From athletes and environmentalists to dog lovers, deli patrons and anyone interested in Saugatuck, Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting has something for everyone.
The September 14 (6 p.m.; Zoom) agenda includes:
- Pre-application for a subdivision on Dogwood Lnae
- Lights on Wakeman and PJ Romano Fields
- Text amendment to permit fenced recreational dog play
- Text amendment regarding outdoor eating and the sale of alcohol in a new Food and Beverage Planned Development District
- Map amendment to rezone 11 properties from General Business District/ Saugatuck Marina to a proposed General Business District/Saugatuck.
Click here for the full agenda. Click here, then scroll down for background information on each item.
The P&Z will again discuss lights on the turf Wakeman Field.
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“06880” readers are not shy about telling us when someone is up to no good.
Illegal tree cutting, inconsiderate e-bike riders, ill-mannered dogs in supermarkets — we hear it all.
But somehow we missed what seems to be the biggest story of the summer.
At least, according to the Connecticut Centinal.
The oddly spelled site — which Media Bias/Fact Check calls “an extreme right-biased imposter website (rated) Questionable based on the promotion of propaganda, conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, poor sourcing, and false claims” — recently published a “BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Illegals Raping Natural Resources In Westport, Cops Don’t Care, Town Doesn’t Care, State Doesn’t Care.”
The story (by “Staff Writer”) says, “There are a lot of people in Westport, CT who profess to care for the environment, or is that just a control mechanism to gain political power?
“Because, no one cares in Westport when their environment is being destroyed as long as its [sic] being done by illegal aliens. By the hundreds. Every Night. Till there is nothing left.”
After noting state and town shellfishing regulations — including permits, size and sunrise to sunset limits — the site claims: “illegal night harvesting is happening at a massive scale in Westport, and across the state.
“‘Unbelievable, isn’t it? Take a ride by old Mill and look at the Spanish guys with Minor’s [sic] hats on, responded one resident we asked who lives in the Compo Beach area when asked if what was going on nightly is legal.
“There’s no blue crabs left. No steamers. No Clams. No mussels.
“Another resident of Old Mill told us, ‘There’s nothing left, they stripped the place clean.'”
The story concludes, “It would be nice if all those environmentalists in Westport actually cared. Mother nature is screaming for help.”
Click here for the full story.
This photo was captioned “Illegals night harvesting at Old Mill Beach, Westport, CT.” (Photo courtesy of CT Centinal)
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The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters — founded by Westporters Julie Belaga and Russ Brenneman 26 years ago — has chosen another local for a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jonathan Steinberg, Westport’s outgoing state representative — will be honored October 9 (6 p.m., Elm City Club, New Haven).
CTLCV calls him “a leading voice in the Connecticut General Assembly on clean energy, environmental protection, and public health for more than 15 years. He has played a key role in major environmental efforts, including the plastic bag ban, fracking waste moratorium, GMO labeling, and microplastics legislation, while consistently advancing renewable energy, solar power, and utility accountability.
“As House chair of both the Public Health Committee and the Energy & Technology Committee, Jonathan helped shape modern energy policy and led the charge on the State Water Plan to ensure Connecticut’s waters remain protected.”
He is one of 4 awardees. The other are State Senator Tony Hwang, State Representative Mary Mushinsky and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.
CTLCV board member Pippa Bell Ader, and former members Eileen Lavigne and Ken Bernhard — all of Westport — invite residents to click here for more information on the dinner.
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg
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The latest reports from Lyman, Ukraine are somewhat encouraging.
Russian forces have not succeeded in capturing Westport’s sister city. In fact, Ukrainian troops have pushed Russians back in some areas north of Lyman.
But Russian forces continue offensive operations. Fighting could intensify this fall. (Hat tip: Robert Gerrity)
Recent damage in Lyman. (Photo/Tyler Hicks for New York Times)
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Jerry Garcia can’t be at VFW Post 399 this Saturday, September 12. (He died in 1995.)
But the next best thing — The Mystery Train Band — will pay tribute to the Grateful Dead icon. They also play Bob Dylan, The Band, The Beatles, Van Morrison and other classic artists.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the music starts at 7:30. Tickets are $10, at the door or online. Pizza, hot dogs and drink specials are available too.
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Kawa Ni’s very popular “Paint + Sip” events continue this month.
Artists — of any and all levels — are invited to the restaurant’s rooftop garden. There, Lauren Smith leads them in a special event, overlooking the Saugatuck River.
For $56 you get painting supplies, an 8″x10″ canvas, and Kawa Ni fare. Wine, sake and cocktails are available for purchase.
The next 2 events are September 16 and 30. Click here to register.
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The Service League of Boys (SLOBs) is Staples High School’s largest club.
As the school year begins, they’re looking for new members. Students and parents are welcome.
The organization promotes leadership through community service. You’ve probably seen them helping out at many events, all over town.
Students and parents are invited to a meeting next Tuesday (September 15, 7:30 p.m., Staples cafeteria). For more information, click here, follow them on Instagram @shsslobs, or email president@shsslobs.com.
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Jazz at the Post kicks off its fall season tomorrow (Thursday, VFW Post 399; dinner service from 6:45 p.m.; shows at 7:30 and 8:45).
Pianist Janice Friedman presents a new program, including creative touches on music by Paul Simon, Billie Eilish and Amy Winehouse, as well as her own originals.
Friedman has played with saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall since the late 1980s. They’ll be joined by bassist Dave Kingsnorth and drummer Mike Campenni. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Whether Westport is figuratively for the birds is up for debate.
But for literal proof, look no further than today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo, from Compo’s South Beach:
(Photo/Ken Schwarz)
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And finally … in honor of Jerry Garcia’s (tribute) appearance at the VFW (item above):
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