A few times a year, a few lucky folks get to share a private Saturday morning of movement, breakfast, conversation and community, on a rooftop overlooking the Saugatuck River.
Jennifer Ruspini’s Above Saugatuck offers a chance to “step away from the noise. Say hello to the neighbor you have not had time to meet. Move gently. Enjoy the morning without pressure, a sales pitch, or a crowded room.”
Jennifer’s rooftop event, in Saugatuck.
The most recent one was scheduled for this past Saturday morning. A dozen or so people were ready.
But the weather forecast seemed too cold for the rooftop.
She headed to Dandelion, the popular restaurant in the Delamar Westport hotel.
The manager knows Jennifer. “Your community got a nice writeup in ‘06880!'” she noted.
“That’s what I need to talk to you about,” Jennifer said.
Within minutes, Dandelion had agreed to host the event indoors.
And the room, coffee, pastries — all were complimentary.
From dining room to yoga, at Dandelion.
“They loved the idea of having something like Above Saugatuck in Westport,” Jennifer says — even if it as the opposite end of town.
“This is what a community gathering is all about: People coming together and helping each other,” Jennifer says.
Kudos to her, for creating such an interesting, unique space.
And a big shout-out to Dandelion and the Delamar for helping out, when Jennifer and her guests had to come in from the cold.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
Yesterday, the Westport Police Department responded to multiple reports of mail stolen overnight from mailboxes, and discarded in several neighborhoods.
Areas include Hillspoint Road, Prospect Road, Greens Farms Road and Compo Beach area.
Police suspect that thieves were seeking items of value and checks, credit cards, etc.
Residents can help reduce opportunities for theft by:
Retrieving mail and packages as soon as possible after delivery.
Arranging for a trusted neighbor to collect deliveries when away from home.
Using secure delivery locations, parcel lockers or signature confirmation when available.
Signing up for delivery notifications, and tracking expected packages.
Hand delivering any outgoing mail containing checks or sensitive information directly to a post office facility.
Arranging for a mail hold when traveling.
Installing security cameras or video doorbells to help monitor delivery areas.
Reporting suspicious activity around mailboxes, mailrooms, and residential properties.
If you believe your mail or a package has been stolen, report the incident and provide tracking information, delivery confirmations, photographs or video footage.
Residents should also notify the delivery carrier or postal service and contact the sender or retailer regarding missing shipments.
Anyone with information about these incidents should call the WPD: 203-341-6000.
Discarded mail after thefts, in the Compo Beach neighborhood.
PARKS & REC WINTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION BEGINS
Registration has begun, for Parks & Recreation Department winter programs.
They include:
Ice skating: Parent and Tot, Tot Basic, Intro to Figure Skating, and Inclusive Skating.
Winter tennis: Indoor offerings at Sylvan Tennis Club.
Pickleball: Indoor play at Northeast Athletic Center.
Aquatics: Westport Swim Club, water polo and lifeguarding classes.
A water polo clinicover the Thanksgiving holiday, led by Barcelona International Water Polo Academy, focuses on skill development and tactical training.
A new beginner fencing program for ages 10–14 launches in January.
For program details, registration, fees and other information, click here. Questions? Call 203-341-5152.
WAKEMAN, PJ ROMANO LIGHTS: CLARIFICATION
Yesterday, “06880” reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-1 on Tuesday to allow lights on Wakeman and PJ Romano Fields.
Two clarifications: commissioner Craig Schiavone asked the Parks & Recreation Commission to ensure that games are not played on nights that there are other student or parent activities planned at Saugatuck Elementary School — not Staples, as originally reported — to cut down on traffic, and ensure adequate parking.
It should be noted too that lights will be allowed Mondays through Saturdays only. There will be no lights on Sundays.
Restrictions on the use of lights at PJ Romano Field, behind Saugatuck Elementary School, will help alleviate traffic concerns. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
voter guide to 2026 election: be ballot smart!
Voting is underway. On the ballot: Candidates for governor, Congress, and the Connecticut General Assembly.
Don’t dog it! Check out CT Mirror’s Voter Guide. (Photo/Jo Shields)
Speaking of the election: on Monday, the League of Women Voters Westport hosted a debate with 4th District congressional candidates Jim Himes, Michael Goldstein and Ben Wesley, at the Westport Library.
Click here or below to watch. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
positive directions: $125K to PREVENT UNDERAGE DRINKING AND DRUGS
Positive Directions – The Center for Prevention & Counseling has been awarded a 5-year grant of $125,000. The funds, from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, will expand efforts to prevent underage alcohol and cannabis use in Westport.
The grant builds on a collaboration between Positive Directions, Westport’s Human Services and Police Departments, the Aspetuck Health District, Westport Public Schools, parents and guardians, youth, and other community partners.
The grant will fund a full-time prevention coordinator and youth peer advocate at Positive Directions. It will also support expanded youth leadership opportunities, parent and caregiver education, community awareness efforts, substance-free teen activities, and enhanced prevention strategies.
robo wreckers reach out
This spring, the Staples High School Robotics Club team won the RAINS Drone Competition. as All-Around Champions.
This year, they’re spreading their robotic wings. They’ll compete in Aerial Drone and SeaPerch.
The “Robo Wreckers” are giving back too. Club members are writing an open-source drone curriculum for other Connecticut schools. They hope to get drone kits into schools that can’t afford them.
To make it all happen, they’ve started a GoFundMe. Donations will go toward competition fees, drone kits, parts, travel and more. Click here to help.
Staples Robotics Club
SHERRY JAGERSON’S SUSTAINABLE FOUNTAIN
The new water refill station at Winslow Park has an even newer name.
On Sunday, Sustainable Westport dedicated its contribution to conservation in memory of Sherry Jagerson.
Family, friends and neighbors celebrated the longtime environmental activist.
Earth Animal joined Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department as partners. The many dogs on hand enjoyed natural dog treats, and a basket of earth-friendly toys and accessories.
The Winslow Park refill station is part of UnPlastic Westport, Sustainable Westport’s community-wide effort to reduce single-use plastic. More stations are planned around town. To help fund the next one, click here.
Fill ‘er up!
GOOD VIBEZ FOR GIRLS
Good Vibez is a great idea.
Two Westport moms organize retreats for girls ages 11–15. They build healthy habits, boost confidence, and learn practical tools to help them feel their best, while having fun.
Each retreat is led by a team of professionals. Activities include yoga, mindfulness and meditation, healthy cooking lessons. art projects, group discussions and opportunities for reflection and connection.
The goal is to create a warm, uplifting environment where girls can unplug, recharge, and leave feeling more confident and grounded.
The “Career Coach” returns to the Westport Library parking lot tomorrow (Thursday, October 22), for a session on “Job Seeker Strategies for the Digital Age.”
Future sessions include “Excel II” (November 19) and “Intro to PowerPoint” (December 17).
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
HALLOWEEN ON HILLANDALE
Today’s spooky Halloween decorating scene comes from the free library at the Hillandale Road/Morningside Drive South corner:
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
OBITUARY: BERNIE ORENSTEIN
Noted television comedy writer and producer, and longtime Westport and Weston resident, Bernie Orenstein died September 14. He was 95.
Throughout his 40-year career he collaborated with stars like Joan Rivers, Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Dick Van Dyke, Marlo Thomas, Redd Foxx and Bing Crosby.
With creative partner Saul Turteltaub he wrote and produced classics including “That Girl,” “The New Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Cosby,” “What’s Happening!!” and
“Sanford and Son.”
Bernie was also a generous mentor and educator, inspiring a new generation of writers and producers through LIU Brooklyn’s TV Writers Studio MFA program.
He is survived by beloved wife Barbara Rhoades Orenstein; children Lisa, Barbara, Jenny and Alec; 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
For an obituary in the Hollywood Reporter, click here.
Bernie Orenstein
“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE day
“Egrets” — the 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Babette Bloch — enhances Canal Park every day.
These days, it too is enhanced — by the trees and plants that surround it. John Maloney’s autumnal shot is a golden addition to our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.
(You don’t need to take an airplane, or even a fast train. Just click here to support “06880.” We don’t care how much money you spend — we’re just glad you’ve got our hyper-local blog’s back. Thanks!)
Buoyed by support from his parents and sister, and many others — including eye doctors and occupational, speech and physical therapists — he survived.
And thrived.
At Staples High School he ran cross country, and competed in indoor and outdoor track. He graduated in 2017.
That was only the start.
Daniel ran 4 marathons. He got his undergraduate degree in human services from Beacon College; he’s now an adaptive special needs master trainer and special education paraeducator. His passions are physical activity and wellness science.
Triumphant Daniel Maya, after the New York City Marathon.
He earned Red Cross certification as a lifeguard and water safety instructor. He’s also a certified personal trainer, with master certification in adaptive special needs.
He works with special needs children and adults. Most satisfying, he says, is training and mentoring autistic young adults, as well as helping young adults with disabilities perform aquatic exercises. (Particularly satisfying: teaching a boy with cerebral palsy how to swim).
Oh, yeah: Daniel also serves on Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities.
Two years ago, he helped start a social club for people between the ages of 18 and 30. They meet for lunch or dinner, and take walks around Compo Beach and Longshore.
He is grateful for all that he has — including his vision. (One eye is better than the other.)
He never had a mindset of “I can’t do this,” he says. It’s always been, “I can do it!”
Daniel’s athletic career began early, accompanying his mother on runs throughout Westport.
Running in the rain …
It was work. But as he got faster, he enjoyed it more. Training for Staples — and then for 5 and 10Ks, half-marathons and marathons (including New York City) — were a satisfying break from school (and life).
Running remains a way to stay in shape, and “clear my head.”
His latest project: starting a fitness group — Miles4Smiles — for neurodiverse individuals.
“Fitness is about more than exercise,” Daniel says.
“It can be an opportunity to build confidence, make friends, develop social skills, and discover what you are capable of.”
Miles4Smiles would include group fitness classes, walking, jogging and other activities.
His goal is simple: to “create a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and encouraged to participate at their own level.
“You don’t have to be an athlete. You don’t have to be an experienced exerciser. You simply have to be willing to take that first step.
“Every mile matters,” Daniel adds. “Every smile matters. Every person matters.”
Right now, he is looking for feedback on interest and activities. Email danielimaya@gmail.com, or text 203-644-6877. Click here for Daniel’s website.
… and better weather.
(“06880” often celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding Westporters. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Thanks to former media teacher Jim Honeycutt, our weekly “nutshell” series — highlight reels of Staples Players productions — rolls along to spring 2018.
That’s when directors David Roth and Kerry Long staged Stephen Sondheim’s musical.
What has the cast been up to, over the past few years?
Nick Rossi(Franklin Shepard) is a professional singer, actor and musician. He has appeared regionally in “Master Harold … and the Boys,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Pericles,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Jersey Boys
Charlie Zuckerman (Charley Kringas) was a production assistant for “Millions” at Lincoln Center. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory, he was also an intern at the 52nd Street Project, a non-profit that pairs young people with professional artists to create original theater.
Avery Mendillo (Mary Flynn) is a New York–based actor and singer with roots in musical theatre, and a career in film and TV. She recently filmed her first feature film.
Daisy Brackett(Gussie Carnegie) earned a master’s degree in advanced classical acting training from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Her credits include short films, independent projects, showcases and reels.
Mia Kobylinski(Beth Spencer Shepard) is a designer at Snake River Interiors. Her love of travel and photography help her gather design inspiration from all over the world.
Jamie Mann (Valedictorian) graduated from the University of Michigan’s musical theater program in 2025. He made his Broadway debut in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” He appeared previously on the Netflix show “Country Comfort,” and toured nationally as the lead in “Billy Elliot.”
Antonio Antonelli (Terry, Studio Owner) is an actor and crew member. He voiced the character Shane in “Santaman,” an appeared as Wes in “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow.”
Georgia Wright(Scotty, Frank’s Agent, Audrey, Scotty’s Significant Other) is a non-binary, New York-based emerging playwright, actor and director. They have written and staged several independent and festival plays,
Sophia Sherman (Scotty, Frank’s Agent, Audrey, Scotty’s Significant Other) studied acting and performing arts management at the University of Michigan. Based in Los Angeles, Sophia has focused on screen acting.
Chad Celini (Bunker, An Actor) is an actor and performer who works in regional theater and independent productiosns. He has appeared in “Godspell,” “Curtains” and holiday musical revues, and on screen in the 2025 film “Game Over.”
Jake Watzman (Bunker, An Actor) is a voice actor and theatre performer. He graduated with a BA in theatre from Muhlenberg College. He is recognized for his work in indie animation, visual novels, and voiceover projects.
Ari Sklar is a senior at Staples. He is known for his work in regional theater, and providing backup vocals for the Netflix film “13: The Musical.”
Lexi Holoubek-Sebok (Mrs.Spencer, Beth’s Mother) transitioned from acting into professional marketing and data analysis, working as a community strategy and intelligence analyst at Burson.
(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Absentee Ballot
To have a ballot mailed directly to you, click here. Online Absentee Ballot Application.
Vote Early In Person
Early voting at Town Hall runs from now through November 1. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) on Tuesday and Thursday, October 27 and 29.
Vote on Election Day
All 5 Westport polling locations are open Tuesday, November 3, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
Now, have a chance to learn how to prevent damage by bad guys — and to meet Sam, one of the real good guys.
The event is next Tuesday (October 27, 6 p.m., VFW Post 399). It’s hosted by (of all groups) the Wilton Drum Hill chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (who only had to worry about Benedict Arnold).
But that’s not all.
Soon, Sam will team up with the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, for a pair of Verso University “Lunch and Learn” sessions at the Westport Library.
Both are at noon, on November 13 and December 11. The first topic is “AI for Small Businesses“; the second builds on that one, for “Next Steps” (though previous attendance is not required).
No technical background required. The Library says: “Bring your lunch, your questions, and a real task you’d like help with.”
Sam Disraelly
PINKALICIOUS halloween
Halloween’s color is orange.
But this Sunday (October 25, 2 to 3 p.m.), the holiday turns pink.
Westport “Pinkalicious” author Victoria Kann will read her new book, “Snickerdoodle.” It’s a family-friendly event, with books available for purchase and signing.
Then comes trick-or-treating on Jesup Green. Westport Animal Shelters Advocates will join the fun. Guests can bring items from their wish list to donate.
Email (kids.westportlibrary@gmail.com) a photo of your dog dressed in costume, for possible inclusion in a slideshow.
EVERLASTING EVERGREEN SEWER WORK
As anyone who has tried to take the Evergreen Avenue shortcut knows, you can’t get to Myrtle Avenue from there.
As part of ongoing work, homes on that road were connected to temporary water a few weeks ago.
Now, digging has begun on Evergreen Parkway. They’ll go about 100 feet a day. That involves digging a trench navigating around gas, sewer, roots, rocks and other buried stuff; laying the pipe, then covering it all up, including an asphalt patch on the road.
Once the water main is installed, it is pressure tested for leaks. When the main is secure, workers dig up the road again and connect every house to it.
There is no estimated date for completion.
Evergreen work. (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)
SKELETON SAYS: SLOW DOWN!
Today’s featured Halloween home decoration doubles as an important warning to all drivers on Compo Road North, near Cross Highway:
(Photo/Diane Bosch)
vince mcmahon crash: charges dropped
Speaking of speeding: In July of 2025 WWE co-founder Vince McMahon was involved in a high-speed accident on the Merritt Parkway, in Westport.
Driving northbound near Exit 20 (formerly Exit 41) at a speed of 110 to 115 miles an hour, the 79-year-old Greenwich resident slammed his Bentley Continental GT into the back of a BMW. He caromed off a guardrail, then continued driving before a Connecticut state trooper pulled him over.
The WWE owner told the officer he was in a hurry to get to his granddaughter’s birthday. Click here or below for a dashcam video.
He received a misdemeanor summons for reckless driving and following too closely, and was released at the scene on a $500 bond. In October, he was granted accelerated rehabilitation for one year, on the condition he make a charitable contribution.
On Thursday, a judge dismissed the charges completely.
McMahon’s lawyer, Mark Sherman, said, “As we’ve maintained in this case, not every car accident is a crime and Mr. McMahon is grateful to the court for this quick dismissal.” (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
food drive saturday at the y
Members of the National Charity League Westport chapter volunteer at — and donate food and clothes to — Person to Person.
Now, they’ve organized a food collection event, to benefit clients of the Norwalk nonprofit. It’s this Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Most-needed items include hearty soups, pasta and sauces, peanut butter and jelly, dried and canned beans, cold cereal, oatmeal, snack and granola bars, rice (1-pound boxes), mac and cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, pancake mix, and shelf-stable milk.
“COLOSSI” AT MOCA: WHAT IT ALL MEANS
Visitors are flocking to MoCA\CT, for Rick Schaefer’s monumental charcoal drawings.
On Saturday (October 24, 4 p.m.), the artist will discuss the historical, political and visual dimensions of his work.
He’ll be joined by Avon Theater executive director Peter Gistelinck, and artist/ educator/urban policy leader Rick Bell. MoCA director Robin Jaffee Frank will moderate.
Together, they will explore Shaefer’s “Colossi” series. His images of vast walls in open landscapes evoke ancient monuments, while addressing contemporary questions of borders, land use, security and environmental change.
The event is free, with support from the CORA Foundation.
dave kardas band rocks the vfw
Blues, rock, jazz and original music fill VFW Post 399 this Friday (October 23, 6 to 8 p.m.).
The very popular Dave Kardas Band returns. Also on tap: happy hour drinks, and bar food.
at the vfw too: jazz @ the post
Pianist Brian Marsella returns to the VFW, for Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (October 22, 7 and 8:15 p.m.; dinner service at 6:15). The “psychedelic Art Tatum” is joined by bassist Reid Taylor, drummer Brian Floody and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Westport resident Carolyn Landis died Friday. She was 87.
A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and Barnard College, with a degree in zoology, she taught science in the New York City public schools. After moving to Connecticut, she became a technical science writer.
Carolyn was a voracious reader and tennis player. Later, water aerobics at the YMCA became a daily ritual, and a source of both exercise and friendship
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Alan; sons Eric (Johanna) of Rye, New Hampshire, and Mark (Deb) of New York, and grandchildren Beau (Katie Sweeney), Aaron, Justin (Maddie) and William (Emily).
A memorial service is set for Thursday (October 22, 2 p.m., Abraham L.
Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield). Contributions in Carolyn’s name can be
made to the Westport Library or Saint Jude’s.
Carolyn Landis
“WESTPORT … NATURALLY,” & SONG OF THE DAY
Some of the trees have turned, in Winslow Park.
But many others have not — as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo sure shows.
Lights on athletic fields were not the only topic on last night’s Planning & Zoning Commission agenda. Members also addressed a text amendment regarding small businesses like Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
“06880” reporter John H. Palmer writes:
If the owners of Old Mill Grocery & Deli get their way, a new development zone
will allow them to sell and serve alcohol next summer.
Last night the Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on proposed zoning changes that would not only allow liquor sales and consumption at the former Romanacci’s, but would give the P&Z stronger governing power over similar establishments in otherwise residential neighborhoods.
Attorney Eric Bernheim, representing Soundview Empowerment Alliance, the nonprofit that owns the 107-year-old property at 222 Hillspoint Road near Old Mill Beach, outlined a proposal for Text Amendment #875 that would establish a new Food and Beverage Planned Development District (PDD) in Westport.
It would permit outdoor eating areas within 25 feet of a principal building, and allow sale of liquor for on-site consumption.
At the same time, a map amendment proposal would rezone the grocery property from its current Residential Zone B to the new PDD.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli has been a neighborhood staple since 1919.
“It makes sense for Westport, and hopefully we’ll have longevity instead of change every 2 or 3 years as the operators get worn down,” Bernheim said.
The operators for the last 3 years — Romanacci’s, owned by Graziano and Maurizio Ricci — announced in September that they would not renew their lease. A new operator has not yet been named.
The decision to close came on the heels of a legal battle questioning the commission’s November 2024 effort to allow alcohol sales at the store.
In February a Superior Court judge overturned Text Amendments 846, and earlier version 843, which allowed the sale of alcohol, as well as consumption at outdoor tables.
A group of neighbors filed lawsuits challenging the text amendments, raising questions about parking, traffic, noise and pedestrian safety in the neighborhood.
The judge concluded that the zoning changes amounted to “spot zoning,” and improperly expanded a non-conforming commercial use in a residential zone.
Old Mill Grocery’s communal table was a community gathering place.
“This is exactly what the doctor, or in this case the judge, ordered,” said chair Paul Lebowitz, who called the new text amendment very supportable. “This is exactly what is needed to save a jewel of Westport.”
Representative Town Meeting member Jimmy Izzo was one of 2 members of the public speaking in favor of the proposed zoning change.
“There were no issues at the Old Mill Deli, and I’m in favor of keeping this here,” he said. “The community really loves it, and it’s a not a crazy place.”
In opposition, attorney Joel Green, representing the Old Mill Preservation Group, cautioned that the zoning change could be a tool that could be used to turn any existing property into a non- conforming use that violates the town’s plan of conservation and development, including introducing bars and other establishments selling alcohol to quiet residential areas.
“What are you doing here, dropping businesses into residential areas?” he asked.
“I can’t imagine the residents of Westport understand the Pandora’s box of legislation that is being opened. It will not pass judicial scrutiny.”
The issue was tabled, to be revisited by the commission in November.
The original market.
(“06880” first reported on the Old Mill Grocery/Joey’s/Elvira story in 2009. We also cover Westport’s history, like the century-old building. We did it all with reader support. Click here — thanks!)
Following a long wait, 2 athletic fields in town will get lights.
After debating and hearing public comment throughout the summer, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-1 last night to approve site plan changes that allow permanent lights on both the Wakeman turf field next to Bedford Middle School, and PJ Romano Field behind Saugatuck Elementary School.
The resolutions were voted on separately. Paul Lebowitz, Craig Schiavone, Bre Injeski and Michael Cammeyer approved, while Michael Calise opposed.
Approval means that LED lights can be affixed to 4 70-foot poles at both locations. New technology, experts said, sharply reduce “light spillage.”
Rendering of what lights could look like on the Wakeman turf field.
Proponents cited field shortages for Staples and youth athletes. The issue is particularly acute in late fall and early spring.
Much of the discussion over the past several months centered around conditions governing field usage.
Last night’s plan included 16 conditions governing use of the fields.
Lights will be turned off at 9 p.m. every day Mondays through Saturdays. Lights will not be used on Sundays. The original proposal allowed lights until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Lights will remain on for another 30 minutes — at a dimmed level — enabling attendees to leave safely and clean-up to occur.
Rendering of lights at PJ Romano Field.
In addition, the Parks & Recreation Department will work with the Board of Education to install egress lighting between Wakeman Field and parking areas.
Schiavone asked Parks & Rec to ensure that games are not played on nights that there are other student or parent activities planned at PJ Romano, to cut down on traffic and ensure adequate parking.
Another area of concern for Wakeman neighbors was amplified noise — for example, speakers used for music. It will be allowed for pre-game warm-ups only.
Use of the fields will be limited to Parks & Recreation and school activities, with no multi-game tournaments allowed.
In addition, 3 trees will be added to the Wakeman landscape plan.
A Parks & Rec staff member or designee will be on site, to monitor compliance with all regulations. A committee will be created to address any complains.
Calise — the lone commissioner to vote against the lights — said that there were not enough controls, the lights would be on too many nights of the week, and there is no “clear picture of who will be using these later hours.” He asked for
reassurance that the fields would not be used by outside groups.
Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Barbieri said, “We at Parks & Rec are very pleased with the P&Z’s decision. And we are happy for the thousands of kids who will benefit from the decision.
“We will ensure that all restrictions are enforced, for the safe and proper use of these lights.”
Spinnaker has filed a site plan and special permit application for 606 Riverside Avenue.
That’s the Saugatuck property — currently the site of Minute Men Cleaners, and nearby businesses — that was the site of the failed Hamlet proposal.
Spinnaker’s affiliate, Saugatuck TOD 606 LLC, hopes to build 142 rental apartments, and 3,838 square feet of retail and restaurant space.
Ten percent of the units would be deed-restricted as affordable to families making up to 80% of the statewide median income.
Another 10% would be deed-restricted as “workforce housing.” The affordable units are integrated throughout the building.
The façade along Riverside Avenue would be 3 1/2 stories tall. Higher buildings would be “stepped back into the site so that it is substantially less visible from the street.”
All parking — 241 spaces, 20 of which are tandem for a total of 261 cars — will be screened from view, on 2 separately accessed levels.
Spinnaker also proposes adding 10 new on-street public parking spots.
View from Riverside Avenue.
The plan follows several rounds of pre-application reviews by the Planning & Zoning Commission and Architectural Review Board.
Spinnaker says it has “also engaged in significant neighbor outreach, including written notices to nearly 90 neighbors, meetings with neighbors, the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck, local and State community leaders, neighborhood business owners, Town staff, Connecticut Department of Transportation staff and other interested parties.”
The application — received yesterday by the Planning & Zoning Department — is an important step on the journey to approval. Bodies like the P&Z, ARB and Conservation Commission have not yet scheduled hearings.
View from Franklin Street. The existing 21 Charles Street office building (left) is not part of the Spinnaker project, nor are the 2-story buildings currently on Franklin Street.
Spinnaker — a developer “focusing on transit-oriented developments” — is collaborating with Beinfield Architecture. Both firms are based in Norwalk.
Spinnaker calls its plan “contextually appropriate for Saugatuck, and grounded in a traditional and contextual vernacular.”
The developer adds that it:
Concentrates development near transportation nodes
Strengthens the character and economy of Saugatuck Center
Maintains appropriate building scale and character
Adds housing to support an active mixed-used area
Serves empty nesters, retirees, and children of Westport residents
Improves runoff to the Saugatuck River
Improves pedestrian friendliness in Saugatuck Center.
View from Charles Street.
An earlier “Hamlet at Saugatuck” development was first proposed in June 2022, when ROAN Ventures submitted an application to create a new zoning district for the project.
The plan — including retail, residences, a hotel, marina and public spaces — was rejected by the Planning & Zoning Commission 3 years later. ROAN then said it was considering a residential-focused project, perhaps including 500 units of 8-30g affordable housing.
Spinnaker’s first proposal was for 175 apartments, including 18 affordable units priced for households at 80% of state median income.
(“06880” has followed Saugatuck redevelopment plans closely. We’ll continue to do so. Your donation helps support our work. Please click here to help — and thank you!)
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