NEW:  You Tube video on Brewster Street Condos

The developers asked for a continuance at the September 4 hearing before the Historic District Commission.  The hearing will take place in November  7 at 6 PM at City Hall on Lyons Terrace in Room 305. 

See attached handout for more information. 

Historic District Commission #1

Board of Education Conference Room - 305

6: 00 P.M.

AGENDA

2.   Certificate of Appropriateness: Application  #2007-13 by Brewster Street Partners, LLC for a certificate of appropriateness to construct a 13-unit residential development at 344 Brewster Street in the Black Rock Historic District. CONTINUED FROM SEPTEMBER MEETING

BACBACKGROUND:

Newpaper reports stated that about 30 Black Rock residents came to protest at the September meeting of the Historic District Commission, but others who were there state the numbers were closer to 50 or 60 (some may have arrived after the meeting began). 

The attorney for the developers (Brewster Street Partners), Charles Willinger, requested the continuance because only three of the five commission members were present.  Developers often wait for a full commission because one dissenting vote on a three member panel can derail a project, whereas one dissenting vote on a five member panel will still allow the project to be approved. 

There is reason to believe that the house is an important historic structure, which should be restored rather than torn down.  Charles Brilvitch, the former city historian, said the house was first occupied by Henry Brewster, a descendent of a Black Rock ship captain, Caleb Brewster, who played an important role in the Revolutionary War.  Brilvitch carefully considered the historical importance of this house when he was helping to define the boundaries of this Historic District.  The developer propose to build a 13-unit condo complex on a .83 acre lot.

The Historic District Commission announced the results of their meeting in a paid advertisement in the Connecticut Post on September 8, 2007 as follows...

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION #1 Notice is hereby given that at a meeting of Historic District Commission #1 of the City of Bridgeport Ct. held on September 4 2007 at 6:00 P. M. in City Hall 45 Lyon Terrace the Commission the following actions: 1. Certificate of Appropriateness: Application #2007-14 by Clarence Street LLC for a certificate of appropriateness to construct stairs/steps/ porch/deck and railing; install walkway and lighting at 54-58 Clarence Street in the Pembroke City Historic District CONTINUED TO OCTOBER MEETING 2. Certificate of Appropriateness: Application #2007-13 by Brewster Street Partners LLC for a certificate of appropriateness to construct a 13-unit residential development at 344 Brewster Street in the Black Rock Historic District. CONTINUED TO OCTOBER MEETING Ann Brignolo-Hourcle Chairman

For more information see previous post at http://www.blackrockonline.org/brewster-street-condo-plans

Connecticut Post article http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_6802597

To learn more about Caleb Brewster's contributions to the Revolutionary War as a spy for George Washington...

The Setauket Spy Ring

http://www.newsday.com/community/guide/lihistory/ny-history-hs415a,0,5036408,full.story

Or spend some time at the Fairfield Historical Society at 636 Old Post Road in Fairfield, looking through the Caleb Brewster collection of 113 items...
113 items
Revolutionary War spy Caleb Brewster, was born in Setauket, New York and settled in Black Rock where he commanded a fleet of whale boats from Black Rock Harbor that raided sites on Long Island. Brewster became a land owner and captain of a revenue cutter of the New York district. This collection contains deeds, probate papers, maps, military papers, financial and legal records and a family Bible belonging to Caleb Brewster. MS 33

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