Home Care In Southport, CT

United Illuminating claims it is being left in the dark by state regulators.

On Monday the company requested members of the Connecticut Siting Council reconsider last month's denial of the utility's overhead transmission line upgrade project in Fairfield and Bridgeport.

Central to UI's argument is that the Council, both when making its decision during a public Oct. 16 teleconference and in the days since, offered no justification, particularly after backing the plan in an unofficial September straw vote.

"Without any explanation as to why the project was denied, UI is left … with no guidance as to what, if any, issues the Council had with the proposed solution to the important public need the project sought to address," reads the document. "And the public is left with aging, deteriorating infrastructure that poses significant safety and reliability concerns.”

Monday's filing was submitted at the very end of the timeframe UI had to take such action.

According to Siting Council staff, such requests can be based on three factors: An error of fact or law; new evidence "which materially affects the merits of the case and which for good reasons was not presented;" and "other good cause."

UI first submitted its plan to the Siting Council in 2023. The company has maintained that installing the wires on monopoles routed along the southern side of the Metro-North Railroad train tracks is the best and least-costly-to-ratepayers option for upgrading the aged equipment. The Bridgeport/Fairfield section is the last 8 miles of a 25-mile-long project, the rest of which has been completed or is under construction.

But critics, including several elected leaders of those two municipalities, have opposed the plans, arguing that the lines should instead be buried to avoid what they claim will be adverse impacts on economic development, the environment, and historic and religious properties.

Meanwhile Gov. Ned Lamont had backed an unsuccessful request for the Siting Council to delay its Oct. 16 final vote on the transmission line matter for six months for the parties to negotiate a compromise.

Both opponents and supporters expressed surprise after the Council voted down UI's submission given the group had indicated support just a few weeks prior.

“We are stunned by the change in the Siting Council’s decision today with no explanation," the utility had said, calling it "arbitrary and capricious."

And the regulatory group's September action had similarly angered UI's critics because the Council had rejected the company's application in an unofficial June straw vote.

UI's request Monday alleges the Council “acted illegally and arbitrarily in flipping its (Oct. 16) vote with absolutely no reasons provided" and with three members in particular inexplicably shifting from support to opposition between September's and October's teleconferences. In contrast in September a few members who had informally voted against UI in June offered rationales for changing positions during the meeting.

The document argues that the regulatory body never disputed the "public need" for the power line overhaul and, under state statute, if members issue a decision "adverse to a party" they must, either orally or in writing, outline the necessary findings of fact and conclusions of law.

"Here, the ‘decision’ is a single sentence ‘denying’ the application with no indication as to what provision of (state statute) UI has failed to satisfy," states UI's paperwork.

Should its request for reconsideration prove unsuccessful, the utility's next step could be to head to court.

"UI reserves all rights going forward," concludes its request.

Constance Vickers is deputy chief-of-staff for Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, whose administration has, along with that of Fairfield Selectman Christine Vitale, been battling against UI.

Vickers on Monday evening took UI's request of the Siting Council in stride, noting she had not yet had the chance to go through its submission.

"We anticipated this," Vickers said. "It's within due process for them to request this. ... We'll be spending the next few days looking through everything. If (the Council's Sept. 16 vote) would have gone the other way, we very well may have done the same thing."

United Illuminating is on the hunt for a paper trail.

The utility is seeking insight into state regulators' final decision last Thursday to deny the company's controversial plan to upgrade overhead transmission lines through Bridgeport and Fairfield after that same Connecticut Siting Council authorized the project in an unofficial September vote.

This week, UI's attorney, Bruce McDermott, sent state Freedom of Information Act inquiries to several elected officials in the two municipalities, some of their employees, the Siting Council and to Gov. Ned Lamont's office.

"We are deeply concerned that the Siting Council has failed to provide any justification or explanation for their vote to deny the...project, despite it being the least expensive and least environmentally intrusive option before them,'" Sarah Wall Fliotsos, a UI spokesperson, said in a statement.

"By submitting these FOIA requests, we hope to gather more information on what drove the Siting Council’s inexplicable decision so that we can pursue the most appropriate path forward to ensure the reliability and resiliency of the transmission grid in Fairfield and Bridgeport,” she continued.

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McDermott is specifically seeking "any and all documents and communications, including but not limited to emails and text messages" between the targeted individuals or offices and third parties about UI's Siting Council submission Sept. 4 through Oct. 16.

A second request from McDermott advises recipients that they and their "members, employees, agents, appointees, and/or representatives" should preserve all documents and communications, ranging from emails to photographs and recordings, "in any way related to" the power line overhaul, but does not provide a timeframe.

UI first applied to the Siting Council in 2023.

"Once you have ascertained what relevant information and documentation exists, please advise me of its location and take steps to ensure that it is entirely preserved in its original location and format," McDermott continued. "Please be advised that the failure to properly safeguard and preserve this information could result in serious litigation penalties and sanctions against you."

Spokespersons for Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, Fairfield Selectman Christine Vitale and Lamont indicated in separate statements that they plan to comply with FOIA rules, as does the Siting Council.

UI has said having lines and tall poles along the Metro-North train tracks is the best option for upgrading the equipment. The Bridgeport/Fairfield section is the last 8 miles of a 25-mile-long project, the rest of which has been completed or is under construction.

But critics — among them Ganim, Vitale and other area elected officials, community leaders and impacted residents — have demanded the wires instead be buried to avoid what they claim will be an adverse impact on economic development, the environment, and historic and religious properties.

Both opponents and supporters expressed surprise after the Siting Council last Thursday voted down the plan during a teleconference given the group had indicated support in an unofficial straw vote in early September. That September vote, however, had angered UI's opponents because the council had rejected the company's application in a June straw vote.

“We are stunned by the change in the Siting Council’s decision today with no explanation," Fliotsos had said in a statement last Thursday.

She called it "arbitrary and capricious" and also questioned whether some council members were “improperly pressured” to alter their votes.

While a few members in early September justified their positions during that teleconference, members did not share their reasoning last Thursday.

In September, Lamont, who appoints some council members, sided with Bridgeport and Fairfield in publicly requesting that month's final vote be put off to try to negotiate a compromise. He then last week backed an unsuccessful call for the council to again table action, this time for half-a-year, to allow more time for his office to help broker a deal between UI and its critics.

Going forward, UI has four possible choices for the transmission upgrade: Ask the Council within 15 days from last Thursday to reconsider; file a court appeal; submit a new application; or give up on the Bridgeport and Fairfield section.

Fliotsos last week indicated that last option is not under consideration, stating, “UI will continue to work to ensure that critical reliability and resiliency projects are completed at the lowest cost possible for our customers."

In a letter to McDermott, Melanie Bachman, the Siting Council's executive director and staff attorney, confirmed receipt of McDermott's requests, noting they will be reviewed to "determine what records, if any, in the Council's possession fall within the parameters."

Bachman notes some communications or documents may be exempted from release under the FOIA due to attorney-client privilege.

Ganim's and Levine's offices this week issued brief statements about UI's requests for information.

"We have operated in good faith throughout this entire process, and we will provide all discloseable documents in a timely manner," Constance Vickers, Ganim's deputy chief-of-staff, said, adding that cooperation also applies to McDermott's letter about records retention.

"We will not delete any emails or dispose of any pertinent documents, a high percentage of which are public documents included in (Siting Council case) dockets ... and/or already shared with UI through our attorneys," Vickers continued. "This is an average run-of-the-mill FOI request, to which we will comply."

Vitale said Fairfield "will comply with all FOIA requests from United Illuminating in accordance with state law. We remain open to working collaboratively with UI to meet the region’s energy needs while also protecting our community’s economic, ecological, and historical resources."

Lamont's communications director, Rob Blanchard, said the office doesn't usually comment on FOIA requests.

"We simply acknowledge them with the requestor and then fulfill the request," Blanchard said.

McDermott also contacted some state legislators from Bridgeport and Fairfield, including state Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, who said the legal team at the Capitol in Hartford is reviewing it.

"We're government officials. It's (UI's) right to request information under the Freedom of Information Act," Stafstrom said. "I think what they will find is that the Bridgeport and Fairfield delegations did our job, which was to stand up for our communities in the face of an untenable project for our constituents. ... I'm really proud of the effort. ... Oftentimes there's issues where urban and suburban legislators are not always united."

Four Connecticut hotels in the same group have been named for reader’s choice awards by a national travel poll.

The hotels are four of the Connecticut Delamar Hotels, which are in West Hartford, Mystic, Southport and Greenwich.

The hotels, including the one in Mystic that just opened this year, were recognized for Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 as among the Top 24 Hotels in the Northeast.

The hotels are Delamar Mystic, which opened in February, and was at #10; Delamar Greenwich Harbor was at #13, Delamar West Hartford was at #15, and Delamar Southport ranked #16. Conde Nast notes this list is created after, “Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top hotels in the Northeast.”

A spokesperson for Delamar called this, “a remarkable testament to the collection’s unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences. This recognition underscores Delamar’s standing as a leading luxury hotel brand in the region.”

“We are deeply honored and grateful to see four of our Connecticut hotels recognized among the Top 24 Hotels in the Northeast in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards,” said Charles Mallory, founder of Delamar Hotel Collection.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our incredible teams, whose passion and commitment to genuine hospitality make every guest experience special. Having four hotels across Connecticut—including our newest hotel, Delamar Mystic—featured on this esteemed list is both humbling and inspiring,” he said, in a an email. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the thousands of readers who voted for us and continue to place their trust in Delamar. It motivates us to keep raising the bar for exceptional service and authentic, memorable stays.”

Also named as tops in Northeast hotels in the readers choice list are the Marcel in New Haven; The Mayflower Inn & Spa is in Litchfield County; and the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, Old Saybrook, according to Conde Nast.

In Mystic, Mallory has said it’s an “affordable luxury boutique hotel.” It has 31 rooms, including five suites and a two-bedroom cottage.

The hotel is filled with unique pieces that honor the nautical and ship building life of the area.

There are hardwood floors throughout, a chandelier in the lobby and lounge, glass sconces in the restaurant’s dining room and bar and interior millwork that Mallory has said, “in today’s world is unusual.”

He has said they want guests “to feel like they’re in a wealthy person’s house in the 19th century.”

“We’ve gone overboard to make it a special place,” Mallory has said. The Mystic hotel is located at 105 Greenmanville Ave.

Last year, Delamar partnered with “acclaimed” designer, Christian Siriano, for an “exciting venture” at the Delamar Westport Hotel.

Siriano will spearheaded “the interior design for three signature suites and the hotel’s lobby,” according to the company.

The 86-room hotel is “in the heart of Westport” at 1595 Post Road East, Connecticut, taking advantage of the area’s many shopping venues, arts community, coastline, and restaurants, according to the company.

The company said Siriano’s designs have been worn by today’s “biggest names” including Dr. Jill Biden, Michelle Obama, Angelina Jolie, Oprah, Zendaya, Ariana Grande, Julianne Moore, Lady Gaga, Tiffany Haddish, Billy Porter, Cardi B, Whoopi Goldberg, Julia Roberts, and Jennifer Coolidge, among others.

Delamar West Hartford, with the Artisan West Hartford restaurant, opened in 2017. Delamar Hotels also opened Delamar Traverse City in Michigan in 2021.

An 8,315-square-foot Southport office building with built-in rental income and convenient access to I-95, Route 1, and Metro-North is available through Choyce Peterson, offering a prime opportunity within Fairfield County’s commercial real estate market.

Southport, Connecticut, United States, October 16, 2025 -- Choyce Peterson, Inc, a leading commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm based in Norwalk, today announced it has been retained as the exclusive sales agent for 135 Rennell Drive, a premier Southport office building for sale located in the heart of Fairfield County’s Gold Coast.

The three-story property offers approximately 8,315 square feet and 30 parking spaces, including eight covered spaces. Designed with exceptional craftsmanship and flexibility, the building is ideal for an owner-user or investor seeking a Southport, CT investment property with immediate rental income from an existing second-floor tenant and additional leasing potential on the third floor.

“135 Rennell Drive offers a rare combination of sophistication, convenience, and community appeal,” said Scott Peterson, Vice President of Capital Markets at Choyce Peterson. “Opportunities to acquire a Southport office property of this caliber within walking distance of the train, local restaurants, and the waterfront are exceptionally limited.”

Located one block from I-95 and Metro-North’s Southport Station, the property provides immediate connectivity to Stamford, Norwalk, and New York City. Its location between Westport and Fairfield places it within one of Connecticut’s most desirable coastal corridors, surrounded by boutique retail, beaches, the Country Club of Fairfield, and the Delamar Hotel.

Beyond its location, 135 Rennell Drive distinguishes itself with high-quality finishes and residential-style warmth rarely found in commercial assets. Expansive windows deliver natural light throughout, and a flexible floor plan accommodates both collaborative work environments and private executive offices. The building’s elevator, covered parking, and modern infrastructure make it ready for immediate occupancy.

“We have seen increasing demand among executives and professional service firms looking to move operations closer to home without compromising image or access,” added Peterson. “This property fits that trend perfectly. It is professional yet welcoming and allows companies to tap into the Fairfield County talent pool while enjoying a truly local lifestyle.”

Charlene S. O’Connell, Vice President at Choyce Peterson, noted, “Southport continues to stand out as one of Fairfield County’s most sought-after office markets. 135 Rennell Drive represents a unique opportunity for both investors and owner-occupiers to secure a high-quality asset in a location that blends coastal charm with unmatched accessibility. Properties like this are rare, and we anticipate strong interest from a wide range of buyers.”

With Fairfield County continuing to attract businesses seeking suburban accessibility and coastal charm, Southport’s office market remains one of the region’s most resilient. Its mix of historic character and high-income demographics contributes to long-term value stability, making 135 Rennell Drive an appealing investment for private buyers and institutional owners alike.

For full property details, photos, and offering information, visit: https://choycepeterson.com/property/135-rennell-drive-southport-ct/

Property Highlights

About the company: Based in Norwalk, Connecticut, Choyce Peterson, Inc. is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm with 30 years of experience advising building owners, investors, landlords, and tenants throughout the Tri-State area. The firm leverages a combination of national market intelligence and deep local insight to deliver customized strategies that enhance real estate performance. From individual transactions to portfolio management, Choyce Peterson provides tenant representation, investment sales, and landlord representation services. Its senior leadership team and research professionals apply a client-focused, entrepreneurial approach that has supported organizations from emerging companies to Fortune 500 corporations. Known for strategic negotiation, creativity, and transparent communication, Choyce Peterson consistently aligns real estate decisions with each client’s broader business goals.

Contact Info: Name: Scott Peterson Vice President, Capital MarketsEmail: Send EmailOrganization: Choyce Peterson IncAddress: 383 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851Phone: (203) 356-9600Website: https://choycepeterson.com/

Release ID: 89172601

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