Westport’s Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee has been formed.
This morning, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie announced the names of 7 members: Ward French (chair), Paul Davis, David Keeton, David Stone, Joe Strickland, Ian Warburg and Larry Weisman.
Melissa Levy, chair of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Transit Committee and its Cribari Bridge Subcommittee, will serve as a non-voting ex officio member.
The group will advise Christie on the town’s participation in the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s process for renovating or replacing the 142-year-old Saugatuck River span.
Their charge includes:
- Reviewing project information prepared by DOT, the Federal Highway Administration, the town, consultants, and other subject matter experts.
- Identifying issues requiring clarification or further analysis.
- Considering community input and technical expertise.
- Evaluating the benefits, impacts and tradeoffs associated with the Project.
- Providing fact-based recommendations to the 1st Selectman to inform the Town’s participation in the DOT process.
Cribari Bridge.
The committee’s formation comes just prior to 2 important meetings. Tonight (Monday, 6 p.m., Zoom), the RTM Transit Committee and Cribari Bridge Subcommitte meet.
They’ll prepare for Thursday’s public session (November 12, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), where the CTDOT is expected to present its recommended next steps.
A press release from the selectman’s office says “the committee brings together experience in structural engineering, architecture, historic preservation, environmental conservation, land use, strategic planning and municipal governance, providing a range of perspectives to evaluate the project’s benefits, impacts and tradeoffs.”
Christie said, “The Cribari Bridge is an important connection for Westport, and its future has significant implications for public safety, traffic, and surrounding neighborhoods.
In ongoing conversations with DOT, I’ve consistently emphasized safety, including the importance of limiting large through-truck traffic and protecting surrounding neighborhoods, and I appreciate their willingness to listen and engage with the Town.
My priority for Westport is a safe, reliable solution that addresses the community’s concerns while ensuring this important project can move forward.
“With this committee, I’ve brought together experienced residents who will examine the information, ask thoughtful questions, and provide independent, fact-based recommendations as we continue working with DOT. The bridge’s future matters deeply to many Westport residents, and I welcome their continued involvement and perspectives as we work toward a solution.”
The committee’s responsibilities include reviewing technical and project information, identifying issues requiring clarification or further analysis, considering community input and technical expertise, and providing recommendations to the 1st Selectman.
The committee will report to the First Selectman, and serve in an advisory capacity. The committee’s charge, and more information, is available on the Town’s website.
There wasn’t a single qualified woman in the town of Westport to be on this committee?