Residents Oppose Plan For Mel Gibson's Former Greenwich Estate

GREENWICH, CT — A plan that would affect four lots on Old Mill Road in the backcountry area of Greenwich, including a mansion once owned by actor Mel Gibson, drew some negative reactions from residents during a meeting this week.

The plan involves combining the four areas into one parcel and building 28 new condos across approximately 75 acres of land there, said Director Of Environmental Affairs Patricia Sesto.

The applicant, Cosette Property LLC, submitted the plan to the town's Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency last month. A public hearing was held Monday, where some residents expressed concerns about certain aspects of the plan.

"As expressed at the meeting, there was concern about the intensity of the development," Sesto said to Patch, "and its potential impact to the wetlands and watercourses."

According to the Greenwich Time, the meeting was attended by over 100 residents, most of whom opposed the "colossal" plan. One resident cited a large development "upstream" in town possibly having a negative impact on the water quality of residences "downstream" as a possible concern.

After receiving the application, Sesto wrote up a staff report citing issues she would like to draw the agency's attention to and would like Cosette to respond to.

Cosette will subsequently review comments from the IWWA, the town's engineering department and the public, then respond with any necessary modifications, Sesto said.

Sesto said she expects to receive new information from the applicant in early October, and the plan will be further discussed during a meeting that month.

Gibson's former mansion is located 124 Old Mill Road. A 2015 listing boasted features such as a pool, putting greens, a tennis court and a walk-in fireplace, in addition to 15 bedrooms and a six-stall horse stable.

Though noteworthy, Sesto said she does not think that aspect of the property has brought any extra attention to the plan.

"I think the history of the property and the fact that it was [owned by] an actor just allows the people to easily identify which it is," Sesto said, "but I don't think that impacts ownership in any way that I am aware of. I think it's just known."

Residents who wish to express any concerns regarding the plan are asked to email Sesto directly at tsesto@greenwichct.org.