If there is one neighborhood in Stamford that fits the description “Everything old is new again”, Harbor Point’s redevelopment of the South End would be at the top of the list. There are 322 acres on this waterfront peninsula south of the Stamford train station which has become a national model for urban planning.

A little history … its earliest beginnings were in the manufacturing industry when Linus Yale, Jr. and Henry Towne came to Stamford in the late 1860’s attracted by an ample labor force, proximity to railroad lines and good harbors for schooners.  The partners built a small factory, and although Yale died during construction on their first expansion project, Towne continued on with the project and led the company to become one of the world’s largest lock and hardware manufacturers.  The complex eventually covered 21 acres and at one time employed close to 25% of Stamford’s population!  Mind boggling when you think of that in terms of Stamford’s current population. No wonder Stamford was often referred to as Lock City!

Yale & Towne had a good run before completely closing it’s Stamford operations 100 years after they started – in the late 1960’s. Thirty buildings were left behind, some were demolished in the early 1980’s and the remaining began to fill up with painters, sculptors, musicians and photographers. By 2000 most of the complex was rented to artists who formed the Loft Artists Association.  LAA is now in its 23^rd year and holds various events ranging from studio tours & lessons to public art projects.

The old factory building is now home to the The Lofts at Yale and Towne,  a popular loft style apartment complex built in 2010 as part of Harbor Point’s redevelopment.  They have since been joined by the Key at Yale and Towne, 111 Harbor Point, 101 Park Place, The Vault, Beacon Harbor Point, Postmark Apartments, 121 Towne Apartments, and Infinity Harbor Point. All together there are over 2,300 newly constructed apartments in this bustling waterfront community; each building with its own unique appeal.

Sensing a wonderful opportunity to make this a true community,  businesses were quick to jump on the band wagon at Harbor Point. Fairway markets, CVS, highly acclaimed restaurants (some headed by world renowned chefs), and the largest university-affiliated veterinary referral center in the country, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, to help take care of all your furry friends!

The Harbor Point Trolley makes getting around quick, easy & free. It runs every day with 14 stops, in a 30 minute clockwise loop, (M-F, 7AM-11PM, Sat, 9:30AM-11PM & Sun, 10:30AM-9PM) including the Stamford Train Station and downtown Stamford.  There is also a water taxi which provides transportation from Harbor Point to Stamford Landing for even more waterfront dining and entertainment options. Residents feel this is a very user-friendly community that makes it easy to stroll around-there’s a very welcoming vibe.

The South End’s Harbor Point has become its own little suburb with a little bit of everything for everybody. If you want to be part of a bustling, walkable, waterfront community with history but a modern aesthetic, Harbor Point could be just the right fit for you!

Located in the southeast corner of Stamford and known to residents simply and affectionately as “The Cove”, this coastal community offers many amenities and recreational activities on the waterfront which are attractive to residents and visitors alike. The jewel of the neighborhood and one of Stamford’s most popular parks is Cove Island.

Cove Island wasn’t always a nature haven.  In fact, Cove Island became separated from the mainland after a flour watermill was constructed on the land and expanded by its owners in the late 1700s.    Henry J. Sanford bought the property in the 1830’s and founded Stamford Manufacturing Co. in 1844 which manufactured dye extracts, bleached minerals and licorice. The factory on Cove Island stayed in business until 1919, when it burned down, with the Stamford Advocate calling it one of the most damaging fires in city history.  Over time, the island was converted to a park by the City of Stamford, with the US Army Corps of Engineers developing the island’s beach in the late 1950s. (Who knew I’ve been going to that beach since the very beginning!)

You could say Cove Island Park “has it all” – developed recreation facilities, a 1-mile loop walking/running trail with a trolley shuttling people between the beaches & parking. Other amenities include a children’s play area, a roller blade/cycling path, expansive lawn areas and Terry Connors Ice Rink. There are two sandy beaches, a small salt marsh, inter-tidal mudflats, boat docks plus Holly Pond and the Cove River offering great opportunities for bird watching. Rocky shoreline areas offer a place for anglers to hook that “big one” and a small bluff offers an excellent place for those looking for an expansive view of the Sound

Since 2000, the park has been the headquarters of SoundWaters, the community’s nonprofit environmental education resource in the Long Island Sound region. They offer educational programs about Long Island Sound and provide additional programs in conjunction with Stamford Public School classrooms.

While Cove Island Park provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Chelsea Piers opened in 2013 offering sporting enthusiasts a year round indoor recreational experience. Chelsea Piers is one of the finest sports and recreational facilities in the country, offering instructional programs, sports leagues, competitive teams, fitness and drop-in fun for children and adults. It is also the second largest (400,000 sq. ft.) sports and entertainment complex under one roof in the United States!   It is located on Blachley Road on the former Clairol factory site, right off exit 9 of I95.

Since we’re talking history, before Chelsea Piers and the Clairol factory plant, the Blachley Rd. site was known as Noroton Hill and was home to the estate of one of The Cove’s most prominent residents, Schuyler Merritt.  A community leader and congressman for many years, Schuyler Merritt is best known as the chairman of the commission of the Merritt Parkway (one of the most iconic roadways in America), which later was named in his honor.

Now that you have a brief history of the area what do the housing options look like?  Real estate in The Cove is primarily made up of medium sized (three or four bedroom) homes  small (studio to two bedroom) condos, apartment buildings or three-deckers, duplexes, and old Victorian homes sectioned into apartments. Most of the residential real estate is occupied by a mixture of owners and renters. Adding to the area’s appeal is a wide array of conveniences including ethnic food markets and a variety of restaurants & bars beloved by locals – from pizza & chili dogs to steak & seafood, BBQ & 1^st class Italian food.

So if you’re looking for a seaside neighborhood with loads of recreational amenities, “The Cove” may be the perfect fit for you!

During these dog days of summer, a trip to the Long Island Sound waterfront is a great place to stave off the heat.  A refreshing swim and offshore breezes provide a welcome respite from oppressive summer temperatures.  It seems fitting the next stop on our neighborhood series features the waterfront community of Shippan.  Shippan’s history is as old as the history of Stamford, as it dates back to July of 1640.  For the first fifty years, the beautiful peninsula served as corn fields.  By the end of the 17^th century, Shippan, like the rest of Stamford, was given to individual owners as determined by the Stamford proprietors in their town meetings.  One of the most interesting land ownership stories is that of an investor named Michael McDeavitt who purchased the 1870 Ocean House, a hotel for summer tourists, which he renamed either “The Shippan House” or “The Shippan Point Hotel”, depending on what you read.  The Shippan House was located on the site where Woodway Beach Club stands today.  With the vision of expanding the amenities, by the end of the 1880’s McDeavitt had added a beach pavillion, bathing houses, a two story high casino and a carousel.  The carousel was later moved to a new site (now home to the Marina Bay Condominium complex) and remained there until the 1970’s.

Another more recent favorite memory was the Star-Lite drive-in move theatre located on Shippan Ave across from Cummings Park. Stamford’s first & only drive-in was open for 20 years – 1951-1971 and gave many nights of enjoyment under the starry skies.   

From cornfields to casinos to carousels, Shippan has seen many transformations in its long history.  Today, Shippan has about 1,200 homes spread across one square mile.  Housing options vary from grand seaside estates, 1900’s vintage homes on quiet side streets to waterfront condominium complexes.  With a half dozen clubs, marinas, and a range of beaches, Shippan also defies the car-dependent stereotype of other bedroom communities. According to residents, they will tell you that in warmer weather they walk almost everywhere.

Speaking of walking – it is common for residents to move from one home to another in the neighborhood. The practice has been called the “Shippan Shuffle.” It’s not unusual for people to have lived in more than one house in the neighborhood during their lifetime.

If you are socially inclined, there are many opportunities to meet your fellow neighbors.  The Shippan Point Association is a membership-based organization which lists beautification and safety as among its missions.  Members of the Gourmet Club take turns hosting potluck dinners, while the Shippan Garden Club famously hosts a yearly wreath-judging contest called the Doors of Shippan.

If your dream is to live by the Sound, walk to the beach, or spend your idle hours boating plus be part of an active community, take a look at the easy, breezy lifestyle of Shippan.  It just might be the right fit for you!

Check out my new listing at 57 Downs Avenue in Shippan – it could be just the right fit!

4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, Fireplace, Hardwood Floors Throughout, 1st Floor Family Room & Bonus Finished 3rd Floor!

Asking Price: $700,000

Check out this list of locations to see fireworks this Fourth of July Weekend!

Please note: Event details may have changed and might not be reflected on this list. Please check with appropriate organizations and municipalities if you are planning to attend any of the events. This is not a definitive list of fireworks shows. Let us know of more shows in the comments.

Bridgeport Skyblast Fireworks over Seaside Park

Seaside Partk, 1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport, CT 06605

Fireworks and concert on June 26, 2015 at Seaside Park. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Danbury Fair Mall Annual Fireworks Show

7 Backus Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810

Live bands and other Entertainment start at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2015. Musical acts include Fast Ricky and The Wild Ones. Fireworks at dusk.

Darien Fireworks

Darien High School, Darien, CT

The 2015 Fireworks Display will be held at Darien High School on Friday, July 3, 2015 (Rain Date: Sunday, July 5). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at sunset. Food vendors will be on-site. Parking passes are available for on-campus parking.

Fairfield Independence Day Fireworks

Viewing at Penfield Beach or Jennings Beach, Fairfield, CT

Grucci fireworks show Friday, July 3 (rain date of Saturday July 4). Fireworks start at dusk from a barge in the Long Island Sound and can be seen from Penfield or Jennings beaches.

Fort Griswold Celebration on the Thames

Fort Griswold State Park, Groton, CT

Family-friendly event on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at Fort Griswold State Park. Featuring entertainment, food vendors, and fireworks over the Thames River. Free admission. Music by the No Shame band from 6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Sailfest Fireworks start at 9:20 p.m. Parking available at Groton Heights School or Washington Park.

Town of Greenwich Fireworks Displays

Greenwich Point Park and Binney Park, Greenwich, CT

Greenwich will hold two fireworks celebrations, one at Binney Park and the other at Greenwich Point Park. Both shows will be on Friday, July 3, 2015 (Rain date for both shows is July 5). The Binney Park Show will start at approximately 9:10 p.m. and the Greenwich Point Show will begin at approximately 9:35 p.m. Attendees are urged to arrive early.

Hartford Riverfest Fireworks

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford;

Riverfest Hartford is set for Saturday, July 11, 2015. Entry is free. Entertainment starts at 4:00 p.m., and includes live bands, various amusements for all ages, kids’ activities, food and more, followed by fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

Lime Rock Racetrack Fireworks

Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, CT

The 2015 Salisbury Rotary Club Independence Day Fireworks Show at Lime Rock Park is on Saturday, July 4, 2015. Admission is $20 per carload. Infield and Outfield Gates open at 6:00 p.m.; all concession stands will be open. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:00 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday, July 5, 2015.)

Madison Fireworks Display

West Wharf Beach, Madison, CT

This event will be held on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 9:30 p.m. While there is no admission fee, the town of Madison is accepting donations. The fireworks will launch from the waterfront areas in Madison. (Rain date: Sunday, July 5.)

Milford Kick-Off the Summer Blast

Lisman Landing Marina, 37 Helwig St., Milford, CT 06460

Thursday, July 2, 2015 from 4 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Lisman Landing Marina. Music by Flashback and RumRunners. A fireworks extravaganza to light-up the harbor at 9:15pm.

Naugatuck Fireworks

Old Firehouse Road, Naugatuck, CT

Celebration begins at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2015. The festivities will feature entertainment, food and a variety of family-oriented fun. Fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. (Rain date: Friday, July 3, 2015.)

New Canaan Family Fourth of July Celebration

Waveny Park, New Canaan, CT

The 35th annual Family Fourth of July Celebration will be held Saturday, July 4, 2015 at Waveny Park. (Rain date: July 5.) The late-day fun includes the following festivities: family picnicking, live music, a children’s area, a food court, and a spectacular fireworks display. Family passes can be purchased online on the New Canaan website.

Newington’s Annual Extravaganza

Mill Pond Park, Newington, CT

The 34th Annual Extravaganza is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Mill Pond Park in Newington. The festivities will feature food vendors, musicians, paddleboats, entertainment, fireworks, games and many other family-oriented activities. Admission and parking are free.

Niantic’s Celebrate East Lyme Fireworks

Main Street, East Lyme, CT

The 15th annual Celebrate East Lyme is coming up on Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Main Street will be filled with food, fun and activities for everyone in the family. The day concludes with a fireworks display over Niantic Bay.

Orange Fireworks and Concert

Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road, Orange, CT

Sunday, July 5, 2015. Concert 6:30-9:30 p.m., fireworks to follow.

Norwalk Fireworks

Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk, CT

The City of Norwalk Recreation and Parks Summer Concert Series presents fireworks and a concert on July 3, 2015. (Rain date July 5.)

Quassy Amusement Park 3-D Fireworks

Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury, CT

Fireworks over Lake Quassapaug at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2015. Free admission; there is a $7 parking fee. Rides, food and attractions are an additional charge.

Redding Rock ‘N Roll Roots Revival Music Festival and Fireworks

Lonetown Farm and Museum, 43 Lonetown Road (Route 107), Redding, CT

Saturday, July 4, 2015. Music starts at 3 p.m., crafts and games for kids start at 3:30 p.m. On-site food vendors. Fireworks show. Attendees are urged to bring picnic blankets or chairs. Fee: Adults $15; Students/Seniors $10; Kids 12 and under are free.  Presented by the Redding Historical Society.

Rowayton Fireworks Show

Bayley Beach, 11 Pine Point Rd, Norwalk, CT 06853

Saturday, July 4, 2015 (Rain date: Sunday, July 5). Fireworks display will be launched from a barge beginning at 9:15 p.m. Access to parking at Bayley Beach will be according to daytime rules. Vehicles with a Bayley Beach sticker will be admitted free; $25 charge for vehicles without a sticker.

Stamford 2015 Independence Day Fireworks event

Cummings Park, Stamford, CT

Thursday, July 2, 2015 (Rain date Friday, July 3, 2015.) Entertainment and music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:00 p.m. Admission is free. Viewing is also available at West Beach.

Stratford Fireworks

Short Beach Park, Stratford, CT

The Stratford annual fireworks display will begin at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2015.  (Rain date: July 6.)

West Haven Savin Rock Fireworks

Bradley Point Park, West Haven, CT

Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015. (Rain date is Sunday, July 5.) Event also features music by The Mike and Mike Band and The Navels at the Savin Rock bandstand from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Weston Family Fourth Celebration

Weston Middle School Field, School Road, Weston, CT

The Weston fireworks will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2015 (rain date Sunday, July 5.) Event is being held at the Weston Middle School field. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. No entry from Lords Highway after 7:00 p.m. Guests should enter from School Road and Route 57. Fireworks start at 9:20 p.m.

Westport Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

Compo Beach, 260 Compo Road South, Westport CT

Fireworks show is Friday, July 3, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. Tickets required for entrance. (Rain date: July 6.)

Wilton Fireworks

Wilton Athletic Complex, Wilton, CT

The Wilton Parks & Recreation Department fireworks are scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2015 at 9:30 p.m. Event also features music starting at 5 p.m.

Have A Blast!

As we continue our tour of Stamford, let’s turn the Spotlight to Springdale.  One of the earliest settlements in Stamford, Springdale’s first residents date all the way back to 1641!  When Stamford sought to consolidate in the 20^th century, Springdale resisted and for a time it was truly a village-within-a-city.  But in 1949 it capitulated.  Remaining true to its’ roots, homeowners still refer to the “village feel” of Springdale.

The village center is anchored by the Weed Memorial Library, Springdale School, and many shops and restaurants that offer a variety of choices and conveniences to the community.  Prospective buyers see the advantage of being close to daily activities while at the same time being within arm’s reach of all Stamford’s major attractions and services.  Springdale also offers a variety of housing options to suit almost anyone’s needs.  Whether a townhouse, garden style condominium, rental apartment or a single family home with a tidy lawn better suits your needs, this bedroom community will be able to satisfy your desire! Homes within walking distance to parks, schools or the Springdale train station provide particular appeal.  Each weekday morning, commuters can catch one of 5 trains departing for Grand Central between 6 and 9am.

Once the workday is done, why not catch dinner and movie?  No need to head downtown, because Springdale’s centerpiece is the iconic State Theatre.  One of the oldest movie houses in Connecticut, the State Theatre opened on April 25, 1927 as a combination silent movie theatre and vaudeville house.  After falling on hard times in the 1980’s, it was brought back to life after a complete rejuvenation.  Its rich history offers moviegoers a glimpse of an earlier time, while watching first run movies right in their own neighborhood.  After the movie, many a good nosh can be found at several highly acclaimed restaurants within close proximity to the theatre.

So if you’re looking for a neighborhood with a “village feel”, high walkability factor and prominent history, Springdale might be the right fit for you!

My current listing at 54 Saint Charles Avenue is priced at $659,900 – Brand new in 2004, lovely 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial with custom moldings and finished lower level

Just waiting to pass title is my listing at 75 Birchwood Road – A lovely 3 bedroom 2 bath Colonial

For more information about Springdale and the homes available in the area, don’t hesitate to contact me!

In my continuing series spotlighting Stamford neighborhoods, let’s take a peek at the pocket neighborhood of Pepper Ridge.  This neighborhood is located from Oaklawn Avenue to Vine Road, and Newfield Avenue to High Ridge Road. Right in the middle of the area you’ll find Newfield Elementary School.

Real estate is made up of a variety of size and style of homes – from more modest homes on .14 acre lots closer to Oaklawn Avenue growing in size and acreage as you approach Vine Rd. Homes also range in age anywhere from the 1940’s through new construction.  The current rate of vacancies in Pepper Ridge is lower than 91.9% of all neighborhoods in the U.S.! This mean the housing supply in Pepper Ridge is very tight compared to the demand for property here. It’s evident that the residents in Pepper Ridge love where they live and with good reason.

Take a drive along any of the intertwined streets, and you will often find residents going out for a stroll, tending their gardens, or chatting with other neighbors.  This is the kind of neighborhood where everybody knows your name and the school crossing guard at the corner of Turner and Pepper Ridge waves to every car that passes by!

One of the neighborhood’s bonuses is the Newfield Swim & Tennis Club, a private club located on 80 Red Bird Road. The Club is a wonderful option for residents who want to enjoy summer activities close to home.  Facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool, 5 Har-Tru tennis courts, playground, basketball courts, screened picnic area and more. Children have many activities to participate in, including a competitive swim, dive and water polo teams, synchronized swimming, and tennis, among others.  Adults can sign up for tennis clinics and teams, relax in the pool, or attend social events throughout the summer.

If you prefer living in a neighborhood with wide, walkable streets or enjoy exchanging pleasantries with your neighbors, Pepper Ridge might be just what you’re looking for.

My newest listing on 275 Silver Hill is currently available and ready for the next lucky homeowner!

Here are a few of my other recent Pepper Ridge listings which are either under contract or sold – maybe we should call it

“Hot Pepper” Ridge!

Stamford’s population continues to grow and we are now the third largest city in Connecticut.  Stamford’s true success lies in the fact that our growth has occurred during one of the most fiscally challenged environments this country has seen in decades.  Stamford’s proximity to New York City, and neighborhoods that enhance a variety of lifestyles, appeal to the influx of new residents.

In the next several weeks, I will spotlight Stamford neighborhoods, all of which have their own unique appeal, and make our city such a vibrant and welcoming place to call home while still making us feel like a small town!

We begin in North Stamford.  For those who value easy access to city conveniences and beach rights but prefer park like settings, North Stamford may be just the right fit for you!  This area is zoned almost entirely for one, two and three acre lots.  Stamford’s most recent master plan affirms a desire to “preserve and protect” the neighborhood’s low density surroundings.

One of North Stamford’s “jewels” is The Stamford Museum and Nature Center, which echoes the sentiment of preserving the beauty and history of this part of town.  Some of the Nature Center’s attractions are Heckscher Farm-a 10 acre oasis dotted with barns, maple sugar houses, open pastures, and dozens of farm animals; the recent addition of  “Nature’s Playground”, a place where the young at heart can experience an exciting playground in the woods, scale a spider’s web to a tree house with a lookout, then wind your way down a tubular slide or zoom down the otter slide; the observatory, planetarium and interactive art exhibits as well as the Henri Bendel Mansion – a perfect event space!

If your preferred home is a respite from the hustle and bustle here are a few of my North Stamford listings currently available.

 Call me to see any of these wonderful homes!

Are there any of us that have not been touched by cancer, that horrible “C” word, in same way?  More and more often you hear stories of people you know that are fighting the courageous fight against this awful disease.

On Sunday, June 7, 2015, National Cancer Survivor’s Day, the streets of downtown Stamford will be filled with Walkers, Runners, and Volunteers.  For more people than it should be, it is an intensely personal day – whether they are survivors or  have been touched by their families’ and friends’ struggles with cancer. Walkers participate in a 3.1 mile course while runners can choose from a timed 5K or 10K loop course. It’s a tremendous day full of fun and support with participants of all ages and fitness levels.

Hope in Motion is a year-round fundraising initiative for the Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital, Hope in Motion is support, community, and action.

Through this signature event, the Walk & Run and other events throughout the year, we come together to raise funds for cancer patients in our community; our family members, co-workers, friends, and neighbors. For over 20 years, the Bennett Cancer Center has provided the highest standard of care in the area to our community’s cancer patients and their families in a warm and supportive environment. It is with pride that Bennett Cancer Center can say that 100% of the funds raised through Hope in Motion go directly to sustain programs and services at the Bennett Cancer Center, all provided free of charge to their patients.

Come out and help celebrate 20 years of this wonderful event!

If you’re interested in making a donation, here is the info:

Contact Us or Mail Donation to:

Stamford Hospital Foundation
1351 Washington Blvd., Suite 202
Stamford, CT 06902
Tel: (203) 276-5920
Email: hopeinmotion@stamhealth.org

Summer is just around the corner, and with that comes a beautiful array of freshly bloomed flowers basking in the warmth of the sun.

Showcasing your planting beds with mulch and edging can highlight the glorious colors of the season’s bounty. Another idea is creating vignettes that inspire us to slow down and “smell the roses”. Some ideas are placing planter boxes at entryways, window boxes to accent your home’s facade and strategic planting of annuals and perennials to complement the hardscape of your property – all evoke the feeling of

Home Sweet Home

 Stamford is fast becoming the “foodie” capital of Fairfield County, and what better way to celebrate & shed the winter blues. The vibrant downtown area, invigorated South End and unique neighborhood establishments all contribute to the plethora of dining options in Stamford.  Whether it’s outside dining, waterfront tables or picnics spread on blanket with gourmet delicacies from local markets,  I think it’s safe to say everyone’s ready to kick back and celebrate the promise of what’s ahead in the much anticipated warm evenings & weekends.

So whether you’re out on the town or stoking up the backyard BBQ- pull up a chair, sit back, relax and enjoy the holiday weekend!