Citing the need for “buy-in” from local communities — and acknowledging fierce opposition from suburban communities and Republican legislators — Governor Lamont vetoed HB 5002 yesterday.
The omnibus housing legislation — passed nearly 3 weeks ago — would have dramatically changed the ability of local governments to impose zoning restrictions.
Non-partisan groups like the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and Connecticut Council of Small Towns, along with bipartisan leaders from towns including Westport, urged the governor to veto the bill.
Lamont previously supported the bill. He called his veto “reluctant.”
A new version of the legislation may drafted during a legislative special session this summer. Click here for the full story, on CT Mirror.
Last September, Governor Lamont spoke at the opening of 122 Wilton Road, where Homes with Hope sponsors 19 units of affordable housing. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Soundview Summer Stroll returns soon, for a second great year!
Mark your calendar: Sunday, July 27.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event — presented by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association — will once again close Soundview Drive to vehicles.
The beach exit road will be transformed into a pedestrian-only party.
Like last year’s initial Stroll, the road will be filled with music (4 bands), kids’ activities (games, face painting, photo booth and more), food, and a fun community vibe.
More details will be announced soon. See you at the Stroll!
Last year’s Soundview Stroll. (Photos/Benji Porosoff)
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Also returning: Westport’s Sidewalk Sale.
The popular Westport Downtown Association event takes place this Friday through Sunday (June 27-29), on Main Street, Elm Street, Church Lane, Post Road East and Sconset Square. Other retailers beyond downtown will also provide discounts.
It’s 3 days of open-air shopping, community fun (and plenty of bargains).
Click here for a list of dozens of participating stores, and their promotions — along with other vendors.
PS: The weather this weekend will not be as hot as today!
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And another long and important Westport tradition continues this Saturday (June 28).
The 60th annual jUNe Day celebration brings 30 guests from the United Nations to town.
The day-long event — coordinated by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut and town officials — begins with opening ceremonies (10:30 a.m., Jesup Green).
It includes a special message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and brief remarks, by UN Under Secretary-General Christian Saunders.
Then, UN families will head off to swim at Compo Beach, play tennis and golf at Longshore, visit Earthplace, tour Wakeman Town Farm, and walk and shop downtown. Many may stay for the Sunrise Rotary Club Duck Race and family fair, also at Jesup Green.
jUNe Day was established in 1965 by Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, founder of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut. The Post Road bridge was named in her honor — and on Saturday, the flags of many of the UN’s 193 member nations will fly on the span.
A few volunteers are still needed. Email Andreasusa@yahoo.com, or call 203-526-3275. For more information on the jUNe Day, call 203-454-7685.
Every jUNe Day, the flags of member nations fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Jeff Simon)
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It was the hottest ticket in town — literally.
The Westport Country Playhouse air conditioning faltered. But Justin Paul — the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award-winning songwriter (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”) and Staples Class of 2003 graduate — and his writing partner Benj Pasek delivered a rousing benefit show.
They — and their Broadway musical guests and backup musicians — were drenched in sweat from the opening bars of the first song, “Waving Through a Window.” (The fundraiser was called “Waving Through Westport.”)
Their “fans” in the audience fanned themselves with programs.
But Pasek & Paul showed why they are not only great songwriters — but great showmen as well.
The duo gave plenty of props to Paul’s home town. It was the latest magical night, in the Playhouse’s proud 95-year history.
Front, from left: Justin Paul, Benj Pasek and Alex Newell, at the Westport Country Playhouse. Paul and Pasek took off their jackets soon after the show began. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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As summer vacation began last week, students from the Westport Youth Commission headed downtown last week to promote the Job Bank to businesses.
The Westport Student Job Bank gives local high schoolers access to job opportunities, including restaurants and retail shops. Students can click here to search the Job Bank; employers can click too to list jobs for free.
Youth Commission members solicit businesses downtown.
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A celebration of the life of Carol Randel — the longtime Westport, noted professor and beloved civic volunteer, who died last month — is set for this Sunday (June 29, 4 p.m.). The public is invited.
The setting is appropriate: the Saugatuck Rowing Club. That’s where Carol discovered herself as an athlete, found joy on the water and camaraderie with teammates. She won plenty of medals there too.
Carol Randel
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One other tribute to a beloved Westporter: A flower garden in memory of Cathy Talmadge — a founder and longtime friend of Wakeman Town Farm — will be dedicated across the street from there on Saturday (June 28, 1:30 p.m.).
The longtime Representative Town Meeting member, civic volunteer and environmental advocate died in January 2023.
First selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport poet laureate Donna Disch will speak. Friends are invited to share memories. RSVP: nancyp311@gmail.com
Cathy Talmadge, at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Due to the extreme heat advisory, tonight’s Levitt Pavilion concert — Suzanne Sheridan & Friends — has been postponed. The new date is August 12.
Suzanne Sheridan
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Adam Nussbaum — the jazz drummer who grew up in Norwalk, won a Grammy, and has played with artists like Gil Evans and Stan Getz — headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (June 26, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; music cover $20, $15 for veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by bassist Jay Anderson, pianist Rob Aries and saxophonist Greg (“The Jazz Rabbi”) Wall. Click here for tickets.
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Former Westporter Patricia Anne (White) Dunn died June 20, in North Carolina. She was 82.
She attended Westport schools, then earned a BA in English and world religions from the University of Miami. She was a former board chair of the North Carolina Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of Ameirca, and served on the board of directors of the Charlotte Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
She is survived by her love and caregiver Sean Lowther; son Christopher Lee (LaDonna) of Mobile, Alabama; brother F. Terrence White (Dena) of Pembroke Pines, Florida; sister Meeche White of Leavenworth, Washington; 2 grandchildren, and members of the Lowther family.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Lupus Foundation of America or Kappa Kappa Gamma Education Foundation, 6640 Riverside Drive, Suite 200, Dublin, OH 43017.
Patty Anne Dunn
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is our first two-fer.
We’ve gotten some good egret submissions lately.
Here’s a solo bird, at Deadman Brook …
(Photo/Janine Scotti)
… and a flock, from Judy Point near Saugatuck Shores:
(Photo/Roger Leifer)
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And finally … happy 80th birthday to Colin Blunstone. He was the lead singer/ guitarist/songwriter for The Zombies. They’re in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but remain one of the most underrated of all British Invasion groups.
(It’s the time of the season. And time to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Don’t tell us no! Please click here. We thank you!)
THAT is what makes Lamont such a good Governor. Despite his own political stance, he listens to the people AND the other side of the aisle in order to make the best decisions for the state as a whole. He deserves recognition for that.