By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — The owner of 29 Danbury Ave. is seeking permission to tear down an existing house and replace it with a new, FEMA-compliant structure.

The two-story Colonial at the corner of Danbury and Bradley Street was built in 1930, the same era as many of the original homes in the Compo Beach neighborhood.

The application to the Zoning Board of Appeals states the owner is the Harold Homes LLC. Town land records say it was sold to Gillian Gallo on May 23 for $1.76 million.

The house on 0.1 acres has 1,780 feet of living space. The new structure would be elevated because it’s in a flood zone, with a two-car garage on the bottom level. The first floor would be at 16.5 feet, more than the required 12.

The first floor would have an “open concept family room,” kitchen, dining room, living room and study.

The second floor would have a master bedroom, master bath, two more bedrooms and two full baths.

“The upper floor simply contains a walkout area to a roof deck, which is a common feature found in the neighborhood,” reads a letter from attorney Christopher Russo of Russo and Rizio LLC.

Russo also said the new structure would switch street access from Bradley Street to Danbury Avenue and reduce some of the non-conformities.

Still, the project needs variances for setbacks for non-conforming lot; setbacks in Residence A District; and coverage in Residence A District.

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.