GHS athletic director Gus Lindine thanked Class of 2019 student athletes on Friday in the gym. June 14, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

On Friday Greenwich High School senior athletes made one last stop in the gymnasium before they graduate and head off to college to play the sports they are passionate about.

“I’m so proud of them. These are outstanding kids and outstanding athletes who have decided to go on and play during their college years. We look forward to seeing how they compete in college,” Lindine told reporters. “We had lots of success this year, championship teams, many individual accomplishments. There is such a tremendous tradition here at GHS. Every year you don’t think one class will outdo the next, and then they find a way to get out there and accomplish great things.”

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“They’re not scholarship kids. They are mostly Division 2 and 3. Some are Division 1. There are 52 altogether.”

About two dozen of the 52 student athletes who will play sports in college attended the noon event which included pizza.

“You have every opportunity to do well at Greenwich High School. You’re not guaranteed. You have every opportunity, but you have to put the effort in.” – Owen Bianchi, GHS class of 2019, headed to Johns Hopkins for Track

“I’m really excited. I think it will be a challenging but rewarding four years,” said Lucy Koben, who is headed to Princeton in the fall.

Lucy, who rowed for a club team during high school, said, “I think the high school is extremely accommodating with absences and long hours that go into being a participant in a competitive sport and that was hugely beneficial to me.”

Jackson Fretty said he looked forward to playing golf at Princeton. “Ever since I decided I was going to go there in late summer, I’ve been wanting to press the fast forward button. I got a chance to meet the team and have met the coach several times,” he said. “They’ve built a small, tightly knit community of 11 guys. It’s great to be part of a family like that. I’m extremely excited to play golf there.”

Jackson said his father introduced him to golf when he was about 4. “I’m lucky that we’re members of Greenwich Country Club and I’m blessed to play there my whole life. I met my coach there six years ago.”

“The golf team here is a huge part of my life. Mr. Santilli is probably the closest thing I have to a second dad,” Jackson said. “I’ve been with him since I was a freshman. The stuff he’s done for me as a player – I’ll always be indebted to him.”

Daniel McDermott, who is headed to Brown to play water polo, said he expects the sport will be played at a higher level. “It will be another state of competitiveness and a different mindset. I think four out of five on the team are from California. It opens your eyes to a different set of people,” he said. “I’m very excited. It’s going to be so much fun.”

“Greenwich High School has done a lot for me – in terms of academic, athletic and social preparation, and every possible way including social, and the size and scope of the high school and its diversity,” said Owen Bianchi who is headed to Johns Hopkins for Track. “In addition to being exposed to so many different types of people, from different parts of the world and different parts of the country, and different socioeconomic backgrounds. I felt I had to bring everything I had. It makes you well prepared.”

Gavin Muir is headed to Dartmouth. Nolan Connerty is headed to Dickinson College. June 14, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

“It’s going to be a good competitive opportunity,” said Nolan Connerty, a member of the football team who is headed to Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA in the fall. “This senior year has been really special. It’s been like playing with your best friends. The success helped make it that much more fun. It was a lot of hard work.”

“We’re really exited for Coach Marinelli,” Nolan added, referring to this week’s announcement by the head coach that he will become an a football analyst for Arizona. “We’re sad to see him go but it’s awesome for him and his career. The coaches here will step up and take his place. Gus hired coach Marinelli so we have all the faith in the world he’ll find someone great.”

Athletic Director Mr. Lindine said the interview process for a new head coach is underway.

GHS Class of 2019 student athletes who will play a sport in college:

Kyle Laufenberg – Iona College – Water Polo
Nicolas de la Sierra – Bucknell University – Water Polo
Daniel McDermott – Brown University – Water Polo
Timothy D’Agostino – Fordham University – Water Polo
Owen Bianchi – Johns Hopkins – Track
Gavin Muir – Dartmouth College – Football
Jacob Belmont – Salve Regina University – Football
Emilio Camou – Union College – Football
Tysen Comizio – University of Pennsylvania – Football
Nolan Connerty – Dickinson College – Football
Charlie Ducret – Trinity College – Football & Track and Field
Lance Large – Johns Hopkins University – Football
Ryan Raybuck – Saint Anselm College – Football
Toby Turnbull – Stonehill College – Football
Christopher Wint – Castleton University – Football
Jackson Fretty – Princeton University – Golf
Ben Ropiak – Gettysburg College – Golf
Lucy Koven – Princeton University – Crew
Jordan Numme – Boston College – Track and Field
Caroline Webb – University of Connecticut – Cross Country and Track & Field
Samantha Chabot – Johns Hopkins – Field Hockey
Isabel Wilkowski – Brown – Rowing
Stephan Todorovic – Boston College – Swimming
Anna Meurer – Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Crew
Allison Brea – Tufts – Swimming
Emily Warner – Claremont McKenna College – Swimming
Madeline Muldoon – University of Pennsylvania – Swimming/Diving
Sean Pratley – St lawrence – Baseball
Ian Colalucci – NYU – Baseball
Bridget Semenuk – University of Texas – Swimming
Michael Steinthal – Yale University – Crew
Peter Scott – MIT – Crew
Rodane McKenzie – Richmond, The American International University in London – Soccer
Paige Finneran – Vanderbilt – Lacrosse
Olivia Hoekman – Dickinson – Lacrosse
Olivia Caan – Johns Hopkins – Lacrosse
Grace Fahey – Davidson College – Lacrosse
Zoe Cass – Washington and Lee – Riding
Summit Gillespie – Temple University – Crew
Sloane Loveless – Cornell University – Lacrosse
Eleanor Dabney – Naval Academy – Crew
Natasha Neitzell – Princeton – Crew
Zoe Metalios – Columbia University – Field Hockey
John Feda – Bucknell – Lacrosse
Katie Large – University of Chicago – Lacrosse
Jennifer Kelly – Union – Lacrosse
Aidan Brock – National University of Ireland, Galway – Cross Country, Track & Field
Lara Varma – Drexel – Squash
Paige Sangston – Bard College – Soccer
Shiv Vaid – Oberline – Lacrosse
Barbara Malone – St Andrews, Scotland – Water Polo
Charles Grave – St Lawrence – Lacrosse

See also: GHS Football Head Coach Marinelli Departs for Collegiate Ranks

44 West Putnam Ave in Greenwich was originally home to Pickwick Theatre. Later it became a bowling alley that operated in the 80s and early 90s. Photo: Leslie Yager

On Tuesday night the P&Z commission entertained an application from Paradigm 44-48 West Putnam Ave, the owners of the property that once was Pickwick Theatre, seating 2,000+ people (opened Nov 21, 1929).

After the theater closed the building was used as a bowling alley before being converted to office space and retail.

The applicant seeks relief from a 1995 condition of approval that identified it as “mezzanine space,” arguing it is actually a second floor, as it is up a flight of stairs.

Zoning limits the use of ground floor commercial space.

Designating the space as a second floor use would allow the possibility of leasing space to a fitness center.

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“We have a use proposed going from retail to a group fitness center, which is not permitted in ground floor in CGBR,” the applicant’s attorney Chip Haslun said, adding, “This particular location is more akin to LBR zone than CGBR because it’s not on Greenwich Avenue or fronting directly to the Avenue. It doesn’t interfere with the streetscape or the feeling of retail along the streetscape.”

Haslun said the landlord has had difficulty renting the space, but currently has a fitness center interested in renting the space.

He said in the 1980s and early 1990s the building was home to a bowling alley that was a popular spot, and on any given night 200 people would compete on teams including one from a prior firm called “Motion to Strike.”

“You can see why the commission might have seen the application before 1995 favorably because the applicant agreed to add 25 parking spaces and mothball a large part of the building,” he continued. “But it made the property much more non conforming.”

The attorney said there is ample parking for tenants, including include The Shade Store. Gaerlic & Herbs, Fed Ex, and Roundabout Resale Couture, which moved down from the “mezzanine” to the ground floor. In fact he said that tenant reports being very happy with their move.

The applicant pays an attendant to make sure library patrons or restaurant patrons don’t use the parking lot, Haslun said.

P&Z chair margarita Alban asked, “When you contemplate changing uses, would you also consider a use group 3? That would be residential.”

Haslun and the building owner Marci Fagan said they had considered that but said the mothballed spaces did not lend themselves to residential and they did not believe they had adequate parking.

Mr. Macri suggested having Fed Ex move up to the mezzanine level.

“Fed Ex wouldn’t take the space. It’s up 14 steps. They get so many deliveries and boxes. It’s difficult to find a tenant who wants to be up 14 steps. Hair salons, nail salons and fitness seem to be able to deal with it,” Fagan said.

“If you had fitness use, you’d need an extra 20 to 25 parking spaces more than an office space,” Alban said. “In this parking lot, I guess people can park underneath, in the garage, but people don’t.”

Fagan said employees use the parking garage.

She said the fitness center would be willing to agree to hours when the lot is not busy. They would not offer classes between 11:30am and 1:30pm.

“I’ve had numerous fitness tenants wanting to come in but none of them was willing to agree to these conditions,” she said.

Ms. Alban said she was concerned about what would go into the space if the particular fitness center were to close.

“If P&Z doesn’t know about it, and someone new rents the space, we don’t know, and then there’s not enough parking. I’m not saying we can’t work it out,” Alban said.

P&Z director Katie DeLuca said all decisions are filed in the Town’s land records so that if someone were to to rent or purchase the property, they would source the records. “Or else it is a zoning violation,” she said.

“We’re concerned about the traffic and the parking. That’s the limiting factor,” Alban said. “We had some misgivings about retail continuity, but I hear you that the stairs can be discouraging.”

Peter Levy said, “this helps you out and helps the community out. You don’t want vacant stores. We want a vibrant commercial district. I think this might be a solution that can help everybody. I’m curious about the space that’s mothballed. I don’t understand. It’s unfortunate. We’re looking for housing. Anyone have any thoughts?”

Ms. Fagan said that back in 2007 she obtained approval for eight condominiums. “But then the market got kind of bad,” she said. “I decided not to go forward with it. I’ve since investigated doing apartments up there. I’d have to excavate under the current parking below to add 20 parking spaces.

“You may have an opportunity because we’re trying to figure out how to have mixed-use sites used better, on the assumption that when people return home at night the businesses have left,” Alban suggested.

You might not need to expand the parking,” Alban said. “There are 19 spaces vacant at night and on weekends because they are mostly used by Fidelity. They have lots of marble and few human beings.”

Ms. Alban said the commission is open to lifting the condition on the “mezzanine.”

The commission asked the applicant to return at a future meeting with more details.

“I know you’re in good faith,” Alban said. “But people don’t always get (uses) permitted, and then you have a mess. Our objective is to help businesses be more viable.”

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, June 10, 2019 transcribed from the Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall

2 Lauder Way

2 Lauder Way from William and and Liza Green to Thomas Justin Dodd on June 10, 2019 for $4,800,000

9 Grimes Rd

9 Grimes Rd from David Scopelliti and Kimberley Markson-Scopelliti to Peer Bueller on June 10, 2019 for $2,100,000

35 Mooreland Rd from SP Greenwich Mooreland LLC to Leslie Lane, LLC on June 10, 2019 for $7,500,000

100 Doubling Rd

100 Doubling Rd from JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Associates to Cara Moore on June 10, 2019 for $4,300,000

4 Lauder Way

4 Lauder Way from Welborne Walker Lewis and Ellen Lewis to 4 Lauder Way LLC on June 11, 2019 for $8,300,000

11 Cross Lane

11 Cross Lane from Richard McMurray to Thomas Steczkowski on June 11, 2019 for $749,000

45 The Avenue

45 The Avenue from Estate of Walter Lohotsky to Peter Smeriglio on June 11, 2019 for $100,000

12 Dialstone Lane

12 Dialstone Lane from Mary Louise Wallace to Andelka Radman on June 11, 2019 for $1,050,000

19 Meadow Drive from Meadow Drive, LLC to Quincy Capital Funding, LLC on June 11, 2019 for $1,213,185

37 Sheephill Rd Unit #7 from Richard Cohen and Danielle Rudolph to Francisco Gomez on June 11, 2019 for $629,000

21 Guilford Lane from Christopher and Christine Ward to Brian Patrick Kelly Jr on June 11, 2019 for $1,095,000

0 Upper Cross Rd from Lot 5, LLC to Marc Converse, LLC on June 11, 2019 for $1,948,155

0 Lake Ave from Lot 6, LLC to Marc Converse, LLC on June 12, 2019 for $4,101,845.37

42-44 Bruce Park Ave

42-44 Bruce Park Ave

42-44 Bruce Park Ave from Robert Wilson Jr to 42 Bruce Park Avenue LLC on June 12, 2019 for $1,250,000

2 Keofferam Road

2 Keofferam Road from Christopher and Lara Laitala to Christopher B Sullivan Irrevocable Trust on June 12, 2019 for $4,640,000

See also:

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, June 5-7, 2019

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, June 4-5, 2019 

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, May 31 – June 3, 2019

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, May 24-31, 2019

Next for the Wrecking Ball in Greenwich: 1920 House in Central Greenwich

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, May 23-24, 2019

Flora Kovaci and Arta Bajrami at their newly opened salon, Affaires De Luxe at 49 Greenwich Avenue. Photo: Leslie Yager

For Flora Kovaci and Arta Bajrami, both originally from Albania, the opening of their salon, Affaires De Luxe at 49 Greenwich Avenue, is an American Dream come true. Actually, two.

What is unique is not only their complimentary skills – Flora specializes in hair cuts and color, and Arta specializes in make up and services including lash extensions – but how the two met and became fast friends four years ago, half way around the globe from their home country, is a special story.

“I worked for other people starting in high school doing salon work,” Flora said. “When I went to college I still enjoyed doing hair. I never stopped. Every summer break I used to work in a salon.”

“I used to watch Beverly Hills 90210,” Arta recalled of her youth in Albania. “I was obsessed with that program and when I came here I thought that’s what it would be like. They were all a beautiful people in that show and I thought I’d go work in Hollywood. I love doing makeup and finished three diplomas in makeup – for every type of makeup you need a special certification.”

In the United States, Arta has worked for Chanel and Tom Ford as a makeup artist. For years her work entailed traveling to different stores across the country.

“Working for Chanel was a good time. Now I have three kids,” she explained. “One day I was in Washington just before Christmas and I bought my daughter the dress she had asked for. I sent it to her and asked her on the phone if she received it. And she hesitated and then started to cry, and said, ‘Mommy I want you, not a dress.'”

From there the dream of having her own salon grew stronger.

Flora’s story is similar. “I think everyone outside the US has a dream of the US, especially New York. In 2002 my husband and I moved here. We used to see his cousins living in the US in pictures and videos and I wondered if it could be possible to have that kind of life.”

In 2002 Flora married, and the same year graduated college and moved to the US. After she and her husband had their first two children Flora decided enrolled in beauty school in Brooklyn. Then, in 2006 she went to work for Dramatics in New York City and worked there for two years.

“I got the best training, especially in customer service,” she recalled.  Later she moved to Amour De Haire, also in New York City. After a break from work when her third child arrived, she went to work at Bloomingdale’s in New York as a makeup artist for Dior and then for two years at Saks in their Short Hills, NJ store.

When that store closed and a new Saks opened at Brookfield Place in Manhattan and she moved there to work for Lancome.

Flora Kovaci and Arta Bajrami at their newly opened salon, Affaires De Luxe at 49 Greenwich Avenue. Photo: Leslie Yager

At the time Arta was working there too. Immediately Flora said she began hearing about the other woman from Albania.

“She was working for Tom Ford and I was with Lancome,” Flora explained. “I heard a lot about her before I met her because we were both Albanian. I heard she’s so nice and a great makeup artist. On the first day of training we introduced ourselves. I was sitting on the opposite side of the room, and when I heard her say she was Arta Bajrami, I realized she was the woman I had been hearing about.”

Flora recalled introducing herself and talking to Arta, who was a bit reserved.

“I was talking to her as if I was her best friend. It took me a couple of times talking to her before she shared her story,” Flora said of the beginning of a friendship that would four years later become a partnership.

Together at their newly opened Affaires de Luxe, Flora and Arta have created a homey, welcoming atmosphere and share a knack for putting people at ease.

“We click so well because we both have the same way of bonding and connecting with customers,” Flora said, adding that they both realize the ability to listen is essential.

“With a new customer, we have a long conversation. That’s the most important. Consultation is key. I want to hear the client’s vision. From there everything else is easy.”

Flora said her priority when applying color is to preserve the quality of a customer’s hair.

“When you color, and especially with highlights, you want to achieve the right look and the texture of the hair while keeping it healthy,” she said.

And, Arta and Flora said they both bring a European influence to their work.

“We want to bring something new,” Flora said. “When you enter the salon we want every customer to feel welcome and comfortable so they can enjoy the luxury and pampering we offer. That is our theme. Have a coffee, and drink and chat with the girls and share stories.”

Alta said she has become close to many of her clients over the years. “They’ve become family. Some even say they trust me more than their family.”

Flora said when she worked in New Jersey she too became friends with many of her clients.

“These women inspired me,” she said. “When a client tells you they trust you, it means so much. There have been times when they’ve given me the keys to their houses and said meet me there and do my hair and select my outfits.”

Flora said she is still affiliated with a service that sends her to hotels in the New York City to work with VIP clients.

“One woman from Europe was giving a speech in the UN. She was late and by the time she arrived for me to do her hair and make up, she only had 15 minutes, and that included time to take a shower. She got out of the shower and put out all her clothing. I did her hair, makeup and outfit in 15 minutes.”

Arta also knows what it is like to work quickly.

“I can do a full make up and lash extensions in a half hour for a bride,” she said adding that when she worked at Dior’s fashion show they had her work with a number of VIP’s.

“They come in and they’re in a rush. They’re already late when they get there,” she said. “They’re putting their whole life in your hands.”

Flora and Arta also share an understanding about how to treat clients.

“If they see you’re not there to judge them or to give you attitude they’ll stay with your forever,” Arta said. “I have clients who took me to their wedding in Italy. I did everybody’s makeup.”

As Flora and Arta got to know and trust each other they sampled each other’s skills.

“She did my makeup a couple times,” Flora said. “I was impressed with her talent and how she worked and talked to clients, and I thought we could be a great team.”

“I’m picky with my hair and I don’t let anybody touch it,” Arta said, recalling how her hair was all the way down her back when she met Flora.

“She asked if she could do my hair and I loved it,” Arta said. “My hair was very long and she asked, ‘Can I chop it?’ And I said sure, cut it above my shoulders, because I trusted her.”

That, Arta said, was when she and Flora knew they had each other’s full trust.

Flora and Arta are offering 25% off their services including hair, makeup, lashes, extensions (tape extensions or keratin extensions), waxing, Brazilian blow outs and facials for your fist visit at Affaires De Luxe now through July 15, 2019 at 49 Greenwich Avenue.

Tel. (203) 717-1788.

Kaila Carroll – USA Youth National Team (17-year-old at Greenwich High School); Regan Coon – USA Cadet National B Team (14-year-old from Manhattan, missing in picture); Ryan Miele – USA Development National Team (14-year-old at Brunswick); JP Ohl– USA Youth National B Team (16-year-old at Brunswick); Ryan Ohl – USA Development National Team (14-year-old at Greenwich Country Day); Vilas Sogaard-Srikrishnan – USA Cadet National B Team (15-year-old at Brunswick); Lauren Steele – USA Development National Team (13-year-old at Eastern Middle School); Elektra Urbatsch – USA Development National Team (14-year-old from Brooklyn); Gavin West – USA Youth National B Team (16-year-old at Brunswick); Kayla Yelensky – USA Youth National Team (17 year-old at Greenwich Academy).

The YMCA Greenwich Aquatics Water Polo Team has placed ten athletes on USA Water Polo National Teams. They are the top athletes in the country, selected from the thousands of athletes who tried out.

The tryout had four stages. In December, players were named to one of two Eastern Zone teams (Maine to Virginia) and traveled to North Carolina for the Regional Championships. The top 15 athletes were selected for the official Eastern Zone team which competed in the National Championships in California in March. There, the top 60-75 were invited to the National Team Selection Camp in California held in the late spring.

After a three day tryout, the top 20 athletes were selected to the national team and the next 20-40 athletes to the B team.

This is the most water polo players Greenwich Aquatics has ever had on the various national teams. These players will have additional training in California before the summer USA tournaments are announced. From there, some rosters will head to Barcelona and Budapest.

The YMCA looks forward to their success on the National Team.

Greenwich Aquatics players who qualified (pictured): Kaila Carroll – USA Youth National Team (17-year-old at Greenwich High School); Regan Coon – USA Cadet National B Team (14-year-old from Manhattan, missing in picture); Ryan Miele – USA Development National Team (14-year-old at Brunswick); JP Ohl– USA Youth National B Team (16-year-old at Brunswick); Ryan Ohl – USA Development National Team (14-year-old at Greenwich Country Day); Vilas Sogaard-Srikrishnan – USA Cadet National B Team (15-year-old at Brunswick); Lauren Steele – USA Development National Team (13-year-old at Eastern Middle School); Elektra Urbatsch  – USA Development National Team (14-year-old from Brooklyn); Gavin West  – USA Youth National B Team (16-year-old at Brunswick); Kayla Yelensky – USA Youth National Team (17 year-old at Greenwich Academy).

Mens Youth 8+ receives their bronze medal

Womens Youth 8+ receives their silver medal

Womens Youth Lightweight 4+

Womens Youth Lightweight 8+ receives their gold medal

Mens Youth Lightweight 8+

Womens Youth 4+

Mens Youth 4+

USRowing Youth National Championship Trophies

Recently seven boats from Greenwich Crew competed at the highest level on a 2,000 meter course at Nathan Benderson Park at USRowing’s Youth National Championships at  in Sarasota Florida.

The team performed better than ever before,  with 27 of their 51 competing athletes finishing on the podium.

The Women’s Lightweight 8+ defended their national title, earning another gold medal and finishing roughly four seconds ahead of the rest of the field. The lineup was Lydia Garnett (cox), Elle Krywosa, Sophia Gilroy, Darby Loveless, Allison Millspaugh, Madelyn Brody, Lillian Johnson, Harley Marks, and Brooke Legenzowski. The Women’s V8+, comprised of Molly Lundberg (cox), Lucy Koven, Isabel Wilkowski, Natasha Neitzell, Jessica Hooper, Ellarie Talgo, Olivia Schnur, Katie Turk, and Alexa Zavattaro, also repeated their silver medal finish from last year’s National Championships, again placing second.

For the first time in program history, the Men’s V8+ also earned a spot on the podium, placing 3rd in their event. The boat consisted of Alex Chung (coxswain), Michael Steinthal, Matt Phillips, Ted Frascella, Peter Scott, Will Wright, Quinten Cohen, Duncan Cavanaugh, and Sam Terry. The Men’s Varsity head coach, Cary Wasserman, could not be happier for this crew.

“I’m so proud of the guys and how they handled the regatta and race situation,” Wasserman said. “In the Varsity 8, we knew the field was insanely fast, perhaps the fastest field ever. Our plan was to have the guys keep their heads down and focus on themselves. They executed a beautiful race.”

In addition to the three Greenwich eights that finished on the podium, four other boats successfully competed for the team at the 2019 Youth National Championships.

The Women’s Lightweight 4+ (Lilly Adamo, Abby Lucier, Alex Wilkowski, Jenna Brendel, and coxswain Victoria Fu) finished 2nd in the C final and 14th overall.

Furthermore, the Women’s Varsity 4+ (Anna Meurer, Chloe Segal, Emma Simpson, Anna Brause, and cox Christina Minyo), also placed better than ever before, finishing 2nd in the B final and 8th overall.

As one of the final races of the regatta, co-head coach, Heidi Hunsberger, commented that the Varsity 4+ was the last crew from the Women’s side to race.

“The Varsity 8+ and Lightweight 8+ had just received their medals, and they ran off the podium to cheer on the 4+ in the last 500m of the race,” stated Hunsberger. “The love and support the rowers show each other after a year of tough intersquad competition is something [the coaches] are so proud of.”

For senior captain Isabel Wilkowski, achieving such stellar results holds a special place in her heart. “It was amazing to see how much depth our team has, and that hard work has paid off. I couldn’t be prouder of all my teammates,” said Wilkowski.

On the men’s side, their Lightweight 8+ (Summit Gillespie (cox), Quentin Bazar, Zachary Hatzis, Ronan Mazaud, Trent Boone, Michael Walding, Jacob Millspaugh, Mark Razanau, and Charlie Ellis) placed 5th in the B final and 11th overall. Furthermore, the Men’s Varsity 4+, consisting of Mark Lorenz, Noah Brehm, Owen Lee, Ryan Bucaria, and Will Quinlan (coxswain), won the D final and placed 19th overall.

With temperatures reaching over 90°F and humidity hitting above 90% most days, the conditions in Sarasota made achieving such results no easier.

“[The high heat and humidity] were challenging, and all our athletes handled competing and recovering in extreme weather very well,” noted Starr. “Our boats were able to get faster over the course of the weekend and adapt to the racecourse.”

Much more than the team’s numerical placements, Greenwich Crew athletes and coaches take the utmost pride in the positive team culture and camaraderie that has been established within.

Women’s co-head coach, Catherine Starr, attested to this, commenting that the most rewarding part of Youth Nationals was watching the athletes act as each other’s cheerleaders and support system.

“Being part of something bigger than yourself is humbling and so enjoyable all at once⁠—but getting to tag along on this journey with your athletes and see them develop is just so cool and special,” Starr said.

Looking to the new year, Greenwich Crew hopes to continue building and do it all again. It’s all about finding an “untouchable base pace speed,” said Starr.

Wasserman couldn’t agree more.

“While we are graduating an amazing group of seniors, we have a young team that knows the ropes and has a great work ethic,” Wasserman said.

Fall registration for Greenwich Crew opens August 1st. For more information, go to greenwichcrew.com.

For official results please see attached link.

Online results: https://www.herenow.com/results/#/races/20597/results

The Retired Men’s Association of Greenwich (RMA) will host State Representative Stephen Meskers speaking on “State of the State: Connecticut Crossroads to Growth,” on Wednesday, June 19 at 11:00am sharp.

State Representative Meskers (D-150) will discuss his views on healthcare reform and the proposal to introduce tolls on Connecticut highways. He will also address the energy markets, the budgetary process, and the pros and cons of boosting state revenues by increasing taxes on estates, property, and capital gains.

Representative Meskers has a BA from Fordham University in Economics and Spanish, and an MBA in Finance from the Lubin School at Pace University.

Prior to entering the House, Representative Meskers had a 35-year career in emerging markets at Irving Trust, Chemical Bank and Banco Santander. His role as head of fixed income sales at Banco Santander provided him with exposure to macro-economic policy and regulatory reform in various emerging economies.

The program takes place at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 West Putnam Ave. The Greenwich Retired Men’s Association offers a free program every Wednesday that is open to the public.

A Public Hearing was held on Thursday, June 13 ,20 19 at 12:00 PM for three Norway Maples trees, specifically one approximately 10″ DBH (Diameter at Breast Height), one 14″ DBH, and one 17″ DBH posted for removal at 0 Indian Field Road.

As required by Chapter 451 , Section 23-59 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a public hearing was called because appeals objecting to the removal of these trees were received within 10 days of their posting. The tree removals were requested by Eversource.

Letters of objection were read into the record. Comments were made by participants objecting to the removals.

Eversource presented a new plan regarding the access way located at 0 Indian Field Road.

In light of the new plans, it is my decision not to remove these three Norway Maples trees, at this time.

This is the final decision of the Tree Warden of the Town of Greenwich. Let it be known that Chapter 451, Section 23-59 of the Connecticut General Statutes states “the Tree Warden shall render his decision granting or denying the application, and the party aggrieved by such decision may, within ten days, appeal therefrom to the superior court or the judicial district within which such town or borough is located.”

This decision will be posted in the lobby of the offices of the Parks and Recreation Department located on the 2nd floor of the Town Hall, the lobby of Town Hall, the Town Clerk’s office, and the Town of Greenwich website www.greenwichct.gov/AgendaCenter Parks & Recreation-
Public Tree Hearing.

It will also be sent to persons present at the Public Hearing and to those who appealed the posting of these trees for removal.

1075 East Putnam Avenue sold from Ernest J Gentile Realty to 1075 Post Road Realty, LLC , which is registered to Debra Ponzek and Gregory Addonizio on Oct 11, 2017 for $3,500,000

Aux Delices does not have Town approval for their second floor seating and their outdoor dining.

A stop work order on the building at 5 Riverside Lane where the applicant seeks to open a fish store, bread bakery and jewelry store.

View of 1075 East Putnam Ave from building under construction at 5 Riverside Lane.

St Catherine of Siena Church visible behind 5 Riverside Lane in Riverside.

At the June 11 P&Z meeting an attorney for the owners of Aux Delices in Riverside presented an application which seeks to bring the high-end retail deli into compliance for its second floor dining at 1075 East Putnam Ave by changing its use from Retail Food Establishment to Restaurant.

They also seek approval for seasonal outdoor patio dining, and approval to resume construction of a 10,943 sq ft building at 5 Riverside Lane, where a Stop Work order was recently issued by the Town.

Technically Aux Delices is permitted as a “retail food establishment,” which per regulations imposes a limit of 12 seats, and obviously has a lower parking requirement than a restaurant.

Coverting to “restaurant” would allow for more seating and require more parking.

Specifically they seek to expand seating to 8 seats on the first floor, 24 seats on the second floor and 10 seats for the outdoor seasonal dining on the patio – totaling 42 seats.

They own the property next door at 5 Riverside Lane and seek to share parking and egress with that site.

The applicant seeks to make right with the Town on three issues.

The former Riverside Flooring building at 5 Riverside Lane was demolished without Town approval.

The upstairs dining at Aux Delices was never approved by the Town.

The outdoor dining in the patio area was built without approvals.

A significant challenge is that Aux Delices itself will have deficient parking as a result of the proposal, and that would impact the 3 new retail uses inside the building they hope to resume building: a fish market, jewelry store and Cobs Bakery. The new building is on the same footprint as its predecessor.

The building at 1075 East Putnam Ave that is home to Aux Delices also features a frame shop and an office on the second floor, and a nail salon on the first floor.

The building was constructed in the 1920s.

During the discussion, P&Z chair Margarita Alban said she’d fallen on the top step to the second floor seating area and that the building inspector had visited the establishment and reported that the top riser does not meet code.

“I took a flyer on the top riser with an entire tray of food. There was soup all over the walls. That’s the reason I raised this. I happened to have fallen there,” Alban said.

Architect Rudy Ridberg said, “We have no change of use for the space. The second floor now is business use and a frame shop which uses different stairs. …We don’t have a requirement to change the stairs.”

After discussion, Alban said, “The stairs can be fixed.” She moved the conversation to the parking deficiencies.

Attorney Tom Heagney said the nail salon has operated at 1075 East Putnam Ave since early 1990s and since then the parking requirements have increased.

“When they went in you didn’t have the same requirement of 2 parking spaces per station. If you (calculate parking requirement) on a square footage basis, it would be compliant,” he said, adding, “Jody (Jody Couture, Greenwich’s zoning enforcement officer) said you can get where you need to be.”

He explained that the owners of Aux Delices also own 5 Riverside Lane and they prefer not not merge the two properties, but rather create cross easements for parking and egress.

He said exiting onto Riverside Lane to the traffic light at East Putnam Ave is preferable to exiting directly onto East Putnam Ave.

“Currently we are 17 spaces deficient at 1075. By combining the two parcels (1075 and 5 Riverside Lane) we would be only 13 spaces deficient. …We’re proposing uses that would require 44 spaces. We’re  adding 10, so we’re 4 spaces to the good.”

Alban said if the applicant adds 24 seats upstairs, plus outdoor seating, and 10 spaces from the other property they are indeed deficient 13 spaces. But, she said, “You are reducing the deficiency.”

Commissioner Nick Macri was skeptical. “What we’re looking at is we’re getting marginally better with the parking but this particularly site has an exceptional traffic pattern and I think we’re going from a destination retail to now two more intensive retail uses,” he said. “The balance is off. We’ll have more cars on the site coming to these two new retail spaces and we’re not making the parking any better.”

“Our regs don’t differentiate between a more active and less active retail outlet,” Heagney said.

Commissioner Dave Hardman said, “Balducci’s is quite busy. Both Aux Delices an Balducci’s are very successful.”

Heagney said his client wants the new businesses to compliment Aux Delices.

“He wants to make sure his business is not harmed by who he brings on as a tenant,” he said.

Also, Heagney said the employees of the nail salon arrive by van.

“You’re showing reduction in non-conformity, but it’s bad for business if people can’t find a place to park. Maybe hold off on the increase in seating,” Mr. Hardman said, adding, “On a parking spot basis I think this site can be really stressed. …You have the ability not to do the additional seating upstairs. That brings the parking requirement from 7 to 17.”

“I think we’re becoming more compliant, but it could be more so if we eliminated 10 seats inside the restaurant at the times we have the outdoor dining. So there would be no more than 32 seats dining,” Heagney said.

Commissioner Andy Fox said idea of adding a fish market reminded him of a previous situation at Fjord Fish Market.

“(Engineer) Tony D’Andrea would remember we have Déjà vu of fish and garbage,” Fox said.

Back in 2016 Mr. D’Andrea represented the building landlord, Michael Taylor, who proposed moving the dumpsters behind Fjord to the north, and away from the back door in order to make the rear entrances of Fjord and Fleishers and the Greenwich Cheese Company the de facto front entrances. At the time Mr. Taylor had received a cease & desist order from the Town for “newly placed dumpsters without an enclosure.”

At the time Ms Alban said there had been complaints about overflowing, smelly dumpsters, especially from the fish market. In the end the applicant was approved for dumpsters inside a locked enclosure with an explicit agreement on conditions of garbage disposal.

The commission asked the applicant about Aux Delices catering, deliveries of fish and procedure for disposing of garbage with a new fish market.

Greg Addonizio, who purchased 1075 East Putnam Ave with his wife Debra Ponzek on Oct 11, 2017 for $3,500,000, assured the commission all Aux Delices Catering is done out of their Stamford facility.

Victor who works for Aux Delices said they only take deliveries until 10:00am and that garbage is picked up daily, except for Sundays.

“As far as fish,” Victor said, “Normally my fish business happens early in the morning. I get to the Fulton Fish Market by 1:00am and am back by 4:00am. My plan is to treat all the fish garbage and not use a dumpster but use a cooler and drive them to the Greenwich transfer station. I know fish can be in the dumpster only a certain amount of time.”

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, the co president of the Riverside Association, Liz Peldunas said members of her organization were “very curious and interested” in the application.

“The Riverside community wants the Post Road to reflect a character of place,” she said. “When I heard about the project I was excited.”

Peldunas said the intersection of Riverside Lane and East Putnam Ave is designed to handle significant traffic.

“I understand the parking constraints and I trust the property owner does too,” she said. “I leave it to your best judgement about what goes on that site.”

Peldunas said having non-chain establishments is a plus for Riverside.

“We wouldn’t be the poor step child of Cos Cob and Old Greenwich any more. We would have a place.” – Liz Peldunas, Riverside Association co-president

“Maybe this is the start of something good for the Post Road.  It puts us closer to creating a look that is consistent, so we don’t look like a mutt forever in Riverside,” she said. “It could all start to hang together and look good. We want a sense of place in Riverside.”

There was discussion of potential conditions of an approval including reducing seating by 10 seats inside when the patio is in use, installing a ballard to protect diners on the patio, providing a handicapped spot, no overnight storage of vans, creating cross easements for the two properties, and no seating at the bakery.

After the discussion,the commission “closed” the applications but did not take a vote. They will do so at a future meeting.

Neighbors Weigh in on Cos Cob Hub Dumpster Proposal: “It Stinks!”

Greenwich Board of Education member Lauren Rabin arrives at GHS commencement in Cardinal Stadium. June 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Board of Education member Lauren Rabin, a Greenwich native and lifelong Republican, announced this week that she is seeking the position of Greenwich Selectman rather than run for a second term on the BOE.

On Wednesday night, interviewed by phone from her office at Gartner Inc in Stamford where she is a VP of marketing, Rabin explained her decision.

“I had been leaning toward running again for BOE,” said Rabin who attended Cos Cob, Central Jr High and GHS herself. “But after talking to people I trust and my family, and after seeing the lay of the land, I decided to run for Selectman instead. I cemented my decision about two weeks ago.”

Rabin said she has been interviewed by the RTC search committee tasked with vetting candidates for Selectmen. There is a separate committee interviewing candidates for BOE and BET.

This year both  Republicans incumbents – First Selectman Peter Tesei and Selectman John Toner –  have declined to run again. Mr. Tesei is serving his sixth term and Toner his second.

State Rep Fred Camillo (R-151), Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) member and former chair Mike Mason, and former Tax Collector Tod Laudonia all seek the nomination from the RTC to run for First Selectman. The RTC will vote on who to endorse on July 23.

Rabin said if she wins, she would work with whomever the other Selectman and First Selectman are.

In a scenario in which she would serve on the three-member Board with Democrats Jill Oberlander and Sandy Litvack who are running as a team for First Selectman and Selectman respectively, Rabin said, “That would not be my preference, but I would work with it.”

Asked about a scenario in which she were the sole female, Rabin said that would not be an issue.

“I’ve worked successfully in a male dominated industry for 30 years,” she said. Rabin is VP of Marketing at Gartner Inc, which is a $3Billion company.

As for a preference among the Republicans seeking the party endorsement for First Selectmen, Rabin is staying mum for now.

“I’m not making public statements until after the RTC endorsement,” she said.

The other contenders for the RTC endorsement for Selectman are Granit Balidemaj and Dan Quigley.

GHS Rugby coach Joe Kelly, who Fred Camillo had aligned with, has withdrawn his name for consideration for Selectman and is now focusing his efforts on a run for BOE.

Rabin said last Wednesday there was an RTC candidate forum for RTC members who will vote in July.

She said the forum had a meet & greet format and included Selectmen candidates, (not First Selectmen candidates) and tax collector.

Each candidate was given three minutes to talk about themselves and say why they were interested in a particular position. Afterward there was some mingling.

Rabin said many in the room already knew her because she is a member of the RTC. She joined as Associate in 2011; was elected Member 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018; and elected Treasurer in 2014, 2016 and 2018.

Outside the RTC, many know Rabin for her decades volunteering in local government including serving as RTM District 9 member from 2011 to 2015, and her membership on the Town Social Services Board from 2012 to 2015.

She also served in numerous PTA leadership positions at her sons’ schools – New Lebanon School, Western Middle School and Greenwich High School. (The Rabin boys are now in their late 20’s).

In addition to the many stints as PTA Co-President and Treasurer at those schools, she was also Treasurer for PTA Council (PTAC) Treasurer of GYFL from 2011 to 2016.

Rabin said she brings with her a set of Republican values. “I believe in small government. I believe in smart spending. I believe in low taxes.”

Asked about her approach given today’s highly partisan politics, she said, “Yes it is unfortunate, but every situation is unique and I don’t approach situations with a point of view.”

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Rabin said she sees the role of Selectman as defined, alluding to Sandy Litvack’s recent comment that the position lacks a job description, and has no staff or budget.

“The job is pretty defined,” she said. “For example, you have responsibility of nominating people for boards and commissions. I’ve been on a board (Social Services) and gone through that process.”

Rabin, who describes herself as a “connector/manager,” said, “That is how I conduct myself…I think there is value in these independent boards and commissions and I can facilitate the sharing of best practices.”

She said another role of the Selectmen is to act as ombudsman for government and the community.  “I feel I would be approachable in that ombudsman role,” she said.

Asked if her campaign has a theme, Rabin recalled how recently Ms Oberlander and Mr. Litvack announced their campaign will focus on “Three E’s” – Greenwich’s Economy, Education and Environment.

Rabin said for her it’s early yet for a campaign slogan.

However, she said, “I think Greenwich is strong and getting stronger.”

Given recent conversations about the Town’s infrastructure including school buildings, Eastern Greenwich Civic Center and the Town’s fields, she said, “I was thinking about schools and our master facility plan, and how we improve our infrastructure in a smart spending framework. Everyone agrees we need the improvements, but over what period of time? And remember everything has to be done over the summer.”

“The fields are critical,” she continued. “We have so many more kids, even adults participating in physical activity, which is good because we have an obesity problem in the US.”

“We need to be maintaining and acquiring new field space,” Rabin continued, going on to question why the Town might not have sought a piece of the Tudor Jones property on King Street that was sold in 2017 to Brunswick School.

“We could we have availed ourselves of that. And they (Brunswick) don’t have to pay taxes. We should have been a part of that. Could he have donated some of that to the Town? Or could we have struck a deal with Brunswick?” she wondered.

Also she said, “We probably need more than one dog park. There are several places where we could add places for dogs to roam. Dogs need to run free; people need to run free. Even dogs are having the illnesses people have. Study after study shows pets add to our quality of life. I’d look into extending the time dogs are allowed at the beach, and at having space cordoned off (for dogs to be off leash).

Another idea of Rabin’s is to give community more opportunities to provide feedback. “We need to do a better job of having town hall meetings where we educate the community. Like with the dog park. We want to know what people are thinking – we need both surveys and forums for people.”

Rabin said some of these projects might be pursued through public-private partnerships.

“We’re so lucky in this Town with how many people volunteer. How do we, as we serve our community, do that in a way that is more effective? Public-private partnerships seem to be done in isolation,” she said. “I go back to the idea of being an ombudsman/connector in a public-private partnership.”

“I can make an impact. I spent my whole career in technology and have implemented technology in companies while working for Gartner, Inc. We advise people how to use technology to optimize efficiency and there is also a place for technology in government to optimize and become more efficient. It’s not enough just to implement new technology; there’s a people part too.”

Asked about the national news headlines of falling real estate prices and the Town’s efforts to attract both businesses and families, she said, “We definitely need to continue to attract business and people moving in, and to promote all the Town has to offer. …But there is probably is room for recalibration. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. You have to optimize what you have. If our grand list is shrinking, we have to be realistic about what we can fund.”

Rabin said there are many questions to ask. “Do we want to increase mill rate? How do we fund all the capital improvements? What is the smart way to do that?”

While she noted the grand list may be shrinking, she said currently there are both low interest rates and low unemployment.

“There are positive signs. Greenwich is evolving and we have to have an innovative vision and strategic mindset.”

Exterior with heated pool at 4 Laurel Lane Spur

4 Laurel Lane Spur
Greenwich, CT 06830

OPEN HOUSE:
Sunday, June 23
1:00pm to 3:00pm

Improved Price: $2,799,000
GreenwichMLS #105275

5 Bedrooms
4 Full Baths
Single Family
Built in 1972; Renovated in 2018

Listed by: Katherine Donnelly
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Tel. (203) 536-3267
Email: Katherine@kdonnellyrealty.com

This mid-country Georgian Colonial offers sophisticated luxury, with rooms washed in sunlight. There are five bedrooms, four baths, and two powder rooms. There are also two fireplaces and a four car attached garage.

The home has a brick exterior and a wood shingle roof, and is located on a serene cul-de-sac. The 3.42 acre setting allows for quiet enjoyment of nature.

Located south of the Merritt Parkway, Laurel Lane Spur is just minutes from downtown Greenwich, the commuter train, I95 and shopping.

Step inside the double height grand foyer and take in the quality and character that are evident in every interior detail.

There are high ceilings and hand carved moldings, custom walnut inlaid floors, custom built-ins and a back staircase. There is a lot to love in this 7,918 square foot home. All square footage is above ground.

There is a professional grade kitchen with butler’s pantry, walk-in pantry, and a laundry room with a sink. The kitchen features a Viking double oven with a warming drawer and two Bosch dishwashers.

The grand sized rooms feature oversized windows in rooms including a floor to ceiling bow window with built-in corner cabinets in the dining room.

The luxurious master suite is situated on the first floor and has an adjoining expansive spa with custom built-ins, soaking tub, full shower with bench, double vanity, make-up area and water closet.

There is an elegant recessed staircase to the second level with four double bedrooms, two full baths, and plenty of walk-in closets, as well as double and single closets. The second level foyer also has an oversized storage closet as well as two full walk-in attics to round out the abundant storage.

The fully finished “walk-out” lower level has the same quality finishes as the first floor public rooms. You will be pleased with the lower level second family room with fireplace, game room, gym, office, bonus room and custom bar with counter.

This home has plenty to celebrate with both indoor and exterior areas including an Ipe deck off the kitchen and a blue stone terrace directly off the lower level via three sliding glass doors.

Greenwich offers low real estate taxes, and is known as a safe place to live. The Town offers an ideal lifestyle that make many happy to call this 50 square mile community their home.

This home is districted for North Street Elementary School, Central Middle School and Greenwich High School. There are also several private schools to choose from.

There are a number of public and private country clubs with golf courses, yacht clubs, equestrian trails, four public libraries, beaches including Greenwich Point, and of course the wonderful Bruce Museum with its new playground. There are abundant public tennis courts and ballfields which offer hours of enjoyment to our residents.

Double height Grand Foyer at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Full finished lower level with a 2nd family room at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Professional kitchen with oversized windows and built-ins at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Dining Room at at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Dining Room at at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Living room at at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Master Bedroom with Cove Lighting at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Master spa at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Katherine Donnelly is a Global Luxury Specialist at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and has been serving the Greenwich real estate market since 2004, winning various awards including membership in Coldwell Banker’s International Presidents Circle as she was ranked within the top 6% of all sales agents.

As a long time Greenwich resident, she loves to share her market knowledge and the amenities of this special community with others so that they may also experience a wonderful lifestyle.

Katherine may be reached with questions or to schedule a private tour at (203) 536-3267 or Katherine@kdonnellyrealty.com

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

29 Sheephill Road
Riverside, CT 06878

OPEN HOUSE:
Saturday, June 22, 2019
1:00 to 3:00pm

Listed at: $835,000

Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2.1
Sq ft: 2,144

Listed by: Katherine Donnelly
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Tel. (203) 536-3267
Email: Katherine@kdonnellyrealty.com

Lovely Riverside home with low annual real estate taxes (less than $7,300) on an expansive .66 level acres with room for expansion, should you desire. Currently, it is a comfortable 2,144 square feet.

This home offers three bedrooms, 2.1 Baths, 1 Fireplace with a deck overlooking the back garden.

This prime location is near all amenities including Greenwich Beach where many residents enjoy a variety of activities.

This home, washed in natural light with a brick front exterior offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, one powder room and a wood-burning fireplace as well as a walk-out lower level. The Eat-In kitchen leads to the deck. The living room is appointed with hardwood floors and wooden shutters as is the dining room with a wood-burning fireplace. The powder room is smartly appointed with white oversized tile.

The Master Suite is on the first floor with two walk-in closets, custom built-in wardrobe closets and dressers in addition to a sitting area. The Master Bath has a shower and vanity with white subway tile.

The fully finished walk-out lower level has space for an office area or gym, with a second family room and two bedrooms.

This home offers many options, perhaps for downsizers who are open to one level living with a first floor bedroom, a condo alternative without the expense of common charges or for those who may want to live in this home as is, it offers charm, location and should the future call for expansion, the .66 acres provides for the potential to build up or expand to the back garden consistent with zoning regulations.

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

29 Sheephill Road is located in Riverside, CT 06878

Kayak racks at Greenwich Point.

Greenwich Beach is open to the public all 12 months of the year, dawn to dusk with a variety of water activities such as kayaking, water skiing, or boating. Sailing lessons are available during the summer season as are summer camps that take advantage of the Seaside Museum. Bicycle riding, roller blading are activities enjoyed by many. The 2-1/2 mile walking perimeter, some of which overlooks the Sound is frequently and daily used by all ages; whether walking with children in strollers to senior citizens. Fishermen seem to have good luck catching their dinner. There are barbeques on site to wile away pleasant afternoons and enjoy a picnic. Benches along the walking perimeter provide an opportunity to take a rest or enjoy sunsets.

Riverside is part of Greenwich, CT and is a bedroom community to Old Greenwich.

This home is located within minutes to the commuter train, as well as both the Village of Old Greenwich and Greenwich Proper with many restaurants and shopping. For those with an active lifestyle, the shops are a bike ride away. There are four town owned tennis courts on Lockwood Road in Riverside.

Additional tennis courts may be had at the Civic Center or Binney Park in Old Greenwich. The latter two, also offer ball parks and a playground as well as outdoor tennis courts. The Civic Center has an in-door basketball court and offers scheduled roller skating as well as miniature train shows, plant sells sponsored by the Old Greenwich Garden Club, consignment sales for children’s toys and gently used clothes.

Katherine Donnelly is a Previews Specialist at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and has been serving the Greenwich real estate market since 2004, winning various awards including membership in Coldwell Banker’s International Presidents Circle as she was ranked within the top 6% of all sales agents.

As a long time Greenwich resident, she loves to share her market knowledge and the amenities of this special community with others so that they may also experience a wonderful lifestyle.

Katherine may be reached with questions or to schedule a private tour at (203) 536-3267 or Katherine@kdonnellyrealty.com

Old Greenwich Yacht Club at Greenwich Point.

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, June 12-14, 2019 transcribed from the Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall

28 Hassake Rd

28 Hassake Rd from Doris G Reichert Estate to Network Development, LLC on June 12, 2019 for $725,000

25 Club Road

25 Club Road from Jeffrey Jackson and Susan Kaupie to Matthew Ockern on June 13, 2019 for $2,600,000

96-2 East Elm Street

96-2 East Elm Street from Susan Finkelstein to Mary Davidson on June 13, 2019 for $2,550,000

120 Hillcrest Park Rd

120 Hillcrest Park Rd from 120 Hillcest Park LLC to Kenneth Corriveau on June 14, 2019 for $1,475,000

15 Center Drive

15 Center Drive from Hongwei Chen and Ying An to Ronald Kim on June 14, 2019 for $970,000

190 Clapboard Ridge Road

190 Clapboard Ridge Road from Peter and Kimberly Parent to Jacob Richard Leaman III on June 14, 2019 for $6,600,000

See also:

OPEN HOUSE: Riverside Home with Low Taxes, Near All Amenities on Level .66 Acres

OPEN HOUSE: Mid Country Georgian Colonial on 3.42 Acres

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, June 10, 2019

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, June 5-7, 2019

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, June 4-5, 2019 

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, May 31 – June 3, 2019

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, May 24-31, 2019

Next for the Wrecking Ball in Greenwich: 1920 House in Central Greenwich

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, May 23-24, 2019

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive, Greenwich

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive
Greenwich, CT 06830

OPEN HOUSE:
Sunday, June 23, 2019
1:00-3:00pm

Listed at: $1,199,000-$2,395,000
Greenwich MLS # 103661, 103662, 106011, 106012

Bedrooms: 3-4
Baths: 3-4 Full, 1 Half
Fireplace: 1-2
Acres: .22
Sq ft: 2,526, 3,163
Built in 2018

Listed by: Dianne Orlando
Coldwell Banker
Tel: (203) 536-0317
Email: dorlando.dev@gmail.com

Introducing the fourth downtown Greenwich community in the Orlando Development portfolio, Avenue Terrace features six luxury townhomes with modern farmhouse exteriors steps from the area’s best shopping, dining and entertainment, and all located just minutes from the Metro North Commuter Rail.

Natural light showcases generous open concept layouts within each unit. Enjoy custom built-ins, cozy farmhouse fireplaces, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, private terraces, shiplap detail, sunlit breakfast nooks, and extra ceiling height with each unit offering unique distinctions to suit the needs of all buyers!

Visit www.avenue-terrace.com for floorplans. Two units currently available for July delivery, either for sale or rent.

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive, Greenwich

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive, Greenwich

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive, Greenwich

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive, Greenwich

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive, Greenwich

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive, Greenwich

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive, Greenwich

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive, Greenwich

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive, Greenwich

Avenue Terrace, 23/25 Woodland Drive, Greenwich

Dianne Orlando is a licensed real estate broker with Coldwell Banker. She has over twenty years’ experience in Greenwich Real Estate. She partnered in the
conceptualization, design, and marketing of over $100,000,000 in downtown
Greenwich real estate listings and sales.

Contact Dianne with questions or to schedule a private tour at (203) 536-0317 or email dorlando.dev@gmail.com

Row of mature Linden trees likely planted in the 1960s posted for removal at Hamilton Avenue School at the request of the Board of Education. June 20, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

This week, at request of the Board of Education, deputy tree warden Steve Gospodinoff posted two dozen trees for removal at Hamilton Avenue School.

He said if the school’s field improvement project changes raises the grade 18 inches the roots of the trees they will die. In fact he said that as little as 2” over the roots would kill the trees. “It shocks the trees and they’ll die,” he explained.

On Thursday Gospodinoff said the request to cut down the trees originated with the Board of Education about two weeks ago.

He said he was surprised to learn during a meeting with BOE staff including Facilities Director Dan Watson the field would be raised 18 inches and that that would kill the trees.

When the tree warden posts trees for removal, it doesn’t mean the trees will come down. The tree warden has the final say per statute.

“I will listen to both sides,” Gospodinoff said. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to speak up and weigh in.”

For at least a decade Chickahominy residents have complained about the field, saying it is not regulation size for sports competition, is full of ditches, doesn’t drain properly, and slopes from one end of the field to the other.

About $425,000 has been budgeted for the field improvement project.

Rows of mature Mature Linden trees posted for removal at Hamilton Avenue School. June 20, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

The trees posted include about a dozen Linden trees that Gospodinoff estimated are more than 50 years old.

“Back in the 1960s Linden trees were planted all throughout town,” he said adding that the trees posted include a 24″ Swamp White Oak which he recalled planting himself 25 years ago, and a big Pink Kousa Dogwood that is flowering today.

Mr. Gospodinoff said that after he posted the trees he received numerous complaints, triggering a hearing, which he will schedule for early July. (The precise date will be announced shortly.)

An email on Wednesday from The Greenwich Tree Conservancy to Gospodinoff and tree warden Greg Kramer objected to the removal of the trees.

The email said GTC has worked in partnership with the Town for over a decade to plant trees in Greenwich where they are most needed.

“The western part of town has been a major focus and we have tried to plant a higher percentage of trees there. Currently we are adding over 50 trees to the Byram community to keep with that mission,” the email said. “Removing trees at Hamilton Avenue School is antithetical to all we have been trying to accomplish. These trees should not have been posted.”

The email went on to say that the benefits of mature trees for growing children are well documented.

“Removing these mature trees should not be contemplated, the email said. “I am sure there is an appropriate plan for this playing field which would not include removing a natural resource which is so very beneficial to our school children. Since they have been posted please do schedule a hearing.”

On Friday June 21 Mr. Watson emailed a statement dated June 19 saying the 24 trees were identified by the design team of consultants Milone & MacBroom (a civil engineering and landscape architecture firm), as needing to be removed.

He said there had been no concerns expressed at earlier meetings when the project first went public.

“In order to achieve the proposed end result of a ‘flatter field,’ the fill material to be brought onto the site in order to make the field more level, would cover the base of the trees, thereby limiting their capacity to absorb water, oxygen and other elements and resulting in serious dieback or death. The plan is to remove the trees, level the field and then plant new trees.”

Mr. Watson said the process the project has gone through is typical with projects that require certain regulatory approvals and this is no exception.

Another setback confronting the Hamilton Avenue School field project stems from the inclusion of a 2,000 square feet paved play area next to the basketball court.

Watson said the Planning & Zoning commission determined that that much impervious surface exceeded  Town Drainage Manual standards, and an underground infiltration system would be required.

That led to the need for additional design and test pits to determine if the existing subsurface conditions would allow for the system.

“The results proved that the infiltration was not feasible and a redesign was needed,” Watson said, adding that P&Z suggested a waiver request be submitted as the entire site may not be supportive of a retention system.

“As the test results were not available until late April the time allowed for P&Z permit application had expired and we are now, unfortunately, forced to restart the permitting process,” Watson said. “M&M representatives are working diligently on this issue and we hope to have answers in place soon.”

Watson said the next steps are:
• M&M to complete environmental review of soils – week of 24 June
• Public Hearing on Tree Removal – (if required) – date to be determined?
• M&M to progress the refiling application with P&Z – date to be determined
• M&M to complete documents for Public Bid – week of 8 July
• BOE to release documents to begin bid process– week of 8 July

Close up of flowering Linden tree at Hamilton Avenue School. June 20, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Mature Linden tree posted for removal at Hamilton Avenue School. June 20, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Mature hardwood tree at the foot of the sloping playing field with Hamilton Avenue School in background. June 20, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

On Thursday it appeared someone had ripped off one of the notices on a tree posted for removal at Hamilton Avenue School’s field. June 20, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

On Thursday it appeared someone had ripped off one of the notices on a tree posted for removal at Hamilton Avenue School’s field. June 20, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Tree in foreground and rows of Linden Trees in background are noticed for removal at Hamilton Avenue School’s field.  In the distance is St Roch Church. June 20, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South, Greenwich, CT 06830

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South
Greenwich, CT 06830

OPEN HOUSE:
Saturday, June 22
12:00-2:00

Listed at: 2,495,000
Greenwich MLS #95465

Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2 Full, 1 Half Bath
Garage: Underground, 2 spaces
Sq ft: 2,088

Listed  by: Stefanie Lacoff
Houlihan Lawrence
Tel: (203) 536-9403
Email: SLacoff@HoulihanLawrence.com

Downtown Greenwich’s finest quality new construction residence, Beacon Hill 2, reflects a sense of modern living that’s as impressive as its location.

This new luxury community offers a lifestyle unique to Greenwich complete with concierge, fitness center and only steps from Greenwich Avenue shops, restaurants, theaters and Metro North Train station.

Every residence features one level living, open floor-plans and light filled entertaining spaces with fabulous Long Island Sound views and private terraces.

Three Bedroom with private rooftop terrace also available.

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

Stefanie Lacoff is a member of the National Association of Realtors, Connecticut Association of Realtors, Greenwich Association of Realtors, Greenwich Multiple Listing Service, Connecticut Multiple Listing Service.

Contact Stefanie with questions or to schedule a private tour at (203) 536-9403 or email SLacoff@HoulihanLawrence.com

To inquire about running a House of the Week feature contact Leslie.Yager@gmail.com

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road
Greenwich, CT 06830

OPEN HOUSE:
Sunday, June 23
12:00-1:30pm

Listed at: $1,699,999
Greenwich MLS #105169

Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 4 Full, 1 Half Bath
Garage: 2 Car Attached
Fireplace: 1
Acres: 2.23
Sq ft: 3,758
Built in 1960, Renovated in 2012

Listed  by: Stefanie Lacoff
Houlihan Lawrence
Tel: (203) 536-9403
Email: SLacoff@HoulihanLawrence.com

Don’t miss this updated 4,000 sq ft Colonial on a private mid-country cul-de-sac in a lovely walkable neighborhood.

Move right into this 21st century 5/6 bedroom home with modern and elegant amenities, beautiful hardwood floors throughout.

French doors open to an expansive deck, bay windows, marble fireplace, a new gourmet kitchen with 8′ marble center isle, dining area, family room and powder room complete the first floor.

The second floor includes a generous master suite with his/her custom dressing rooms; office/nursery and two additional bedrooms. Private guest wing with ensuite bathrooom. Recreation room and additional bedroom suite on the lower level.

Parkway Elementary and Central Middle schools. Possible pool site. Priced to sell!

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

55 Burning Tree Road, Greenwich

Stefanie Lacoff is a member of the National Association of Realtors, Connecticut Association of Realtors, Greenwich Association of Realtors, Greenwich Multiple Listing Service, Connecticut Multiple Listing Service.

Contact Stefanie with questions or to schedule a private tour at (203) 536-9403 or email SLacoff@HoulihanLawrence.com

Dorothy Ann (Dotty) Sawyer (nee Bouton), of Greenwich, CT, died at Greenwich Hospital on Monday, June 17, 2019, shortly after celebrating her 78th birthday.

Dotty is survived by five of her beloved children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: daughter Deborah and granddaughters Kelly, Kendall and Katie of Hendersonville, NC; daughter Kimberly (Dominic) of Groton, CT and granddaughters Jennifer of Hawthorne, NY, and Christina (Noel) of Thornwood, NY; son Byron, Jr. of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, grandsons Seth and Brett of Molino, FL, and Nolan of Clovis, CA; daughter Tracy and grandson John of Greenwich, CT; son Christopher and grandsons Ryan and Justin of Greenwich, CT; grandson Jeremy and great-grandchildren Mickey, Harley and Dizzy of Winthrop, ME.

he was predeceased by five siblings: Ruth Bouton, Gloria Kenneth, Florence Parks, Harold Bouton and George Bouton, Jr.; husband Byron; son Eugene; and son-in-law Stephen Hopkins. Born on May 30, 1941 in Greenwich, CT to Ruth and George Bouton, Dotty was proud to be a lifelong resident of the town. She graduated from the former Greenwich High School at 101 Field Point Road and was employed by Parsonage Cottage as a supervisor.
Dotty enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was known and loved as the matriarch of her family for her strong will, faith, sense of humor, and impeccable style.

A celebration of life will take place at 10:00am on Wednesday, June 26 at First United Methodist Church of Greenwich, 59 East Putnam Avenue, officiated by Pastor Dong Hyun Choi, followed by interment at St Mary/Putnam Cemetery, 399 North Street.

Greenwich High School JV Boys Rugby team capped off their season by defeating Xavier in the state championship to finish with a record of 10-1. Photo Karen Hirsh

Greenwich High School JV Boys Rugby team capped off their season by defeating Xavier in the state championship to finish with a record of 10-1. Photo Karen Hirsh

The Greenwich High School JV Boys Rugby team capped off their season by avenging their only defeat of the year.

The team defeated Xavier in the state championship to finish with a record of 10-1.

“To make that much improvement as a team to come back and beat Xavier was the perfect end to a great season,” said Coach Michael Laczkowski.

The team had lost to Xavier by 8 points in the third week of the season. “We weren’t quite ready to play a team like that at that point in the season,” said Head Coach Michael Laczkowski. “The kids rededicated themselves to get to where we needed to be, and every week after that we got better and better.” Xavier, which happens to be Greenwich’s rival, was the only team able to play a close game with the Cardinals this season. Every other victory for Greenwich was a blowout. One positive to draw out of the lopsided matchups was that every player on the team got a solid amount of playing time, which is always a good feeling for coaches and players alike.

Being a sport picked up by some athletes in the Spring, having the opportunity to play inexperienced players was beneficial for the Cardinals. The rugby program is one of the few sports programs at GHS that does not make any cuts. All high schoolers are welcomed to come out and try their hand. “It is a type of sport you could pick up very quickly and learn,” Laczkowski said, adding, “There are a lot of great athletes in Greenwich” and the rugby team is able to tap into the pool unlike other sports.

Because the team is so dominant in so many of their games, it’s easy for coaches to get those new athletes in and give them a chance to play significant minutes.

Laczkowski explained how their system to teach players the game revolves around putting players in game scenarios as much as possible. Scrimmages during practice and real games are crucial for development of new talent.

Greenwich High School JV Boys Rugby team capped off their season by defeating Xavier in the state championship to finish with a record of 10-1. Photo Karen Hirsh

Laczkowski said one of the reasons for the success of Greenwich High School’s rugby program is that the youth leagues (specifically run by OGRCC) granting athletes experience with the game prior to reaching the high school level.

For years, Greenwich has had an excellent rugby program dominating teams across the country. With experienced players who already know the rules of the game, they have an advantage over other schools that have to start from scratch at the beginning of each season.

“A lot of teams still learning the game couldn’t keep up with us this year,” Laczkowski recalled.

The JV rugby team is comprised of only sophomores at GHS. The coaches rely on sophomore leadership within the squad to push the team forward. Laczkowski praised a few different players for their roles among their peers.

“Dylan Maloney was a really big leader,” he said. “Carlos Dewinter is a leader because people gravitate towards him. He’s just a fun kid to be around and has an upbeat attitude. Justin [Mejia] is a quiet leader. He works hard and people tend to follow that.”

Many of the cardinals will be playing on Greenwich’s off-season club team that plays a modified seven on seven rugby style during the summer and fall.

Laczkowski said there are “big shoes to fill on varsity next year” and that he hopes prospective sophomores will  step into them.

Mitchell Grimes is a member of the GHS class of 2019 and heads to Indiana University in the fall.

Greenwich High School JV Boys Rugby team capped off their season by defeating Xavier in the state championship to finish with a record of 10-1. Photo Karen Hirsh

Greenwich High School JV Boys Rugby team capped off their season by defeating Xavier in the state championship to finish with a record of 10-1. Photo Karen Hirsh

Greenwich High School JV Boys Rugby team capped off their season by defeating Xavier in the state championship to finish with a record of 10-1. Photo Karen Hirsh

Greenwich High School JV Boys Rugby team capped off their season by defeating Xavier in the state championship to finish with a record of 10-1. Photo Karen Hirsh

The US Attorney’s Office for the District of CT hosted its annual US Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony on Friday, June 14, in New Haven.

The ceremony at the City of New Haven’s aldermanic chambers recognized 126 individuals for their investigative efforts and other contributions to 24 significant federal criminal prosecutions and civil cases in Connecticut.

More than 40 of the award recipients are members of local police departments from across Connecticut.

“We in the US Attorney’s Office are forever mindful that our work and success are dependent on the dedicated efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners,” said US Attorney John H. Durham, adding, “On behalf of everyone in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, my sincere congratulations to all of our award recipients, many of whom put themselves at risk every day for the safety of our communities.”

In addition to the criminal and civil case awards, US Attorney Durham presented several special awards during the ceremony.

The US Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Investigator was presented to Special Agent Daniel Prather of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, for his outstanding and tireless work to reduce drug trafficking and associated gun violence across Connecticut during his 15-year career in federal law enforcement.

The US Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Partnership was presented to State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.  State’s Attorney Griffin and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have worked closely with the US Attorney’s Office to prosecute some of New Haven’s most persistent and violent offenders, and on innovative efforts to reduce violent crime in the region.

The Financial Fraud and Public Corruption Unit Award was presented to a team of investigators who exposed a greater New Haven “fencing” operation that was responsible for nearly $10 million in losses to major retailers over the last decade.  Five individuals involved in the scheme were charged and convicted due to the work of the members of the FBI, US Marshals Service and CT State Police who conducted this investigation.

The Major Crimes Unit Award was given to Special Agent Ryan Mahar of Homeland Security Investigations, who was honored for expertly investigating complex child exploitation, fraud and identity theft offenses, and serves as a valuable resource to other investigators as a computer forensic specialist.

The National Security and Cyber Crimes Unit Award honored three IRS agents for their diligent investigation of a former police officer turned “Sovereign Citizen” who, for years, made numerous frivolous court filings and used other obstructive tactics while continuing to live in a home on which he never made a mortgage payment.

The Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit Award was presented to Detective Frank Bellizzi, who recently retired after a 20-year career with the New Britain Police Department.  For 12 years, Detective Bellizzi served as a task force officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and played a critical role in investigating large-scale drug trafficking organizations, which resulted in the successful prosecution of dozens of federal defendants.

The Civil Division’s Affirmative Enforcement and Civil Rights Unit Award was given to  Professor Jon Bauer of the UConn School of Law for providing critical support to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in resolving an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint related to the alleged discrimination against individuals with mental health disabilities in the admission process for the Connecticut Bar.

The Civil Division’s Financial Litigation Unit recognized both Trial Attorney Ann D’Arpino of the US Dept of Housing and Urban Development, and John Carroll, an Advisor with the IRS, for providing valuable assistance to the US Attorney’s Office for many years.

The US Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation.

The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant US Attorneys and 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford.