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer pursuant to such guidelines. All of such signs shall be no more than five square feet in area.

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave
Greenwich, CT 06830

Two Units with Prices starting at $2,995,000

Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 4 full, 1 Half
Sq Ft: 4,500
MLS: #104699

Listed by: Denise Rosato
The Rosato Group
Division of Coldwell Banker
66 Field Point Rd
Greenwich, CT 06830-6473
Email: denise.rosato@cbmoves.com
Mobile: (203) 829-7441
Office: (203) 622-4000

Upscale and Chic in Downtown Greenwich!

Brand New Construction ”Classical Modern” Luxury on Milbank. Two very distinctive 3-4 Bedroom, 4-1/2 Bath Town homes that will satisfy the most discerning tastes.

The Design Team Lead by Nicola Arpaia Architects and finished by Lynn Cone Interior Architectural Design. Each Town home has a uniquely styled detail that is unmatched.

Open floor plans that Invite each guest to a quality of luxury not seen in downtown Greenwich before. Gourmet kitchens with Italian Quartz Center Island with Gaggenau appliances, Linear Gas Fireplaces, custom french doors that lead to an enchanting garden oasis with custom stonework and spa, a translucent glass stairway leads you to oversized luxurious Master Suites with Trey Ceilings, Spa-Like Master Bathroom with heated floors & free standing tubs.

Finished lower level provide endless possibilities, with full Media Room, wine cellar, and optional 4th bedroom/Au pair suite. Each unit has attached two-car heated garages, stunning rooftop deck with sweeping views, fire pit, built in outdoor kitchen and grill, and spa tub. Hand carved stone tiered walls surround each townhouse that will welcome you to this truly one-of-a-kind home that is steps away from everything Greenwich has to offer!

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

141 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830Denise Rosato

Denise Rosato
The Rosato Group
Division of Coldwell Banker
66 Field Point Rd
Greenwich, CT 06830-6473
Email: denise.rosato@cbmoves.com
Mobile: (203) 829-7441
Office: (203) 622-4000

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, January 2-3, 2020, transcribed from the Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall

469 Riversville Rd

469 Riversville Rd from Richard and Elizabeth Cryer to Mallory Dixon on Jan 3, 2020 for $1,012,500

212 Bible Street from Alpha Investors LLC to Joshan Shajan and John Kavya on Jan 3, 2020 for $1,850,000

204 Otter Rock Drive from Those Crazy Kids LLC to 204 Otter Rock LLC on Jan 2, 2020 for $6,050,000

523 East Putnam Avenue Unit B from Harborview Development Partners, LLC to 523UB LLC on Jan 2, 2020 for $2,250,000

71 Angus Road North

71 Angus Road North from Nicholas Monick aka Estate of Nickolas C to Michele Pellegrino on Jan 3, 2020 for $1,200,000

515 North Street

515 North Street from Richard and Lucile Glasebrook to Taylor Lawrence Glasebrook on Jan 3, 2020 for $750,000

7 Meadow Place

7 Meadow Place from Christopher Lust and Nicole Lust to 7 Meadow Place LLC on Jan 3, 2020 for $6,195,000

500 River Road Unit 11

500 River Road Unit 11 from Dennis and Susan Garritan to Michael Dineen on Jan 3, 2020 for $636,500

See also:

HOUSE OF THE WEEK: Classical Modern Luxury on Milbank Ave

Neighbors Riled over Proposed Use of Historic Overlay for 4,000 Sq Ft “Carriage House” in Front of 1923 English Manor

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, December, 30-31, 2019

RENDERINGS ADDED. P&Z Watch: Tuesday Agenda to Feature Cos Cob 22-Unit Multi-Story Building with Workforce Housing & Retail at Former Friendly’s

Wetlands Watch: Milbrook Crossing Development Denied

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, Dec 23-26, 2019

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers December 20, 2019

A reminder for all voters in the 151^st State Assembly District, the Town Clerk’s office will be open from 8:00am until noon on Saturday, January, 18 for those who need to file an absentee ballot for the special election for State Rep District 151 to fill the seat vacated by Fred Camillo when he was elected First Selectman.

Applications are available in English and Spanish.

The election will be held on Tuesday, January 21.

The candidates are Democrat Cheryl Moss and Republican Harry Arora.

It will be a regular school day.

To be sure you are registered to vote in the Jan. 21 special election and to find your polling place, log on to this link with our Registrars of Voters.

This election applies only to residents of the 151st Assembly District.

Voters may check to determine if they live in District 151 by checking the State’s legislative district map.

The Greenwich League of Women Voters has created a Voter’s Guide containing important election and poll information, as well as information about the candidates. This Guide is available at the League’s website.

Voters may print the Guide and take it into the voting booth with them.

January 14 was the last day to register for this election.

The Board of Selectmen held a workshop in the First Selectman’s office on Monday and residents had seats at the table.

Brunswick purchased the Justus Sacket house at 45 Patterson Ave. Its previous owners paid $27,395.02 in annual taxes.

Among topics discussed was safety in the mid-block crosswalk on Milbank Ave where an elderly woman struck by a car on Jan 8 died of her injuries on Jan 18, and advertising on Town property.

An interesting discussion concerned the number of properties being purchased by tax exempt institutions.

Camillo said hospitals and schools in particular are buying up properties and taking them off the tax rolls, often to use for employee housing.

1275 King Street was purchased from Paul Turdor Jones by Brunswick School resulting in a loss to the town of $345,121.24 in property taxes. Photo courtesy Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall

“Public school teachers don’t receive public housing,” he said. “It’s a fairness issue.”

Near Greenwich Academy’s and Brunswick School’s downtown campuses, dozens of properties are owned by those schools.

Last July Brunswick paid $3,600,000 for  the Justus Sacket house at 45 Patterson Ave. They bought it from the Irelands who paid $27,395.02 in annual taxes.

Brunswick’s purchase in 2017 of the 43 acre Tudor Jones property for $34 million resulted in a loss to the town of $345,121.24 in property taxes.

On June 8, 2018 On Greenwich Academy purchased 96 Maple Ave for $2,800,000. When it became home to the school’s Cowan Center, it came off the tax rolls.

96 Maple Ave was purchased by Greenwich Academy. It now houses their Cowan Center daycare.

On December 1, 2017 Greenwich Academy purchased 40 Patterson Ave for $3,400,000 for faculty housing.

There is another point of view to consider, which is that many private school families do live in town and do pay property taxes.

During public hearing in 2018 for a proposed 30% increase in FAR for educational institutions, parents testified that private school families pay significant property taxes, which fund Greenwich Public Schools.

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The cost to educate a student in Greenwich Public Schools, according to the CT School Finance Organization, is approximately $20,000.

Greenwich Academy parent Miriam Kreuzer, who is now a member of the BET, said during the June 2018 hearing on expanded FAR for schools, that many private school parents pay some of the highest property taxes in Town.

She described complaints as shortsighted and unnecessarily alarmist.

“They are saving the town multiple tens of millions of dollars by educating their children privately,” she said at the hearing.

In any event, the proposal for a 30% increase in FAR for educational institutions did not happen.

Demolition of the “ghost house” at 2 Patterson property, owned by Greenwich Academy. Aug 20, 2019. Photo: Leslie Yager

A consequence of their having maxed our their FAR is that private schools have nowhere to turn except to purchase contiguous properties to expand their FAR.

Last summer Greenwich Academy tore down 2 Patterson, which they had owned for many years. The demolition had the effect of increasing their FAR.

Camillo said, “I’m not so much worried about the tax exempt status of a hospital or school, but they’re getting free services. We send the trucks around to pick up the leaves. It’s something I feel very strongly about,” he said, adding that the remedy might be on the state or local level.

“To do anything different than what we’re doing would require going to the state,” Selectperson Jill Oberlander said. “There are state laws that govern this.”

“Maybe we can get an ordinance that doesn’t conflict with state law,” Camillo said. “It’s going to become more and more of a problem here. We’re seeing it now.”

The First Selectman said that after the special election, he hoped the Greenwich delegation would address the issue in Hartford. He said he would be willing to testify.

“It’s not just a Bridgeport/Hartford/New Haven problem,” Camillo said, noting that roughly 50% of the housing in those cities is tax exempt.

According to the Hartford Business Journal, 59 percent of the assessed real estate in that city is exempt from taxation because it is owned by the City of Hartford, the State of Connecticut, nonprofits, churches or other tax-exempt organizations.  The list includes schools, parks, firehouses, the public-safety and public-works complexes, and city hall, as well as residential and commercial properties seized for back taxes.

“As time goes on more and more towns will get involved,” Camillo said.

Selectwoman Lauren Rabin said at a recent training for newly elected municipal officials she learned other municipalities are exploring creative ways to work with tax exempt organizations so that they contribute to the town financially.

“I’m not picking on the private schools at all, but it’s a fairness issue. This money keeps going away. We have to make it up somewhere.” – First Selectman Fred Camillo

Oberlander pointed out that not all properties owned by the hospital and private schools are tax exempt and that there extensive information should be gathered.

“The hospitals have a broader exemption than the private schools,” she said. “But I’d suggest these  institutions attract people to our community. There’s a balance.”

“Certainly these institutions do add value, but there is a limit,” Camillo said, citing the central Greenwich’s Fourth Ward as a neighborhood where the private schools have purchased many properties.

Doreen Pearson, owner of Stanton House Inn on Maple Ave talked about a domino effect. “Nobody wants to buy the house next to those schools now because it is inevitable that they’re going to own you next.”

Pearson said she’d like to see a list of private school properties that are tax exempt.

“These schools have endless endowments. They can do this forever. They can outbid anyone. Do we want to just be a community of elite schools?” – Doreen Pearson, owner Stanton House Inn, 76 Maple Ave

“To me it’s gone overboard and is having a negative impact,” Camillo said.

In the end Camillo said he’d like to continue the discussion and would reach out to the Assessor and P&Z for information.

In 2017 GFP published a list of properties owned by Greenwich Academy and Brunswick.

In addition to the upper school at 95-100 Maher Ave, and lower school at 1251 King Street, Brunswick owns:

• 91 River Road (WB zone)
• 9 Riversville Road – Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (R-C7 zone)
• 36 Northfield Street unit 3 (R-6)
• 53 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 57 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 71 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 75 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 79 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 81 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 63 Patterson Ave (R20 single family)
• 25 Patterson Ave (R-20-HO)
• 23, unit 35 Sherwood Place (CGB zone)
• 66 Sherwood Place (R-6 zone)
• 88 Sherwood Place (R-6 zone)

In addition to its main campus at 200 North Maple, Greenwich Academy owns:

• 1 Maher Ave (R-20)
• 26 Division Street  (R-6)
• 16 Ridgeview Ave (RA-1)
• 35 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 43 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 45 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 48 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 60 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 64 Northfield Street (R-6)
• 82 Northfield Street, A and B (R-6)
• 11 Armonk Street – an apartment building in Byram, located off North Water Street (LBR-2 zone)

See also:

Banner on Greenwich Ave, Think Greenwich Signs, Lawn Signs Discussed at Selectmen’s Workshop

Up to the minute Greenwich property transfers, January 6-8, 2020 transcribed from the Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall

39 Mary Lane

39 Mary Lane from Diane Maurice to Graeme and Sherri Fattedad on Jan 6, 2020 for $705,000

509 West Lyon Farm Drive

509 West Lyon Farm Drive from Jane Hall to Matheus Cassola de Barros  on Jan 6, 2020 for $985,000

556 Stanwich Rd

556 Stanwich Rd from Felice Robinov to Sheila Trabish on Jan 7, 2020 for $1,130,000

30 Will Merry Lane

30 Will Merry Lane from Samuel and Irene Horowitz to HOW4.0 LLC on Jan 7, 2020 for $3,000,000

11 Eggleston Lane

11 Eggleston Lane from Michael Pastore to Rachel Weitzman on Jan 7, 2020 for $2,450,000

21 Sidney Lanier Lane

21 Sidney Lanier Lane from Mario Gabelli and Elaine Madonna to Sidney Lanier M II Trust on Jan 7, 2020 for $2,200,000

102 Parsonage Rd

102 Parsonage Rd from Bruce and Delancey Cook to Sara Coffin on Jan 8, 2020 for $1,850,000

Indivisible Greenwich is launching a new initiative,  “Democracy Matters” at their first 2020 meeting. The focus will be on preparing for November elections on January 22, at 7:00pm.

Indivisible Greenwich, the local group created to protect America’s democracy and democratic institutions in the face of assaults by the Trump administration, will host its first all-member meeting of 2020 on Wednesday, January 22, at 7:00pm at the Western Greenwich Civic Center. (Parking is limited. Doors open at 6:45pm).

At the meeting, the group will launch its new initiative “Democracy Matters” in preparation for the November, 2020 federal elections. In addition to providing options for public engagement in preparation for the November, 2020 elections, it will host a special speaker from Changing The Conversation Together, a group that flipped a deep red House seat in 2018 through a process known as “deep canvassing.”

The public is invited to attend and join the group’s effort to limit Trump to one term and restore democratic checks and balances that have evaporated since 2016. “We continue to be alarmed at the rise and abuse of executive power.

Democracy is not a spectator sport and we hope many will join us in fighting this fundamental threat,” said Nerlyn Pierson in the release, a member of the group’s steering committee. “Democracy depends on no one being above the law and that fundamental principal is no longer a given. Everyone should be alarmed,” said
Pierson.

“Our focus in 2020 will be on the swing states. In many ways, they are the only states that matter when it comes to stopping this imminent threat. We have a multi-prong plan for involvement and there is a role for everyone who is interested in making a difference,” said fellow steering member Joanna Swomley.

“Anyone concerned or who wants to make a difference this November is invited to attend the January 22 meeting,” Pierson said. “For those who cannot, we hope they will join one or more of our regularly scheduled working group meetings.”

The organization meets four times a month, and will add an additional weekend meeting through November to allow more people to participate. Trips to Pennsylvania, phone banks, letter and post card initiatives are planned.

Meeting schedules, and additional information about the group, can be found on the IndivisibleGreenwich.org website, and in a weekly mailing to members.

John Michael Castagna, age 60 of Shelton, passed away at his home on Friday, January 17, 2020.

Born on October 25, 1959 in Orlando, Florida, he was a son of Vincent Castagna and the late Angela Vaccarelli.

John was an EMT who worked for many years with Greenwich EMS. In his spare time, he enjoyed countless hours of fishing, cooking on his smoker, tending to his award winning garden, and enjoying watching the NY Giants.

He was proud to have served in the United States Army and looked forward to his yearly reunions with his army pals.

Above all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially taking joy in making them laugh. He was a loving son, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who will be truly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his father Vincent and his wife Carol of Florida, John is survived by his two adored children, John Castagna and his fiancé Rachel Mastroni of Shelton and Kristal Sivak and her husband John of Monroe, two cherished grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as “grandpa donut,” Scarlett and John Jay, his loving brother Vincent Castagna and his wife Susan of Shelton, his dog Blue, and Lauren, Mychele, Thomas, and several other nieces and nephews.

Friends can greet the family on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road in Trumbull.

A Church Service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday January 23, 2020 directly in White Oak Baptist Church, 5344 Main Street Stratford.

Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of ones choice in John’s memory.

View toward Port Chester from Byram where Delavan becomes Mill Street.  Photo: Leslie Yager

The negative comments continue to pile up in response to a proposed 242 unit apartment building, “Tarry Lighthouse,” proposed just over the Mill Street bridge in the Village of Port Chester.

As proposed the developer, David Mann of Lighthouse Living, wishes to redevelop the entire block bounded by Mill Street, North Main Street, Abendroth and Highland Street with a mix of apartments, retail and above ground parking

Having purchased all the buildings that comprise the block he seeks to demolish them to make way for the 7 story building.

The developer originally proposed 9 stories, but dropped it to 7. He still requires a variance from the ZBA because the buildings, which are in the C-2 Main Street Business District, are zoned for a maximum of 5 stories. Also, they seek a variance for height because FEMA regulations preclude underground parking and all parking will be above grade.

The development would be just over the busy Mill Street Bridge from the Byram neighborhood in Greenwich.

The proposed multi story rental apartment building for the block on the corner of North Main Street/Abendroth/Mill Street has been reduced 2 stories since originally proposed.

At a recent Port Chester Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, more residents shared their alarm at the prospect of the additional traffic compounding the daily snarl.

It has been noted that congestion impacts the Byram Fire Station and New Lebanon School.

View from Port Chester toward Byram over the Mill Street Bridge. Photo: Leslie Yager

Byram residents have balked the applicant’s traffic expert’s rosy prognosis of traffic flow with the additional 242 units, and his assertion that coordinated signal phasing between Byram and Port Chester is a panacea.

A traffic impact study conducted by Provident Design Engineering, dated Feb 27, 2019 and updated Aug 7, 2019, concluded that traffic generated by the project would not have a significant impact on the adjacent roadways.

Brian Dempsey of Provident Design Engineering said currently there is no coordination of traffic and pedestrian signals across state lines.

“Changing signal timing to coordinate all signal timings would improve flow,” he said, adding that the “walk” signal is shorter in Port Chester than in Byram.

Reached by phone State Rep Steve Meskers (District 150) said he had offered to help connect the Connecticut and New York Departments of Transportation to discuss the traffic at that site.

“Any makeover of an urban landscape should improve the quality of life of both residents and newcomers,” Meskers said. “That spot is zoned for 5 stories maximum – they want 7 – which seems over the top given the small town charm that you find in downtown Port Chester.”

Meskers said without input from the NY and CT Departments of Transportation he would not accept the traffic study paid for by the developer as objective.

“That site sits at the crossroads of two interstate thoroughfares – I-95 and Route 1 – and the intersection already has horrible traffic congestion and bad sight lines,” Meskers said. “I don’t see how 242 apartments at that intersection improves things.”

The latest person to jump into the fray is Port Chester’s Mayor Richard Falanka, who said on WGCH 1490 am last week that he shared Byram residents’ concerns.

“This area already has traffic congestion problems without development. That’s why we have to take a close look and not add to an existing problem with  any future development,” Falanka told WGCH’s Tony Savino.

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Falanka noted the project is under review by the Port Chester Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, but no action has been taken to date.

“I want to continue to talk to Fred (Camillo) to see how we can improve traffic no matter what happens there,” Falanka said.

The Port Chester Mayor pointed out that the closure of New York’s Midland Ave exit on I95 has added to existing traffic as drivers detour through local roads, with many passing through the Village of Port Chester and over the Mill Street bridge to Byram to CT exit 2.

Even Zoning Board commissioner Evelyn Petrone has said she prefers to drive north on Main Street/Rte 1 to the rotary by Carvel, and up Byram Road rather than drive over the bridge on Mill Street to get on I95.

Falanka said that work in the area of Midland Ave and I95 will continue for another year.

On his Friday Ask the First Selectman Show, Fred Camillo said the Port Chester Zoning Board of Appeals delayed their decision on the Tarry Light House proposal until Feb 20, 2020.

“I will be there,” Camillo said, adding that he would continue to discuss the situation with Mayor Falanka. “We have a close working relationship. He’s a good guy with Greenwich roots.”

Mr. Camillo said at the December Planning Commission meeting that even one additional apartment at the proposed site is too many, and promised to consider any and all options, including closing the bridge.

See also:

Greenwich Residents Rail Against Port Chester Multi Story Apartment Building

Dec 20, 2019

Port Chester Planning Commission: ‘Pump the Brakes’ on 9-Story Tarry Lighthouse

Oct 1, 2019

Tarry Lighthouse: Just Over Mill St Bridge, 274 Units, Retail/Restaurant Proposed in Port Chester Sept 4, 2019

Cars drive past The First Congregational Church on Sound Beach Ave in Old Greenwich. Dec 11, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Hoping to gain “Scenic Road” recognition for a roadway loop though Binney Park, the Eastern Greenwich Preservation Association (EGPA) are on the agenda for the Board of Selectmen meeting on Thursday, Jan 23 seeking support for the next steps in the application process.

The Town’s Municipal Code, Article 3, allows the Planning and Zoning Commission to designate town highways or portions thereof as scenic roads “for the benefit of present and future generations.”

Since the Scenic Road ordinance was adopted in 1992, five local roads have received the designation: Cliffdale
Road, Burying Hill Road, Selden Lane, Buckfield Lane and Sawmill Lane.

The Binney Park proposal would be Greenwich’s first official Scenic Road south of the Merritt Parkway.

The Binney Park loop would include Sound Beach Avenue from Arch Street to Wesskum Wood Road; Wesskum Wood to Arch Street; Arch Street to Sound Beach Avenue. The move to nominate the Binney Park roadways responds to a goal in the new 2019 Plan of Conservation and Development to “encourage the designation of more scenic roads throughout the town.”

A Scenic Road application requires endorsement by owners of a majority of property that abuts a proposed roadway. Private owners of property along the Binney Park route have already signed the application, but because roadways in the EGPA proposal border Town-owned Binney Park, agreement of the Town as a property owner is also required.

In order for Selectmen to co-sign the application on behalf of the Town, they must receive approval from the Representative Town Meeting, Greenwich’s legislative body.

EGPA will discuss the proposal with the Board of Selectmen on Thursday, January 23, at 10:00am with
a goal of bringing the plan to the RTM.

The meeting will be in the Town Hall Meeting Room, and the public is invited.

See also:

P&Z Watch: Scenic Road Designation for .6 Mile Loop around Binney Pond Discussed