Danielle Dobin reports that after a massive outreach to legislators by citizens around the state, a vote on HB 5002 — omnibus legislation that would overhaul the rights of municipalities to control zoning related to affordable housing — was delayed yesterday.
An amended version of the bill will be released by state legislators, likely on Tuesday. A vote may be held the same day.
CT Mirror has a full report on the bill, and yesterday’s developments, here.
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There’s no rain in the forecast for tomorrow’s Parks & Recreation Department Kickoff to Summer extravaganza at Compo Beach (Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
There’s a Touch-a-Truck show, face painting, obstacle courses, raffles and food trucks.
It’s a perfect place for bikes. And Bike Westport invites everyone to ride to the beach (or bring bikes in your car).
They’ll be set up by the basketball court, with:
- Bike Rodeo: Kids navigate a safe, marked course with cones/signals (helmets required). Led by the Westport Police Department.
- Helmet inspection and bike assessment: Is your gear up to date and safe to ride? A professional mechanic will be there to assess.
- Test Ride: New bikes, E-bikes and traditional, if you’re looking to upgrade.
- Giveaways: Bike Westport swag, and CB Sportif discount coupons for bike service.
- Bike Westport info: Learn how to get involved and donate. Share your ideas for safer, more walkable and bike friendly streets and routes in Westport.
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Speaking of bikes: The town’s next Traffic and Pedestrian Safety update session is Thursday, May 29 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force will offer details on their progress, and hear input from residents about issues of concern.
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Bedford Middle School was packed last night, for Westport Public Schools’ 4th annual district-wide art exhibition
“Spark” — a celebration of student creativity and artistic expression — is “a powerful display of the depth and breadth of arts education and the role it plays in shaping thoughtful, expressive, and empathetic students,” says Steve Zimmerman, WPS music and visual arts coordinator.
The show features over 1,000 works of art from students in pre-K through Advanced Placement Art & Design. They include observational drawings, mixed media, sculptures and digital art.
A small part of the large “SPARK” student art exhibit.
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Back in the day, there were 2 mini-golf courses in Westport.
Is it time for another?
The Westport Youth Commission wants to know.
They’ve created a quick survey to gauge interest. All ages can participate — because mini-golf appeals to every.
Click here to take the survey. Fore!
The miniature golf course (and driving range), owned by the Backiel family. It’s now the site of the Regents Park condos, near the BevMax shopping plaza.
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The Staples High School internship program is a chance for seniors to get out in the field for a few weeks. They test the real world, right before graduation.
Andre Albanese and Grace Zhang take that literally.
The two are spending their internship with the Westport Farmers’ Market.
They work on farms, help the bakers, learn to makek bagels, and help facilitate the WFM’s operations every Thursday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).
They also spend time learning who grows their food. And they eat plenty of it — happily and healthfully.
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The Mom Salon podcast is a way for women to feel less alone in motherhood.
But what good is listening to their show alone?
Hosts Melissa Fairchild (a post-partum therapist) and Leah Devito (a stylist and community organizer) are hosting “The Ultimate Moms’ Night Out” at Content Studio on Saugatuck Avenue (May 29, 7 p.m.).
In addition to a live capture of their podcast, they promise cocktails, lite bites, Bridgewater chocolates, Sweet Bond permanent jewlery, and plenty of networking opportunities.
Tickets and more details are available here.
The Mom Salon podcasters.
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Jay Norris is one of Westport’s most active residents. He’s the founder of Westport10, a co-founder and board member of StartUp Westport, Westport Weston Family YMCA board member and former board member of the Westport Library — and that’s just here.
Jay is also co-chair of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the New York Urban League — in addition to his full-time job as co-founder and CEO of Guesst.
In his Urban League role, he’ll celebrate the 59th annual Frederick Douglass Awards Gala in New York (June 5, 6:30 p.m., Ziegfield Ballroom, New York City).
Honorees include Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, actress Meagan Good, Great Performances founder and CEO Liz Neumark, and Xponance founder, CEO and CIO Tina Byles Williams. Details and reservations are available here.
Frederick Douglass
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Viburnum makes its first-ever appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” feature. Welcome!
(Photo/Susan Iseman)
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And finally … on this date in 1829, Cyrill Demian received a patent for the accordion in Vienna.
(Kick off summer with tomorrow’s Parks & Rec Compo Beach event. And kick off — or continue — your support of “06880” by clicking here. Thank you!)
Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk has a great mini golf course, and a skate park whch puts the one at Compo to shame.
That picture of Westport Golf Range makes me a little homesick for the Westport I knew. Bring your date, play miniature golf (try to get the ball in the clown’s nose on the 18th hole and win a free game.) After, head out to the Crest for a hot dog and soda. Our golf range opened in 1954 and closed 29 years later when the property was sold.
Another “push poll”-type survey.
Mini-golf would be, on the face of it, a fun addition to the family-friendly offerings at Long Shore. My kids would have loved it.
But “Would you use the facility?” is not the same as “Do you think we should install one?”
Given the town’s current insane budgeting needs and complete disregard for all things environmental (fire pit, anyone?), is this where we want to put our energy? If nothing else, I’d say we have enough plastic turf to last a lifetime — well, longer. Though the stuff isn’t functional for very long, it takes forever to break down in landfills.