By Thane Grauel
WESTPORT — A years-long effort to restore and update and a historic barn at the Wakeman Town Farm will soon be before the Planning and Zoning Commission.
An 8-24 request has been filed with the Planning and Zoning Commission by Peter Romano of LandTech on behalf of the landowner, the town of Westport.
The state’s 8-24 statute governs a significant change in use of a municipal property, requiring it be reviewed by the local land-use body. In Westport’s case, that means the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Romano’s request for the nonprofit farm at 134 Cross Highway, for generations owned by the Wakeman family but now a town property, was filed June 18.
“The proposed project includes an expansion of the existing barn to include an activity room, half bath and storage,” the application states.
The barn dates to the 1800s and time has taken its toll. A fundraising campaign to help the restoration effort has been under way. It has had significant public support.
The Westport Historic District Commission approved the plan to renovate the barn, shown in this rendering, in 2022.
A project narrative filed with the Planning and Zoning Department states the renovations “include a rebuild and expansion of the right wing which allow for an activity room, half bath and storage. The existing barn to remain will include renovations for a store, sprout house and vestibule.”
“The project is being funded by private donations to Wakeman Town Farm, ARPA funds and a town loan allocated to the farm by First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker,” it continued.
Architectural plans indicate a concrete-slab floor and new walls, windows and roofing are in store for the old barn, which has seen agricultural uses of many kinds over the years.
The plan was been approved by the Board of Selectwomen and the Historic District Commission in 2022.
The applicant hoped that by filing the 8-24 request last week it could make the July 8 Planning and Zoning Commission agenda. That agenda has not been posted.
Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 36 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.
Is there some catch here ?
I mean it sounds so genuine until I hear landtech is involved..
The Wakeman Town Farm team has spent 10+ years taking a former family farm, restoring it and turning it into an incredible community resource that has served tens of thousands and kept time-honored agricultural and homesteading traditions alive. In this next chapter, the grassroots group shepherding the Farm has raised over $150,000 to improve a Town-owned asset. The restoration of a dilapidated barn into a community space will only enhance the Farm’s programming and increase its ability to impact Westport and neighboring towns with additional space for horticulture classes, community gatherings like barn suppers and dances, concerts with local musicians, plays, yoga, wellness seminars, retreats and more! The success of the Farm is due in large part to the longstanding relationship with the Town and many local vendors who have provided expertise and guidance through growth periods. We couldn’t have built out Tim’s Kitchen without the support of our community partners and the Town of Westport administrators who have helped us navigate the many hurdles to renovations on a municipal property. We are endlessly grateful.
Landtech, has been a member of the Wakeman Town Farm team since its inception. Their guidance helped complete our first addition to the Wakeman Farm house creating Tim’s Kitchen and all the permits and site improvements. All of it pro-bono. Peter Romano the principal at Landtech has been at every event at the farm from the Harvest dinners to family fun day to October fest scooping ice cream which he generously donates along with hundreds of pumpkins for kids to paint. We look forward to working with them on the new barn renovation. We are so excited about this project which will allow us to expand our programming for kids and adults.