Joey Kaempfer is a 1965 graduate of Staples High School.
After working on commercial real estate projects around the world, he moved back to Westport. He lives near Saugatuck Shores, and drives through Saugatuck often. Joey writes:
I have watched and listened to the back and forth about our 143-year-old Cribari Bridge for some time. I have traveled across it in cars, bicycles and by foot on and off for nearly 70 years.
So, as a Westporter, I wish to offer a few thoughts.
First, I understand and completely concur with the idea of not curing the ills of an overcrowded I-95 by running giant trucks through the village.
Second, I have had the pleasure of living in antique houses, and in my business career rebuilding a number of old structures around the world. I do not find the Cribari either charming or pretty, except at Christmas time with its colored lights.
Yes, it’s old, but mere age isn’t really a meaningful reason to retain something that has outlasted its useful life. I say that as someone who is often nostalgic about older buildings, houses, and objects of beauty.
Mere age is not a reason to retain something that has outlived its useful life, says Joey Kaempfer.
I would like to see the bridge, or part of it, moved closer to town as a footbridge near the Library, or as an interesting replacement for the Kings Highway bridge near the medical park formerly known as Fort Apache.
We could then build a magnificent modern bridge in Cribari’s stead. It could be genuinely beautiful, perhaps designed by a remarkably talented architect. (Perhaps Jon Pickard of New Haven, the former head designer at the late Cesar Peilli’s office, or someone like Norman Foster in London, or another notable and brilliant designer.)
I would be delighted to pay the differential cost for this great design over yet another dull river crossing. Such a bridge could help lift up our wonderful town, by showing what startling design can do. I have found great design to be contagious.
One example of a modern bridge design. Joey Kaempfer notes, “Ours would be smaller and more delicate. But great design can lift the spirits of those who see and travel across it.”
The replacement bridge could be slightly wider; be more graciously proportioned; have a simple, modern mechanism to allow taller boats to pass, and still not be designed to allow large, noisy trucks trying to avoid I-95 congestion.
I see this as an opportunity for Westport to keep some history, while creating something accretive to the beauty and charm of our town.
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyperlocal blog, please click here.)
Tonight’s main event — a public meeting about next steps for the Cribari Bridge, with representatives of the state Department of Transportation — begins at 6 p.m., in the Town Hall auditorium.
Can’t be there? It will be livestreamed at www.westportct.gov, and aired on Optimum channel 79.
The Cribari Bridge leads from Saugatuck (above) to Greens Farms. (Photo/John Videler for VidelerPhotography.com)
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Meanwhile, Saturday’s main event will be the state high school basketball championship.
The Staples boys team — already 2-time FCIAC champions — competes for their first Connecticut crown since 1937.
Tip-off is 8:30 p.m., at Mohegan Sun.
Sure, it’s late — and at the other end of the state. But it’s been nearly a century since Westporters have been able to cheer the Wreckers on in a state boys basketball final.
Go Wreckers! And go Westporters — see you Saturday night at Mohegan Sun!
The Staples boys basketball team. (Photo/Diane Lowman)
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Looking ahead: The theme for the Memorial Day parade float contest has been announced.
And — looking back — it’s a great one: “250 Years of Honor and Service.
Certificates will be awarded in 6 categories: Best Development of Theme, Best Youth Organization Float, Most Creative, Best Community Organization, Most Colorful, and Best Overall Float.
Of course, we already know the winner in the Overall category.
It’s the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
After all, they’ve won for the last 250 years.
Another Y’s Men Memorial Day parade float winner. This one won in 2021. (Photo/Dan Woog)
In their continuing effort to UnPlastic Westport, Sustainable Westport will show “Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics.” The documentary explores the alarming spread of microplastics throughout our planet — and our bodies.
The event — following a sold-out showing at SXSW — is April 9 (6:30 p.m., Greens Farms Academy). A panel discussion will follow the screening.
Westport Professionals Network co-founders Lisa Fedorchak and Katie Gervasio, analyzed the current job market, at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting.
The WPN connects local college students and young professionals with job and networking opportunities. Volunteers offer mentorship and advice, in person and online.
“Right now, this is a tough time,” said Fedorchak. “The young professional unemployment rate is 10.5%.”
Lisa Fedorchak (speaking) and Katie Gervasio, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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Westport resident Vivek Kanthan wants to end the drought of Americans ascending to the top of Formula 1.
“06880” last checked in just over a year ago, when he signed with the Formula 4 team Griffin Core by Campos — the top-ranked team in that division.
Since then, Kanthan won his first F4 race, captured Rookie of the Year honors, and set several records, including the single lap speed mark in Mexico City.
Last weekend, the 15-year-old placed 1st at the Spanish Winter Championship.
Entering his second F4 season, Kanthan invites “06880” readers to follow him on Instagram, and via his website. To support his journey financially — and receive perks like behind-the-scenes access at races — email Parag Shah: pyshah@beargoose.com.
For more than 4 decades, The Susan Fund has provided college scholarships to Fairfield Country residents who have been diagnosed with cancer at some time in their life, and attend (or plan to) enroll in an institution of higher learning.
The Fund was established in 1980 in memory of her Susan Lloyd, a Staples High School graduate who lost her battle with cancer. Since its founding, the organization has provided over $2 million in scholarships to more than 300 students.
The deadline is near — April 1 — for applications for the 2026 school year. To apply or to learn more about the Susan Fund, click here.
On May 2, the Nolan Team at Compass is sponsoring a town-wide tag sale. It will likely be Westport’s biggest ever.
Residents can participate by hosting a sale at their own home.
It’s a great way to get plenty of publicity. The Nolan Team handles all promotion (including a sign for your lawn or driveway). Your address will be included on a map, and all publicity.
Shoppers can plan their own route, and visit multiple sales all day.
To participate, and for more information, click here.
300 years of passageways in Weston is the topic of an April 19 book talk at the Weston History & Culture Center.
Artist Julie O’Connor will discuss her 2008 book, “Doors of Weston.”
The lecture is free, but registration is required. Click here.
doors are accessible “portals” to understanding the evolution of Weston and its people over the last three centuries, as we celebrate America and Weston since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Center says, “doors are accessible ‘portals’ to understanding the evolution of Weston and its people over the last 3 centuries, as we celebrate America and Weston since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between March 11 and 17.
A 44-year-old Woodside, New York man was charged with 2 counts of larceny, following 2 shoplifting incidents at Walgreens. Both involved allergy medications. One was of $2,659 worth of merchandise; the other was $1,964. He was extradited after being incarcerated for an unrelated matter in New York.He was held on a $40,000 bond.
A 50-year-old Redding man was charged with sexual assault, after a complaint by a restaurant employee that a customer had used his hand to pinch the victim’s buttocks.
A 44-year-old Plymouth, Massachusetts man was charged with failure to appear. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 9 citations
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 6
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
Failure to obey stop sign: 5
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to renew registration: 4
Failure to obey traffic commission regulations: 4
Distracted driving: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 2
What will the Westport Transit District do After their poetry contests have done limericks and haiku?
And don’t forget, they did acrostics
So what is next, in their bag of tricks?
Double dactyls!
This year, Wheels2U — the WTD’s on-demand, group ride, door-to-door service — challenges residents with an 8-line poetic form.
The 4th annual Poetry Contest offers a creative way for people who live or work in Westport to highlight the ease and benefits of the ride-sharing service.
Seven winners will receive gift certificates to their choice of Westport restaurants. The grand prize is $100.
Double dactyl is a rhythmic, humorous poetic form consisting of 2 stanzas of 4 lines each.
Meter: The first 3 lines of each stanza must follow a DUM-da-da DUM-da-da rhythm. The 4th line of each stanza follows a DUM-da-da DUM rhythm.
Rhyme: The last line of the 1st stanza must rhyme with the last line of the second stanza.
Opening: The first line is often a nonsense phrase such as “Higgeldy piggeldy” or “Jiggery pokery”.
Bonuses: Use “Wheels2U” in the poem; additional bonus if one line in the poem is a single six-syllable word.
Here’s one example:
Higgeldy Piggeldy Wheels2U Westport is Ditching the parking lot Drama and stress.
Unprecedentently Simple to book a ride, Join the community’s Transit success.
Wheels2U, at the Westport train station.
And another:
Jiggery Pokery Dine at a restaurant Don’t want to drive after Having a drink.
Extraordinarily Safe and reliable, Home in a jiffy No need to think.
Karina Betfarhad, Westport Transit District co-director, says, “This contest is a fun way for the community to engage with public transit. We see Wheels2U used by commuters, seniors, families and students every weekday. Poetry captures those moments, while reminding people how easy it is to leave the car at home.”
Jiggery Pokery Teenagers needing a Lift to the Library Or to a field.
Indispensability Parents can finally Sit on the sofa and Legally yield.
In addition to the $100 girt certificate for 1st place, 2 2nd-place winners will receive $50 gift certificates. Four 3rd-place finishers will each get $25 certificates.
Email your poems to wtd.pgold@gmail.com by April 7. Use the subject line “Double Dactyl Contest,” and include your name, address and email. Westport residents and those who visit or work in Westport may enter as often as they like.
Winners will be chosen by Peter Gold and Karina Betfarhad, WTD co-directors, in their sole discretion, with the assistance of librarians and English teachers in the Westport Public Schools.
All entries become the property of the Westport Transit District. Entrants give the WTD permission to use their entries without compensation to promote the operations of the Westport Transit District and Wheels2U Westport, including advertising poster at the Westport and Greens Farms train stations and marketing emails.
Jibberty Jabberty Uber is pricey and Taxis are ancient and Hard to procure.
Economical Wheels2U’s cheaper, and Transit efficiency’s Hard to ignore.
Need background information?
Wheels2U provides door-to-platform shuttle service to the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations, plus midday service to the train stations, Library, Senior Center and downtown. Rides can be requested using the Wheels2U app.
Fares: $2 via the Wheels2U app.
Hours: Weekdays (commuter): 5:30 to 10:30 a.m.; 4-9:03 p.m.
Midday: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
To learn more about Wheels2U, click here. For more about Westport Transit District’s services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here
Werner Liepolt and Robbie Guimond live a few hundred yards apart. They are separated by the Saugatuck River — and by what to do about the Cribari Bridge, which links their 2 neighborhoods.
Today, both offer their views on the future of the 143-year-old span.
Werner Liepolt lives in the Bridge Street Historic District. He writes:
I have worked with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) on the Cribari Bridge project since 2016.
Not against them — with them.
So have several other Westport residents. Many of us served on the Project Advisory Committee as consulting parties recognized by the Federal Highway Administration, representing different groups in town.
I live in the Bridge Street National Register Historic District, which the Westport Historic District Commission and the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office nominated for National Register status in 2017.
1884 Rufus Wakeman House, in the Bridge Street Historic District.
I am not sorry that we worked with CTDOT.
But I am sorry that CTDOT has not worked more closely with the community on one central concern: truck traffic.
Throughout the PAC meetings, consulting parties repeatedly asked a simple question: If the Cribari Bridge is rebuilt or altered, how will the project prevent the residential neighborhoods of Bridge Street, Imperial Avenue, Greens Farms Road, South Compo Road, and Saugatuck Ave nue from becoming a bypass route for trucks avoiding I-95 congestion?
To date, none of the project alternatives presented by CTDOT address that question.
The 143-year-old Cribari Bridge is not wide or high enough to handle large trucks. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
The Environmental Assessment prepared for the project runs more than 160 pages, with hundreds more pages of appendices. Yet the analysis largely assumes that changes in bridge height, width, and weight capacity will not significantly alter traffic patterns.
Many residents believe that assumption deserves closer examination, and that CTDOT needs a No Trucks option.
The Cribari Bridge sits within a federally recognized historic district. Under federal law, projects affecting historic districts must consider not only direct impacts to structures, but also long-term, indirect and cumulative effects on the district’s setting and circulation patterns.
Changes that could alter traffic composition — including the potential for heavier vehicles — are part of that evaluation.
In my petition, now signed by over 1,400 people, I asked for something simple: open hearings before decisions are made, and federal oversight to ensure that the protections applied to historic districts are properly followed.
That request still stands.
The upcoming CTDOT meeting on March 19 (6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) is an opportunity for residents to ask the questions that have not yet been fully addressed.
One of those questions is straightforward: Should Bridge Street and the surrounding historic district become a route for heavy truck traffic — or should Westport insist on solutions that prevent it?
Whatever one’s answer, the question deserves to be asked — and answered — before decisions about the bridge are finalized.
Robbie Guimond lives on Riverside Avenue, where he owns a marina. He writes:
After 4 decades at the marina, it’s obvious I value public access to the Saugatuck River, The potential loss of the Cribari Bridge weighs heavily on me.
Over the last 10 years I’ve been deeply involved with this process. It has highlighted various perspectives that deserve investigation.
More traffic analysis is one. I believe the Connecticut Department of Transportation has approached these options from as neutral a perspective as possible.
Even with their past “adaptive reuse” and the less than perfect results, I feel they are looking for the best outcome for the town.
One view underneath the Cribari Bridge (Pier 2) …
After reviewing the Environmental Assessment and literally hundreds of public blog comments, it is clear that losing the historic bridge is unpalatable to the many who are vocal.
However, it is also evident that CTDOT intends to take action.
From my perspective, there are 2 paths forward:
1. No Build. This means the repair of pier 2, along with minor repairs to the truss and other needed areas.
Yes, the electric box will go, but the different heights of the horizontal truss members might have a posted height of around 13′ 4″.
I believe one is sagging to 13′ 7″-ish, thus preventing tall tractor trailer trucks while still allowing our Fire Departments ladder trucks. This option also avoids a temporary span in The Bridge restaurant’s lot, and extends the span’s life by approximately 15 to 25 years with minimal disruption beyond some channel closures.
2. Full Replacement: If CTDOT deems the first option out of the question, a full replacement is the only other reasonable alternative. The current bridge has already undergone many modifications, and further aggressive changes will only diminish what remains of its character and lead to a 13′ 6″ marked height.
… and another (the pedestal the span swings on). (Photos/Robbie Guimond)
While the pros and cons of a full replacement are debatable, one point is non-negotiable: The town administration, with its Representative Town Meeting- suggested Bridge Committee must maintain strict control over every detail of the design — including location, height, air gap, crosswalk improvements at Wilton Road, and Compo Road South’s desperately needed left turn signal — as this new structure will likely stand for the next century.
I am hopeful that either option can lead to a successful outcome, I guess time will tell.
I nominate Vanessa Hurta for the 06880 “Unsung Hero” award.
Vanessa is director of clinical services at the Aspetuck Health District. While a lot of her work happens behind the scenes, she made a huge difference for my husband and me recently.
We’re preparing for a trip to Africa, which involves a lot of health logistics.
Vanessa did not just hand us a standard checklist of shots and send us on our way. She sat with us, and patiently walked us through every vaccination and medication we might need.
What really blew us away was her thoroughness. She actually reached out to our own doctors to make sure nothing she was recommending would conflict with our personal medical histories. That kind of proactive coordination saved us so much stress, and made us feel genuinely looked after.
It is easy to forget what a resource we have at 180 Bayberry Lane. Beyond travel health, Vanessa leads a team that handles everything from routine screenings to free blood pressure checks.
Vanessa Hurta, inspecting a tick.
Their public health nurse, Rhea Britt, even goes out to vaccinate homebound neighbors who cannot make it into the office.
The Aspetuck Health District is also the ones tracking local disease trends, and handling those urgent tick identifications that everyone in Westport worries about this time of year. (Reminder to neighbors: If you find a deer tick, they can help get the info you need for Lyme prophylaxis within that 72-hour window).
Whether she’s giving a community talk on tick safety or personally reconciling a traveler’s medications, Vanessa’s dedication is obvious. She is exactly the kind of person who keeps this town running smoothly, without ever asking for a spotlight. I would love to see her get the recognition she deserves.
She’s got it! Thanks, Susan — and congratulations, Vanessa. Whether they realize how you’ve helped them or not, the entire “06880” thanks you.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
With temperatures in the 20s this morning, few people were thinking about the beach.
Except for non-residents hoping to buy one of the 450 beach stickers available to anyone living outside of Westport and Weston.
They went on sale at 9 a.m. today. By 7:15, a small crowd had already formed outside the Parks & Recreation Department office at Longshore.
(Photo/Carm Roda)
Sales to Westport and Weston residents — with no limit — begin tomorrow (Thursday), at 9 a.m. Click here for fees.
If you bought emblems or registered for programs in previous seasons, your online account is already set up. Click here to log in. Then select “Memberships,” and follow the prompts.
If you have not bought emblems or registered for programs previously, click here. Then click the “Purchase Now” icon on the right.
Emblems will be mailed in 14-21 days. They are not required until May 1.
The Board of Finance’s next “office hours” — open times at which residents can chat with a member about questions or concerns — are tomorrow (Thursday).
There are 2 sessions — 10 to 11 a.m., and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — at the Westport Library’s Room 213.
Last month’s office hours drew a diverse crowd — including 2 Staples High School students, doing a civics project.
“We had very productive conversations,” says BOF member Allyson Stollenwerck.
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Also tomorrow: Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas continues the “Your State, Your Business” speaker series.
She’ll speak at the Westport Library (Thursday, 11 a.m.). Thomas will describe her wide-ranging job, followed by a discussion and Q-and-A.
The 3-part series — sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — kicked off with state comptroller Sean Scanlon. It concludes April 2, with Attorney General William Tong.
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas
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A reader writes: “I attended Coleytown Elementary School during the 1976 bicentennial year. We buried time capsules there, but I don’t know exactly where (I recall a ceremony by a flagpole in front of the school).
“I’m guessing they’re still buried. I reached out to the school, and am waiting to hear back.
“It would be interesting to see these time capsules opened and shared, if at all feasible.”
So, “06880” has 2 thoughts:
Does anyone remember the Coleytown El time capsules — specifically, where they were buried?
How about any other time capsules in town?
The 250th anniversary of our nation seems like a good time to unearth them.
If you have any ideas, now is the “time” to share them. Please click “Comments” below.
Coleytown Elementary School. Is there a time capsule there?
The Staples High School girls basketball fell 5 points short of the state championship game last night.
The #3-seeded Wreckers fell 67-62 to #10 Bristol Central, at Bethel High.
Staples finishes 23-4. Two of those losses were to Greenwich, including the FCIAC championship.
Staples coach Tommy Sparks told The Ruden Report, “We’re obviously proud of the fight. We were down a few times in the game where it looked like it could have been over, but the girls continued to execute, the girls continued to defend. It was a pleasure just to watch the resilience and the growth from these girls throughout the season. Obviously, it was a special season for us.” Click here for the full Ruden Report story (paywall).
On Monday, the Wrecker boys basketball team advanced to their final. Ranked first in Division I, they’ll seek their first state crown since 1937 this Saturday, 8:30 p.m. at Mohegan Sun, against #2 West Haven.
Staples 2026 girls basketball team.
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MoCA\CT’s celebration of “Art, Jazz + the Blues” — the title of their current exhibition — continues with a “community conversation” March 26 (5:30 p.m.).
Exhibit co-curator Ive Covaci leads a panel of noted musicians, artists, educators and scholars in an exploration of how jazz and blues continue to inspire creativity across art forms — and within our own community.
Panelists include: Brian Torff (bassist, composer and Fairfield University music professor; Dr. Richard Epstein (vice president, Jazz Society of Fairfield County and longtime WPKN host); Kevin Mazzarella (Staples High School band director and trumpeter), and Caitlin von Schmidt (musician, graphic designer, and daughter of artist Eric von Schmidt, whose works are the foundation of the “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibition.
Three generations of Westport Pardons — former Fordham University Gaelic Society president Ed, son Chris and grandson Conor — enjoyed yesterday’s parade in New York.
And we’re sure Conor’s teacher will “pardon” him for taking an afternoon off to salute his heritage!
Staples High School Class of 1994 graduate Lisa Bastoni was featured at First Folk Sunday in 2024. She returns October 4.
In the meantime, she’s written “There Are No Kings in America.” Suzanne Sheridan — founder of First Folk Sunday — will perform Lisa’s song at the “No Kings” rally on Jesup Green (March 28). Suzanne Sheridan at the NO KINGS Rally at Jesup Green on Saturday March 28.
PS: Creativity runs in Lisa’s family. She’s the granddaughter of noted Westport artists Walter and Naiad Einsel.
Faherty honors World Down Syndrome Day this Saturday (March 21) with a special Sweet P Bakery pop-up event.
From noon to 2 p.m. at the Main Street store, Sweet P founder Andrea Pecoriello and baker Charlie Biondo will serve some of their favorite goods, for purchase.
The bakery’s mission is to provide training and employment for adults with disabilities.
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Westporters know Frank Murgalo as “Santa Claus” at our annual Holiday Stroll (Shhhh … don’t tell the kids!)
He’s also a Marine Corps veteran, who donates time and energy to many excellent causes.
Now — at 82 — he’s written a memoir.
“My Mid-Life Crisis at 82: A Life of Mischief, Mayhem and Making It Work…” chronicles his wild, adventurous life. He’s been an auditor, fishmonger, actor and stand-up comedian. He writes about stopping Super Bowl XVII, being tackled by the FBI, and outwitting the State Department — all with an inspiring message of resilience, risk and laughter.
On April 7 (2:45 p.m.), Frank gives a book talk at the Senior Center. It’s free, but register for a seat: 203-341-5099.
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On Sunday business owners, building managers and tenants of Riverside Corners Westport gathered at Arezzo Ristorante to honor the life of Alon Panovka.
The longtime building owner and supporter of the arts died recently.
Although Alon lived in Atlanta, he spent significant time in the area. In addition to the property at Post Road West and Riverside Avenue, he owned the former post office building on Post Road East, which he redeveloped.
Known by many tenants for his thoughtful stewardship and quiet generosity, Alon also helped launch The Norwalk Art Space, which offers free art and music education to underserved youth.
Alon Panovka gathering, at Arezzo. (Hat tip and photo/Ken Warren)
Longtime Westport resident Dominick Boccanfuso died Saturday. He was 86.
The New York native moved here with his family in 1949. A proud Merchant Marine officer, Dominick was licensed to pilot vessels up to 100 gross tons. He had a lifelong passion for boating and fishing, and shared that love with family and friends.
An entrepreneur from a young age, Dominick began his career at 18, opening his first gas station with his brothers, Giuseppe Jr. and Crescienzo.
Their drive extended beyond business, ultimately leading them to build one of the fastest race cars in its class. Dominick led this effort, designing and rebuilding the car’s power plant each week to ensure it consistently ran down the track with fresh power — a testament to his ambition and mechanical skill.
In 1970 Dominick and his brothers founded Boccanfuso Bros., which quickly became a staple in the Westport community. It reflected their honesty, fairness, dedication, work ethic and strong family values.
Dominick was deeply committed to giving back. For over a decade, he sponsored Westport boys and girls Little League baseball teams. He served as a volunteer firefighter from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, and was a dedicated usher at Assumption Church during holidays. He and his nephew Giuseppe also supported the Swim Across the Sound cancer benefit by escorting participants on their boat.
Beginning in 1982, Dominick spent winters in Hallandale, Florida, with his mother Anna, participating in fundraising efforts at St. Matthew’s Church. He continued this tradition until 2006, following her passing.
He is survived by Giuseppe A. Boccanfuso III, Zhanna Boccanfuso, Giuseppe A. Boccanfuso IV, Victoria I. Boccanfuso, and Valerie I. Boccanfuso; his sister Sophia Freitag; nieces Mary, Anna, Angel, Ann Marie, Jo-Anne, Roselyn, Annie, Pamela Jo, Anna Maria, and their spouses; nephews Giuseppe D. and Crescienzo J., Billy and Joseph Oboy, Vincent and Joseph DiMeglio, and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Giuseppe Jr. and Crescienzo, and sisters Carmela B. Oboy and Mary DiMeglio.
Visitation will be held this Friday (March 20, 4-8 p.m. Harding Funeral Home). Funeral services will take place Saturday (March 21, 9 a.m., Assumption Church), followed by interment at Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
A historic meeting last Sunday addressed a concern among many residents: that when state Department of Transportation officials hold a public meeting tomorrow (Thursday, 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; click here for the livestream), they’ll hear such a wide variety of opinions about the future of the 143-year-old span, that they’ll just plow ahead with their “preferred alternative”: a structure high and wide enough to handle tractor-trailers that may use it whenever traffic on nearby I-95 is jammed.
But members of all 4 — representing interests on both sides of the Saugatuck River — gathered at Kneads, a few yards from the bridge.
Part of Sunday’s meeting at Kneads.
Their goal was to present a united front at tomorrow’s session.
They agreed on 3 main ideas:
Traffic — including safety, congestion and pollution — is the primary concern.
The bridge’s history must be considered.
The bridge’s “viewscape” is important.
All 4 organizations then agreed to support “adaptive rehabilitation” of the Cribari Bridge.
That means widening the bridge, making vehicular traffic safer, adding bike lanes and making the pedestrian walkway more safe; rehabilitating (not replacing) the existing truss; repairing and strengthening piers and buttresses, using preservation methods; and weatherproofing and waterproofing the mechanical elements that open when vessels pass underneath.
Cribari Bridge (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)
“Adaptive rehabilitation” does not include raising the bridge’s height. The goal is to keep large trucks off it — and off the narrow streets of Saugatuck, and residential Greens Farms Road too. (A full explanation of the “adaptive rehabilitation” plan for the Cribari Bridge appears at the end of this story.)
The Westport Preservation Alliance’s Morley Boyd calls this “a hybrid approach” to rehabilitation. “It retains and respects the character and defining features” of the bridge, and addresses structural concerns, while also respecting the need to keep enormous vehicles off narrow, already clogged roads.”
The 4 organizations have rallied public support before. Save Westport Now has been a political party for over 40 years. The Westport Alliance for Saugatuck sparked opposition to the proposed Hamlet development last year. The Greens Farms Association helped broker a land-use agreement when Westport’s first office complex was developed at Nyala Farm, in the 1980s.
This time, they’re galvanizing support through social media, flyers and lawn signs.
The 4 groups’ flyer. A similar one is headlined “Save Greens Farms From Semis!”
The 4 groups say that “adaptive rehabilitation” is not a novel concept. It’s been done before in Connecticut and elsewhere.
When the DOT rehabilitated the East Haddam Swing Bridge over the Connecticut River, they did not raise it, Boyd says. Instead, they created watertight containers for the mechanics.
Adaptive rehabilitation is also consistent with work done on other National
Register bridges in Connecticut, including the 1842 Bull’s Bridge in Kent and the 1864 West Cornwall Bridge in Cornwall.
The Checkered House Bridge, carrying busy Route 2 traffic over the Winooski River in Richmond, Vermont, is another example of adaptive rehabilitation. After completion in 2013, it won an engineering award. Like the Cribari Bridge, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Checkered House Bridge, Richmond, Vermont.
“We’re 4 different groups, but we came together because this is the moment,” says Greens Farms Association president Art Schoeller.
“There was not a lot of debate or discussion. We understand the need to activate people around a simple message. And we all want as many people to show up on Thursday as possible.”
Information on the Cribari Bridge — including a comprehensive history, engineering details and a list of resources — is available on the Westport Preservation Alliance website.
Save Westport Now offers these details on the the “adaptive rehabilitation” plan. It proposes that:
√ The existing Pratt-through-truss system be widened by splitting the swing spans longitudinally, thus allowing for wider travel lanes and the addition of dedicated bike lane(s) and safer pedestrian walkways.
√ The existing standard-issue guard rail scheme be replaced with a narrow section crash rail system, which is a DOT-compliant retrofit system especially well-suited for use on historic bridges.
√ The new spans be infilled with period appropriate material as necessary.
√ The historic clearance height not be altered in order to shield Saugatuck and the adjoining Bridge Street National Register District from the damaging effects of heavy truck traffic
√ The previously identified pier two support system deficiencies, etc. be addressed, while still ensuring that any reconstructed/replaced elements are consistent with published National Park Service standards for the treatment of historic resources.
√ Any alterations or modifications to the bridge’s present support system be consistent with the current span’s historic scale and nature;
√ All temporary steel cladding be carefully removed from the bridge’s pin-connected through trusses (where vehicle strikes have occurred), and the underlying impact damage repaired as appropriate.
√ After widening and repairing the truss system as detailed above, the entire span be prepped and recoated to match the current color scheme.
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