By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — The owners of 36 Riverside Ave. on Tuesday obtained the final approval needed to convert an old restaurant into an apartment.

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to grant a variety of variances that were needed regarding accessory apartments, parking, coverage, and change of use (from mixed use to single-family residential).

The 1900 building with two floors and a large plate-glass storefront has for the last half-century been the home to restaurants. It was Pearl’s from the mid-’70s to mid-’80s, and then Da Pietro’s for 34 years. Earlier it used for other commercial reasons.

Owners Pietro and Janine Scotti plan to cover the storefront window and enclose the outdoor staircase to the second floor, cladding the building with siding and new windows and doors. What was the restaurant would be a dwelling. The upstairs space already is an apartment.

The plan last month won approval from the Architectural Review Board.

Tuesday, the ZBA members were unanimous in their decision to let the plan move forward.

“This is an unusual situation,” board Chairman Jim Ezzes said. “It predates our parking regs, it’s a nonconforming lot size, constructed in 1900, there are obviously very steep slopes. It’s a reduction in parking on site that didn’t exist. I think it’s actually pretty cool.”

Member Josh Newman said he was good with it, but wanted to include a recommendation that an easement with a neighboring property owner be sought to establish a parking spot behind the structure.

“I don’t have a problem with a recommendation, Josh, I would have had a problem with a condition,” Ezzes told him. It was included in the motion.

“It’s a less-intense use than it was when it was a restaurant and the apartment above,” member Liz Wong said.

“A very attractive design,” Ezzes said.

Member Michelle Hobson said she also was in support of the application.

“I’m in support of it,” said member Joe Scordato. “It’s a nicely done plan, and it’s what they can do with the property.”

Wong added that in terms of lot coverage, enclosing the outside staircase increased that, but made it safer because ice and snow could not fall on it.

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.