Category Archives: Downtown

Pic Of The Day #2949

Posted on May 16, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2949

Saugatuck River sunset (Photo/Morgan Vettri)

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Roundup: WDA Fine Arts Festival, SHS Pops Concert, WYWL Grants, WYC Job Bank …

Posted on May 16, 2025 | 5 comments

One of Westport’s signature events — the Fine Arts Festival — returns for its 52nd year on Memorial Day weekend.

On May 24 and 25 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the national Top 20 show draws 165 fine artists from 19 states to Main Street and Elm Street. As always, there are returning faces. This year, 41 artists are new.

The Westport Downtown Association includes plenty of family activities. They include Elmo and friends, facepainting, crafts, games, dancing and photo ops.

There’s wine and beer for adults, and plenty of food vendors. Lots more information is available here.

Of course, “06880” will add more details, as the Fine Arts Festival nears.

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Another great tradition — though just a decade old — is the Westport Pops Concert.

This year’s event is June 6. The Staples High School Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orphenians, Choralaires and other small group ensembles will perform — and Jim Naughton will host — at the Levitt Pavilion.

Gates open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7. Tickets are free, but a suggested donation of $15 helps offset production costs. They’ll be available at Staplesmusic.org beginning 9 a.m. on May 28. They’re first-come, first-served, so be ready. They’re snapped up fast!

This year’s poster was designed by senior Connor Yuan.

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On Tuesday, the Westport Young Woman’s League awarded $65,000 in grants, to a dozen local non-profits making a difference locally.

They include:

•  Caroline House ($10,000): Provides ESL education and early childhood support to immigrant and refugee women and children in Bridgeport, promoting literacy and life skills for the whole family.

•    Circle of Friends ($10,000): Offers inclusive social experiences, and a sensory-friendly “Quiet Zone” for people with autism and disabilities.

•    Filling in the Blanks ($10,000): Delivers weekend meals to food-insecure children, to close the hunger gap when school is not in session.

•    Liberation Programs ($10,000): Supports childcare for mothers undergoing substance use treatment at the Families in Recovery Program in Norwalk.

•    Westport Farmers’ Market ($5,000): Funds a culinary program where students prepare farm-to-table meals for residents of local homeless shelters.

•    VFW Post 399 ($5,000): Launches a veteran lunch and food donation program to connect veterans — especially disabled and underserved — with critical resources.

•    Levitt Pavilion ($4,000): Sponsor of a free children’s concert series.

•    Staples Tuition Grant ($3,000): Supporting local students’ educational goals.

•    LiveGirl ($2,500): Backing youth leadership and confidence-building programs.

•    Westport Country Playhouse ($2,000): Offering free and discounted tickets to family-friendly performances based on children’s literature.

•    My Team Triumph ($2,000): Covering race registration fees for athletes with disabilities.

•    Positive Directions ($1,500): Promoting local mental health awareness initiatives.

VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado (center) with the $5,000 Westport Young Woman’s League grant from Grants Committee chairi Bronwyn Cousins and president Tainara Cruvinel.

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Speaking of giving back:

As parrt of the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Epic Day of Service this tomorrow (Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), they’re partnering with Big Y to collect food for Homes with Hope.

This is Big Y’s first time working with Sunrise Rotary — and the cause is great — so they hope for a huge turnout.

Bring non-perishable items — and/or pick up some while you shop.

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The Westport Youth Commission’s Student Job Bank is relaunched. And it’s better than ever.

The platform helps local businesses and organizations offer part-time, seasonal and intern positions to high school students. They include retail work, business help, non-profit assistance, lifeguards, camp counselors, and many more.

The previous Job Bank was free for students, but businesses had to pay to post jobs.  The Youth Commission donated a percentage of those fees to charity.

When the platform they used went out of business last year, the Commission had to fiind a new solution. Based on student and business feedback, they opened a new platform, without anyone paying. It’s now free.

To be included on the Job Bank,  fill out this form or email westportyouthcommission203@gmail.com. The Job Bank can be found here. 

Questions? Email kgodburn@westportct.gov.

Youth Commission co-chair Jake Shufro (3rd from left) presents Homes with Hope with a check, from previous Job Bank proceeds.

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May is AAPI Heritage Month. And Westport is celebrating with a wide array of events.

It began with a lunch at the new downtown hot spot, Sushi Jin. AAPI Westport members Vicky Nguyen and Anna Kai about spoke Vicky’s new bookm “Boat Baby,” at the New Canaan Library. Members then enjoyed Japanese treats and sodas while watching Gundam Gquuuuuux at Middle School Anime Night at Toquet Hall.

Still to come:

  • A family hike at Earthplace this Sunday (May 18, 10 a.m.). Reserve a spot here.
  • A conversation with Kevin Nguyen about his new book, “My Documents” (Tuesday, May 20, 7 p.m., Westport Library). It’s been named one of the “Best Books of 2025 (So Far)” by Esquire Magazine.
  • AAPI Restaurant Week (actually, longer) runs through May 31. Participating restaurants are here.

AAPI Westport gives a Special shoutout to the elementary school librarians and PTAs for inviting Christina Soontornvat as their visiting author this year. Students will meet her next week.

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A little rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of Club203.

Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities celebrated Wednesday, at Earthplace.

DJ Joe kept the smooth vibes playing; Ed’s Fusion provided the pizzas, and MoCA CT helped everyone build birdhouses.

Party time at Earthplace!

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Sunil Hirani provides today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

It doesn’t get more classic than this.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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And finally … on this date in 1888, Nikola Tesla delivered a lecture about how to use alternating currents to transmit electric power over long distances.

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Entertainment, Library, Staples HS

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Photo Challenge #541

Posted on May 11, 2025 | 10 comments

Last week’s Photo Challenge showed a familiar scene.

But it was also very challenging.

Jerry Kuyper’s image of the edge of a gray building, with a lower one next to it, reminded many readers of the Post Road East/Imperial Avenue corner, dominated by Harding Funeral Home (ground floor) and the Masonic temple (above). (You can see it here.)

I would have said that too. But I’d be as wrong as most readers.

Jerry took the shot from the second floor of Clarendon Fine Art. It shows the Pottery Barn building across Main Street, and next to it West Elm (whose arched windows are the giveaway).

Andrew Colabella, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Morley Boyd and Matt McGrath are the 4 readers who did not take the funeral home/Masons bait. Well done!

Meanwhile, “who” knows where this week’s Photo Challenge is?

If you know where in Westport you’d spot this owl, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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Posted in Categories, Downtown, Local business, Photo Challenge

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Roundup: Church Lane Closure, Savvy Smoker Seizure, Our Climate …

Posted on April 10, 2025 | 11 comments

With strong support from landlords, and a boost from Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, the Board of Selectwomen voted yesterday to once again close Church Lane to parking, paving the way for outdoor dining, pedestrian strolling and music.

This year’s dates — May 15 to October 5 — are slightly less than in previous years. But they’re a bit longer than the original proposal.

Major landlords David Waldman and Roger Leifer supported the closure. So did restaurateurs from Spotted Horse, The Blondinit and Pink Sumo, who noted they were in favor despite losing parking in front of their businesses. One business owner in Sconset Square (Bungalow) objected.

This will be the sixth summer for the Church Lane closure. It began in 2020, in response to the COVID pandemic.

Donations to the Westport Downtown Association help pay for the music. Venmo @WDA-DowntownWestport, or click here.

Outdoor dining on Church Lane. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The third time was not the charm.

Or the fourth.

For the fourth time since December 2023 — and second in 2 months — Savvy Smoker has been busted.

The vape-and-more — apparently, much more — Post Road East store was searched yesterday by Westport Police detectives, and members of the state Drug Control Division.

They found  pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, canisters of THC flower, THC resin products, THC vape cartridges, and THC edible products. All are illegal, at that location.

Less than 2 months ago — on March 11 — police investigated non-licensed cannabis sales, and complaints of sales to minors. Numerous marijuana and THC products were seized, and a sales associate arrested.

Westport Police received information that non-licensed cannabis sales were continuing, resulting in yesterday’s search.

The investigation is ongoing. Additional arrests are anticipated.

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Speaking of police: They made 3 custodial arrests between April 2 and 9.

A 38-year-old Shelton man was charged with criminal attempt to commit larceny, identity theft and forgery, after an investigation into the theft of mail containing personal checks.

A 41-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with larceny, following the theft of $2,700 worth of merchandise from Ulta Bueaty. Employees described his vehicle, and he was stopped on the Sherwood Island Connector.

A 62-year-old Weston woman was arrested for driving under the influence, and failure to drive in the propero lane, following a 12:15 a.m. accident at Weston Road and Merritt Parkway Exit 42.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Driving while texting: 39 citations
  • Failure to renew registration: 11
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 11
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Driving while texting (3rd or subsequent offense): 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to display license plates: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Improper rear marker lamps: 1

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It’s your yard. And our climate.

That’s the name of Sustainable Westport’s newest initiative.

“Your Yard, Our Climate” invites Westporters to “reimagine their outdoor spaces as powerful tools in the fight against climate change — demonstrating that meaningful environmental progress can start right at home.”

From April through June, the program will feature a series of events and educational programs to help residents transform their yards into vibrant, climate-positive habitats.

Experts will help residents explore practical ways to rethink lawns, support pollinators, choose native plantings, and adopt sustainable landscaping practices, on any size property.

Events include a native plant sale, “Lights Out Connecticut,” compost workshop, Spring Garden Fest at Wakeman Town Farm, tomato master class and more.

Sustainable Westport says: “The initiative emphasizes the significant role that personal choices in our outdoor spaces play in addressing the climate crisis. Whether it’s planting trees that improve air quality, reducing lawn space to support biodiversity, or shifting to eco-friendly yard care practices, each action contributes to a healthier, more climate-friendly Westport — and planet.”

For more information on events, click here.

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Speaking of nature: A dolphin washed up on Saugatuck Shores yesterday, near Cedar Point Yacht Club.

Andrew Colabella emailed the Conservation Department, Aspetuck Health District and Animal Control, for assistance in removing it. He hopes a test will reveal what happened.

(Photo/Haley Burns and Andrew Colabella)

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In the 2 months since it opened, The Clubhouse has become Westport’s go-to events space.

Between its simulators, karaoke rooms and bar/restaurant with ginormous screens (March Madness was huge), the Post Road East gathering spot is taking the town by storm.

Owners Tim and Emily Zobl paused yesterday, for the official ribbon cutting.

From left: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, owner Tim Zobl, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, owner Emily Zobl, Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, 3rd Selectwoman Candice Savin. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Guests then headed upstairs, for the reveal of the new rooftop lounge.

It’s a large, open and fun space, with tables, TV screens, cornhole — and another bar.

When it opens next week, it will add one more outdoor option to Westport’s entertainment scene.

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Since 1943, Staples Tuition Grants has provided need-based assistance to Staples High School graduates. Last year STG awarded $381,500 to 105 students.

That money comes from donations. And, on May 1, some of it will come from Millie Rae’s shoppers.

On that day, the store at 1011 Post Road East will give 10% of all proceeds from sales of its gifts, decorations, jewelry and household items to STG. From 3 to 6 p.m., there will be “sips and nibbles” too.

The event comes right before Mother’s Day, graduation day — and the awarding of Staples Tuition Grants’ 2025 scholarships.

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Speaking of Staples: The school’s University of Connecticut Early College Experience program flies under the radar. (Though a story last year described how Staples students take courses in high school for a fraction of the cost of normal college tuition; they’re weighted like AP courses, to determine GPAs).

But the word is out. And UConn just announced that Staples has the sixth highest number of students enrolled in the program in the state: 354.

Go Wreckers! Go Huskies!

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It’s not often that national events find their way onto the agenda of a local board.

But this morning’s meeting of the town’s Pension Investment Committee (11 a.m., Zoom: Meeting ID: 835 5789 3813; Passcode: 452326) has just one item to discuss: “current market volatility.”

Let’s hope they know what they’re doing. Because not too many others do.

 

S&P 500, April 2-9.

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The Westport Country Playhouse “Family Festivities” series continues May 3 (1 p.m. and 4 p.m. with “Pete the Cat: The Musical.”

It’s recommended for grades pre-K through 3. All tickets are $30. Check out the trailer below, then click here for tickets.

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You can almost feel the buds about to burst, in today’s evocative “Westport … Naturally” photo of Schlaet’s Point, where Compo Beach laps up against Hillspoint Road.

(Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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And finally … in response to the getting-to-be-regular news about Savvy Smoker (story above):

(Downtown, business, police, environmental — if there’s news in Westport, you’ll read about it on “06880.” We rely on readers to help us do it. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Environment, Local business, Restaurants, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Eleish Van Breems: Downtown’s New Remarkable Store

Posted on March 31, 2025 | 7 comments

New Westporters know it as Talbots.

Those with longer memories lovingly recall Esther Kramer’s Remarkable Book Shop.

But in the 1950s Edie Van Breems’ aunt actually lived in the 1775 home, at the very visible Main Street/Parker Harding Plaza corner, before it turned into a business.

Which is why the native Westporter feels honored to restore the fabled property to some of its past glory. The 18th century chestnut post and beam frame, reclaimed basement and resurrected courtyard all pay homage to its historic past, beginning as sea captain Ebenezer Coley’s trading post.

Yet Eleish Van Breems Home‘s new flagship store also brings both 21st-century style and timeless whimsical touches that make it — well, a remarkable addition to downtown Westport.

Edie Van Breems, with original the building’s beams. 

EVB opened earlier this month. There was no grand announcement or splashy party.

But — after watching and waiting, during 2 1/2 years of meticulous renovation — many intrigued downtown visitors are wandering in to the warm, inviting space.

They are thrilled at the transformation.

The main floor. (Contributed photo)

The custom furniture, accessories, Swedish antiques, vintage lamps, bronze windows, French oak floors, walnut shelving and Italian staircase are stunning first-floor features.

Upstairs is a “floral aerie,” with wide-open views of the Saugatuck River.

The 2nd floor “aerie.”

Downstairs, Van Breems and her business partner Rhonda Eleish pay homage to the Remarkable Book Shop. Books, cozy nooks, kids’ toys and puzzles, and touches of pink all recall the beloved store.

The owners remember feeling so welcome there. Now they’ve recreated the mood, with a “fika bar” on Thursdays and Fridays. (Fika, a Swedish tradition with coffee and pastries, is a late afternoon time to relax with friends, or alone.)

Even the basement (accessible through a trap door, but closed to customers) shows the devotion paid to the restoration. The crib construction at the base of the chimney — filled with rocks from the Saugatuck River, which until the 1950s lapped up against the back of the house — is still there.

Wood in the basement came from trees that were already 200 years old in the 1700s. The original bark remains. A dehumidifier runs constantly, ensuring they’ll last for many more decades.

Eleish Van Breems Home general manager Brendan Dempsey, with the bark still on centuries-old wood by the chimney.

Edie Van Breems’ Westport roots do not date back to the 18th century. But they’re plenty deep.

Both sets of grandparents lived here. Her relatives, the Nespor family, once owned the building she has now renovated. (That’s how her Aunt Julie — still alive, in Florida — came to live there.)

Van Breems and Eleish love Westport. Longtime friends, they both graduated from Greens Farms Academy.

They opened their first store on Railroad Place in Saugatuck, across from the train station where both their fathers commuted. It was convenient for them to head into New York City, and for their clients who came from there.

Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems. Their new flagship store has views of the Saugatuck River.

They expanded to Woodbury, New Preston and Nantucket. But Van Breems’ life goal was to get the Main Street building back in her family.

During COVID, they seized the chance to buy it.

“The Remarkable Book Shop was such a part of everyone’s hearts,” she says.

Now — whether customers remember that legendary store or not — they once again feel welcome in the space.

The Eleish Van Breems Home store has kept the footprint and look of the Remarkable Book Shop. This is the view looking south, from the corner of Main Street (left) and Parker Harding Plaza.

Main Street, after all, is “where the action is,” Van Breems says.

And Westport is “a design destination.” She points to a number of downtown home furnishings stores, including several in nearby Sconset Square.

They’re not competitors, she notes. After all, when she and Eleish opened their antiques business in Litchfield County in the 1980s, there were 165 other dealers.

Westport’s newest design store. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

“You want to be in a cluster,” Van Breems says. “There is something for everyone in this town. We’re all collegial. We want people to come in, and come back.”

Since the soft opening a couple of months ago, people come. They stay. And they come back.

Ebenezer Coley and Esther Kramer would be proud.

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for everything new, and old. From downtown to Saugatuck — and everywhere else — we’re here for you. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Looking back

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Friday Flashback #442

Posted on March 21, 2025 | 10 comments

The Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge was the site of recent rallies against the Trump administration.

Three years ago, it was where crowds gathered after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Two years earlier, there were Black Lives Matter protests there.

Wars — Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam — have been the target of Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge gatherings too.

In fact, just about any controversial national event ends up being argued about on the Post Road span. (With plenty of approving honks, and disapproving middle finger salutes, from passing drivers.)

But the bridge did not always look as broad — or provide as much amble room to stand — as it does today.

Here’s a view of the previous wooden bridge, in an early 1900s postcard from Jack Whittle’s collectin. Relics from an old toll collection system can be seen at the bottom (east bank of the Saugatuck River).

An even earlier view was recently posted to social media.

It too shows National Hall — the town’s first meeting place (and site of its newspaper, Horace Staples’ bank, and the very first location for his Staples High School) — along with a streetcar.

Plus a few men. They may be fishing, walking or chatting.

But they probably were not protesting.

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Friday Flashback

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Roundup: Hamlet At Saugatuck, State DOT Maintenance Facility, Longshore Shed …

Posted on March 11, 2025 | 18 comments

The next of many steps on the Hamlet at Saugatuck‘s road to approval took place last night.

The Planning & Zoning Commission spent 4 hours reviewing ROAN Ventures’ plans to redevelop the area around Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles street. The plan is for a combination of retail, residences, a hotel and marina, and open space.

The presentation included details on traffic and the environment.

The P&Z will continue its consideration of the Hamlet on March 24. The Architectural Review Board will also discuss the project on March 18 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall).

Part of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project, leading to the Saugatuck River (rear).

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation maintenance facility — tucked between Walgreens and West Parish Road on Post Road East — has often been mentioned as a site for affordable housing.

The door may soon close on that option. The state plans to build a new 23,000-square foot facility, on the part of the site closest to to the Sherwood Island Connector. Access would come from that road.

Entrance to the state maintenance facility on Post Road East. Walgreens is at right.

The plan — first reported by CT Insider — would include room for at least 17 vehicles, and offices.

“The current Westport maintenance facility, built in 1958, is outdated and cannot adequately accommodate the modern vehicle fleet,” the story said. The current building is 7,700 square feet. 

Construction could begin next winter.

Drawing of the new state Department of Transportation facility.

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Andrew Colabella and Jimmy Izzo have withdrawn — “without prejudice to the underlying or ultimate issues involved” — their request to overturn the Planning & Zoning Commission’s negative 8-24 report regarding a new maintenance building at Longshore.

The Representative Town Meeting members said that while their body has the authority to address the procedural questions that led to the petition, they now believe the matter should be returned to the Board of Finance, “with a request for the necessary funding to properly address the maintenance building at Longshore and its location concerns.”

Colabella and Izzo added, “A key message emerging from the early February zoning hearing and last week’s RTM subcommittee meeting was that all parties involved must ‘try harder. However,  the ‘try harder’ option comes with a price tag, which requires an appropriation only within the purview of the Board of Finance to approve.

“Moreover, much of the rationale for denying the Administration’s §8-24 was rooted in the perception that there had been insufficient collaboration somewhere in the early stages of this process.

“Accordingly, we have consulted with the First Selectwoman’s Office and a consensus has emerged that a specific appropriation request to finance a more comprehensive approach should be presented to the Board of Finance. We believe this step aligns with both Connecticut statutory law and local precedent.”

The 2 RTM members say that their petition fulfilled its goal of promoting public discussion, and a vigorous review. They have withdrawn their petition “in the interest of efficiency, adhering to legal precedence, and sound governance.”

The proposed site of the new maintenance facility at Longshore.

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State Representative Dominique Johnson hosts a 3-point event April 6.

Pizza, politics and basketball are on the menu, at Riko’s in Saugatuck.

The event offers residents of the 143rd District an informal, town hall-style chance to meet Johnson, ask questions about policy initiatives in Hartford, and share concerns about the community.

She will be available from 1:30 p.m. until the NCAA women’s Division I basketball championship game starts at 3. Johsnon invites everyone to stay and watch together.

Questions? Email Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or call (860) 240-8585.

State Representative Dominique Johnson

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Want to be a Westport Library board member? The trustees have vacancies.

If you love our library — and have ideas to make it even better — click here for more information.

Westport Library board of trustees.

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Alison Milwe Grace has done just about everything in the culinary world, from cooking and catering to teaching.

Now she’s an author too.

The Staples High School graduate (and instructor, and owner of AMG Catering & Events) has just released “Savor: Recipes to Celebrate” — a collection of  recipes, themed classes and menus for home cooks.

On March 19 (7 p.m.), she’ll launch her book at the Westport Library.

“Every day should be treated like a special occasion – a reason to celebrate another day of living!” Milwe Grace says. “And what better way to bring people together than with food?” Click here for more information.

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As Elon Musk takes a chainsaw to the US government, sales of Teslas have plunged worldwide.

We don’t know how many drivers in Westport — the Connecticut municipality with (according to suburban legend) the most Teslas in the state — may have buyer’s remorse.

But there is at least one. This bumper sticker was spotted yesterday, at the Compo Road North/Post Road East light:

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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meets Thursday (March 13, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).

The agenda includes the downtown design master plan, Jesup and Imperial Avenue parking lot updates, and the Church Lane closure.

Imperial Avenue parking lot.

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One of Jazz at the Post’s favorites — Westport’s own Melissa Newman — returns to the VFW this Thursday (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).

She’s joined by other Post favorites: guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard. Click here for tickets, and more details.

Melissa Newman

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is a 4-fer:

(Photos/Lou Weinberg)

Superb nature photographer Lou Weinberg writes: “It’s that time of year.

The snowdrops have emerged. Snowdrop flowers provide native bees (which are now emerging) and other native pollinators with a source of nectar and pollen during this time of year when there are very limited sources of energy.

“Mason bees, like other native bees, are solitary and over-winter in holes in dead wood and in the hollow stems of plants. Mason bee houses are readily available for purchase. They are fun and educational and very important as native bee habitat is constantly under pressure from increased development.

“Snowdrop flowers grow in clumps as their bulbs divide. They also provide habitat for smaller critters on the forest floor.  They strengthen the ecosystem’s biodiversity!

“These photos were taken at the Long Lots Preserve, adjacent to the Westport Community Gardens on Hyde Lane. The Long Lots Preserve is an environmental rehabilitation project geared towards improving our town’s biodiversity.”

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And finally …

 

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Posted in Downtown, Library, Local politics, Longshore, Politics, Restaurants

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10-Year Capital Forecast: $473,000,000

Posted on February 28, 2025 | 10 comments

This week’s charrette about a new public safety headquarters, to be shared by Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, drew public attention to Westport’s 10-year capital forecast.

It includes nearly 70 projects estimated to cost at least $1 million. They range from those well into the planning stages, to others far in the future.

The cost of all $1 million-and plus projects: $431,521,675.

Another 200 or so items are listed for than $1 million each. They bring the total 10-year capital plan to $473,517,178.

Not every project will come to fruition, of course. Those that do may be substantially altered. And the capital forecast changes annually.

Most would be funded by bonds. Private funds would be sought for major recreational improvements like artificial turf on athletic fields, a Longshore clubhouse cart barn, the Inn at Longshore renovations, and a pedestrian bridge across the Saugatuck River. ARPA is funding some previously approved projects. too.

The combined public safety facility is the costliest item. It’s listed at $92.5 million.

Coleytown Elementary School renovation/replacement is projected to cost $85 million, while the Long Lots Elementary replacement — much further along in development — is listed at $80 million.

The next most expensive project — listed for $12.2 million — is for replacement of the Coleytown fire station.

Coleytown Elementary School (center) and the Coleytown fire station (lower left) are both in the new 10-year capital forecast.

Click here, then scroll down to “2024-25” for the first 2 items: “10-Year Consolidated Capital Forecast,” and the forecast over $1 million. Here are the projects listed for at least $1 million:

Central public safety headquarters: $92.5 million

Coleytown Elementary School renovation/replacement: $85 million

Long Lots Elementary School renovation/replacement: $80 million

Coleytown fire station replacement: $12.2 million

Longshore pool area improvements: $8.83 million

Longshore construction fees/clubhouse cart barn parking and surrounds: $8.175 million

Inn at Longshore renovations: $8 million

Longshore parks maintenance facility: $6.695 million

Replacement of the Longshore maintenance shed has caused controversy in town.

Transform Parker Harding Plaze (combine with downtown project): $6 million

Staples High School roof replacement of 2006 addition/other areas not replaced in 2023: $5.275 million

Bedford Middle School roof replacement: $5.225 million

Jesup Road/Taylor Place design and construction: $5.1 million

Kings Highway Elementary School roof replacement: $4.993 million

ARPA projects approved previously (facilities, human services, health, arts, schools): $3.707 million

Saugatuck fire station renovation: $3.6 million

Staples High School Loeffler field and baseball field, artificial turf: $3.5 million

Loeffler Field at Staples High School. Artificial turf here, and on the adjacent baseball diamond, would be funded privately. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Public ssafety radio system subscriber units replacements: $3.25 million

Greens Farms Elementary School roof replacement and replair, exhaust fans replacement: $3.235 million

Longshore golf course irrigation system: $3.095 million

Old Mill walkway reconstruction, rehabilitation of tide gates: $3.082 millionARPA funds, $2.498 million bonding

Saugatuck Elementary School HVAC upgrades (5 years out): $3.072 million

Longshore and Evan Harding renovations: $3.045 million

Longshore pickleball courts: $3.025 million

Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook: $2.5 million

Sidewalk rehabilitation: $2.5 million

Longshore waterline installation: $2.2 million

Pedestrian bridge across Saugatuck River design and construction: $2.15 million

Greens Farms Elementary School retrofit AHUs: $2.132 million

Like all Westport schools, Greens Farms Elementary needs constant attention. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

Fire Department replacement of ladder truck: $2.1 million

Deadman Brook at Jesup Road design, permitting and construction: $1.95 million

Longshore Zone 5 parking and enhancements: $1.948 million

Long Lots Road bridge over Muddy Brook design and construction: $1.8 million

Longshore tennis and platform courts renovation: $1.78 million

Town Hall space planning design and renovation for ADA compliance: $1.75 million

Revaluation — assessor: $1.69 million

Hillandale Road culvert replacement at Muddy Brook: $1.675 million

Charles Street, Park Street and Riverside Avenue signal streetscape: $1.675 million

Wakeman E field artificial turf: $1.65 million

Staples High School, replace sports flooring: $1.624 million

Fire Department, replace engine or quint: $1.6 million

Coleytown Middle School artificial turf: $1.6 million

Staples High School, evaluation of stage rigging: $1.576 million

Riverside Avenue and Bridge Street, landscaped roundabout: $1.575 million

Town Hall exterior repairs, painting, chimney replacement: $1.55 million

Town Hall needs upgrading too.

Fire Department, replace engine or quint: $1.5 million

Replace 6 Freightliner plow trucks: $1.5 million

Imperial Avenue parking lot, improve appearance and safety: $1.5 million

Long Lots Elementary School, athletic field renovations artificial turf: $1.5 million

Compo Road South sidewalk replacement: $1.47 million (grant)

Deadman Brook at Myrtle Avenue culvert: $1.4 million

Bedford Middle School, replace millwork: $1.358 million

Replace 5 Freightliner plow trucks: $1.25 million

Compo Beach entrance, walkway, fencing: $1.25 million

Longshore renovation, Cuttings Lane East: $1.215 million

Westport Library, partial roof renovation: $1.2 million

Partial Westport Library roof repair is in the capital forecast.

Greens Farms Elementary School, replace hot water boiler, pumps and valves: $1.186 million

Coleytown Elementary School, casework replacement: $1.143 million

Staples High School, AHU at gym with AC and BMS controls: $1.129 million

Staples High School, AHU at gym: $1.056 million

Staples High School, replace cooling tower filter, pump, water treatment, BMS controls: $1.046 million

Compo Beach retaining wall, north side: $1.025 million

Fire Department, replace rescue truck: $1 million

Staples High School, asphalt repair and replacement: $1 million

Pump station #8 rebuild: $1 million.

(Your taxes may go up. But we hope you can spare a few bucks to support “06880”‘s hyper-local journalism — for more stories like this. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thanks!)

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Economy, Education, Library, Local politics, Longshore, Police, Staples HS

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WDA To Recommend Shorter Church Lane Closure

Posted on February 27, 2025 | 23 comments

In the desperate days of COVID, outdoor dining popped up as a way to help restaurants survive.

What began as a temporary town measure has become a popular permanent feature.

It’s especially institutionalized on Church Lane. The road has been closed every year since 2020. Musicians play, and tables fill the short stretch between Elm Street and Post Road East.

Summertime, on Church Lane.

Not everyone eats up the idea. Some merchants and residents — including nearby neighbors — oppose it. They cite the length of the clousre (mid-May to late October), the spillover effect on downtown traffic, and the loss of 16 parking spots.

This year, before submitting a request to the Board of Selectwomen, the Westport Downtown Association surveyed stakeholders.

An online survey drew 2,204 responses.

Over 2,000 — 92.24% — agreed that the closure of Church Lane is a benefit to the town during the summer, and something they would like to continue.

Responses were closer about closing the street in summer 7 days a week (69.96%) or only Friday 8 a.m. to Monday 8 a.m. (30.04%).

Another question asked for preferences for closure: May 1 to Octoer 15 (74.18%) or Memorial Day to Labor Day (25.82%).

However, after considering issues like the weather, and patronage before and after the traditional start and end of summer holidays, the WDA will request street closing only from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The Board of Selectwomen will make the final decision, at an upcoming meeting.

(“06880” regularly covers town politics, restaurants and more. If you enjoy our hyper-local stories, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Live music livens up weekends. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Restaurants

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Roundup: Orange Balloon Memorial March, Tyler Hicks’ Ukraine Photos …

Posted on February 24, 2025 | 4 comments

150 people met at the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot yesterday, for a special RunForTheirLives walk.

The “Orange Balloon Memorial March” honored the Bibas family, along with Oded Lifshitz, a founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz. All lived there, before being kidnapped on October 7, 2023.

RunForTheirLives-Westport founder Melinda Wasserman opened the march with moving words about how the Bibas boys had come to feel like “our own children,” followed by similarly grief-imbued comments by Jennifer Wolff.

Gathering in the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot …

Temple Israel’s Rabbi Elena Nemitoff-Bressler led the crowd in the Mourner’s Kaddish.

The group then carried orange balloons, most of them donated by Party Hardy owner Jackie Marshal.

… beginning the march downtown …

The balloons were tied onto both sides of the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge. They blew in the winter wind the rest of the day, a reminder of the flame-haired children Hamas had executed.

Event organizers called it “a stunningly moving event. Our grief-stricken community united in both mourning for those we have lost, and celebration of those who have been returned to their families and loved ones, and, of course, to Israel.”

… and leaving balloons on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

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Today marks the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

For 3 years, Tyler Hicks has covered that war.

The 1988 Staples High School graduate is a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer for the New York Times.

Today, in a video on the newspaper’s website, Tyler explains some of the images he’s shot.

Tyler Hicks, in a screenshot from the New York Times video.

From demolished buildings to dead soldiers and civilians, he describes what each one meant then — and what it all means today.

Click here for Tyler’s riveting photos, and stories. (Hat tip: Amy Unikewicz)

Captioning, as Tyler Hicks explains one of his images. (Photo/Tylelr Hicks for the New York Times)

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There’s nothing like theatre people.

And on March 10 (6 to 8 p.m.), 2 weeks before the curtain rises on the Westport Country Playhouse production of the backstage comedy “Theatre People,” the 94-year-old institution salutes itself, its legacy, and the people who bring its shows to life.

“Get Ready for Theatre People! An Evening of Cocktails, Fun Tales and Backstage Tours” features an “alumni panel,” with actors Mia Dillon, Keir Dullea, Joe Delafield and Michael McCormick, former co-artistic director Anne Keefe, and more. Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan is the moderator.

The pre-show evening also includes behind-the-scenes tours led by WCP archivist and historian Bruce Miller, and a cocktail party.

Discount ticket offers will be available at the event for performances of “Theatre People.” The comedy is set in 1948 in a Newport mansion populated with characters in love with theater. They try to write a Broadway hit, but create as much drama among themselves as on paper.

Tickets for “Get Ready for Theatre People!” are $25; $15 for Encore Club members; click here to order. Click here for more details on “Theatre People” (March 25 through April 12).

Westport Country Playhouse historian Bruce Miller, with some of the 500 head shots near the dressing rooms underneath the stage. They’ll be part of the “Theatre People” tour.

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The countdown is on for Fashionably Westport.

And only a few tickets remain.

This year’s 5th annual event is set for this Friday (February 28, 7 p.m., Westport Library). Sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope.

The show features the latest styles, from the town’s mot sophisticated and fashion-forward retailers.

Models are all local friends and celebrities. The emcee and runway director are neighbors too: Dave Briggs and Carey Price, respectively.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

There’s a silent auction too, with categories like art, beauty, business, entertainment, food and wine, health and wellness, sports and travel.

Plus (of course!) fashion.

Bidding begins this Thursday (February 27, 6 p.m.). Click here to see all items.

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We’re 3 weeks away from the 5th anniversary of the week COVID rolled into Westport.

Within 24 hours, downtown was deserted. It took months for life to return.

But even in 2025, Main Street is still quiet early on Sunday mornings. William Weiss captured this “Last Picture Show” (Westport-style) image yesterday:

(Photo/William Weiss)

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Mary Brewster comes from an artistic family.

Her father, Howard Munce, was one of Westport’s most noted and beloved artists. He died in 2016, at 100.

She’s been knitting baby hats for quite a while. Now she has created a business: Hat Cakes. (The design looks like a little cake.)

She staged one on a plate, with miniature animals and fake snow. Images posted on social media have received positive feedback. Mothers (and grandmotherss) especially love them.

Contact marybrewste@gmail.com for more information. We hope Hat Cakes sell like hot cakes.

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As winter slowly — v-e-r-y slowly — prepares for its transition to spring, the days are growing longer.

Jerry Kuyper captured this hopeful sunset, in the woods off Rayfield Road, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And finally … Jerry Butler — “The Iceman,” who as the first leader of the Impressions, as a duet with Betty Everett and as a solo artist had a long and successful career — died Thursday in Chicago.

He was 85, and suffered from Parkinson’s.

Among his many hits:

(Welcome to another week — and, each day, another Roundup bringing you news of events, people and sights all around Westport. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Politics, Westport Country Playhouse

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