A small group gathered yesterday, in support of Jesup Green.
The land between Jesup Road and the Westport Library is included in a plan to renovate downtown parking. Trees at the top of the green would be removed, to replace spaces slated to be lost across the Post Road at Parker Harding Plaza.
Green space would be added later, closer to the Saugatuck River at what is known as the Taylor lot.
Among the attendees were District 9 Representative Town Meeting members Sal Liccione and Jennifer Johnson. Their district includes Jesup Green.
The RTM may consider an appropriation for the Jesup repaving plan on May 8.
Members of Westport’s Tree Board also joined the group. So did Marliyn Harding, whose father Evan Harding designed Parker Harding.
Attendees were asked to sign a petition to review downtown parking plans for an option that does not jeopardize Jesup Green, proposed by attorney Lawrence Weisman.
Two meetings about downtown parking are scheduled for this week: tonight (Monday, 6 p.m., Zoom, RTM Planning & Zoning Committee) and Wednesday (April 17, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 309, RTM Environment Committee).
Both meetings generated a bit of controversy when they were announced. This week is spring break for the Westport Public Schools, and a number of residents are not in town.
Sunday’s Jesup Green meeting.
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Also yesterday, just few yards from Jesup Green, the Westport Library hosted a celebration of Westport artist Ann Chernow.
The event — inspired by film noir scenes of the 1930s through ’50s — included the premiere of a documentary depicting her life and legacy.
Afterward, her son (and Staples High School graduate) Dan Chenok led a panel discussion. It included actors Keir Dullea and Mia Dillon, film critic Susan Granger, and the film’s co-creator Andrea Wozny.
Dan Chenok (far right) with (from left) Keir Dullea, Mia Dillon, Susan Granger and Andrea Wozny.
The audience also heard from the artist’s cousin-in-law Ron Chernow, author of best-selling biographies like “Grant” and “Alexander Hamilton.”
Ron Chernow (Photos and hat tip/Dave Matlow)
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Fleet Feet’s “Zoomerang” kids’ running program returns May 5.
It runs Sundays at 1 p.m. through June 16, at Staples High School’s Laddie Lawrence Track.
Sessions are “run” by experienced youth coaches, led by Dave Wright, Fleet Feet Westport owner (and Staples High School girls track and field coach).
It’s open to any youngsters: experienced runners, newcomers, and athletes in other sports who want to get faster. Click here for more information.
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Augusta National golf course — where the Masters tournament concluded yesterday — is known for its magnificent magnolias.
Well, ours are not too shabby themselves. Barry Kresch captured water droplets on these, after a recent rain, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Barry Kresch)
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And finally … on this date in 1865, Abraham Lincoln died. He was shot the previous evening at Ford’s Theater, by famed actor John Wilkes Booth. Less than a week earlier, General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War.
Surprisingly, this was one of President Lincoln’s favorite songs. He had it played at political rallies, and after news of General Lee’s surrender. ”
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and Abraham Lincoln meets Jesup Green. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)