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?
My observation has been that Westport is chock-full of smart qualified women who contribute every day in numerous ways to Westport. All studies show that boards that have at least 3 women on them make better decisions than boards that fail to include women.
Mr. Christie’s decision to choose a committee of seven men and not one single woman reveals that he does not appreciate the merits of gender diversity on committees and boards; if he did –in a town like Westport, which is blessed with so many bright and capable women — he could have EASILY come up with a board with numerous women on it. Hmmmm.
tone 🎶 deaf 🎵
I’m sure I’m not the only person who doesn’t know the individuals selected. Any explanation as to why this group of people and any background on their experience they bring to such a matter?
Respectfully, if you live in Westport and you never heard of Larry Weisman, you haven’t been paying attention. Larry has been involved in multiple Westport community projects for 50 years —often as an attorney working pro bono. His legal work saved the Compo Beach playground project back in the day. One of the top planning and zoning lawyers in the State
Ian Warburg a leader in the effort to preserve the Old Mill Grocery, Another guy who steps up whenever there is a community need
Joe Strickland—- architect. Heads up the Public Site and Building Commission. I expect that means he knows something about this topic. He also chairs the Blight Commission These are both volunteer posts
Ward French—been building homes in Westport for 30 years
I’m glad the committee is getting underway, and I’m glad the RTM will be represented through its ex officio seat. I hope the First Selectman will also consider inviting women to serve as voting members. Westport has women with experience in federal policy making, civil engineering, historic preservation, and pedestrian and bicycle safety. Those perspectives would strengthen the committee’s work on the bridge and the streets that lead to it.
others realized the absence you women. I asked several times to be considered for the committee to no avail. Perhaps not a deliberate ignoring, but it sure looks like one.
The absence of females on the committee is certainly an error – and a surprisingly one for sure. But can we understand the qualifications and POV the people already selected bring to the deliberation. Right now, it’s just a list of names without any context. Perhaps there are readers here who know these people but I’m guessing most folks will not. THAT strikes me as most important vs composition.
What! No women in this important committee???? Shame on you, Mr. Christie!
An unforced error for sure.
This had potential…..Do any of these 7 MEN live in Westport or near the bridge? Being someone who drives over Cribari 6+ times a day seeing 7 male names is a huge disappointment.
M G? I don’t care if it’s men, women or both. As long as it’s the right people. FYI all live in Westport and at least 4 live near the bridge.
The composition of this board is telling, and reflective of Kevin Christie. It’s not oversight to not include half the population, it’s a choice.