By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — A two-decade effort to bring a synagogue to 24 Ludlow Road is nearing completion, but the desire to add a playground appears to have gotten ahead of the permitting process.

On July 7, an application for a “playground, gathering courtyard, walkway and associated site improvements” was filed by Landtech on behalf of Beit Chaverim Synagogue of Westport/Norwalk with the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Problem is, the playground construction appears to have already started.

“They applied, asking in anticipation of ‘may we do this,’ ” Planning and Zoning Director Mary Young said. “I then did a drive-by and saw they had already commenced the work. So, then I wrote them saying, since you have already commenced the work, you now need to double your application fee.”

She said they did. Such increased fees are part of the department’s disincentive program, Young noted.

“And now we wait for the public hearing,” she said.

A long effort

According a zoning history of the property prepared by P&Z staff, in 2003, an LLC proposed changing the use of 24 Ludlow from seven apartments to a 92-seat synagogue. A Zoning Board of Appeals denial followed. An appeal went to Superior Court and was denied.

Over time the synagogue plan changed from using the original structure into building a new structure. The P&Z eventually granted an administrative approval, but that was challenged by neighbors. Their appeal also went to court, but they lost.

A new, 60-seat synagogue was completed in 2020, according the zoning history, but a zoning certificate of compliance has not been requested.

Several letters of support

The P&Z has received eight letters in the last two weeks supporting the synagogue’s application. Several mention the playground will be open to the community is welcomed, and needed. Others are eager to see the work finished, and the landscaping done.

Here are portions of two:

“I believe that the development of a playground in our community would be a significant and positive step towards fostering a more inclusive and vibrant environment for all residents,” wrote Gennadiy and Olivia Gurevich of Wright Street. “Additionally, as a neighborhood resident, we are eager to see this project reach its completion and restore the tranquility that the neighborhood enjoys and deserves.”

“Having settled in to a new house on Woodside Avenue about a year ago, we’ve noticed we’re short on playgrounds for our four young children,” wrote Daniel and Kelly Horwitz. “This is why we’re writing to express our support for the proposed playground at 24 Ludlow Road.”

“A playground in this spot would offer kids a safe place to play and bring neighbors together,” they wrote. “Plus, it’ll be a boost for our lovely Old Hill area, enhancing the community vibe.”

Young said that hearing might be held Sept. 18 when the P&Z is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. online. An agenda has not yet been posted.

Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 35 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.