A site plan application for a statue of George Herbert Walker Bush outside the Havemeyer Building on Greenwich Avenue has been submitted to Greenwich Planning & Zoning.
The applicant is the Town of Greenwich and First Selectman Camillo has spoken on behalf of the proposal, which he said would be funded by a donation from Scott Frantz.
Initially the proposal was presented to the Historic District Commission as an illuminated statue and water fountain in the triangular park outside the former post office building where an obelisk monument is dedicated to those from Greenwich who served in World War I “the World War,” saying it would “liven up the Avenue a little bit.”
First Selectman Fred Camillo shared the genesis of the idea for a fountain and statue in the memorial plaza outside the historic post office building on Greenwich Ave. Feb 12, 2025 Photo: Leslie Yager
But the Historic District Commission, who are advisory to the P&Z commission, balked at the original proposed location, and suggested moving it up the Avenue to a more suitable location.
On July 28 the Historic District Commission sent Mr. Camillo a letter saying they had voted unanimously on July 9 in favor of the location and design, with the condition that they review the statue’s look and design as well as the writing to go on the back of the monument before their final approval.
That July 9 meeting was also memorable for the uncomfortable confrontation between First Selectman Camillo and resident Sam Rosenfeld who questioned locating the statue of Bush amid monuments to residents to died in combat.
Mr. Camillo characterized an opinion piece Mr. Rosenfeld penned as misleading and offensive. Further, he said the letter was partisan and tainted, and that he had heard from veterans who were also offended.
Rosenfeld said his opinion piece expressing concerns about the location of the George HW Bush statue was being mischaracterized by Camillo. “I worked at GCDS and was a student there. I am very familiar with George HW Bush’s legacy. We were very proud of it and actually named the George Bush Center for Public Good after him,” Rosenfeld said, going on to question locating the statue of Bush amid monuments to residents to died in combat.
The HDC vote enabled Camillo to advance the application for site plan to the Planning & Zoning commission.
And though it does not rise to the level of Municipal Improvement, there will be opportunity for public comment when the application is on a P&Z agenda.
The application narrative submitted to P&Z refers to the proposed location as “Veteran’s Park / Board of Education Public Space Statue,” and says the purpose of the statute is to honor the former president, who was a Greenwich resident and war hero as well as, “Enhance the BOE public space with a respectful memorial element.”
The proposed location for the statute is between two other monuments, and would be 13 ft back from the sidewalk.
Renderings from site plan proposal for George HW Bush proposal submitted to Greenwich Planning & Zoning.
Rendering of proposed monument location, from site plan proposal for George HW Bush proposal submitted to Greenwich Planning & Zoning.
Rendering of Monument while viewing from walkway, included in site plan proposal for George HW Bush proposal submitted to Greenwich Planning & Zoning.
Rendering of Monument while walking north, included in site plan proposal for George HW Bush proposal submitted to Greenwich Planning & Zoning.
Renderings from site plan proposal for George HW Bush proposal submitted to Greenwich Planning & Zoning.
The statue itself would be approximately seven ft high, in addition to a 3 ft high base for a total height of 10′ 8″.
The statue would be bronze and develop a patina over time.
A circular seating wall would be granite, with a limestone monolith (5 ft wide and 7 ft 8″ high) framing the statute.
There would be a plaque on the granite backdrop that would include the name, years of birth and death, and a “brief note on service to our country.”
The application says the location was chosen to keep sightlines from pedestrians unobstructed but not impact sightlines for drivers.
The statue would be illuminated with 2700K led lamps mounted at the base of the statue.
The other monuments and statues on the Havemeyer property are not illuminated. At a July HDC meeting, Mr. Camillo said all the statues in the area should be illuminated at night if they aren’t already.
Funding for long term maintenance and care for the statue, including patina preservation (cleaning and occasional waxing) would come from a dedicated donor-provided fund to avoid unforeseen costs to the town. Also, community and veterans groups may also support upkeep.
The narrative mentions respect for historic character.
Greenwich Avenue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Havemeyer building is part of the Greenwich Avenue Historic District.
The narrative says, the “materials, scale and positioning chosen to blend seamlessly with Board of Education Public Space and Greenwich’s architectural heritage.” Also, that it would compliment the purpose of existing memorials in the public space, uniting community heritage and national service.”
Bolling monument on the lawn of the Havemeyer building. July 8, 2022 Photo: Leslie Yager
Vietnam, Korea and WWII monuments in front of the Havemeyer building at 290 Greenwich Ave. File photo
Meanwhile, there has been no update on next steps for the Havemeyer building’s future after a proposal to renovate and convert the Havemeyer Building into a 71-room boutique hotel, restaurant, and event space was panned by residents in June.
See also:
Rosenfeld: A Place of Honor, Not Displacement
July 7, 2025
July 11, 2025
Rosenfeld: First Selectman, You’re No George H.W. Bush
July 10, 2025