The Newest Compo Beach Playground Official Opening This Weekend
The small army of volunteers, 600 strong worked for two weeks in April and May to make this wonderful project a reality. Prior to that, the Compo Beach Playground group's goal was to raise $650,000 to bring the new playground to the children and people of Westport. Thanks to the incredible generosity of this town, the group raised more that $740,000 bringing the project to life.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The playground was designed by the firm of Playgrounds by Design, headed by the fantastic Lee Archin, who is working on site alongside his crew and the volunteer army. Lee has playground design and construction in his DNA by this point in his career, having worked for for 18 years for the company that built the first Compo playground in 1989, Leathers & Associates, now known as Playgrounds By Leathers, before starting his own company.
This was an all-hands-on-deck community project and several companies including Harmony Design Build. The O'Dell Group, Bluewater Home supplied workers to make this exceptional project come together.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Contractor Playgrounds by Design's staff, Matt Benjamin, founder & owner Lee Archin and Hugh “island boy” Clark.
Lee Archin told Westport Local Press, “We’re honored to play a role in both preserving and reimagining a cherished part of this community’s history. My name is Lee Archin and I am the owner and founder of Play By Design. We were a full-service custom playground company, and our mission is to create inclusive, accessible play spaces that reflect the needs of the community. This project is especially meaningful, not only because of its historic significance, but also due to its unique location along the water. It’s a rare opportunity to help design a space that’s both beautiful and inclusive — a place where families of all abilities can come together and create lasting memories.”
Volunteers included town officials. Above, left, RTM member Sal Liccione, Ali Cammeyer, wife of RTM's Michael Cammeyer, and Board Of Finance's Danielle Dobin get busy with shovels in hand. At right, RTM member Andrew Collabella takes the controls of a skid steer, or skid-steer loader, a compact heavy equipment machine.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, left, Sheldon Kahan, CEO of Interstate Lumber on the Post Road in Westport stopped by to see the activity. Interstate donated lumber and hardware upwards of $30,000. The call for donation of tools needed for volunteers to assist in construction was answered by Rick Benson and Mike Bennett and other community members who donated over 100 hand and power tools.
One of the larger new pieces of equipment took multiple workers several hours to assemble and install.
Here are some of the wonderful new pieces of equipment that make the new playground an exciting place to play:
Innova Rocker; rope venture climber; cirrus swing; orb rocker, Brava swing, stem play activity panels, cradle bridge and accessible ice cream truck.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Boards and bricks which were donated by many Westport and area families were carefully removed and are available by contacting: CompoPlayground@gmail.com
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Always A Dog Festival Show-Stopper, Westport PD K-9 Unit Shows The Right Stuff
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport Police Department Corporal James Loomer (left) introduced Westport’s Finest K-9s once again at this year’s Westport Dog Festival. The K9 Unit demonstration is the highlight of the event and spectators line the perimeter of the demonstration area to watch the officers show the exceptional skills of their K9 partners. Corporal Loomer spoke at length on the actions of the unit in their mission to protect and serve Westport and the surrounding area, as they often respond to requests for assistance from other area police departments.
At right, Corporal Dave Scinto and his partner K9 Grizz, a German Shepherd from the Czech Republic, where many police K9’s are raised and trained, show the strength and ferocity which makes these K9s a formidable tool to police departments here and the world over.
Above, Officer Ryan Kardamis dons the protective garments used in training as he takes on the role of decoy as he is “attacked” multiple times by K9 Brutte, a Belgian Malinois. Officer Kardamis is new to Westport PD, serving the department for about a year and a half. K9 Brutte is a certified patrol and narcotics detection K9, as is Scinto’s dog Grizz. Corporal Loomer actually has a second dog, K9 Ambo who is certified in explosive detection.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
After performing in the demonstration, Corporal Scinto rewards K9 Grizz with his favorite ball. Part of the dog’s training consists of playtime with the ball after completing tasks. The ball is really the only reward the dog looks forward to after performing his duties.
Above left, Corporal Loomer has his dog’s attention fixated on the ball, waiting for a chance to chase it. Corporal Scinto demonstrates the tenacity of his dog who will not let go of the protective sleeve until commanded to do so. Grizz happily claims his prize after wrestling the sleeve away from Scinto.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Most of the folks attending the event found their way to the K9 demonstrations. Spectators in the audience engaged in a Q&A session with corporal Loomer while waiting for the demonstration to begin. Several of the spectators were of the four legged kind, including the German Shepherd above, who looks like he’d be ready to join the force and get into the action.
Westport's Annual Dog Festival Brings Lots Of Fun For Dog Lovers
Westport's annual Dog Festival returned to Winslow Park on Sunday and drew more than 2,500 visitors and more than 700 dogs. There was every kind of dog imaginable and they and their humans enjoyed a variety of activities including competitions like Best Kisser and Best Lap Dog Over 50 pounds. Visitors saw the wonderful pets available through pet adoption specialists including Adopt-A-Dog in Armonk, NY, one of the areas most active shelters.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
These three beautiful snow-white Samoyeds, including the young puppy at right drew lots of attention and got lots of love from the festival visitors. Originally bred in Siberia, the Samoyed is a herding dog with a thick, white, double-layered coat.
Above, these two English Bulldogs a very distinctive breed with a very devoted following were fascinated by the long haired Chihuahua they spotted when he hopped out of his doggie-stroller. Next is a very rare Tibetan Spaniel a breed which we have never seen before, and the very fluffy Pomeranian. Last, the wonderful Basset Hound seemed very interested in posing for a photo.
Photos are available, contact the photographer, J.C. Martin at: admanjcm@yahoo.com
One new organization at this year's event was Open Road Rescues, INC. is a new nonprofit that transports animals at heavily discounted or free rates from shelters often saving them from the euthanasia list and bringing them to their foster or furever homes. They travel nationwide and assist rescue organizations in finding fosters and adopters due to their high number of followers on social media. From left to right is Samantha, Aubrey, owner Kristy Kokolakis, and Sondra Psomas.
Also represented at the event as always was the CT Humane Society, which will be opening a new facility soon which will be featured in Westport Local Press later this month. A volunteer is pictured here along with staffers Jarred Barnes and Kayleigh Shettleworth.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
More than 30 vendors offered everything the discerning pet owner must have, including Westport's Earth Animal which donated a portion of their sales to the Westport Police Department K-9 Unit which helps them pay for training and even bullet/knife resistant vests for their K-9's. A stroller came in handy when this Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, one of the sweetest and most loving breed had enough trekking through the park. Volunteers from T.A.I.L.S., The Alliance In Limiting Strays offered lots of sheik and stylish apparel and accessories to raise funds for their volunteer run organization which saves hundred of cats each year.
Sme of The fabled North Shore Animal League on Long Island, acknowledged to be the largest no-kill animal shelter in the world brings their animal adoption bus to Westport every year to help T.A.I.L.S. show and take adoption applications for multiple beautiful cats and kittens to hep find their forever homes. Some of those available for adoption are pictured above.
Some of those available for adoption are pictured above. More can be seen at: TailsCT.org
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
No Obstacle Course This Year, But They Did Get In A Good Run.
In past years one of the spectators favorite attractions was the doggie obstacle course, where dogs would run through a fenced course where they had to jump over hurdles, through a tunnel or other impediments as they chased a cloth lure through the course. (see Westport Local: Good Boy and Celebrates Canines to see how it was done in years past.
The lure travels at high speed and is almost impossible to catch. Spectators lined the course to enjoy all the action and athleticism of the canine competitors. Owners could purchase action photos of their pup as they scrambled after the lure.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
For some reason, although it was clearly advertised on the website for the event, there was no obstacle course, only a run around in a circle. The dogs and the owners who paid $10. or $15. for one or two runs according to the sign at the entry enjoyed it, but few watched for the most part. Pictured here are some of the canine athletes in action.
These dogs clearly did enjoy the run, and since this is a day for the dogs, that was great time.
Photos are available, contact the photographer, J.C. Martin at: admanjcm@yahoo.com
Staples Tennis Continues To Dominate
Staples tennis is fire this year! The girls team brought their record to 10-1 after defeating Danbury on May 8th (WestportLocal - Staples Defeats Danbury) and the Wreckers boys advanced their record to 14-1 by defeating the Tigers in Ridgefield on Thursday, May 15th.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples won 3 of 4 singles matches including a grueling 3rd set tie-breaker by Senior Captain Noah Wolf over his opponent Ridgefield's Nathanael Campos, 6-1, 5-7 and 10-7 in the longest match of the day.
Ridgefield's Aakarsh Patel needed a third set tie-breaker to defeat Staples' Junior Aleko Vergakis who was loudly cheered by his team as the played and after finishing their match in a strong showing of team support.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In other singles action, talented Freshman Sebastian Elizondo dominated his match against Eujah Yurkovsky in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1. Junior Robert Jacob was unstoppable as well in his 6-0, 6-0 defeat of Wyatt Kehlmann.
Senior Captain Noah Wolff stretches to return a shot in his match against Nathanael Campos in his 3 set, tie-breaker victory.
In doubles play, Senior Captains Brett Lampert and Lucas Cegallos-Cala also triumphed in straight sets over Ridgefield's Pajak & Kleinman, 6-0, 6-2. Also with straight set 6-0, 6-3 victories were Senior Henry Grossberg and Sophomore Kiernan Anand who prevailed over Basker & Resnick.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In the thrid doubles match, Senior Matthew Darien joined Sophomore Jonny Greenspan to defeat the team of Reiner & Utomo, 6-1, 6-1
Staples talent is quite evident with only one lass this day. Standout players having a great year include undeeateds Mattie Guadarrama and Shreyas Gorre with 9-0 and 10-0 doubles play victories this season other team members.
Please note, these and other photos are available for purchase and will help support Westport Local Press in continuing to cover Staples High School athletics. Please contact the photographer at admanjcm@yahoo.com
Great Start For Westport Farmers’ Market 2025 Season
The Westport Farmers' Market opened their 19th season to crowds of 1,500+ people who returned again this year to find delicious and healthy offerings from their favorite vendors.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
WIth 52 vendors, longtime FM favorites Fort Hill Farm, Riverbank Farm and Beaver Brook Farm celebrated the ongoing stream of new faces while welcoming back longtime shoppers. This year, the Westport Farmers' Market welcomes new vendors and more enticing lunch items with expanded seating options for in-market dining.
To enhance the opening day's experience, a DJ named Doey Joey joined guitarist Gianni Leito, providing a delightful musical backdrop. Many filled their freshly launched Friend of the Market bags, which can be purchased for a donation of $40 at the WFM tent. All proceeds from the Friend Of Market donations offsets the vendors' fees. The atmosphere was vibrant, highlighting the sense of community that this farmers' market hosts each season.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
She Worms Composting is a local “soil-ution” business serving Fairfield County, transforming food waste into nutrient-rich compost through vermicomposting—a method known for producing high-quality worm castings. In addition to composting services, the business offers educational workshops, a composting curriculum for children, and sells premium worm castings. Find @shewormscomposting on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to learn more and stay connected.
A tribute was held for Jon Jaeger honoring his contributions and impact within the Westport Farmers Market community. Market organizers have described him as “a special member of the WFM family,” highlighting his dedication and warmth. Jaeger, who worked at the Fort Hill Farm booth, was also the longtime operator of the Greens Farms Cut Flower Exchange. Sadly, he passed in March.
Sustainable Westport has a presence at the WFM (above, photo #2) and this day were offering raffle tickets to win an EGO battery powered leaf blower. Westport's ban on gas powered leaf blowers goes into effect this month. Starting on May 15, 2024, the use of handheld and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited in town. Sustainable Westport has teamed up with a coalition of local partners to bring you “Your Yard, Our Climate” — a community-wide initiative focused on transforming our personal outdoor spaces into thriving, climate-resilient habitats.
Young visitors enjoy the WFM experience getting high-fives from vendors and enjoying some tasty WFM treats.
There is something for every discriminating foodie at the WFM, from pizza baked in a mobile brick oven, to scrumptious bagels, kombucha and excellent Thai food.
Above, Mae Farrell offers kids visiting the WFM a chance for some interactive, artistic fun with her Get Growing Program. Mae told Westport Local Press, “Our main goal with the Get Growing Program is to engage children and families, providing them with enriching activities at the market while emphasizing the importance of shopping and supporting locally each week.”
The Westport Farmers Market is indeed recognized as one of the best in the state, and even nationally, according to CT Insider. Specifically, it's been named the third favorite farmers market in Connecticut by American Farmland Trust (AFT), and has also been recognized as the 10th best in the country and the sixth top in the Northeast.
There is always a line at Bubble & Brew, a WFM shopper favorite, offering fine teas, coffee and baked goods.
Upon leaving the WFM the tagline Who Grows Your Food resonates deeply. The market is held every Thursday, from 10 AM -2 PM, rain or shine, through November 13th, at 50 Imperial Avenue, Westport and provides plenty of parking at the Imperial lot and also at the Westport Library parking lot.
The Westport Farmers Market is recognized as one of the best in the state, and even nationally, according to CT Insider. Specifically, it's been named the third favorite farmers market in Connecticut by American Farmland Trust (AFT), and has also been recognized as the 10th best in the country and the sixth top in the Northeast.
To learn more abut all the WFM has to offer visit: Westport Farmers’ Market.
Westport Garden Club Offers Plants For Mother's Day
Two Garden Club volunteers were ready to assist shoppers in bringing home a living gift which will last for years for the Mom's their life.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
On Saturday, May 10 at 9:30 am, eager shoppers lined up for the Westport Garden Club’s annual plant sale featuring over 1,200 homegrown perennial plants from members’ gardens. A special feature is the section of CT Native Plants that brings shoppers from around the state. Also popular: tomatoes, and new this year: a collection of unique Clematis.
Earthplace offered a children’s table with nature-inspired activities, The Westport Library Book Store displayed garden-related books and Edgewise provided tool sharpening services. Sustainable Westport joined the club for the first time and shared sustainable garden tips.
Proceeds from the sale support the club’s civic projects including the maintenance of local public gardens, educational programming, and grants to environmental non-profit organizations, among other projects. For more information, visit: WestportGardenClub.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Above, Edgewise Kitchen was on site to offer knife sharpening. One shpper made sure her Mother’s Day Card was ready for delivery along with plants for Mom.
Photos J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples Girls Tennis Continues Their Winning Ways
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples Girls Tennis is enjoying an impressive season, currently holding a record of 10-1, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Greenwich Cardinals. In their most recent match on Thursday, May 8th where they hosted Danbury High School, the team had to pause mid-match due to a mandatory delay due to the threat of lightning.
PIctured above, freshman Olivia Lazar (L) readies to fire a backhand, junior Isabel Alfageme (next and last) was a force at the net scoring multiple points on volleys, and senior Maddie Hendley returns a serve with a backhand shot.
The break did nothing to slow the Staples momentum and they left the courts with a decisive 6-1 victory. Their multiple strong performances continue to showcase the team's dedication and skill on the court as they strive for success in the upcoming FCIAC tournament.
Above, solid forehands by Lazar (L), junior Rachel Guzman, sophomore Dylan Leher and an overhead by Alfageme.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Match Results, Singles:
Olivia Lazar (Freshman) lost to Sydney Radachowsky 3-6, 1-6 (Danbury), Amelia Berkowitz (Sophomore) beat Emilia Schweitzer 6-1, 6-0 (Staples)
Sadie Yanks (Senior) beat Stephany Reyes 6-3, 6-4 (Staples), Azita Vazhayil (freshman) beat Aitana Perez 6-4, 6-0 (Staples)
Doubles Match Results:
Isabel Alfageme (junior) and Rachel Guzman (Junior) beat Leisha Sutadher/Gabrielle Judnarine 6-3, 6-2 (Staples)
Emma Kantor/Maddie Hendley (seniors) beat Janavieve Hannon/Shiela Andrade 6-0, 6-1 (Staples)
Dylan Lehrer(soph)/Devyn Peffer (junior)beat Rosy Siguenza/Gabriela Zhunid 6-0, 6-2 (Staples)
Photos are available, contact the photographer J.C. Martin at: admanjcm@yahoo.com
The Daffodils Are Gone, But The Tulips Return With Spectacular Colors
The daffodils, once vibrant and cheerful, have now become beautiful memories captured in countless photographs. As they gracefully fade from the scene, the spotlight shifts to the tulips, which are making a striking appearance all over town. Particularly along Myrtle Avenue, the landscape is transformed into a colorful palette, showcasing a stunning array of orange, pink, and red hues.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
These tulips have attracted the attention of passers-by, who are drawn to the lively contrasts against the backdrop of spring. The vivid blooms stand out, reminding everyone of the season's renewal and beauty. Walking along Myrtle Avenue, one can witness this colorful display, a welcome sight as nature continues to awaken and flourish. The transition from daffodils to tulips marks another chapter in the annual floral spectacle that enriches the community.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
Always a stunning display, the Wisteria that adorns the arbor of this Imperial Avenue home is in full bloom, transforming passing through the front door into a delightful experience. The spectacular beauty and astonishing vigor of Wisteria are best showcased when grown as a small tree, referred to as a standard. Long racemes of fragrant flowers emerge in May, gracefully cascading from lush green foliage, which has been artfully shaped through careful pruning. As a gentle breeze passes, the blossoms sway softly, creating a serene atmosphere that enhances the charm of this charming home.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
You’re Invited: Hot Coffee And Hot Cars This Saturday Morning At Interstate Lumber’s Westport Design Center
The Interstate Lumber Westport Design Center, 800 Post Road East, the area’s premier showroom for high end and luxury products for building or remodeling your dream home will be hosting “Coffee & Cars” at their Design Center on Saturday May 10th from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The WDC staff has numerous auto enthusiasts who have partnered with the Ridgefield Motor Club and The Auto Spa of Fairfield to present some of Fairfield County’s finest classic, vintage and late model exotic automobiles for car aficionados and admirers. All are welcome to visit and enjoy coffee, espresso, craft beverages and pastries served by Caffé Bon’s mobile coffee house.
An array of exceptional motorcars will be on hand for up-close and personal viewing, including new and legacy American Muscle Cars like the 800 BHP Dodge Hellcat, which does 0-60 MPH in 3.6 seconds. 1960's legends such as the 435 BHP '67 Tri-power Corvette, and two vaunted SS 396 Chevelles. See Chevrolet's flagship supercar, the 2025 Corvette C8 Z06 which delivers 670 BHP from a 5.5 liter V8 and has a starting price of more than $110,000.
Also registered to be on hand is a vintage Porsche 928 and a serious showstopper, The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid, 541 hp engine and a top speed of 194 mph. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package. The T-Hybrid system uses a 1.9 kWh battery and an electric motor to assist the turbocharger.
Photos of 2024 Cars & Coffee By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, Interstate Lumber CEO Sheldon Kahan with one of the exotic sports cars at last year’s Cars & Coffee.
Guests are invited to also visit the Design Center and see some of the finest in luxury building products, specialty doors and windows and their huge selection of high end home design hardware and accessories. Design Center Manager Frank Bowron said, “The dramatic way we display our products at the IDC is similar to what you might find on the showroom floor of a high-end auto dealer. Just like you'd need to take a car for a test drive, you'll need to visit the Westport IDC to imagine yourself in your new home.”
Daffodil Days Are Over And They Were Beautiful
The breathtaking daffodil field in nearby Redding is a destination for hundreds each April.
We always look forward to the arrival of the beautiful, mostly yellow blooms which are ubiquitous in our area, especially those in front of Willowbrook Cemetery on Main St just south of the Merritt Parkway (see our Wonderful Willowbrook story) and everywhere in front of the beautiful homes of Westport. The daffodil, which has the botanical name Narcissus, is a favorite among local gardeners. While most are yellow, There are more than 27,000 cultivated varieties including white-petalled Narcissus poeticus and the orange and salmon-colored variety.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Almost surprisingly, the daffodil, the most visible sign of the beginning of spring, is not the state flower in any of the 50 states. It is, however, national flower of Wales. The flower is worn traditionally in Wales on St. David's Day, the first day of March to celebrate the Welch patron saint, David. David lived in the sixth century and was known for having founded a large monastery in western Wales.
The UK is the worlds largest grower of the flower. Learn more at History Of Daffodils. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/gardens-landscapes/history-of-daffodils
One of the places in our area where the daffodil show is simply spectacular is at 70 Cross Highway in Redding where these photos were taken in late April. The beautiful field blooms each spring with an estimated 50,000 daffodils, creating a stunning sea of yellow that serves as a testament to a love story which endured for over six decades. No matter where you point your camera/phone you get a beautiful photo. Even the bluebird sitting on a branch overlooking the scene must be impressed.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The cherished field was the home of Bud McQuade a teacher at Redding's Joel Barlow High School for many years. Each year Bud would plant more and more bulbs as a tribute to his beloved wife Florence who adored them.
After Florence's passing, Bud dedicated his time to nurturing and expanding the daffodil patch, continuing this labor of love until his own death in 2019 at 103 years old.
Following Bud's passing, concerns arose that the field might be lost to development. However, his neighbor, Stacey Steinmetz, stepped in to purchase the property, ensuring that the daffodils would continue to bloom and that the profound message of enduring love would remain a vibrant part of the community. Hundreds of families visit the site each year walking the paths and taking family photos of their one of a kind experience.
Overlooking the field is a vibrant Magnolia tree which is almost as eye-catching as the sea of flowers at its base.
At Least It's Not Blue Anymore!
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
The notorious "Blue House" at 233 Hillspoint Rd., so named because for longer than we can remember it sat there, draped in Blueskin vapor barrier for what seems like years. The home which may qualify to be the longest home construction project in Westport history was once a quaint beachfront restaurant, Positano as well as others through the years. When Positano closed, the site was purchased and the nightmare for neighborhood residents began, with years of legal wrangling, zoning violations, a cease and desist order, appeals, fines, a lawsuit from the neighbors and pretty much the gamut of what a construction project gone bad can experience.
That owner finally gave up and the property was purchased by Summit Saugatuck in early 2024 for $4.5 Million, the fines totaling nearly $36,000 were paid, and construction continued, albeit at a snail's pace.
The neighbors may find some solace in not getting "the blues" as they drive by each day, however as we approach the 1-1/2 year mark since construction was re-started there is little apparent evidence that this house will be finished any time soon. The interior appears from the outside to just be studs and the exterior still is not completed.
But hey, at least its not blue anymore!