Rowayton building given green light

NORWALK, Conn. – A proposal to replace a Rowayton office building with condominiums was approved by the Zoning Commission Wednesday night, although several Rowayton residents expressed reservations about the plan.

Comments about the unique character of Rowayton, the ability to see the waterfront and the probability of flooding preceded the vote regarding Jean and R. Grosvener Ely’s proposal to put eight condominiums at 71 and 77 Rowayton Ave. Commissioner Mike Mushak voted against the proposal. Commissioners Nate Sumpter, Jill Jacobsen, Linda Kruk, James White and Michael O’Reilly voted yes.

The existing building, which was heavily damaged during Superstorm Sandy, according to comments made at the meeting, will be demolished. The new building will have the same footprint but be larger. The existing marina will remain, and residents will have first rights to the boat slips.

There will be an improvement – while water now runs off the parking lot into the Five Mile River, water will drain into tanks and be filtered, engineer Chris D’Angelis said.

John Massey was one Rowayton resident who spoke against the proposal. He urged commissioners to protect the character of Rowayton.

“We are not here to say we are against development but in Rowayton, as I think you are aware, we are against over-development,” he said. “…. Before too long, Rowayton Avenue will be walled in.”