Connecticut
Darien’s Hay Island sells for $26.5 million, 3rd highest sale in Connecticut this year
Connected to mainland Darien by a vehicle causeway, Hay Island is just south of Great Island which was purchased in separate transactions in 2023 by the town of Darien and a private buyer. Both properties were owned by William Ziegler Sr., who generated his fortune through Royal Baking Powder Co., with the brand still sold today by Mondelez International.
Hay Island was Connecticut’s third largest residential sale on record this year as reported by Zillow, and the biggest outside of Greenwich. The property’s listing agent was Leslie McElwreath of Sotheby’s International Realty.
The $43.5 million transfer of 214 Clapboard Ridge Road in Greenwich remains the state’s high sale with less than six weeks to go in the calendar year. Including commercial properties, the $25.8 million sale of the Thorndal Circle office complex is Darien’s biggest real estate sale this year, with the property slated to be converted to apartments.
The Hay Island property at 157 and 161 Long Neck Point Road was originally listed for $35 million last March, with the price cut to $29.5 million after two months on the market. The town appraised the property at $25 million as of October 2024.
The main house at 161 Long Neck Point Road was built in 2010, with six bedrooms and nearly 8,700 square feet of space according to a town property card. A Cape Cod-style cottage at 157 Great Neck Road dates back to 1920 with two bedrooms and 2,300 square feet. A small pool house is also on the property.
Darien’s record residential sale is the Ziegler’s Farm section of Great Island, which sold in December 2023 for $57.5 million. The town’s $85 million purchase of a 60-acre portion of Great Island, now a public park, put the total parcel’s value at $142.5 million.
Includes prior reporting by Mollie Hersh, Andy Blye and Nathaniel Rosenberg.
Connecticut
Connecticut lawmakers go head-to-head in Fifth Annual CGA Kickball Classic
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Lawmakers put aside politics on Monday for a good cause, going head-to-head on the field.
Democrats took on Republicans in the Fifth Annual CGA Kickball Classic at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford. All ticket sales go towards charity, with this year’s recipient being United Way of Connecticut.
The Democrats won for the second year in a row, the Republicans had a three-year win streak previously.
“It’s great, especially because we’re coming into the real heat of the legislative session, so it’s a lot of fun to be out here,” State Rep. Jason Doucette (D) said. “We have a fun time with our friends across the aisle.”
“United Way is a great organization, a statewide organization, and all of our local United Ways,” Former House Minority Leader Themis Klarides (R) said. “Especially in this day and age, people need so much help just for their everyday activities and keeping their families going, so we’re just really proud to have them be our charity this year.”
Lawmakers on both sides encouraged Connecticut residents to support their local United Way organization however they can.
Connecticut
This CT city is one of the ‘Top 100 Best Places to Live in the US,’ according to Livability
Livability released its annual list of small to mid-sized cities throughout the nation where residents can “truly thrive,” according to its website. Livability analyzed more than 100 data points in eight essential categories to measure a city’s overall health and “fun factor.”
The Fairfield County city was named to the list for being “home to a charming downtown, excellent schools, an arts community” and its proximity to New York City.
Danbury ranked high for its health, safety and amenities such as dining variety and access to parks and museums. Livability highlighted places in the city such as Danbury Museum, Railway Museum, Danbury Music Centre, Ives Concert Park, The Palace Danbury, Aldrich Museum, Danbury Ice Arena, Thrillz Park, Tarrywile Park and the Danbury Fair Mall.
Some of Livability’s top reasons to move to Danbury include the city being a “commuter’s dream,” as it is 50 miles from New York City and an hour from Hartford. The website also stated that Danbury is “affordable” compared to other Connecticut cities, with a median home value of $417,303, an average household income of $91,100 and median monthly rent of $1,679.
Livability also described Danbury as a “regional powerhouse for retail and health care” and stated that it was “one of the most diverse cities in the country” for its culinary and cultural scenes.
Danbury previously was named to Livability’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” list in 2024 and 2025.
Connecticut
Person found dead in Hartford wooded area
A person was found dead on Westland Street in Hartford on Sunday, according to Hartford Police.
The person was found dead in a wooded area on Westland Street.
Police said there is no foul play suspected at this time.
The investigation is currently ongoing.
There is no other information at this time.
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