Author Archives: Dan Woog

Real Estate 2025: A Very Good — But Tight — Year

Posted on January 7, 2026 | 2 comments

2025 is in the books.

Real estate-wise, in many ways it was one for the books.

Our friends at KMS Team at Compass have compiled some stats. They show a robust market — particularly at the high end.

Last year, 1/3 of all MLS-marketed single-family homes surpassed $3 million.

Limited inventory at lower price points drove prices up. Homes in the $2 million to $2.99 million range sold for an average of 103.5% of their asking price.

Those listed between $1.4 million and $1.99 million fetched 104.5% of the asking price.

But MLS may not capture every sale. In the luxury sector, KMS Team says, the need for privacy and discretion often results in off-market transactions.

Those are not included in the reported figures. The firm expects a further rise in private offerings in 2026.

Five lots on Beachside Avenue — sold together to one buyer, for $54 million — was the largest sale in Westport last year. Or any year. The listing agent was Leslie Clarke Team at Compass.

Despite record-breaking sale prices, last year saw the lowest number of single-family home sales in a decade.

The median sale price — $2.3 million — was double that of 2019, and up 7% from the previous year. The average sale was $2,746,382 — up 10% from 2024.

The total number of reported transactions was 299, down 3% from 2024. The total volume was $821,168,364 — up 7% from the previous year — while the average price per square foot was $655.

The condo market experienced significant growth too, reaching an average sales price of $833 per square foot. KMS Team says that condo demand was driven largely by buyers seeking to downsize, or buy a second home in Westport.

Looking ahead, the realtors expect a modest increase in transaction volume in all types of properties, coupled with steady single-digit price growth.

The most expensive property currently listed is also on Beachside Avenue. The asking price for the 8-bed, 8 1/2-bathroo, 9,995-square foot home on 3.55 acres is $19.8 million.

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What about rentals?

Are you sitting down?

According to MLS, the highest monthly summer rental in 2025 was a fully furnished property on Fraser Lane. It could have been yours for only $78,000 a month, though someone else snatched it up.

Five other homes rented for between $45,000 and $48,000 a month during the summer season.

Three — on Soundview Drive, Bluewater Hill South and Spriteview Avenue — offered water views.

Of the 2 that did not, one on Weston Road — with a heated pool and pool house, and “exceptional” game room — carried an off-season rate of $19,000.

A property on Hitchcock Lane featured a 40-foot saltwater pool.

According to MLS, the most expensive unfurnished annual rental in Westport was on Woody Lane. Initially listed at $35,000 per month, it closed at $30,000.

The listing described it as an “outdoor paradise with exceptional grounds,” including a 44-foot pool; tennis, basketball and pickleball courts; an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven, and a separate-entry apartment.

This 5-bedroom, 5 1/2-bathroom, 3,770-square foot house on Compo Cove was originally listed for rent at $60,000, for the month of August. The price dropped to $50,000 — but it was never rented.

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Weston, meanwhile, remains very appealing to buyers seeking more space, both inside and outdoors.

In 2025, the average acreage of properties sold in Weston was 2.25; in Westport it was 1.05.

Weston homes offered considerably more square footage in every price category: 12.6% larger in the $3 million-plus range, 38.8% bigger in the $2 million to $2.99 million category, and a whopping 60.8% larger in $1.4 million to $1.99 million.

Weston recorded 146 sales in 2025, up 8% from 2024. The median sale was $1.399 million, up 3.6%; the average sale ($1.530,901) was up 4.2%. The average price per square foot was $385.

In Weston, the upward trend in prices is slowing. KMS anticipates modest growth in 2026.

The most expensive property listed in Weston right now is this 5-bedroom, 7 1/2-bathroom, 11,450-square foot home, on 2.07 acres on Old Redding Road. The asking price is $3,999,999.

(Not ready to buy a home today? No problem. But you can click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” It’s also a good investment — and a lot cheaper.)

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Pic Of The Day #3184

Posted on January 6, 2026 | 1 comment

Zach Slater’s flight into Westchester Airport on Sunday took him directly over Westport. This is a great view of Compo Beach and the Ned Dimes Marina (top right); the Longshore golf course (center and lower right), and homes in the Compo Beach neighborhood. (Photo/Zach Slater)

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Roundup: Golf, Jazz …

Posted on January 6, 2026 | 1 comment

First came The Clubhouse.

Then Sticks.

Now Westport has a third golf simulator.

As use of its spin room declined — a nationwide trend — the Westport Weston Family YMCA repurposed that space. Last Friday, it reopened as a multi-purpose golf center. The centerpiece is a versatile simulator.

“We’re always looking for new sports,” says COO Christina Scherwin. “Golf is a way to diversify our offerings. It’s good for all ages” — including members with special needs, the Parkinson’s exercise group, and women who may be reluctant to go out on a course or driving range.

Angelo Lopiano is the Y’s new golf pro. Owner of Studio Golf in Wilton for 25 years, he’s available 25 hours a week — Mondays through Saturdays — for lessons.

The simulator — featuring hundreds of courses worldwide, and dozens of ways to analyze swings and strokes — will be open for rental at all other times. Lessons and rentals are for Y members only.

This Friday us the official inauguration, with a closest-to-the-pin contest and giveaways.

The new offering has already proved popular. Lopiano and Scherwin envision adding more simulators, and perhaps adding golf to the Mahackeno Outdoor Center. (There is mini-golf there already, next to the pool.)

Harrison Browne — a former Staples High School golf star, now on the Lafayette College team — was driving, chipping and putting yesterday.

“It’s a great place to practice and hang out,” he says.

For more information and to book a slot, call 203-226-8981, ext. 147. (Hat tip: Susan Garment)

Harrison Browne, in action. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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This week’s “Jazz at the Post” offers a tribute to Chet Baker and Stan Getz.

Trumpeter Andy Gravish has spent 20 years devouring Baker’s music. Saxophonist (and JazzFC artistic director) Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall has admired Getz’s work for decades.

Gravish and Wall will be joined by pianist Michael Cochrane, bassist Bill Moring and drummer Eric Halvorson.

“Jazz at the Post” runs every Thursday, at VFW Post 399. Shows are 7;30 and 8:45 p.m. A buffet dinner begins at 7. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Diane Lowman. It’s the full moon (“Wolf Moon”) — and just to its right, Jupiter.

(Photo/Diane Lowman)

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And finally … in his State of the Union address on this date in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt United States President described “4 Freedoms” that people “everywhere in the world” ought to enjoy:

  • Freedom of speech and expression
  • Freedom of worship
  • Freedom from want
  • Freedom from fear.

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“Students Speak”: Sharing Grades Adds Extra Stress

Posted on January 6, 2026 | 9 comments

“Students Speak” offers a platform for Westport students to speak out about issues of importance to them.

Ella Turner is a sophomore at Staples High School. She serves Inklings as paper editor and editorial board member, and is part of the Graphic Design Club. Last summer, Ella explored media writing at Vogue Summer School and investigative journalism with the New York Times program.

Ella has studied at Alvin Ailey’s dance intensive in New York. She is a member of the senior company at Westport’s Academy of Dance, performing shows like “The Nutcracker.” Ella writes:

I quit tennis when I was 10 years old.

As someone who couldn’t stand the stress of constant competition, I told my mom that competitive sports just weren’t for me and started a career in dance.

After a while though, my little self realized that in any activity, there would be a level of healthy competition. I slowly adjusted, realizing that it could actually push me rather than hinder my progress.

Ella Turner

At school however, I loved to be in competition with myself. That meant harder classes and more stress. As most Staples students do, I would stress about tests, then worry about the grade I got.

You’d think that would be the end of it. However, once I receive my grade, I am forced to add another level of stress to the already mountain-high stack: the stress of telling others how I did.

Grade sharing is a common occurrence at Staples, to the point where I share and compare my grades with classmates in every class. For most students, it is the norm. It is customary that the second you receive a grade, you feel obligated to share it.

Even when I try to avoid disseminating my grade, I’m often asked outright by others. Sharing grades is now a part of the academic process at Staples, and I, like countless other students, don’t bat an eye at it. But recently, I have  wondered why this is the case.

Some of the blame for the increasingly public nature of grades at Staples is also one of my unfortunately cherished pastimes: checking PowerSchool. Despite the ease that technology has created, students having full access to their grades at any time of day is a risky power. Rather than avoiding the question, or avoiding discussing grades altogether, there’s always the ability to “just pull it up!” — a phrase I am sadly guilty of.

A significant portion of the pressure to share grades stems from the desire for comparison. The culture at Staples is undeniably a feeling of constant preparation for college and the workforce. This leads to yet another feeling that each grade is the defining factor in a student’s future success.

This culture not only enables unnecessary anxiety, but also creates an underlying sense of competition, the kind that can drag a student’s self esteem far down without them even realizing. If they get a bad grade, they need the reassurance that it was still an average or above average grade, and that they are not falling behind others in the constant race to an unknown finish line.

Once a grade is out in the open, whether positive or negative, there are serious underlying consequences that students put on themselves. If my classmate aces an English essay, there becomes this expectation that they are good at English and should be living up to the bar they set for themselves. Effort becomes judged by a letter rather than time and energy. And once stereotypes and expectations are made, breaking those assumptions can feel impossible.

It’s understandable that comparing grades with peers can be exciting, and many people don’t feel uncomfortable with that level of openness. But it’s also important to take into account that many people need a level of privacy when it comes to grades, whether they say it out loud or not.

Rather than asking “What did you get?,” forcing students to reply with a letter grade, try instead “How was the test?” or “How did you do?” This will enable students who are uncomfortable to respond indirectly, which provides a sense of comfort that as of now, not many students have.

As a sophomore who has 2 more years at high school, that means I will be comparing and sharing my grades, whether I am comfortable or not with the idea.

As a community and a school, I believe it is important that we take a step back and reassess the motives for constant grade sharing by asking ourselves: Is sharing your grades for the benefit of others, or the benefit of your self-validation?

(To submit a “Student Speaks” — or for questions about this feature — email 06880blog@gmail.com. We will work with students — at Staples, private schools or home-schooled — to help craft their story. Anonymity, if requested, is assured.) 

(If you enjoy this feature — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3183

Posted on January 5, 2026 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3183

Saying goodbye to 2025 — or hello to 2026 — in Greens Farms (Photo/John Karrel)

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Roundup: Miggs Burroughs, Justin Paul, Jeff Warshaw …

Posted on January 5, 2026 | 21 comments

Miggs Burroughs is many things.

He’s a gifted artist, graphic designer and photographer. He designed a Time magazine cover and a US postage stamp, while still in his 20s.

The son of a noted illustrator, he’s a Staples High School graduate who has spent his career in Westport. He serves corporate clients, but never says no to pro bono work on behalf of local causes. He’s designed logos, posters and promotional materials for a host of organizations.

Miggs created the Westport town flag — and the lenticular photos that grace 2 important spots: the “Tunnel of Love” between Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza, and Saugatuck train station.

Downtown Tunnel of Love (Photo/Susan Leone)

He’s a founder of — and a guiding force behind — the Artists Collective of Westport. And you see him every Memorial Day, as our very own living, breathing Minute Man.

(Photo/Ted Horowitz)

He’s an all-around great, giving guy.

And today, Miggs Burroughs turns 80 years old.

Happy birthday, Miggs! Thanks for all you have done — and continue to do — for Westport, and beyond. Here’s to many years of health, happiness, creativity and coolness. (Hat tip: Carmine Picarello)

Miggs Burroughs

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Justin Paul’s experience in Staples Players — the high school’s award-winning drama program — was foundational to his award-winning career that followed.

The 2003 graduate and his songwriting partner, Benj Pasek, created “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land.” They’re the youngest EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winners ever.

High school theater changes many more lives than Paul’s, of course. Wauwatosa (Wisconsin) High just became the first school troupe anywhere to stage “Dear Evan Hansen.”

This weekend, “CBS Saturday Morning” highlighted the production. Included in the story was an interview with Paul and Pasek — and a touching scene of the duo telling the 17-year-old star to “break an arm” (IYKYK). Click here or below to see.

There’s also a link to a full, longer interview with Paul and Pasek. It’s well worth the 38 minutes — excellent questions, and insightful responses (particularly about the importance of high school theater). Click here or below to see. (Hat tip: John Dodig)

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Congratulations to Jeff Warshaw!

The CEO of Westport-based Connoisseur Media has been named Radio Ink’s 2026 Executive of the Year.

The honor recognizes “leadership, innovation, and measurable impact across the radio industry.”

The recognition follows Connoisseur’s acquisition of Alpha Media’s assets, a move that propelled them into the top 10 US radio operators by revenue.

“The spirit of entrepreneurism is alive in the radio industry,” Warshaw Radio Ink interview. “We have pep in our step.”

Radio Ink president and publisher Deborah Parenti calls Warshaw “a risk taker and visionary.”

Editor-in-chief Cameron Coats says that in 2025 Warshaw combined “vision, discipline, and belief in what local radio can still achieve.”

Jeff Warshaw at his desk, overlooking Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Staples High School Class of 1998 graduate Sage Hammond died peacefully on Friday.

She attended the School of Visual Arts, where she deepened her lifelong love of fashion, design and visual expression.

Her obituary says, “Smart and  sassy, Sage lived her life on her own terms. She was known for her quick wit, an exceptional sense of style, and a natural talent for both fashion and interior design. Wherever she lived, she created spaces that reflected her bold taste and creative eye.

“Sage was also a gifted cook who loved sharing gourmet meals with friends, and turning ordinary gatherings into memorable occasions. She loved animals deeply, particularly cats, and over her lifetime shared her heart and home with many.

“Despite her own struggles, Sage had an instinctive ability to lift others up, often making people laugh when they needed it most. Her humor, warmth, and authenticity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

“Sage lived boldly, loved deeply, and never believed in dull moments—she wouldn’t want one now.”

She was predeceased by her grandfather, Larry Racies. She is survived by her mother, Robin Hammond; father Jon Hammond; sister Gabriele Hammond (Bradley Topar); nephew Oliver and grandmother Gail Williams.

A celebration of Sage’s life will be held at a later date.

Sage Hammond

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo shows a serene Saugatuck Shores scene:

(Photo/Yulee Aronson)

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And finally … the interview with Justin Paul (above) brings to mind 3 great songs, from that life-changing show:

(As “06880” board member Miggs Burroughs turns 80, a reminder: We’re a non-profit — so donations are tax-deductible. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Remembering Steve Daniels

Posted on January 5, 2026 | 14 comments

Steve Daniels — a longtime Westport resident, who with his wife helped found TEAM Westport, and was an active volunteer in many causes — died peacefully at Stamford Hospital. He was 86.

The Philadelphia native earned a soccer scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, and graduated with a degree in business. He was president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and captained the soccer team.

He and his wife, realtor Cheryl Scott-Daniels, dedicated themselves to their family and community.

Steve Daniels

Steve served as a mentor to youth; was board chair of the United Way and president of A Better Chance of Westport, and was an active member of TEAM Westport, the town’s multicultural commission.

A passionate advocate for senior housing, he co-chaired the Baron’s South project, championing dignity and opportunity for older residents  Steve was honored by the Department of Human Services for his long service and commitment to improving communities. 

His professional career began in the shoe business. He designed high-end footwear, which required extensive work in factories throughout Italy.

He later built a successful career at Trans World Airlines, rising to vice president of reservations and tours. One of his proudest achievements at TWA was helping provide resources to the families of hostages following the hijacking of Flight 847 in the summer of 1985.

After leaving TWA, Steve served as general manager at Oxford Health. He opened their 300,000-square foot White Plains office in 1996.

He later worked alongside his wife at Cheryl Scott-Daniels Realty.

His family says, “Steve was an avid reader, a devoted tennis player, an adventurous skier, and a curious traveler who delighted in exploring the world.  Above all, he cherished time spent with friends and family, who knew him for his integrity, warmth, and quiet strength.” 

Steve is survived by his wife, Cheryl Scott-Daniels; stepson Stephen Scott (Dalila Wilson-Scott); grandchildren Kayla, Sean and Cameron; sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.  

Steve’s family extends thanks to caregivers and friends who supported Steve with compassion and love.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Steve’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

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Herbertson “Disappointed And Dismayed” By Removal As DPIC Chair

Posted on January 5, 2026 | 29 comments

Members of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee were not the only ones surprised to learn that chair Randy Herbertson had been replaced.

He was too.

Herbertson — who joined the organization in 2016, and led it since 2021 — met with selectpersons Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich 2 weeks ago. It was his first conversation ever, he says, with the 1st selectman.

Randy Herbertson

Several days later he received an email from Christie, saying there would be a change in leadership. Herbertson said he asked for an explanation, but received no response.

“06880” asked Christie for a comment. He replied, “This was a change in leadership for the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee. I appreciate Randy’s service to our town.”

Herbertson — whose full-time job is owner of The Visual Brand, a Church Lane branding firm he founded — was first appointed to DPIC by 1st Selectman Jim Marpe. He stepped down as president of the Westport Downtown Merchants Association when Marpe tapped him as chair.

Herbertson is proud of his tenure. “We’ve done a lot of planning,” he says. “But it’s difficult to get things done through town bodies.”

Major accomplishments, he says, include renovations of the Baldwin and Elm Street parking lots; a parking study, and “lots of public engagement.”

Two years ago, the Planning & Zoning Commission said it would approve an update to the Parker Harding lot, if DPIC could find 40 spots to replace those that would be lost.

Parking plan for Parker Harding Plaza.

They devised a plan for Jesup Green. However, opposition to removal of part of that open space sent DPIC back to the drawing board.

Now, Herbertson says, “Public Works has identified most of those spots outside of Parking Harding.” DPIC may soon ask P&Z for approval.

Under Herbertson, DPIC also explored the feasibility of a parking deck. However, he says, “our goal was to change parking behavior in the downtown core, before building a structure.”

Herbertson calls his removal “disappointing and dismaying. (Christie) can make whatever choice he wants.  But I would have liked an explanation.”

Christie says that he and the Select Board will look at the makeup of all appointed town boards and commissions.

Downtown Plan Implementation Committee report.

“I’m proud of what we accomplished,” Herberston says. “It is what it is.”

Members of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee hailed Herbertson. They said:

On behalf of the Westport community, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for your many years of dedicated service as chair of the Downtown Planning Implementation Committee.

Your leadership of a diverse group of stakeholders was marked by diligence, patience, and an extraordinary work ethic. You consistently devoted countless hours in preparation, coordinating with experts and public officials, setting an agenda, and running public meetings with fairness, clarity, and professionalism. Through your steady guidance, complex issues were addressed constructively, and progress was achieved in a collaborative spirit.

As a volunteer in public service, you set a high standard and made a lasting, positive impact on our downtown and our community. We, members of the DPIC, are deeply grateful for your commitment and exemplary leadership.

(“06880” regularly covers town politics, downtown, transportation — and much more. If you enjoy stories like these, and this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3182

Posted on January 4, 2026 | 1 comment

Sculpture near Westport Library, in fog (Photo/Nancy Breakstone)

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Photo Challenge #575

Posted on January 4, 2026 | 54 comments

There are many places you might find a sardine can — or a representation of one. That was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge (click here to see).

There are the seafood places: Superior, Fjord Fish Market.

And other food spots: Stiles, Gold’s. Black Duck.

One reader even guessed Urban Outfitters.

The correct response though, was Westfair Fish & Chips.

Tucked in the back of Westfair Center — with just a few tables, but a very active takeout business — the spot is one of Westport’s hidden jewels.

Dan Vener and Andrew Colabella both nailed it.

I thought more readers would. But maybe — coming a few days after Christmas — they were still in ham and egg nog mode.

Still, for those who enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes …

Anyway — continuing our culinary theme — here is today’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Marina Drasnin)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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