Roundup: Reader Survey, Baron’s South, Millennial Workplaces …

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Yesterday’s meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s Zoning Regulation Revision/Sustainability Subcommittee marked a small step on a long journey.

The subcommittee discussed the possibility of using town-owned residential properties on Baron’s South for affordable housing.

The preliminary concept includes creating a new zone where existing structures are located.

That would enable their adaptive re-use (interior changes only), for conversion to affordable multifamily units.

The late Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff’s “Golden Shadows” home is currently unoccupied. Two structures are currently used for workforce housing.

The P&Z Affordable Housing subcommittee will now create a draft text change, reflecting the concept.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Planning & Zoning director Mary Young joined in the discussion. Public comment was favorable.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin (shown in this file photo from a previous meeting) are exploring the use of existing structures on Baron’s South for affordable housing.

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I’m not sure why the qualities of a workplace are different for millennials than the rest of us (older or younger).

But Fortune magazine recently used 500,000 survey results, with 60 statements and 2 open-ended questions, to publish a “Best Workplaces for Millennials” report.

Fortune broke down the rankings into two lists: the top 100 large companies with more than 1,000 employees, and the top 100 small-to-medium sized companies with between 50 and 999 employees.

In the large (1,000 or more employees) category, Westport’s own Bridgewater Associates ranked 60th out of 100.

The world’s largest hedge fund was lauded for fully paid healthcare, a good 401(k) match, and inclusive culture.

In the small-to-medium (50 to 999) category, Daversa Partners in Westport was rated #22.

The Greens Farms Road executive recruiting firm was cited for a “culture that makes employment feel rewarding.” (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)

Millennials love working at Bridgewater.

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between July 19 and 26.

A man who took a person’s cell phone during a domestic argument, preventing a 911 call, was charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and interfering with an emergency call.

A man was arrested for driving under the influence, and failure to stop at a stop sign, following an accident on Greens Farms Road at Nyala Farm Road.

A third man was arrested for failure to appear, during an active warrant for his re-arrest.

Police also issued these citations:

• Traveling unreasonably fast: 6 citations
• Failure to renew registration: 2
• Disorderly conduct: 1
• Evading responsibility: 1
• Reckless driving: 1
• Failure to yield right of way: 1
• Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
• Failure to obey stop sign: 1
• Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
• Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
• Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
• Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1

Interfering with a 911 call is a serious offense.

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Residents turn to the Westport Library for information, inspiration and  entertainment.

And — in emergencies — for heat, air conditioning, electricity and WiFi.

Now — thanks to a post-COVID $57,462 American Rescue Plan Act grant enhancing its technological infrastructure and wireless connectivity — the Library will serve the community even better when disaster strikes.

When extreme storms like Irene and Isais disruption many lives, more than 12,000 patrons utilized the Library’s internet.

Often, service could not meet demand. The ARPA grant extends the wireless signal beyond Jesup Green and Levitt Pavilion, with 4 more wireless access points installed.

In addition, the Library’s firewall was updated for added safety and security.

That’s great to know.

Let’s hope we never have to use it.

When the power went out during Tropical Storm Isais, Westporters took advantage of the library’s WiFi — masked and socially distanced, of course. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

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John Richers makes his Church Lane Summer Music Series debut this Saturday (July 29). He starts strumming his guitar at 6 p.m., next to Spotted Horse.

A Westport resident since 2017, he emerged from the COVID shutdown with over 75 songs in his rock/folk/country repertoire. Since venturing back on stage, John has performed at a variety of Fairfield County venues.

Audiences sing along to favorites from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Byrds, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp and Van Morrison, while savoring deeper cuts from the likes of Steve Earle, John Prine, the Wallflowers and Decemberists.

John Richers

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Doughnuttery — the sugared mini-doughnut company founded by Westporter Evan Feldman, with 4 New York City locations, 1 on Long Island and 1 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (!) — has just gone international.

The newest shop is on Avenida Presidente Kennedy, in Santiago, Chile.

Can Westport be far behind?

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Staples High School Class of 1972 graduate Brian McGeady died peacefully last Thursday, with his family by his side. He was 69.

He grew up in a tight-knit family with 5 siblings across from Longshore, where his love of golf began. While at Staples he worked at Manero’s and Ye Olde Bridge Grille, which allowed him to buy a prized red ‘Cuda.

He graduated from Boston College in 1976 with a degree in accounting. and worked for Kahan Steiger and Co. in Stamford. Upon passing his CPA exam he was offered a partnership, and remained there until he retired.

He also earned his master’s degree from the University of New Haven. In 1981 Brian married Diane Grosso.

He loved golf, paddleball, the New York Yankees, and spending holidays and vacations with his family.

In addition to his wife Diane, Brian is survived by his children Sean, Kyle and Megan; granddaughter Harper; his faithful companion Rudy; siblings, Meg (Bradley) Sagendorf, Richard (Mary), Elizabeth O’Brien (Chris), Kieran, Lee Yin, (Dan(; his brother-in-law David Grosso, and mother-in-law Eleanor Grosso, and several nieces and nephews. Brian was predeceased by his sister Katherine.

Calling hours are today (Thursday, July 27, 4-7 p.m., Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, Fairfield). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place tomorrow (Friday, July 28, 10:30 a.m., St. Pius X Church, Fairfield(. Interment will follow at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Brian McGeady

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Longtime Weston resident Frances Manere died Friday at home, surrounded by her family. She was 85.

The Norwalk native was an excellent cook and baker, who enjoyed traveling the world with her late husband Bob.

Survivors include her sons Robert (Robyn) of Bethel, Michael (Lisa) of Hudson, Massachusetts, and Brian of Weston; her brother James Buchta (Connie) of Norwalk; sister in law Rosemary Buchta of Norwalk; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Jack Buchta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday (July 31, 12:30 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Church, Weston). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road Westport. Click here to leave online condolences.

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Johanna Keyser Rossi sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — the first one “06880” has run of a cicada — and says:

“You hear them, but did you ever see one?

“Walking to my car from my house, on the ground in the street was a cicada. I didn’t want him run over, so I  moved him to a safe place.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Sinead O’Connor died yesterday, at 56.

The New York Times called her an “outspoken Irish singer-songwriter known for her powerful, evocative voice, as showcased on her biggest hit, a breathtaking rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” and for her political provocations onstage and off.” Click here for a full obituary.

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