In 2023, the Connecticut legislature passed a law allowing municipalities to install red light and speed cameras and collect fines from drivers going more than 10 miles over the speed limit, or who run a red light.
So far, the state Department of Transportation has approved plans from 11 towns and cities. Three more are under consideration.
Where does Westport stand?
“06880” asked 1st Selectman Kevin Christie. He says: “Currently, traffic enforcement in Westport is handled through traditional methods by sworn police officers. The town does not operate any automated traffic enforcement cameras, including speed cameras, red light cameras, or school bus stop-arm cameras.
“The town is aware of evolving technology and ongoing state-level discussions regarding automated traffic enforcement systems. Westport has also established a Safety Action Plan, which is a prerequisite for any potential future consideration.
“At this time, Westport is not in the process of acquiring or installing automated traffic enforcement cameras. Any future consideration would require adoption of a local ordinance and a formal policy review.”
Traffic cameras
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The snowfall has stopped. The fallout continues.
On Kings Highway North, Marie Gross’ neighbors’ plow guy deposited a huge pile on the sidewalk next to the end of her driveway.
It’s so high, she can’t see oncoming cars.
She sent this photo …
(Photo/Marie Gross)
… and says, “you can barely see a panel van coming down the road.” She urges everyone — homeowners and plow companies alike — to be mindful when clearing snow.
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Speaking of driving, Arthur Hayes writes: “After a 3-year construction project, the left-turn arrows at 3 of the 4 approaches to the Post Road East/Roseville Road/Hillspoint Road intersection still are not functioning.
“We have the same left-turn disasters as before the project — just from newly constructed left-turn lanes. The only arrow that works is on the Post Road westbound approach.
“The project was presented by the state Department of Transporttation in July of 2019. After 6 1/2 years, my enthusiasm is waning.”
Left-turn arrows noted by Arthur Hayes still do not work.
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Budget season is beginning.
The Board of Finance meets Monday (February 2, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 307/309; livestreamed at www.westportct.gov).
They’ll discuss proposed budgets from the Departments of Human Services, Parks & Recreation (including Wakeman Town Farm), and Public Works (including the sewer fund).
Budget deliberations are set Monday for several departments.
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MoCA\CT welcomes a wide range of artists — all abilities, and all ages.
How do they do it? Here are 2 examples.
A new Advanced Art Studio for Adults with Disabilities (Saturdays, 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.; suggested donation $25) encourages attendees to explore painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media through guided projects and open-ended creativity.
With individualized instruction, the program celebrates self-expression, builds confidence, and fosters community. Click here for more information, and to register.
Meanwhile, the open call deadline for high school artists is February 13.
“The Sound of US: Youth Culture Now” show asks young people to choose 1 song from 2020 to today, and create an original artwork that explores its influence on youth culture. Fashion, language, activism, daily life — all are appropriate themes.
Selected works will be exhibited at MoCA\CT, in tandem with their new exhibition, “Art, Jazz + the Blues” on February 26. Click here for more information, and to submit portfolios.
Adults with disabilities enjoy new opportunities at MoCA\CT.
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Alisyn Camerota has a new gig.
The former CNN journalist has joined the Scripps News Network, as special events anchor.
The Westport resident calls it “a dream gig for me at this moment in my life. I get to work with a team of talented, wonderful journalists, and interview super compelling people, and stay out of the daily stomach-churning stress of this never-ceasing news cycle.”
Her first interview, last Friday, was with former CNN colleague and longtime friend Don Lemon.
“You might have heard a thing or two about Don last week, when Trump and the Department of Justice were desperately, and futilely, trying to charge him with a crime for covering an ICE protest inside a St. Paul church,” Alisyn says.
“They failed. But Don doesn’t believe their attempts are over.”
She’s got a Substack, too. Yesterday, she wrote about what went on — behind the scenes — as she and Lemon grappled with “the duality of grief.” Click here to read more, and subscribe.
Alisyn Camerota and Don Lemon in light — and serious — moments together.
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In the 4 months since “06880” wrote about the Staples Dance team, they’ve grown to over 25 students, in all 4 grades . This winter, Wrecker basketball fans are enjoying their creative, high-energy halftime shows.
This Sunday (February 1, Saugatuck Elementary School, 10:45 a.m.) they host their first-ever showcase fundraiser, featuring great performances by members. Proceeds support the team as they begin competitions, include the state championship.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Staples dance team rehearsal.
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Speaking of Staples: Congratulations to Rohan Sareen.
Last week, the 11th grader headed to New York, to work with the Children’s Rescue Fund at the Lighthouse Shelter in Long Island City.
Using a pair of 3D printers, he taught 30 children how to prepare files, and safely run prints on their own. For most, it was their first exposure to 3D printing and hands-on engineering.
But this is just the beginning. The printers will be used in a new after-school program, giving many more children the chance to learn design, problem-solving, and real-world tech skills.
Rohan says, “the goal of the program is to spark curiosity and show how technology can turn ideas into something tangible. Seeing the children get excited about creating their own projects was incredibly rewarding.”
Rohan Sareen, with 3D printer and Lighthouse Shelter youngsters.
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With last year’s denial by the Planning & Zoning Commission of the controversial Hamlet project, plans for Saugatuck redevelopment have been shelved.
But what about the Norwalk Islands?
There had been vague mentions of excursions from a Hamlet marina, to a couple of nearby properties.
According to “Nancy on Norwalk,” 2 are now back on the market, just a few years after selling. The “rare move (is) tied to stalled development plans and renewed interest in the limited number of islands that remain in private hands along the city’s coastline.”
Calf Pasture Island — close to the Saugatuck River and Norwalk Harbor — has an A-frame structure. Betts Island includes a 1925 single-family home. The asking price is $3.5 million for each.
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Betts Island
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Should we go in, or stay onshore?
That’s the question, at Sherwood Mill Pond — and for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo feature.
(Photo/Nikki Gorman)
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And finally … thinking about the first 3 items above:
(Baby, you can drive my car. You can also click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to support “06880.” Your choice, but I’d sure prefer the second option. Thank you!)
I’m not a big fan of automated traffic enforcement systems but RED LIGHT camera’s are a clear initiative I’d support for everyones safety. Here’s how I see this being helpful; First Offense is a warning, Second Offense is a fine, Third offense is someone who needs to be flagged for mandated driving school.
I’m not a fan of automated traffic systems, but this FAIL falls in the category; In what was quoted as the most dangerous Westport intersections- the solar powered PIN BALL WIZARD Flashing lights solution on Cross hwy doesn’t work on no sun days, late night ( UTI driving) or bad weather the most dangerous times they are needed. The battery power is insufficient and exposes the FAIL. What was wrong with just hanging a flashing red light over the middle of the intersections, or other solutions?
Other welcome enforcement: Driving home from TJ’s Monday morning, a car was pulled over on Bridge St. by Westport’s Finest. I assume it wasn’t for speeding given a comically tall mountain of snow on its roof, and a “porthole” carved out on the windscreen for, uh, visibility…
So, I know this comes up every time there’s a significant snowstorm but, like, what is the deal with sidewalk snow removal in town? Faced with the evidence in front of me I would assume the town fines you if you *do* shovel your walk, and fines you *quadruple* if you do so within any reasonable period of time following a storm.
I grew up in the downtown of a small college town in PA and our walks had to be clear – fully, not just a path – within 24 hours of the end of a storm, so seeing sidewalks left completely untouched days and even weeks after a storm here is both confusing and, unfortunately, a great indicator of what certain people think of their neighbors. Especially when those same sidewalks double as bus stops for our kids.
And it’s not just inconvenient, it’s dangerous. Given the volume of snow we received and the amount of surface area that has to be cleared, it’s inevitable that some of the town’a efforts are going to take time (see the pile at post and Main downtown, or smaller ones obstructing views at various intersections around town like the one posted here) but I’m not sure that same rationale holds for a business or single family home that has a few dozen feet of sidewalk fronting their home.
I’m all for traffic cameras. Given the multiple near misses I and others witness daily, coupled with the seemingly endless parade of motorists coming on and off our congested highways, these dangerous instances will clearly worsen.
I would like to add a plea to get the sidewalk between Compo Beach and Old Mill Deli cleared as soon as possible. Certainly the sidewalks in Commercial areas need to be done to allow businesses to function, but it seems the sidewalk in the beach area is always one of the last to be done, 3-4 days after a storm. Dozens and dozens of people traverse this area every day. It is one of the most used sidewalks outside downtown, but dog-walkers (such as me), walkers and runners are forced to walk in the already narrowed street, where cars still speed around the corners. Numerous times this week, there have been near misses. On another note – huge kudos to the Parks and Recreation staff who have to parking lots and sidewalks cleared incredibly quickly.