Members of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee were not the only ones surprised to learn that chair Randy Herbertson had been replaced.
He was too.
Herbertson — who joined the organization in 2016, and led it since 2021 — met with selectpersons Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich 2 weeks ago. It was his first conversation ever, he says, with the 1st selectman.
Randy Herbertson
Several days later he received an email from Christie, saying there would be a change in leadership. Herbertson said he asked for an explanation, but received no response.
“06880” asked Christie for a comment. He replied, “This was a change in leadership for the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee. I appreciate Randy’s service to our town.”
Herbertson — whose full-time job is owner of The Visual Brand, a Church Lane branding firm he founded — was first appointed to DPIC by 1st Selectman Jim Marpe. He stepped down as president of the Westport Downtown Merchants Association when Marpe tapped him as chair.
Herbertson is proud of his tenure. “We’ve done a lot of planning,” he says. “But it’s difficult to get things done through town bodies.”
Major accomplishments, he says, include renovations of the Baldwin and Elm Street parking lots; a parking study, and “lots of public engagement.”
Two years ago, the Planning & Zoning Commission said it would approve an update to the Parker Harding lot, if DPIC could find 40 spots to replace those that would be lost.
Parking plan for Parker Harding Plaza.
They devised a plan for Jesup Green. However, opposition to removal of part of that open space sent DPIC back to the drawing board.
Now, Herbertson says, “Public Works has identified most of those spots outside of Parking Harding.” DPIC may soon ask P&Z for approval.
Under Herbertson, DPIC also explored the feasibility of a parking deck. However, he says, “our goal was to change parking behavior in the downtown core, before building a structure.”
Herbertson calls his removal “disappointing and dismaying. (Christie) can make whatever choice he wants. But I would have liked an explanation.”
Christie says that he and the Select Board will look at the makeup of all appointed town boards and commissions.
Downtown Plan Implementation Committee report.
“I’m proud of what we accomplished,” Herberston says. “It is what it is.”
Members of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee hailed Herbertson. They said:
On behalf of the Westport community, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for your many years of dedicated service as chair of the Downtown Planning Implementation Committee.
Your leadership of a diverse group of stakeholders was marked by diligence, patience, and an extraordinary work ethic. You consistently devoted countless hours in preparation, coordinating with experts and public officials, setting an agenda, and running public meetings with fairness, clarity, and professionalism. Through your steady guidance, complex issues were addressed constructively, and progress was achieved in a collaborative spirit.
As a volunteer in public service, you set a high standard and made a lasting, positive impact on our downtown and our community. We, members of the DPIC, are deeply grateful for your commitment and exemplary leadership.
(“06880” regularly covers town politics, downtown, transportation — and much more. If you enjoy stories like these, and this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
If Christer has good reason for supplanting Herbertson, he damned well owes the town the forthrightness to come out with it.
I would have expected a move like this from Trump but it is disappointing coming from First Selectperson Christie. I guess we’d better fire up the “No More Kings” dance team and get them out on the RSC bridge first thing Saturday AM. We can recycle the chants from the last NMK dog and pony show. Thanks Dans (both Woog and Katz) for keeping freedom on the front burner.
Westport, like every town in CT, depends on the dedicated work and good will of volunteers to get things done. Some are elected, many more are appointed, all serve without pay and often face incredibly tough, controversial issues.
This is not a good way to start a new administration.
Seeing as you have not resided in town for a long time, I would have expected you to reach out abc fo a little homework before making a comment like this. Do better, John.
My comment has nothing to do with homework, because I readily admit I don’t know the ins and outs of the underlying situation. What I do know, however, is that when a prominent, dedicated volunteer is dismissed from his/her position, s/he deserves an honest explanation. It’s common curtesy, and it’s good people management.
The key word is branding. His primary expertise is branding not planning. He and Jen Tooker morphed Westport into a “destination” rather than creating a sensible plan that benefits Westport’s citizens first. Hairbrain plans to remove the thru traffic roadway in Parker Harding in order to create a recreation area in lieu of parking in that parking lot is a prime example. He could not forsee the outrage this may cause? Lovely idea for a town with ample parking but that was, and is not, Westport. Everything soured from there. In my opinion his lack of engagement with the merchants (vs perhaps the owners of our downtown buildings) was necessary ( and disregarded) if ANY plan was to move forward as well as placing too much of a burden on those merchant’s vital employees. He gave them a back seat. I could never understand this disregard and disrespect.
In addition there was never a price tag associated with his Disneyland approach to our downtown. It would have been astronomical.
My guess all of the above was Christie’s motivation. Enough was enough. Herbertson’s priorities were just in the wrong place. Not a “King” move on Christie’s part but rather an overdue display of leadership.
I am a resident of the downtown neighborhood. I have friends and neighbors who are downtown merchants. I led an effort to save Jesup Green. I attended DPIC’s workshops and a few of its early morning meetings. Still I consider myself a casual observer of this committee’s work. I too thank Mr. Herbertson for his many hours of volunteer work in service to the town.
But there are many reasons I see for a change in DPIC leadership. Firstly, appointed officials serve at the pleasure of the First Selectman. Our new selectman deserves the opportunity to make changes that align with his vision and values for Westport, and he is expected to make changes when and where necessary. The voters spoke loud and clear that change was their mandate.
And more: the DPIC chair lead the charge to pave over part of the historic Jesup Green, taking down several beautiful mature trees. His meetings were not easily accessible, and were never live-streamed or recorded despite pleas from the public to do so. His surveys were designed to elicit a narrow range of response. He often acted unilaterally to the surprise of other DPIC members. He continued to push a plan to remove 40 parking spaces from downtown. Importantly many downtown merchants were his frequent critics.
Westport voters voted for change, and I applaud Mr. Christie for his thoughtful approach to implement change. I am hopeful there are more moves afoot to better align with a new shared vision for Westport, and our path forward to achieving it.
Well said, Toni.
A few Christie loyalists have commented it’s his right to replace town positions-true. But, wouldn’t a leader want to be clear and transparent when making such moves?! Even a simple explanation that Person A brings experience in areas X & Y than the incumbent, and that will better serve my vision of achieving A, B, C? Especially these first year moves to validate why voters put Christie in office?!
This is a botched move no matter what excuses are offered by his cronies. Still time to address the move and we should all certainly demand better communications and accountability for any future, similar ones.
Tooker never explained her endlessly confounding decisions. Why should Kevin Christie have to explain his painfully obvious ones?
Amen to that. Some seriously manufactured outrage on here.
No Parking Garage Please….Thank you Randy for your leadership and service. Westport is a better place because of people like you, who are not afraid to lead, and try and move our wonderful town forward.
Jimmy Izzo
RTM3
Sounds like we’re heading into Tooker 2.0. So much for the campaign cry of increased transparency. First opportunity to walk the walk and (if true) a swing and a miss for Christie. Perhaps, as always, there’s 3 sides to this story but just the mere fact any employee (much less a volunteer!) walks away without a full explanation of why is a problem of mis-management. Does Christie owe a formal explanation, no. Would common decency dictate Mr. Herberston is due an explanation, most definitely. BTW, I’ve not been of fan of the DPIC and their approach either. That’s not the issue here however.
In my opinion, Mr. Herbertson is well aware of the reasons. He is choosing not to publicize them. There are important reasons why personnel matters are not public fodder, no matter if the position is an unpaid volunteer or paid staff. It’s called dignity and privacy.
BTW, I am no one’s crony, Mr. Post. But I am an advocate for shared values, moral character, and democracy.
Replacing Mr. Herbertson should not disqualify or discount the facts: three studies later, manage parking better, no parking deck.
A detailed response is good governance but also transparency, as detailed in their campaign.
It is owed to all.
Hi Andy..Just curious why you and the Iz are so against a parking deck/garage..I’m just asking.
I can only speak for myself, based on analytical research by experts, now three separate times, it has been concluded that a parking deck would not be necessary based on the following data:
• Downtown parking deck concepts were studied primarily for the Baldwin Lot
• A one-level deck would add about 100 new spaces
• That option would displace roughly 40 existing surface spaces
• Net gain would be approximately 60 spaces
• Estimated construction cost was about $4.9–$5.25 million
• Cost per net new parking space would be roughly $87,500
• These figures did not include additional site work or surface lot reconstruction
• A three-level precast garage option was also analyzed
• Each supported level would provide about 102 spaces
• Approximately 100 existing spaces would be displaced
• Net gain would be about 163 spaces
• Estimated construction cost was about $9.75–$10.2 million
• Cost per net new parking space would be roughly $63,000
• These estimates also excluded site work and certain infrastructure costs
In conclusion, this is a push for urbanization in what is a New England suburb town. We can challenge the state until we’re blue in the face with forced overdevelopment for housing that will only count points for 7 years, further leading to population explosion beyond our infrastructure needs.
Majority of the time, there’s parking available downtown everyday. I would not let the outlier holidays dictate or mislead parking during non-holiday times. Further, employees should park where it is appropriate, not taking away convenient spots for patrons.
Thanks Andy. Those numbers seem out of whack. Including the number of spots lost. Not sure who the “experts” were. I’m certainly against urbanization of a small suburban community, but not sure what the state has to do with a small parking area in town. give me a call when you have a chance. Thanks
A few Christie loyalists have commented it’s his right to replace town positions-true. But, wouldn’t a leader want to be clear and transparent when making such moves?! Even a simple explanation that Person A brings experience in areas X & Y than the incumbent, and that will better serve my vision of achieving A, B, C? Especially these first year moves to validate why voters put Christie in office?!
This is a botched move no matter what excuses are offered by his cronies. Still time to address the move and we should all certainly demand better communications and accountability for any future, similar ones.
This is no botched move.
How about Herbertson and most of DPIC is a nightmare !
How about anybody who replaces them even a kindergartener would be better. All of them.
How about you aren’t a merchant and do not have the first clue of what dealing with this horrific not well meaning committee has been like for 4 years. How about attending the Thursday 8.30 am bimonthly or monthly meetings?
How about trusting the first selectman to do his job.
Trust the merchants not just this merchant- other than friends and family there’s not a singular tax paying merchant in this town that agreed with anything DPIC was attempting.
Continuing the BS, of this committee which became a “tooker” vendetta is simply NOT appropriate.
I applaud Kevin’s decision.
Mr. Post..I have never met Randy H. nor have I ever met Kevin C. so definitely not a “crony”. However I’ve been kicking around this town for a long time. Christie doesn’t owe us squat. Perhaps, just perhaps he didn’t want to embarrass Randy with what is a personnel decision. Just saying.
DPIC was a disaster – an unmitigated nightmare
DPIC not only disregarded but habitually disrespected the merchants- the predominant stakeholders in the downtown .
DPIC- refused to record meetings
DPIC squandered HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, of residents money on one expert after the other whether it was design or purpose, -none of them expert in anything except to give Tooker the answer she requested, demanded, bullied, out of them.. it was the price of admission. Admission being tax payers money.
Surveys were the exact same bs.
Bottom line her and his and their ( DPIC) was codswallop !
Didn’t work, won’t work, wouldn’t work.
Kevin Christie was elected by a landslide to lead this town.
He is inheriting a lot of CRAP ! CRAP caused by Tooker and her appointed committees and it needs to be dealt with.
He I’m sure will make some decisions you like and some you do not.
But he is our leader and he won’t have time to tip toe around the haters to get your permission. Nor should he have to.
The biggest mistake of the previous administration and the current DPIC, was the absolute and unequivocal disregard and blatant disrespect for the MAIN stakeholders in the downtown. And those of you bitching I never saw at a singular meeting. Not one !!!! By all means start going
The merchants who own the businesses, take the risks, invest in the buildings, insure the buildings, pay the taxes on the buildings and any and all expenses associated with those buildings that are paid for by the merchants as part of our leases.
The merchants ARE the stakeholders.
But not according to Herberston, Crowley, Mandell, Briggs, ratkiewich, Bernard. And others..
according to them I guess we come with the ticket.
Change is coming and it needs to.
Herbertson knows exactly why he was relieved of his position.
And a bit like when Foti was run out of town- I don’t suppose every situation for a multitude of reasons warrants a public inquiry..
This is much ado about nothing. Jim Marpe chose to remove Andy Moss as Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission, reconstituted the prior Plan Implementation Committee, and changed the leadership on multiple other boards and commissions when he took office. Nobody raised any issues.
For the most part, FS Tooker left the same people in charge. All good people who are owed a collective debt of gratitude for their volunteer town service.
Randy Herbertson has worked hard. The Town can thank him for his decade of service.
But the fact is over $1 million of the Town’s ARPA funds have now been spent on downtown plans and charettes with nothing to show for it (except for some unexplained bathroom piping construction on the Imperial Lot (?)).
The RTM approved funds for a parking deck analysis which never happened. Christ & Holy Trinity Church probably isn’t interested in sharing up their parking as the DPIC’s ‘consultant recommended. And we still having ‘found the parking spaces that the P&Z requires before we can move forward.
In the meantime, the Parker Harding garbage continues to pile up while the Soviet- era lighting continues to corrode. It’s embarrassing.
It’s time for a new beginning for the DPIC. The town can now build on Randy’s DPIC members efforts. It’s time we finally move forward with a parking tier so we can open up the river AND enhance the pedestrian realm of our Main Street.
I voted for our new Selectman. The first thing I read, disappoints me. An explanation is needed.
Randy lied and misrepresented both first and second selectwoman at his first meeting back !
Of course that is being conveniently LEFT OUT here.
He lied – barefaced.
I believe, that after all the complaints about him from the main stakeholders – the merchants.. maybe that action was just the straw..
there you go. There’s the reason.. basically he tried to sabotage Kevin.
With misrepresentation of the very clear message Kevin and Amy were sending, which was to listen to the stakeholders.
Don’t be disappointed in anyone except those trying to keep holding the torch for the very nasty and vindictive Tooker.
Thank god she’s gone.
That’s the only important summary, I think, Tom.
Also, I voted for Christie and delight in his overwhelming win…that’s why this apparent lack of transparency both baffles and disturbs me….thanks.
Dan(Katz)
The Downtown Planning Committee has, to me, been a disappointment. Much of that disappointment flows from the inability of our leaders to make decisions and move on. Randy Herbertson should surely be thanked for the time and effort he contributed to the Committee. Nevertheless, it is time to move on. The present First and Second Selectpersons will confront many procedural issues. However, our views of Kevin and Emily should ultimately focus on accomplishments. I continue to look forward to the “reclaiming” of our river downtown.
A change in the DPIC is long overdue and it shouldn’t stop at Randy Herbertson. How can a committee be proud of what was accomplished when , years later, nothing has been accomplished on the downtown parking issue. Our money has been wasted on studies that lead to no solutions. There are people on the DPIC that will never go along with a parking deck in the Baldwin lot but that may be the only way to get enough parking for downtown without disrupting other locations.
I’m wondering if anyone else has noticed the 12 EV parking spaces in the Baldwin location that are never even half full but stop other cars from parking there! I called Greenwich and New Canaan at least 6 months ago when I noticed them to find out how many they installed in their parking lots for shoppers and employees and they each had 1!!!! Westport needs 12?
Certainly, the idea of employees parking in the Imperial lot has been raised for decades and will never be a good alternative so why does it keep coming up as a possibility?
The outcome was totally predictable from the start when not one merchant was placed on the committee nor did any of them really know what was going on. Once they got filled in, that’s when the DPIC’s lack of transparency was very apparent.
In prior years, the president of the Downtown Merchants Association, now called the DPIC, was headed by a president who was a local merchant that worked on Main Street.
How did we get away from that?
Let the decisions that Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich make be given a chance to be successful!
I’d hazard a guess that few, if any, of Mr. Christie’s harsh critics in these postings had a regular presence at the previous administration’s Town Hall and DIPC meetings, or the charades (oops, make that charrettes), let alone attended the opening Community Meeting, planned to recur regularly. Pity! The latter was both revealing/transparent, encouraging and opened the flood gates to serious issues facing Westport that the new administration has now inherited.
Hence, much of the commentary I’ve read here sounds like cheap shots from the cheap seats. I give you the discussion and the real time needs of our downtown commercial “jewel”. Who of you actually have skin in the game, earn their livelihood, have their very future bound up in the success, now and moving forward, in the prosperity of Main Street and its environs?
Instead, the name calling begins again, or, rather picks up from the previous administration while, seeming deliberately, some “start off on the wrong foot”. So, we go from merchants being ignored, insulted, vilified, marginalized and labeled “obstructionists” to this puerile, unoriginal and unfounded tag of “King” for the First Selectman, in tandem with the disenchantment from some of the same folks on his handling of a matter that is exclusively his purview; choice of DIPC Chairman.
As far as Mr. Herbertson is concerned, as a master of gaslighting, obfuscation and misdirection, he mirrored the lead of the former First Selectwoman. His outrage, at this juncture, is theater for the consumption of friends and others who would buy into it. I will stipulate that, wherever his loyalties have been, whatever his agenda over the course of his tenure, he put the time in for what I’d like to hope he believed in. But he knows exactly why he was dismissed from his DIPC post, that release, in fact, self-inflicted. In my view, the First Selectman saved him from certain embarrassment by limiting public conversation. I know because I was there as the matter unfolded. Other than insightful leadership, Kevin Christie would have shown devastating weakness and fecklessness had he done other than replace the Chairman. I trust he and his colleagues will continue to “reinvent” DIPC and other town committees to credibly and transparently serve the functional interests of our Town.
My comments are neither conjecture nor opinion. I experienced Mr. Herbrtson’s “leadership” for the years that the utopian delusion known as the Reinvention of Downtown, featuring the destruction of critical central parking inventory and turning parking hours allotment upside down, was autocratically being pushed down the throats of those of us that create, contribute and rely on the vibe and vitality of this unique enclave.
Summarily, can we all please get beyond politics and emotions? Can we logically enlist those that are key players to participate in planning discussions with the new administration before a single dollar is spent on outside “experts”, whose boilerplate approach to town planning is incongruous with our town. Let’s advance policy that provides practical solutions and realistic aspirations.