SPINNAKER’S WORKFORCE HOUSING: WHO QUALIFIES?
This week, Spinnaker announced plans to build 142 apartments in Saugatuck, on property bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street.
Ten percent of the units would be deed-restricted as affordable to families making up to 80% of the statewide median income.
Another 10% would be deed-restricted as “workforce housing.”
So what exactly is “workforce housing”? Who qualifies.
Michelle Perillie — director of the Westport Planning & Zoning Department — explains: “Section 5 of the Westport Zoning Regulations define Workforce Housing. The area median income this year is $156,800, so the maximum income for a family of 4 is $172,480 per year.”
How does one apply?
“The application process will be the same as for an affordable unit. (It) includes an income certification form…. There is also an applicant interview where income compliance is verified.”
Spinnaker’s plan has a long way to go before it is approved. Then, of course, comes construction.
It will be a while before anyone moves in, to either the affordable or market rate units.
Questions? Email mperillie@westportct.gov.
One view of the proposed Saugatuck apartments.
BOARD OF FINANCE MULLS POLICE, LONGSHORE, SCHOOL REQUESTS
Speaking of $$$: The Board of Finance meets November 4 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; click here for the livestream). Among the agenda items up for approval:
- 5-year renewal of police body dash equipment: $404,852.36
- Replacement of water services lines at Longshore: $3,560,000
- Board of Education building projects: $17,569,712.
Specifically:
BMS-008 Install Air Vapor Barrier Metal Panel Facades $40,000
DW-012 Installation of Ductless Split Systems $507,635
GFS-002 & 004 Evaluation of Building HVAC System & Indoor AHU $100,000
GFS-003 Assessment of Water Side Balancing & DPS Replacement $50,000
KHS-006 Evaluation of Building HVAC System $50,000
SES-003 Replace Cooling Towers $1,038,982
SHS-005 & 007 Replacement of Air Handling Units for Pool & Supporting Areas $1,523,082
SHS-008 Replacement of Hot Water Pumps, Rebalancing, Control Valves $1,103,973
SHS-009 Replacement of Cooling Towers & Structural Evaluation $1,451,934
SHS-010 & 011 Replacement of AHU for Field House, Gym, Locker Rooms & Fitness Center $6,499,810
SHS-015 Replacement of Gas Fired Roof Top Units $1,322,330
GFS-008 Roof Replacement & Repair, and Replace Exhaust Fans $2,235,137
SHS-035 Exterior Doors Monitoring $50,000
BMS-011 Upgrade Science Labs $1,036,921
SHS-031 Renovate Girls Locker Room to Create New Team Room(s) $509,908
SHS-032 Renovate Girls Locker Room $50,000
There is this additional Board of Ed request, for $138,942:
DW-013 Installation of Room Numbers at Exterior Windows $93,942
SHS-033 Auditorium – Acoustical Study $20,000
SHS-034 Auditorium – Interior Renovations $25,000
Scheduled for renovation: the Staples girls locker room.
CYBERSECURITY & EDUCATION COURSES PROPOSED AT STAPLES
Speaking of the Board of Education: Its Teaching & Learning Committee meets Tuesday (October 27, 1:30 p.m., Town Hall Rooms 201/201A).
The agenda includes 2 new courses proposed for Staples High School.
The Science Department hopes to introduce “AP Cybersecurity,” for students in grades 10-12.
The course would cover core security principles, risk assessment and ethical responsibilities; physical security and social engineering; network and device protection; and application and data security, including encryption, cloud security, and web vulnerabilities.
Students would apply these concepts to realistic workplace scenarios, analyzing vulnerabilities and developing security recommendations. The course would also address defensive uses of AI, emerging security risks, and data privacy standards.
The prerequisite would be AP Computer Science Principles or Intro to Programming.
The Social Studies Department proposes a new 1/2-credit Early College Experience course, “If You Love It, Teach It,” for students in grades 11-12 interested in exploring careers in K-12 education. The course would examine the historical and social foundations of education, and provide hands-on field observation opportunities in local elementary and middle schools.
“RIVER OF ROSES” TURNS SAUGATUCK PINK
Right on the heels of a 4th place finish at the Head of the Charles race last weekend, the Saugatuck Rowing Club is getting ready for tomorrow’s River of Roses.
The event (Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), includes live music, great food, and — of course — the ceremonial scattering of 50,000 pink rose petals on the Saugatuck River.
The 9th annual event commemorates loved ones lost to breast cancer — and raises funds for survivors. After names are read aloud, the petals are swept out to sea.
Proceeds support SurviveOAR, the empowering, supportive community that provides mental, physical and emotional healing to women with breast cancer after traditional treatment ends.
This year’s River of Roses includes a naming ceremony of the Club’s beautiful pink rowing shell, in memory of beloved member Sarah Bianchi, who passed away last year.
Tickets are $75; rose petals are $25. Click here to purchase, and/or donate. Brunch includes a full raw bar, clam chowder, pumpkin bisque, charcuterie, egg frittata, apple crisp, and complimentary “Sarah Bianchi” Sauvignon Blanc.
Scattering petals, remembering friends.
WORLD PREMIERE AT WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE
As it’s done for 95 years, the Westport Country Playhouse continues to set the bar high.
And surpass it.
The historic theater kicks off the 2026-27 season with a world premiere. “Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley” — a stage sequel Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice” runs from now through November 7.
The play picks up with Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy happily married at Pemberley. Then their world is upended by an unexpected house guest: Napoleon Bonaparte.
As the fallen emperor awaits exile, his presence ignites a revolution among the Darcys, and their colorful circle of friends and relations.
For more information, including tickets, click here.
Napoleon in action, at the Westport Playhouse. (Photo/Carol Rosegg)
St. Luke fall festival ALL WEEKEND LONG
Fall into fun this weekend, at St. Luke Church’s Fall Festival.
The event (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) includes kids’ activities, a “shabby chic boutique,” craft and outdoor vendors, kids’ closet, raffles.
HALLOWEEN ON SOUNDVIEW and Long lots
The Compo Beach neighborhood is one of Westport’s most popular, for densely packed trick or treating. (Sorry, residents — I don’t think any readers didn’t know.)
Most residents get in the spirit — handing out hundreds of dollars worth of candy (and a few drinks for the parents), and decorating their homes appropriately.
This is one particularly spooky scene, on Soundview Drive:
(Photo/Susan Garment)
In a related vein, some of the organizations and businesses that “adopt” traffic islands take care of them well. Others, well …
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston not only take their commitment seriously — they go the extra mile.
This is the scene now, on Long Lots Road at Maple Avenue North:
(Photo/Paul Liistro)
“Westport … naturally” & song of the day
If there’s a traffic jam in front of Saugatuck Congregational Church these days, perhaps drivers are slowing down to look at the fantastic fall foliage, framing the iconic building.
Molly Alger was walking — not driving — by, and snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
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And finally … to honor Saugatuck Rowing Club’s River of Roses, raising money for the SurviveOAR program (item above), a song by Survivor:
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