The Board of Finance voted unanimously yesterday to recommend a $275,000 payment to Hook’d.
That would enable the Compo Beach and Longshore concessionaire to leave their 10-year contract early — possibly this summer.
Details have not been finalized between Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri and the company. Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) must give its approval too to the agreement.
“06880” will keep you posted.
The door may close soon on Hook’d’s time in Westport. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Speaking of food: When Harvest Wine Bar closed in August, the Railroad Place place promised it would reopen, with new partners joining the ownership. The menu would be Mediterranean-based, including seafood.
The new restaurant will be called Blu Olive. A Facebook post promises “beautifully plated dishes of fresh ingredients, meticulously curated wines, and sparkling ambience.”
NOTE: Blu Olive is no relation to Blu Parrot, the similarly oddly spelled, short-lived (2012-13) restaurant/bar/music venue that occupied what was once the longer-lived Arrow and Jasmine restaurants — and is now Riko’s Pizza — around the corner on Charles Street.
Coming soon: Blu Olive. The shutters may need to be replaced.
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Speaking of Saugatuck: The annual Cribari Bridge lighting ceremony takes place tomorrow (Sunday, 6:30 p.m.).
But before the official flip of the switch, strands had to be replaced — and bulbs tested.
It took just 4 hours yesterday. Huge thanks to AJ Penna & Son Construction, Westport PAL and president Craig Bergamo, and the lights’ sponsors. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
Volunteers, after testing the Cribari Bridge lights. From left: David Floyd, Robert Caporale, Kevin Ancker, Craig Bergamo, Andrew Colabella, Andrea Moore.
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It’s not Cooperstown.
But being inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame is a great honor. Congratulations to 2 new members: Melissa and Doug Bernstein.
The brains behind Melissa & Doug — the legendary business, founded in Westport — join honorees like Walt Disney, Sesame Street’s Joan Ganz Cooney, and leaders of companies like Mattel, Toys “R” Us, Milton Bradley and Hasbro.
Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, says, “Melissa and Doug built a legacy of timeless, beautifully crafted wooden toys that have sparked imagination and discovery for decades.”
They’ll be honored February 13. The Toy Industry Hall of Fame is part of the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.
Melissa and Doug Bernstein.
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Mar Jennings — the lifestyle guru/realtor/figure skating champion — posted this teaser on Instagram:
“The Minuteman statue isn’t just iconic — it’s part of our hometown heartbeat. A symbol of courage, readiness, and civic pride, he’s stood watch over Westport for generations. And now, I’m bringing him back into focus… because something extraordinary is about to happen.
“In the coming days, I’ll be sharing an announcement that’s close to my heart—one that uplifts our community, honors our legacy, and inspires the next generation to rise with purpose.
“For now, let the Minuteman stand tall in our minds. Good news is coming. And it’s coming home to Westport.”
That’s certainly intriguing.
But what’s even more compelling is the video that accompanied the announcement. Thanks to AI, it shows our Minute Man in a way we’ve never seen before. Click here. to watch.
Trust us: It’s worth the 3 seconds.
Screenshot from Mar Jennings’ Minute Man video.
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Cat Malkin writes: “I know people are suffering with food insecurities. But their pets struggle too, because pets are important family members.
“When food runs out families may have to make heartbreaking choices, like surrendering their pets, who have been their comfort and emotional lifeline.
“Many pet parents will literally go hungry to keep their pets fed. Pet food is often the last thing families ask for, because they feel ashamed or guilty. A small donation of pet food can prevent a family from being torn apart.
“Homes with Hope is collecting canned dog and cat food, as well as dry food in bags weighing 25 pounds or less (larger bags are difficult for families to manage). Drop-offs can be made Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.”
Yogi Bear says “thank you!” (Photo/Cat Malkin)
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Speaking of Homes with Hope: Salon Dada celebrated its 5th anniversary by raising funds for Westport’s non-profit, dedicated to eliminating homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County.
For Salon Dada, this was not a one-shot deal. They offer free hair styles, color and treatments to any Homes with Hope clients.
“Amazing and generous people!” praises HwH CEO Helen McAlinden.
Salon Dada owners Benjamin Lagasse and Steven Gemignani, with Homes with Hope CEO and president Helen McAlinden.
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Westport’s first — and only — Board of Selectwomen held their final meeting of their 4-year terms Wednesday.
Second selectwoman snapped this selfie:
From left: Andrea Moore, Jen Tooker, Candice Savin — Westport’s 2nd, 1st and 3rd selectwomen, respectively.
Thank you all for your service!
The new Select Board — 1st selectman Kevin Christie, 2nd selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd selectman Don O’Day — will be sworn in Monday (November 17, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
All other elected officials — including boards, commissions and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — will take the oath of office too.
The public is invited.
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For over 50 years, Positive Directions has offered professional therapy and substance abuse prevention services to everyone who needs it. They accept all insurances, and never turn away a client for inability to pay.
Every day, the staff helps people facing adversity. Their new interim executive director knows something about that.
Jessica Branson grew up in Westport, and graduated from Staples High School in 1996. Her father John is an Episcopal priest. Her mother Judyth is a therapist. She learned early the importance of listening, nurturing and empowering others.
Several years ago, Jess contracted Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The neurological nerve disease paralyzed her for over 10 months. (Click here for an in-depth “06880” story on Jess’s battle with the disease.)
After a year in a wheelchair, and much longer in physical therapy and rehab, she has regained her mobility and independence. Now she has even deeper empathy for people battling mental and physical health challenges.
And she is ready to help change their lives, in positive directions. (To learn more about the organizations, click here. Hat tip: Robin Moyer Chung)
Jessica Branson
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The Weston History & Culture Center’s Coley House is decked out for Christmas.
Christmas during World War II, that is.
Tours of the historic home — decorated as it would have been in the 1940s, when the last 3 generations of the Coley family lived there — offer an intriguing look back.
After holiday treats made from wartime ration recipes in the visitors’ center, guests follow a tour guide — dressed in period costume — to the Coley House.
They’ll view authentic decorations; listen to original radio broadcasts with Bing Crosby and Judy Garland, and learn how World War II impacted holiday celebrations here.
Tours are set for December 19 (6 and 7:30 p.m.) and December 20 (4:30, 6 and 7:30 p.m.). Tickets are $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Reservations are required. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
State-of-the-art radio, in the 1940s Coley House.
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It’s interesting that this truck takes up 4 spaces, in the Trader Joe’s parking lot:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
What’s even more interesting is that the driver could find 4 empty, contiguous spaces there at all.
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Bedford Middle School has a long driveway. Nearby are athletic fields, and Wakeman Town Farm.
But there are plenty of woods, too. Dayle Brownstein took this autumn image, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
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And finally … in honor of Melissa and Doug Bernstein’s induction into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame (story above):
(From the Minute Man monument in motion to the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. We rely on reader support to do it. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Perhaps, after the swearing in of the new administration, First Selectman Kevin and 2nd Selectwoman Amy will add colorful lights to the Christmas tree at Town Hall and, even, on Main Street to reflect the changes in town as do the Cribari Bridge lights and the lights at Wakeman Town Farm. Why not add more color to Westport?
Dan, this is full of so many interesting posts that deserve comment. Thank you. I was especially pleased to see that Melissa and Doug have been honored. Long before I knew their Westport connections – Staples High School sweethearts! and more – I loved their beautiful, well-crafted imaginative toys. Congratulations to them!
What a monumental screwup that “Hook’d” contract was. For some reason I though that contract was up today. Literally. If that is so, why the sweet buyout? Anyone?
I believe they have an option to renew.
I could not get any answers on this from the BOF or town attorney at the meeting this week, though I asked.
From what I can gather from the contract I was able to find in the public domain, their first 5-year term was up November 2024. That leads me to believe they re-upped for another 5 year term then, and just completed one of five years in their second term — buying them out of four more years.
That would explain the buyout … unless the lease was terminated due to any defaults events in the agreement. Then I don’t know why we are buying them out.
Can someone explain why the town is paying $275k to kick out Hook’d? What did I miss?
Reporting that The Orange & White barrels that have graced the Post Road between Volvo and Sakura are Gone! its 99% Done
Hook’d originally aimed a 5 year contract when they moved in. How did it get extended and why are we on the hook for a payout given how they basically failed to live up to any of their responsibilities.
Clark, I “believe” Hook’d must’ve signed a 5 year lease with renewal options.
Likely a 5,5, or could have been even more 5,5,10… unless the town has cause to get rid of them, those lease options are legit. They simply give advance notice and lease continues.
Now why they got those lease options, and why they even got the initial contract is sadly water under the bridge, but it was undoubtedly a “fix”. It was contested by several of us with studied paperwork and proof. Problem is only a handful of us bothered to get involved.
As someone who alongside Sal Liccione in district 9 at the time, fought tooth and nail for this lease to be awarded to a party who deserved it and not awarded on nepotism, all I can say is to that BOF( Moore was on it)
“We told you so”
However fast forward to a “buyout” you just can’t make this shit up !
A buyout.. we have to pay 1/4 of a million dollars to get rid of them ?
Nah !!!!!
This makes no sense.
That’s 2 years rent.. why not just keep them. This is akin to paying $200k to get back your salvage car worth 50k.
If the buyout is that bad.. then just keep them.
Force them to uphold lease terms and if they do not “fire” them. That’s easy.
This does not pass the sniff test.
Somebody wants the concession for a friend. Quel surprise !
Just as Hook’d was somebody’s friend.
This buyout is INSANITY
Above all the RTM park and rec committee must have no eyes on RFP’s.
There is far too much rot in there. “Friend group”, “popular group”, kabal…. Etc.. iykyk.
Transparency means opening RFP’s at the same moment in front of a trustworthy “mix” of players, so the skullduggery of the past is not possible.
This is the most important element of RFP transparency going forward..
Last November, they had an option to renew for another 5 years. Why it was renewed is another question.
I would note that I asked who is responsible for managing the tenant at these venues (Compo, Longshore, Golf) and the answer is the Parks and Recreation Director. The new director was hired in February, AFTER the renewal may have occurred, so the P&R was leaderless at the time.
This Hook’d deal was handled by Jen Fava. IMO she should be subpoenaed because something doesn’t add up. An explanation is called for.
Seem to recall the lack of competitive bidding, to the exclusion of possible local vendors (e.g the King Bros.). In addition, the food offerings and quality of service, were sub-standard. So why are we ‘rewarding’ them?
Paying Hook’d to go away is a fitting FU to Westport from this departing administration. Will be interesting to see how the Tooker Cheerleading Squad on the RTM explains this away as they wield the rubber stamp.
they didn’t call it hooked for nothing
Absolutely John !!
Westport got a FU when this administration or at least Tooker as second on Marpes administration ok’d it,( Moore on BOF) then a highly contested but duly all objections POOH POO’d, and now they want rid of them .. at an insane COST !
The Tooker KABAL on RTM, the usual, who likely have a “friend” in mind for this concession… will as usual just speak in their typical tongue twisted rhetoric, taking zero responsibility for not overturning this shit show from the get go.. and now Westport residents are on the HOOK- pardon the pun to subsidize the next hamburger and French fry for many years at that buyout ….
WTF ?
Is the only response to this..
just mind blowing BS !
And I want to know what BOF were doing !!!!!
We need to stop the skullduggery!
Oh if only.. and if you only knew how deep it goes. The skullduggery in this towns administration has been deep !
Sadly the RTM will continue to perpetuate it.. some of them.. not all, but enough to make life impossibly corrupt.
Thank you Jonah for recognizing this.
Skullduggery is a great word.
A reminder that some people are getting together this Tuesday Nov 18 at 7:30 in the McCall Room 216 in the library to discuss openness and transparency in Westport’s town government.
It will be an informal discussion centered around the questions posed to the 1st Selectman candidates prior to the election.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pGeTd10gdaxVVxf-Bpx25SZ23KITmaVsROMwpxSrss0/edit?usp=drivesdk
was hook’d the one that was in some legal trouble before the town agreed to contract with them (defying common sense)? not paying their taxes comes to mind? perhaps if any payment goes to hook’d someone should check to make sure any outstanding taxes owed to the government, state, or any locality are paid with the funds? hook’d was horrible in my opinion.
actually found it….
“A quick Google search of (concessionaire) Upsilon Ventures and (owner) Itai Shoffman uncovers all sorts of stuff, like unpaid taxes.”
Attached was a link to Southern District of New York District Court judgment in “United States of America v. Itai Shoffman.” He was held liable for $201,659.73 in unpaid federal income taxes for 2007 and ’08, plus interest.
The judgment was dated February 12, 2021 — nearly one year after he and Upsilon were awarded the concession contract for Compo Beach and Longshore.
Yes ! That was it Joshua.
Well, we were ignored when we brought this to the attention of multiple then Board of finance members back 5 years ago. . at least 4. Emails back and forth as well as phone calls.
What is more concerning is the frivolous way, now BOF members vote unanimously to buy out, ( adding insult to injury) this groups lease, a prev BOF granted them.
Where’s the apology or explanation for this profligate expense/buyout .
End of the day they are(Hook’d)here now. They pay rent.
If the cost to get rid of them is 2 years of rent, at tax payers expense, then keep them til 2030.
The ease with which these “elected” officials piss away our tax dollars is just mind blowing.
And how can we not suggest there is something going on ?
I suggest there is someone in mind for this concession ! Someone wants someone to get this concession.
And I suggest at this late stage.. in for a penny in for a pound.
Keep the Hook’d ! Save the tax payers 250k !
Ciara! Name the culprits…take back what is yours/ours!
We stand with you.
That 1940s radio brings back memories of my days at my grandparents house.
Instead, we should be paying $275,000 to get Joey’s back!!
Why are other RFP’s and bid results posted but the concessionaire bid results and contract are nowhere to be found on the town website? The contract was supposedly awarded on best value and revenue sharing to the town and guaranteed $100k a year or 10% of gross revenue with escalation. Let’s be transparent to how much Upsilon paid the town over the years before paying the $275k. Are we holding then accountable for what they sign up for?
https://www.westportct.gov/business/bids/town-bid-results