By Thane Grauel
WESTPORT — An update of a maintenance report for the Golden Shadows mansion, delayed two months by questions from people committed to its preservation, was adopted Tuesday morning.
The Selectman’s Maintenance Study Committee took its vote after a brief discussion, and more questioning from John F. Suggs, a former Representative Town Meeting member from District 5 and a past candidate for first selectman.
The town acquired the two-story, brick Georgian Colonial Revival-style residence — formerly owned by perfume designer “Baron” Walter Langer and his wife, Evelyn — in 1999 with its purchase of the Evyan Perfume magnate’s 22-acre estate.
Since then, the 1959 structure has sat largely unused, except for storage of some town equipment and books from the library.
The report details issues of an aging structure, inside and out. Previous discussions have mentioned $1 million might be needed for overall repairs.
Opinions around town vary on what should be done with the building. Some have said tear it down, others suggest it be sold. Many feel it has great potential as a space for special events or as a home for a community group.
Those seeking to preserve Golden Shadows have alleged a lack of maintenance, calling it “demolition by neglect.”
Whatever happens, the maintenance committee is just one of several town bodies that might have input, factual or policy-wise.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Suggs again questioned that $50,000 was really being spent annually for Golden Shadows’ maintenance.
“You may recall that at the last meeting, I questioned this and asked for the committee to ascertain what exactly the $50,000 was going toward.”
“It’s my belief that the $50,000 is primarily for the fuel, the oil, and keeping the lights on, and that there is not $50,000 worth of maintenance going on, being provided by the [Parks and Recreation] department every year,” Suggs said.
“So, my first question is, did you do, as you agreed to last month, ask the staff what this $50,000 was going toward? If so, what is it?” he asked.
Committee Chairman Joseph Fuller they’d find that out and get more detailed information.
“So, you did not do what you said you were going to …?” Suggs said.
“I don’t recall stating that I would find out exactly how the $50,000 was broken down,” Fuller said.
Fuller said that on a walk-through of the property, it was mentioned that in addition to the fuel, some gutter repairs had been made.
“They do maintain the grounds,” Fuller said. “They did cut down some trees, so I have a feeling that it has to do with all of the items.”
Suggs insisted the report should detail exactly what the money had been spent on.
Fuller said the information, once received from town staff, would be added to the report. The committee then agreed to approve the updated report. The report follows:
Thane Grauel, the Westport Journal executive editor, grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond more than three decades. Learn more about us here.
Another sloppy, underwhelming effort by the Maintenance Study Committee. Keep phoning it in guys – you’re doing a great job for the taxpayers.
The Town of Westport has a Finance Director who keeps track of Department expenditures to assure they don’t exceed budgets.
Why not just request a list of line item expenditures for the $50,000.00 allocated for the maintenance of Golden Shadows?
I imagine this information is available to anyone under the Freedom of Information Act.
Like Mr. Suggs, I also question how $50K is spent per year on Golden Shadows. And, contrary to Chairman Fuller’s statement above that the grounds are maintained, they are not – not at ALL. Pathways have disappeared beneath overgrowth and the former grassy areas are never mowed. $50,000 of maintenance on Golden Shadows per year? No way!
It’s inconceivable to me why past Maintenance Committee reports have been shelved. There’s not much new in this most recent report except that the items noted in the last two reports remain the same or have gradually worsened. Golden Shadows is actually in good shape given the fact that it has basically been ignored for 23 years. None of us neglect our own homes this way. Why is the town neglecting Golden Shadows (and all of the Baron’s South property)? It was purchased with taxpayer money and yet the town has been a very bad parent.
It’s time to respect this historical town asset, create a sensible maintenance plan/budget to keep it weather-tight, prioritize basic repairs and then figure out a great use for it based on the study done in 2016.