03/29/08 - Dear Greenwich Time Editor, Are there any Belle Haveners who do not favor the tear-down?

Historical Society Director Debra Mecky said it has not received any communications from neighbors and residents of Belle Haven. Therefore, the society is reluctant to take a significant role.

Action needed for historic house To the editor: Will 36 Mayo Avenue in Belle Haven be demolished, and another McMansion be built? Nils Kerchus, a highly respected consultant for The Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich, was quoted in Greenwich Time on Feb. 24 ("Not set in stone/Historical society attempting to save Mayo Ave. home slated for demolition") as saying the building is "one of the most architecturally significant houses in Greenwich ... it's very rare ... this is the most important one we've run into ever since we started documenting." Some believe the owners may have been given incorrect advice as to the cost of renovating/restoring 36 Mayo. Perhaps it is time for a second opinion. The historical society was at the forefront about 10 years ago of preserving the Fourth Ward and having it placed on the National Register as a historic district. (Mr. Kerchus was the author of the survey of the ward documenting each structure). A 90-day stay was placed on the 36 Mayo demolition. The new owners graciously allowed Ann Young to visit and photograph it. The historical society lifted its stay, but the town Historic District Commission of Greenwich also placed a stay, and it has more than a month left.... ... Ernest Hemingway said, "Time is the thing we have least of." It was never more true than with 36 Mayo. William J. Schneider Greenwich