It’s time for another installment of our “06880” Question Box.
This is the feature in which I try to answer readers’ questions.
I don’t have all the answers. But our readers — in their collective wisdom — might.
Please chime in with any additional information. Click “Comments” below.
This edition is short on quantity. But the quality of the questions is high.
As always: If you have a question for our box, email 06880blog@gmail.com.
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The large cylindrical hill not far from the small Winslow Park parking area on Compo Road North has always intrigued me.
It seems too perfectly symmetrical to be natural. And it looks so much different than the surrounding area. There are no other mounds like it anywhere. Is it man-made? If so, why? (Anonymous)
That’s a fantastic question. And — despite living a few yards away from Winslow Park, and walking there often (without a dog) — it’s one I’ve never even thought of.
Now that you mention it: You’re right. That hill (a longtime favorite spot for teenagers to drink, get high and hook up) definitely looks out of place.
Winslow Park mound/hill. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Could it have been built by indigenous people, long before Europeans arrived?
Perhaps it was constructed when the Winslow family owned a mansion — one of the most luxurious homes in town — at the corner of North Compo and the Post Road (State Street)?
Or maybe it was part of the Westport Sanitarium, which took over the estate?
I have no idea. But I’ll never again walk past without wondering what it is, and why it’s there.
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Why do they take the flags down after Labor Day? It’s kind of sad without them flapping in the breeze. (Deborah Baker)
“They” — aka town workers — remove the flags because of possible inclement weather. (Not just snow — possible hurricanes or nor’easters.)
It might also be a cost-saving measure, to extend the lives of the flags. They do look great. But there sure are a lot of them.
Here’s something to look forward to, though: October 24.
It’s UN Day. And, for one of 2 days each year (the other is jUNe Day), flags of dozens of nations will fly proudly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
Long may they wave. Or at least, every spring and summer. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)
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What can a neighborhood or residents on a common street do about a neighbor that neglects the upkeep of their home and property?
The neighbor’s house needs to be painted. Their back yard (which can be seen from the street) is completely overgrown. Their side yard is a dump heap, and their bushes grow out into the road. It has a negative impact on all our properties.
Can the town enforce homeowner upkeep? How do we get this fixed? (KR)
The town of Westport has a Blight Prevention Board. It’s made up of private citizens and a Building Department official. They listen to residents’ concerns, and take their work very seriously. Click here to read an in-depth story on them, from the “06880” archives.
Sometimes, there is an underlying issue with a house in that condition. The Department of Human Services may be able to assist residents in need.
These dilapidated buildings on Post Road West have since been demolished.
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