Town leaders press state to intervene as 2 Greenwich Avenue faces redevelopment

The town’s presiding official said he has contacted state leaders and the State Historic Preservation Office to seek intervention to "save the historic building at 2 Greenwich Avenue." He urged public support after residents testified at a pre-application hearing earlier this month.

"Thank you to everyone who testified the other night at the pre application hearing," the presiding official said, adding that he has "spoken with the governor, attorney general William Tong, DECD, commissioner Dan O'Keefe," and sent letters to preservation officials. He said the goal is to have the state review the proposal and consider preservation options.

The announcement comes amid broader local concerns about recent state zoning mandates. The first selectman said he will hold a press conference to call on the state legislature and the governor "to immediately halt all of these zoning mandates from Hartford." He framed the request as necessary because some utilities have told the town they lack capacity for large projects, which could leave towns unable to meet mandated changes.

Why this matters: the building at 2 Greenwich Avenue was repeatedly described at the meeting as a town landmark, and officials said losing it would remove "a piece of our town's history." Selectmembers and community members encouraged residents to contact the State Historic Preservation Office; Selectwoman Rachel noted the office’s architectural historian, Todd Levine, and provided his email for residents who want to comment.

Next steps: the town will continue outreach to state officials and invited residents to participate in the first selectman’s planned press conference and in written appeals to the preservation office.