Top stories: Swansea restaurants closing doors, Brayton Point update, future of Fall River waterfront
It's official. 2022 has arrived.
But before we dive into the first week of the new year, let's take a moment to reflect on the week that's passed.
Just as we all bid a fond farewell to 2021, Swansea diners bid adieu to a popular hometown restaurant. After more than 30 years in business, Simply Simons closed its doors on Dec. 31.
Also among The Herald News' most-read stories, the former Brayton Point Power Station in Somerset expects significant investment at its site as a result of recent offshore wind project developments.
In other news, we take a look at the Fall River State Pier's past and its possible future, the owner of the iconic Venus de Milo says the clock has run out on take-out business, and a century-old waterfront home is this week's top-selling property.
In case you missed it, here are The Herald News’ top stories from last week, according to our readers.
So long, Simply Simons
Even during the height of the pandemic, Simply Simons’ loyal customers were showing up — some were even eating takeout meals in the parking lot or out in their cars, said owner Gary Simons. Now, the popular family eatery at 481 Wilbur Ave. will be transferred over to new ownership on Jan. 3, after Simons decided that it was “time to retire.” Read more about this here and see what's in store for the property.
Restaurant closes: Swansea's Simply Simons shutting doors after more than 30 years in business
Brayton Point to reap benefits of offshore wind
It’s no secret that Commercial Development Co. Inc. has been at odds with a number of Somerset residents during the past year and a half. But the recent announcement of two state power purchase agreements for two competing offshore wind farm companies and related investment projects have drawn positive reviews from both sides. See what's in store for the former Brayton Point Power Station here.
People said this was never gonna happen: Brayton Point to reap benefits of offshore wind
Real estate report
A huge, century-old home on a nearly two-acre waterfront lot in Swansea has sold for more than $1 million. The 4,460-square-foot single-family home, which dates back to 1923, has five bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, according to Realtor.com. The brick colonial has four fireplaces, offers commanding water views and features stairs in the backyard that lead to a sandy beach where the Cole River meets Mount Hope Bay. Check out our weekly list of property transfers to see what homes are selling for in your area.
Property transfers: Swansea home on the waterfront sells for $1.3 million
What's happening on the waterfront
The Fall River waterfront is poised for a renaissance with the multi-million Route 79/Davol Street Corridor Improvement state project underway, the revitalization of the City Pier and a host of private ventures along the Taunton River. But what of the underused Fall River State Pier at 1 Water St., with its more than 8 acres of prime waterfront property and its deep-water port? And how does it fit in with future debates about the redevelopment of the city’s waterfront? Read our story to find out.
Waterfront revitalization: A look at the Fall River State Pier past and future
Venus not reopening
Monte C. Ferris, the owner of Swansea's landmark Venus de Milo banquet facility and Empire Grille restaurant, announced sad news last year that he was closing down and trying to sell his 7.5-acre property and building. The business has continued to stay open for large-size, take-out food orders. Ferris expressed optimism earlier this year that his banquet business would be back in action before the close of 2021, but any hint of such optimism no longer exists. Ferris says he no longer can rely solely on take-out business and he wants to sell the property as soon as possible. Read here for more on this story and a look back at how the Venus got its start.
Venus for sale: Landmark Swansea banquet facility will not reopen
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Top stories for Fall River, Swansea, Somerset, Westport, Tiverton
