Roundup: Construction Update: Connector, Post Road West, Hiawatha Lane, Hamlet …

Thousands of drivers on the Sherwood Island Connector have been stunned at the extent and speed of clear-cutting around the state Department of Transportation maintenance facility behind Walgreens.

Residents of the area — especially around Hillandale Road — are horrified. They wonder what will happen now that dozens of noise-shielding trees are gone.

One view, with the Sherwood Island Connector on the left …

The work occurred quickly, soon after permission was granted to construct a new building at the site.

Former Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin notes: “Sadly, state owned land is not subject to local zoning laws in Connecticut. The state is immune from following local zoning laws, and often does not notify the town of work.

“Connecticut communities really only exercise control over town-owned land. The state can do anything it wants essentially with this lot — and all the train parking lots too.”

… and another, from Hillandale Road. (Photos/Matt Snow)

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In June of 2021, years of controversy and lawsuits ended when — after long negotiations between the Planning & Zoning Commission, the developer and neighbors — the P&Z voted 5-0 to allow an apartment complex between Lincoln and Cross Streets, off Post Road West.

The proposed 6-story, 81-unit development was scaled back to 68 units. It was redesigned almost completely, eliminating a section that would tower over homes on Riverside Avenue. Fire safety and parking concerns were addressed to the satisfaction of Westport’s fire marshal.

And the developer would include 30% affordable housing.

But for nearly 4 years — after dilapidated housing was torn down — the land stood vacant.

Finally — following a change in ownership — the project has begun.

Enough new residents have come to town — and enough older ones have forgotten about the controversy — that almost daily, someone emails “06880” wondering about the construction.

The first element to go up — elevator shafts — made it look particularly spooky.

Lighthouse Living — the developer — did not respond to repeated emailed requests for comment. 

Reached by phone, a representative in the leasing department said there would be studios, and 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. She thinks occupancy is about a year away.

Apartment construction, from Post Road West. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of new developments: After hackers disrupted, and ultimately canceled, Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, there was talk that the Hamlet at Saugatuck application —  next on the agenda — would be added to the P&Z’s next session.

But the agenda for that meeting (April 21, 6 p.m., virtual at www.westportct.gov), does not include the controversial project.

Commissioners will discuss an indoor racquet sport facility at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, a modification of the site plan for 785 Post Road East (behind New Country Toyota), and an application to continue parking school buses for 2 more years at Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools, and Bedford Middle School.

The P&Z had already planned for public input into the Hamlet proposal at its April 28 meeting. That agenda has not yet been published.

And the Hamlet will be discussed at the Architectural Review Board meeting. It’s set for April 22 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).

Bus parking is on the April 21 P&Z agenda.

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Speaking still of developments: The land proposed for Summit Saugatuck’s new 157-unit housing complex on Hiawatha Lane Extension was clear-cut yesterday.

Carolanne Curry — a longtime opponent, and founder of the Save Our Saugatuck group that battled unsuccessfully against the development for nearly a decade — says, “There was no notice from anyone, or the town, that action has begun again.”

Cleared land, on Hiawatha Lane Extension. (Photo/Carolanne Curry)

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What does Stew Leonard Jr. worry about most?

Avocados and tequila.

Those are 2 products he can’t get anywhere else in the world. And they’ll be hit hard, if President Trump follows through on his threatened tariffs.

Yesterday, he entire country — at least, those who listen to NPR’s “Morning Edition” — heard the Westport native, and 2nd-generation CEO of the eponymous tri-state grocery store chain, discuss the impact of tariffs on his customers, his employees, and Stew Leonard’s’ bottom line.

Click here, to read and/or hear the interview.

Stew Leonard Jr. (Photo courtesy/Westchester Magazine)

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The first of 3 public workshops for the Westport Parks Master Plan is set for April 24 (6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Residents can meet the consultants, learn more about the planning process, and offer feedback. 

The presentation will be available within a week, on the Parks & Recreation Department website. Additional workshops will be held in the summer and fall.

Changes may be coming to Longshore.

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The Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading is “Paris.”

The “fierce, funny and subtle look at working-class America” is set for Monday, (April 14, 7 p.m.).

Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand curator Mark Shanahan calls it “a powerful, beautifully written play about the deep need to be seen, tackling issues of race, commerce, community, and invisibility in a small town workplace.”

The play is about one of the only Black people in Paris, Vermont. When she is hired at a store off the interstate selling everything from baby carrots to lawnmowers, she understands a new kind of isolation. “Paris” offers insights into invisibility, low pay, and how it feels to work on your feet 10 hours a day.

Tickets are $30. To purchase, and for more details click here.

Hillary Fisher plays the lead role in “Paris.”

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The Weston Volunteer Fire Department is buying $215,000 worth of PFAS-free turnout gear.

Funds come entirely through their Benevolent Fund, which is supported by private donations.

PFAS are man-made chemicals that were used to make gear resistant to heat and water. Eesearch now shows that these “forever chemicals” build up in the body. They are linked to serious health concerns like cancer, hormone disruption and immune system problems.

For more information about the Weston Volunteer Fire Department or the current initiative, email contactus@wvfd.com.

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Our long wait is open.

At last, Westport will have its 9,294th nail spa.

The confusingly named Monday Nail Spa — which will be open more than 1 day per week — is now open.

It replaces Massage Envy. Perhaps Monday’s slogan should be: “Can’t get a massage? At least get your nails done!”

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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The latest addition to the Levitt Pavilion summer calendar: The Wood Brothers.

The noted roots music band — hailed as “freethinking songwriters, road warriors and community builders” — come to town on August 10. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today (Friday).  Click here to purchase, and for more details.

The Wood Brothers

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Andrew Neilly, Jr. — former president and CEO of the book publisher John Wiley & Sons — died peacefully on February 4 at his Weston, Connecticut home. He was 101.

The Baltimore native joined the Army in World War II. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1947.

He was hired that year by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. in 1947. He married Janet  Dayton. They raised their family in Weston, and lived there for over 60 years.

In 1971 Andrew became the first non-family member to be named president of Wiley. In 1979 he was named CEO. He served as vice chairman of the trustees until his retirement in 1995.

He entertained many well-known authors and publishers in Weston, where they discussed the role they should play in advancing education across the globe.

Andrew was elected chair of the Association of American Publishers, and president of the International Publishers Association — the first American to hold that position.

He was a trustee of the University of Rochester for many years. He and Janet established a deanship, and a lecture series that draws a diverse range of authors  On March 6, flags were lowered to half-staff at the university, in his  honor.

Andrew was a longtime member of Saugatuck Congregational Church. He was on several boards, and served as a deacon. He worked with Rev. Theodore Hoskins to establish Hoskins Place, an emergency shelter for women, and with Dr. James Gillespie to establish the Gillespie Center, an emergency shelter for men.

He loved painting watercolors, and studied under Charles Reid at the Silvermine Arts Center. His paintings were exhibited in many shows.

He is survived by Janet, his wife of 76; children Susan, Thomas (Jennifer) and Sarah (Carlos Paulino), 3 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Saugatuck Congregational Church on June 21 (11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Homes with Hope or Saugatuck Congregational Church.

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The killdeers are back. And Johanna Keyser Rossi captured this one — with her camera — for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … happy 93rd birthday to Joel Grey!

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