A large crowd flooded into Town Hall tonight. A number of Westporters were ready to fight for parts of Compo Beach they believed were threatened: parking on South Beach. Keeping grassy spaces. The skate park.
What they got was Kumbaya.
Parks and Recreation Commission chair Charlie Haberstroh introduced 7 recommendations. None were earth-shattering. All seemed to come directly from raucous town meetings last year.
The basic theme: Less is more.
Here they are:
1. No changes to South Beach and eastern area parking.
“We heard the message loud and clear,” Haberstroh said. “It’s important to keep parking near the beach.” He noted that commissioners had parked near the proposed spaces away from the beach, and realized the view was not the same.
No changes will be made to South Beach parking. (Photo/Laurey Tussing)
2. No changes to vehicular traffic flow.
The Compo Beach Site Improvement Committee had recommended moving the entrance to across from Bradley Street. Haberstroh said no changes would be made.
Parks and Rec director Stuart McCarthy noted that traffic flow — and safety issues — are the #1 priority for his department. After he spoke, Haberstroh agreed that fixing the current entrance (though not relocating it) could be addressed outside of the master plan.
3. Create separate pedestrian paths separate from vehicular traffic.
Haberstroh noted that, as a new grandfather, he feels vulnerable pushing a stroller. Other commissioners added that beach usage has changed; more people are walking than ever before. Extending the boardwalk to the cannons, and on to South Beach, is one way to help ease danger.
Compo Beach: a town jewel, beloved by all. Pedestrians don’t always have it easy, however.
4. Constructing new bathhouses.
The current brick bathhouses were badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy. A new structure would meet — or exceed — FEMA flood regulations.
5. Adding restrooms on South Beach. But no pavilion. New facilities are sorely needed — 2 or 3 “fixtures” per men’s, women’s and family bathrooms, to use the polite term. But there would be no other structures. “They take on a life of their own,” Haberstroh said.
6. Renovating the skate park, including possible partial private funding. This is also a recommendation that came directly from the fall meeting. The commissioners heard many Westport youngsters loud and clear.
7. Resurfacing the basketball courts. That’s a slam dunk.
A few minutes after 8 p.m., public comment began.
There were no catcalls, boos, cheers, whistles or shouts.
It was almost as quiet as the beach in winter.
Everyone loves Compo Beach. (Photo/Stacy Waldman Bass)