By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — The owners of a modest house on Lakeview Road want to demolish it and build a new, larger construction.

Paul and Catherine Havas bought the single-story ranch at No. 9. in September 2020 for $830,000. It was built in 1955.

Now they’d like to tear it down and replace it with a bigger, two-story house.

Brian Carey of Landtech, on behalf of the owners, has applied for a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

“The project involves the demolition of the existing residential structure and to rebuild a new residential structure that is FEMA compliant and protected against future flooding associated with Pussy Willow Brook and its adjacent FEMA Flood Zone “A,” the application reads.

The project needs variances for area and coverage, and the hardship is listed as the presence of inland wetlands, and the property being located within the FEMA flood zone.

The 2.4-mile Pussy Willow Brook meanders through the neighborhood and its wider wetlands before ducking under Interstate 95 and emptying into the Sherwood Mill Pond. Most days it’s tranquil, but can be one of the town’s more troublesome waterways in major storm events.

The new house will still have four bedrooms, but will be larger, with two floors instead of one, and a three-car garage instead of two.

The architectural plans show the new foundation’s footprint, including the garage area, will be 2,526 square feet. It’ll have two floors as opposed to the original house’s single story, with its 2,032 square feet of living space.

The proposed house, among other features, on its main floor would have a family room, kitchen, dining room, study, foyer, three-car garage, pantry and sauna, as well as porches and decks.

The second floor would have three bedrooms and a master suite, with several baths and a “bonus room” over the garage.

The Flood and Erosion Control Board approved the plan on Feb. 7. The Conservation Commission approved it Feb. 14 with conditions.

The Historic District Commission is to discuss whether to waive the 180-day demolition permit delay at its 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday, March 12.

The application is not yet on a ZBA agenda.

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.