An 1890 office building at 34 Imperial Avenue could give way to nine market-rate residences under a plan previewed to the Planning and Zoning Commission on July 27, the Westport Journal reported. The site covers 0.65 acres. The land-use planner Rick Redniss presented it.
The reception was cool. “Our regulations need to mean something,” Commissioner Breanne Injeski said. “This seems like a big ask without being a big benefit for the town.”
The old building
Any building in Westport at least 50 years old and 500 square feet or larger is subject to a 180-day demolition delay, which can be waived if no one objects. Unless a property is in a local historic district or individually designated, the Historic District Commission cannot prevent demolition outright. Our story on saving a Riverside Avenue saltbox explains the tools.
Market rate and the affordability question
The commission has spent much of the year debating affordable housing, including an April vote that rejected offsite affordable units. The town has about 4 percent of its housing stock counted as affordable, far below the 10 percent that would exempt it from the state’s 8-30g statute.
A pre-application is informal. A formal filing would return for a public hearing.
Sources
- Westport Journal, P&Z hears two pre-apps, passes TA to comply with new state regs, July 28, 2026
- Town of Westport, Demolition delay ordinance, accessed Oct. 2026
- 06880, 8-30g, P&Z and more. Affordable housing 101, June 30, 2025
