Category Archives: Economy

Roundup: Safe Streets Feedback Sought, Finance Board Full Agenda …

Posted on February 23, 2024 | 12 comments

Tired of traffic?

Here’s an interactive — even fun (!) — way to make your voice heard.

A new online map-based survey is the first chance for residents to provide feedback on of Westport’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan project.

Users easily zoom in on a particular place in town. The map has 3 options to drop a pin, and offer feedback: “Safety Concern”; “Safety/Improvement Idea”; “Good Example.” There’s a chance too to like a previous comment (and see how many other residents agree).

One suggestion that’s already been made: Adding a left-turn signal from Compo Road South (leaving the beach) onto Bridge Street.

Two examples of concern, both at Parker Harding Plaza and the Post Road: It’s confusing for pedestrians, and drivers must nose out slowly exiting the lot, to see past Starbucks.

A “Good Examples” example? The new stop sign at the Greens Farms Road/New Creek Road intersection (near the train station) drew praise (though, the commenter noted, it was probably done to help the school buses parked there, rather than normal vehicles).

The project is led by Westport’s Traffic and Pedestrian Task Force. Consultants Tighe & Bond were hired — with funding from a federal grant — to design a road safety improvement plan.

Click here to take the survey. Click here for the “Traffic & Pedestrian Safety” page on the town website.

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The Board of Finance agenda for March 6 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; livestream at www.westportct.gov; Optimum channel 79. ) is jam-packed.

Among the agenda items:

  • 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will present the town budget for fiscal year 2024-25.
  • Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein will present the BOE’s operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2024-25.
  • A request from Parks & Recreation Department director Jen Fava for $186,590 for a comprehensive beach resiliency planning study.
  • A request from Fire Department deputy chief Nicholas Marsan for $110,000 for work to update and merge FD conceptual plans to include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service in a new concept analysis for a joint public safety facility.
  • A request from Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich for $630,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial parking lots.
  • A request from Public Works director Ratkiewich for $1,295,000 for parking lot repaving, curbing and sidewalk improvements at Staples High School.
  • A request from Public Works director Ratkiewich for $253,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to replace the cooling tower and 2 heat pumps at the Senior Center.

How resilient are our beaches? Parks & Rec is requesting funds for a study. 

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Tequila and mezcal come to Weston on April 27.

The Weston History & Culture Center host a tasting fundraiser. It will be led by Gregg Glaser, publisher/editor of Modern Distillery Age. Diageo will provide the spirits.

The event includes a silent auction. Tickets are $100 each. Click here to buy.

Tequila!

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Meanwhile … when you’re working on the Saugatuck River, you want to make sure that when nature calls, you can answer properly:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Christa Lawrence died Sunday, after a long illness. She was 55.

Born in New York City, she grew up in Westport and attended Staples High.

She moved back to New York at 17, and immediately knew she was home. Her family says: “She loved everything about the East Village — the people, the energy, the music — and it loved her back.

“She soon became a mainstay of the East Village and in the rock and roll social scene, where she made many friends and was always part of the fun.”

In nearly 40 years in New York, Christa worked as a bartender and manager in bars and restaurants. She later entered the real estate industry. She worked most for Bond New York.

Her family adds: “Christa was an unforgettable person. Everyone who crossed her path, either growing up in Westport or in her adult life in the East Village, loved her and is quick to tell a story and share a laugh about their time with her. Christa’s quick wit, unique sense of humor and one-of-a-kind laugh will never be forgotten.”

She is survived by her close friends Jay Clark and Mary Rodriquez, and her sister Andrea Lawrence Moore. Visitation is set for February 27 (2 to 8 p.m., Peter Jarema Funeral Home, 129 East 7th Street, New York). The funeral will be held February 28 (11 a.m., St. Stanislaus Church, 101 East 7th Street, New York). Christa will be buried at Eagle Cemetery in Milesburg, Pennsylvania, alongside her parents.

Christa Lawrence

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“Westport … Naturally” photographer Tracy Porosoff hopes that birds return this spring to this now-abandoned nest, and lay eggs.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … in honor of the Weston History & Culture Center’s upcoming fundraiser:

(From traffic surveys to tequila fundraisers, “06880” is your hyper-local source for news. If you’d like to support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

12 Comments

Posted in Beach, Economy, Local politics, Obituaries, Totally random, Transportation

Tagged , , , ,

It’s A Grand List, For Sure

Posted on February 6, 2024 | 9 comments

The Grand List is official.

And it continues to grow.

Westport town assessor Paul Friia announced yesterday that the net 2023 Grand List of $11,468,456,765 represents an increase of 1.38 percent from the net 2022 Grand List ($11,312,004,303).

The Grand List is the sum of the net assessed value of all taxable property – real estate, motor vehicles and personal property.

Motor vehicles and personal property are valued annually. Real estate is updated based on the market values determined at the town’s last revaluation date (October 1, 2020).

Homes like this one on Beachside Avenue help boost the Grand List.

This year’s Grand List showed increases in 2 of the 3 categories.

The 1.5 percent increase in real estate assessment results from continued residential and commercial new construction, plus renovation activity that occurred within the last assessment year, Friia says.

Construction continues on the 31 condominiums at “The Mill” (41 Richmondville Avenue) and the 12 condos at 60 Wilton Road.

In addition, the Belta Farm 9-lot subdivision, and the construction of nearly 60 new homes contributed to increased in the 2023 real estate Grand List.

The Mill on Richmondville Avenue will add 31 condos to next year’s Grand List.

Personal property increased approximately 5 percent, suggesting “a continued reinvestment in local new and existing businesses to include equipment and leasehold improvements,” Friia says.

The one category that decreased was motor vehicles (5.1 percent). Friia expected that, due to “the reduction in motor vehicle values post-COVID.”

The current 2023 Grand List totals are:

Assessment 2023 % of List
Real Estate 10,610,104,816 92.52
Motor Vehicle 461,685,370 4.03
Personal Property 396,666,579 3.45
TOTAL 11,468,456,765 100%

The Grand List will be used for fiscal year 2024-2025 town budget calculations. NOTE: The figures above are subject to change, based on Board of Assessment Appeal hearings in March, and any corrections or pending lawsuits.

The Top 10 Westport taxpayers are: 

Connecticut Light & Power Inc          Pers. Property                         142,022,480

60 Nyala Farms Road LLC                Real Estate                                83,335,700

Bedford Square Assoc LLC               Real Estate                                51,520,000

Aquarion                                             Real/Pers. Prop.                        38,700,440

Equity One Westport Vill. Center      Real Estate                                34,383,600

Bridgewater Associates LP                Pers. Property                           27,272,840

Byelas LLC                                        Real Estate                                24,856,700

Bankside House Westport LLC          Real Estate                                24,569,000

LCB Westport LLC                            Real Estate                                24,532,860

Southern Connecticut Gas Co            Pers. Property                           22,328,270

Westport’s second-highest taxpayer: the office building at Nyala Farm, off the Sherwood Island Connector. Not the deer. (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)

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9 Comments

Posted in Economy, Local politics, Real estate

Tagged , ,

Finance Board Look$ Ahead

Posted on February 2, 2024 | 9 comments

It’s a good thing the days are getting longer.

The Board of Finance will need all the time they can get at next Wednesday’s meeting (February 7, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

The agenda includes 3 discussion-only items: a financial report from the Finance director, and updates on the Longshore Sailing School lease and from the audit manager.

Then come a bang-bang series of action items:

  • A request from the Long Lots School Building Committee to approve $6.8 million for the design of the new elementary school and Stepping Stones pre-school.
  • A request from the Parks & Recreation Department director to approve $104,000 to install irrigation at the Coleytown Middle School fields.
  • Another request by the Parks & Rec director to approve $80,000 for analysis, design and preparation of construction documents to replace critical elements of the Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina.
  • A request from the Fire Department deputy chief to approve $110,000 for work to update and merge Fire Department conceptual plans to include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service in a new concept analysis, for a joint public safety facility.
  • A request from the Public Works Department director to approve $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

That’s a robust agenda.

And it’s an indication that Westporters will be asked to fund a number of big-ticket items, in the months and years ahead.

This is the 8-24 preliminary plan for a new $100 million Long Lots Elementary School. It may cost nearly $7 million for a complete design.

We’ve talked a bit about the redesign of the Parker Harding parking lot — though without much discussion of cost (and no firm decisions yet). Now, Phase 2 of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s recommendations looms on the Saugatuck River horizon.

Few people have mentioned much about plans for a join public safety facility. Police, fire and EMS have all done great work in cramped, aging buildings. A new, shared facility is important — and will soon be a topic for debate.

The request for work at Ned Dimes Marina is a rounding error, compared to what’s ahead for Parks & Rec. Officials have been working for a couple of years on a long-term redevelopment plan for Longshore.

Parks & Rec is developing a long-term plan for the renovation of Longshore.

In addition, the Coleytown Middle School field request is just one of many that Parks & Rec may make.

The Long Lots debate has underscored the woeful conditions of a number of town playing fields. Artificial turf — the modern, non-carcinogenic type — may be an answer, at sites like Wakeman, Staples’ Loeffler Field, and Kings Highway Elementary School. Lights would help alleviate the fields crunch too.

Those are costly, quality-of-life, youth-oriented projects that we’ll hear more about in the months to come.

Not on the Board of Finance’s long agenda next week, but hard to ignore: possible renovation of old-as-Long Lots Coleytown Elementary School.

Dredging the Saugatuck River.

And, I’m sure, one or two other important projects I’ve forgotten to mention, or not yet heard about.

Coleytown Elementary School is in need of modernization too.

On Wednesday, the Finance board will vote, for the most part, on initial design work.

These are small down payments on future work. Appropriations to come will have many more zeroes.

All are important to some people. Some are important to all.

But improving our town for generations to come won’t come cheap.

Buckle up.

(Click here for the full Board of Finance agenda. The meeting will be livestreamed at http://www.westportct.gov, and shown on Optimum channel 79.)

(“06880” will continue to cover these projects — and everything else, big and small, in Westport. But we need your help to do so. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!) 

9 Comments

Posted in Beach, Economy, Education, Local politics, Longshore, Police, Westport life

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Roundup: Cemetery Wreaths, Old Westport, $2.99 Gas …

Posted on December 17, 2023 | 11 comments

Dozens of volunteers headed to Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road yesterday, to lay wreaths on 400 veterans’ graves.

The event — part of the national Wreaths Across America program — was organized by the indefatigable Patty Kondub. She’s vice president of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Auxiliary — and her father John, a World War II veteran and VFW Post 399 member, is buried in that cemetery.

Scouts from Troops 39 and 139 aided the effort.

Volunteer Johanna Keyser Rossi reports, “As we placed our wreaths, we thanked each veteran personally.”

Volunteers carefully lay wreaths, at Assumption Cemetery. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

Adult volunteers …

… and members of Scout Troops 39 and 139.

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How old is Westport?

Our median age is 45.2. That’s older than the median for all of Connecticut: 40.9. Overall, the American Community Survey says, our state is the 7th oldest in the country. (Maine is the oldest, with a median age of 44.8. Utah is the youngest: 31.4).

As for the Land of Steady Habits, the oldest town in Connecticut is Sherman. Its median age is 58.2. The youngest is Mansfield: 21.1. Of course, Storrs — where the University of Connecticut is located — is part of Mansfield.

Click here for the full story.

Ben Pepper — the grand marshal of last May’s Memorial Day parade — is 100 years old. That’s 55 years older than our town’s median age.

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Here’s something we haven’t seen in a while: gas below $3 a gallon.

Bob Weingarten spotted this sign at the Cumberland Farms near Stop & Shop:

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

Of course, what’s good for the consumer is not always good for the planet. The cheaper it is to fill our tanks, the more we drive.

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Ed Gerber is one of Westport’s most noted preservationists. From his 93 Cross Highway home to his work with local homeowners, he’s a gem at keeping local gems.

But he’s well known in the larger resetoration world too, for his work with Preservation Connecticut and as a trustee of Historic New England,

Now he’s gotten national recognition. The Woodrow Wilson House Museum recently presented him with a medallion from President Biden, as thanks for Gerber’s 50 years of volunteer service.

The Washington, DC home where the 28th president lived after leaving office, and where he died in an upstairs bedroom, is a National Historic Landmark. It is owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Ed Gerber and his president medallion, with Woodrow Wilson House Museum director Elizabeth Karcher.

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This hawk found a home in Rick Benson’s chimney. He poses proudly for his “Westport … Naturally” close-up.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … in honor of how old Westport is (story above):

(Where else but “06880” would you find out Westport’s median age? Click here to support us, and keep all this stuff coming. Thank you!)

11 Comments

Posted in Economy, Local business, Totally random

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The Day Steve Haberstroh Had Warren Buffett — And Charlie Munger’s — Ear

Posted on November 29, 2023 | 6 comments

The death yesterday of Charles Munger — Warren Buffett’s longtime #2 man — at 99 years old spurred memories of the one time they appeared in “06880.”

It was May 10, 2017. Here is that story:

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Steve Haberstroh is a 2000 Staples High School grad, and former basketball star. Today he’s managing director at Westport-based CastleKeep Investment Advisors. He just returned from Warren Buffett’s annual meeting in Omaha.

Over 40,000 shareholders gather at the “Woodstock for Capitalists.” But Haberstroh was more than just an attendee. His name was called — and Buffett spent 8 minutes answering his question. Let the Westporter tell the story:

Every February, Buffett publishes a Letter to Shareholders. He does a magical job of describing the year for Berkshire Hathaway. He also addresses social, political or other financial-related themes each year. It is a must read for financial types and casual investors.

This year, The Oracle of Omaha took on the fees charged by the hedge fund industry. He believes they charge far too much. The same is true for what Buffett calls “financial helpers”: those who manage investment funds, many of whom have the objective of “beating the market.”

I work for our family wealth management and investment firm in Westport. I also own a small amount of Berkshire Hathaway stock. Many of our clients own shares as well.

We are not a hedge fund. Nor do clients expect their portfolios to outpace the S&P 500 each year. However, we do charge a fee to deliver holistic wealth management advice, so I suppose Buffett would put us in the “financial helper” category.

I did not take offense at his comments, which were directed more toward hedge funds. But I needed to react.

I took Buffett up on the offer in his letter, and submitted a question. I hoped it would be chosen from thousands of entries to be read at the shareholder meeting.  I wrote:

You made it very clear in your annual letter that you think the hedge-fund compensation scheme of  “2 and 20” generally does not work well for the funds’ investors. In the past, you have questioned whether investors should pay “financial helpers” as much as they do.

But “financial helpers” can create tremendous value for those they “help.” For instance, in nearly every annual letter you describe how valuable Charlie Munger’s advice and counsel has been to you and, in turn to the incredible rise in Berkshire’s value over time.

Given that, would you be willing to pay the industry-standard “financial helper” fee of 1%-on-assets to Charlie. Or would you perhaps even consider “2 and 20” for him? (Click here for more details.)

Berkshire Hathaway owns Heinz. Steve Haberstroh is on the left.

Berkshire Hathaway has over 60 subsidiaries, including Benjamin Moore, Duracell, Dairy Queen, Fruit of the Loom, GEICO, Kraft-Heinz, Net Jets and See’s Candies.

The company also owns large stakes in publicly traded companies, including American Express, Apple, IBM, Delta, Apple and Wells Fargo.

In Omaha, the thousands of us can purchase everything from underwear to ice cream, car insurance to million-dollar diamond rings, all at shareholder discount. I saved nearly $1,000 on my car insurance with GEICO while there. But I also spent a penny or two.

The main attraction is Saturday. Shareholders descend upon the Century Link Sports Arena for a 7-hour Q&A with 86-year-old Warren and his 93-year-old co-chair, Charlie Munger. Folks lined up at 2 a.m. for the 8:30 start.

Steve Haberstroh and his wife Erin, in the Omaha arena.

Nearly 3 hours into the meeting, I expected Buffett would announce lunch time. But suddenly he said, ”The next question comes from shareholder Steve Haberstroh…”

First, my heart skipped a beat. Second, I could not tame my inner millennial. I grabbed my iPhone to record what came next.

The crowd chuckled at the “Would you consider paying Charlie…” punch line. Then Buffett responded.

The next 8 minutes were a blur.  I felt shock, pride and fear.

The fear came early in Buffett’s response. He said, “it’s just not a good question to ask.”

Despite that, his lengthy response indicated otherwise. He broached the subject again toward the end of the meeting, so maybe I was on to something.

Warren Buffett (right) and Charlie Munger.

His basic take was, indeed, he would pay Charlie 1% per year or “2 and 20,” but who wouldn’t? He likened the premise to asking if the Red Sox would like to go back and reverse their decision to trade Babe Ruth away to the Yankees.

Of course Munger is worth it. But Buffett also spent a good part of the response detailing his view that hedge funds, in aggregate, are not worth the fees they charge. He cited many examples and metaphors (including the value obstetricians provide), until Munger ended the discussion with, “I think you’ve beaten on them (hedge fund industry) enough!” (Click here for a video of the question, and Buffett’s full response.)

Just like that, my 8 minutes of fame was up. That is, until Bloomberg, the Wall Street, Fox Business — and now “068880” — picked up the story!

I will never forget the experience. And I will try to apply and adopt several of the lessons I learned during the weekend.

But I do have one bone to pick with the Oracle of Omaha. As I learned way back in Coleytown Elementary School: Mr. Buffett, there is no such thing as a bad question!

(Here’s more financial advice: Invest in hyper-local journalism! Please click here to support “06880.” Thank you!)

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Posted in Economy, Local business

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Westporter’s “Girl Math” Goes Viral

Posted on October 15, 2023 | 2 comments

One of the most popular courses at Staples High School is Financial Literacy.

A junior recently won a national award in the field.

Yet a June graduate has taken the internet by storm, with TikTok videos explaining to her father how concert tickets, Venmo accounts, free shipping and the like can be “free” money.

It’s all tongue in cheek, of course.

I hope.

The teenager is Marley Brown. The 2023 Staples grad is now a first year student at the University of Massachusetts.

Her father is Austin Brown.

Their 4-part TikTok series is called “Girl Math.”

In the first video Marley said, “If I buy concert tickets for two people, and those people pay me back, the money they pay me back for is free” — because the funds had already left her bank account.

“But then you just use the money twice,” Austin noted.

Marley disagreed. According to “girl math,” getting the money back meant it was free.

@marleyvbrown

he doesnt get it #swiftok #swiftie #taylorswift #girlmath

♬ original sound – marley brown

That video racked up more than 1.6 million views.

That’s nothing compared to their third TikTok. Explaining — quite clearly, according to many followers — that paying Starbucks out of money already in the app makes it free (though her dad disagrees), they were watched over 11.5 million times.

@marleyvbrown

im crying #swiftok #swiftie #taylorswift #girlmath

♬ original sound – marley brown

Marley also explains to her father why not buying something on sale is akin to losing money …

@marleyvbrown

we agree on one thing at least #swiftok #swiftie #taylorswift #girlmath

♬ original sound – marley brown

… and the difference between “feeling” something is free, versus the reality of it.

@marleyvbrown

he just doesnt understand #swiftok #swiftie #taylorswift #girlmath

♬ original sound – marley brown

Marley’s “Girl Math” has exploded beyond the world of TikTok. She (and her dad) have been covered by Newsweek, the Daily Mail and Independent.

And, of course, the Wall Street Journal.

Somewhere, Marley’s Staples Financial Literacy teacher is laughing.

Or crying.

2 Comments

Posted in Economy, Media, Staples HS

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Debate On Government Transparency, RTM Obligations Heats Up

Posted on September 2, 2023 | 23 comments

John McCarthy knows his way around Town Hall.

A former Representative Town Meeting member (and Staples High School Class of 1982 graduate), the technology company CFO has grown frustrated at what he calls a lack of transparency and information from local boards and commissions.

It’s a non-partisan issue, he says. And it came to a head with 2 recent (and ongoing) controversies: plans for Long Lots Elementary School/Westport Community Gardens, and Parker Harding Plaza.

John McCarthy

Last month on “06880,” McCarthy unveiled a plan (and a website). OpenWestport.org advocates for including all background material and information on public meeting notices online; transcribing all meetings in real time, and making all non-private information on Town Hall computers and servers searchable by by everyone, everywhere.

On Thursday morning, McCarthy followed up with an email to all RTM members. He wrote:

“As you all know, the RTM Rules of Procedure state that ‘The Moderator… shall place on the agenda of the Representative Town Meeting such matters as the First Selectman, 2 Representative Town Meeting members or 20 electors of the Town may request by written notice delivered to the Moderator or the Town Clerk not less than 14 days prior to a Representative Town Meeting.'”

“The key part of this are the words ‘shall place on the agenda.’ It does not say ‘shall use his/her own  judgment about placing such matters on the agenda.’ It does not say ‘shall consult with the Town Attorney or First Selectwoman for their opinion on whether such matters should be placed on the agenda.’ It is a pretty simple promise from the RTM to all Westporters that they do have the right to directly petition their local government.

“On Tuesday night,  September 5,  you will be discussing several topic that have been put on the RTM Agenda through the established, rules-based process described above. One item you will not be discussing is a ‘Review of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s (DPIC’s) goals, process and proposed plan for Parker Harding.’ This was the matter that 61 Westport electors petitioned to get onto the agenda for the September 5 meeting.

“Why isn’t Parker Harding on the agenda? Because the moderator did not want to take up your time with the matter and thought that the First Selectwoman’s appointed committee was handling dissent over its proposed plans in an acceptable manner. He was bolstered in his opinion by a letter from the Town Attorney which in effect interpreted ‘Shall’ to mean ‘May.’

“It has been suggested to me by several people that filing a Writ of Mandamus would be an appropriate response to the RTM Moderators inaction. If agreed to by a judge, this would force the RTM Moderator to place the petitioned Parker Harding matter on the agenda. As lead petitioner, I have chosen not to do that.

“Rather,  I write to you to ask some simple questions:

  1. Do you agree with the RTM Moderator that he has the authority to deny petitioners the right to get petitioned matters on the RTM agenda?
  2. Are you prepared to change the language in the RTM Rules of Procedure to make it clear to voters and petitioners that the RTM Moderator may use his discretion when deciding what matters to place on the Agenda? Are you prepared to change ‘shall place on the agenda’ to ‘may place on the agenda’ for the sake of clarity?
  3. If you answered ‘Yes’ to the first question and ‘No’ to the second question, please explain why.

“In lieu of discussing Parker Harding, I think it would be great if the RTM had a discussion on these specific questions at the September 5 meeting. The RTM Rules of Procedure (assuming they are still in effect) allow matters to be placed on the agenda and discussed upon a 2/3 affirmative vote of the RTM.

“Rights erode slowly, then quickly. When they are gone, they don’t come back.”

McCarthy says that of yesterday, he had received only a couple of emails of “basic support and commiseration.”

But his email inspired John Suggs — a former RTM member, now running for a seat from another district after moving — to contact each member as well. Suggs wrote:

John Suggs

“Because the RTM petition rule forms the very heart of our democracy — 20 electors can get anything they consider important placed on the RTM agenda for discussion — this whole sad, sordid incident has resonated deeply for me as a local example of authoritarian behavior. And I have struggled with what to say or do about it. But John McCarthy has now said it so beautifully. And he did so with grace and dignity. Thank you John!

“I have been influenced in my thoughts on this matter by a wonderful book by Yale Professor Timothy Snyder called ‘On Tyranny: 20  Lessons from the 20th Century.’ It is an important little book where Professor Snyder draws lessons from the experiences of the rise of fascism in the last century, and applies it to our own time. One of the things he says is:

Defend Institutions: it is institutions that help us to preserve decency. They need our help as well. Do not speak of “our institutions “unless you make them yours, by acting on their behalf. Institutions do not protect themselves. They fall one after the other, unless each is defended from the beginning. So choose an institution you care about – a court, newspaper, a law, a labor union – and take its side.”

“I choose ‘our RTM and its profound, fundamental democratic rule that the Moderator ‘shall’ place on the agenda such matters as 20 electors of the town may request by written notice.

“That this basic, core rule has been so unceremoniously trampled and discarded by an authoritarian moderator should shake all of you to your knees. It does me.  And because of it, because I choose the institution that is the RTM, I am running for the RTM District 9 this November. I choose the institution known as the RTM, and I seek to defend it.

“What will each of you do?”

RTM Moderator Jeff Wieser responded quickly. He wrote to Suggs:

“For 16 years I have chosen to defend the RTM and the processes which have made it the most effective, most democratic, most bipartisan institution I know.

Jeff Wieser

“Over the years, it has come under criticism for allowing too much discourse, and I have abided that criticism, understanding that the discourse that takes place in our meetings produces sound, fair results.

“I will also protect it from becoming sounding boards for anyone who wants to make a point over which we have no current legislative obligation. To call this ‘tyranny’ is, in my opinion only, laughable, but I will always defer to the will of the RTM members, which you may once again become. I wish you good luck.”

23 Comments

Posted in Categories, Economy

Roundup: Tax-Free Week, Pastaficio, Greenwalds …

Posted on August 21, 2023 | 1 comment

The Westport Downtown Association reminds shoppers that Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free week began yesterday. It runs through this Saturday (August 26).

Retail purchases of most clothing and footwear priced under $100 are exempt from Connecticut sales and use tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item under $100.f

Many retailers add their own discounts.

For more details on Sales Tax-Free Week, including a list of items that are exempt or taxable, click here.

Footwear (and clothing) is exempt from sales taxes this week — for items under $100. (Photo/Alison Lee)

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Westport firefighters responded to a structure fire on Compo Road South just before midnight yesterday.

All occupants were safely out of the house. Damage was limited to the exterior.

Mutual aid from Norwalk and Fairfield provided station coverage. Westport Police and Emergency Medical Service assisted.

The last unit cleared at 1:36 a.m. As fire companies were leaving, they were dispatched to I-95 northbound between Exits 17 and 18 for a motor vehicle crash involving a car and tractor-trailer, with injuries.

Less than 10 minutes after that call, additional companies responded to a second motor vehicle crash with injuries in the same vicinity. Westport EMS assisted at both incidents.

Compo Road South fire. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)

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Pastificio has been closed for a couple of weeks.

A sign in its window on the Post Road store says: “We inform our kind customers that Il Pastificio will reopen on Sunday 20 [yesterday], temporarily as a pasta shop and not as a restaurant, until a date to be determined.”

We’re not sure if that means they’ll go back at some point to also serving as a restaurant — or if they’ll close at some point permanently.

“06880” will pass along details when we have them. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)

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Tommy Greenwald is a man of many talents. The 1979 Staples High School graduate is a noted advertising executive, playwright and young adult author.

He’s also known as the father of Charlie Greenwald — no slouch in the acting/comedy/writing departments either. (And himself a Staples grad, class of 2012.)

Father and son have now collaborated on a new book. They co-wrote “The Rescues: Finding Home,” a children’s book about rescue animals.

(“It’s appropriate for everyone who’s alive,” notes Tommy, in true marketing mode.)

They’ll be appearing at the Westport Library’s StoryFest in October. If you can’t wait that long, check them out at Brooklyn’s Books are Magic (September 9, noon to 1 p.m.), the Rye Book Festival (September 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or the Chappaqua Book Festival (September 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Or click here to pre-order. The publication date is September 5.

Charlie and Tommy Greenwald, and their book.

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Frank Mastrone brought his very popular American Songbook show to the Levitt Pavilion last night.

Joining him were 2 other Broadway stars, both of whom performed — as he did — in “Phantom of the Opera.”

And both are Westporters: Staples High School graduate and classically trained opera singer Terry Eldh, and Dodie Pettit, aka one-half of Aztec Two-Step 2.0.

The evening was sponsored by Roger Leifer, as part of his “Sunday Series.” He threw a pre- and post-concert party for his tenants — a rare but welcome gesture by a commercial real estate landlord.

Frank Mastrone (center), with (from left) Dodie Pettit and Terry Eldh. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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This has been the “summer of sewers” in Westport.

Work continues in various spots around town — or at least, equipment is ready.

This was the scene yesterday, off Whitney Street:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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A “rainbow” at the Westport Community Gardens frames today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Karen Mather)

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And finally … in honor of Tommy and Charlie Greenwald’s new book (story above):

(Welcome to another week of “06880” stories and features — and another gentle request for readers’ support. Please click here. Thank you!)

 

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Roundup: Politics, Penny Proskinitopoulos, Police …

Posted on July 20, 2023 | 4 comments

The Democratic Town Committee’s endorsed slate of candidates for November’s local election includes familiar names.

And a couple of new looks.

Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein and secretary Neil Phillips, Planning & Zoning Commission vice chair Paul Lebowitz, and Zoning Board of Appeals chair Jim Ezzes will all stand for re-election.

Danielle Dobin — chair of the P&Z — was nominated to run for the Board of Finance. She is in the middle of her current term, so if elected to the BOF would have to resign.

Nancie Dupier is moving from Westport due to a job change, and must vacate her seat on the Board of Finance. Because she made that announcement this week, the DTC must reconvene to interview candidates. A new nominee will be announced soon.

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When Dr. Parthena “Penny” Proskinitopoulos took over as the new principal of Coleytown Middle School yesterday, her commute scarcely changed.

For the past 2 years, she’s been an assistant principal at Staples High School, a mile or so south of her new post.

The appointment by superintendent of school Thomas Scarice was approved this week, by the Board of Education.

Proskinitopoulos’ career began in 2006, as a middle school social studies teacher in Fairfield. In 2014 she became a technology integration specialist. She then served one year as an interim assistant principal at Roger Ludlowe Middle School.

At Staples, she earned praise as administrator in charge of the Response to Intervention program. 

Proskinitopoulos earned a BA in psychology from St. John’s University, and a master’s of arts in teaching and 6th year diploma in educational leadership from Sacred Heart University. Her doctorate of educational leadership comes from the University of Bridgeport.

Dr. Penny Proskinitopoulos

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between July 12 and 18.

They issued the following citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Breach of peace: 1
  • Assault: 1
  • Larceny: 1
  • Engaging police in a pursuit: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Improper use of markers, license or registration: 1
  • Improper tinted glass: 1
  • Failure to display lights: 1

One person was arrested for engaging police in a chase.

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Speaking of police: the Westport Department and Kneads Bakery Café Mill are partners in “Coffee with a Cop.” It’s next Wednesday (July 26, 8 to 9:30 a.m.), at Kneads on Riverside Avenue.

There are no speeches or agendas — just honest conversations about issues affecting our community,

What? No donuts?!

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It’s summertime. But learning never ends.

The Westport Public Schools and Teachers College Reading and Writing Project  at Columbia University are collaborating on 2 virtual sessions, for parents and caregivers. Both provide insights and tips on creating a love of reading and science.

“Fostering Future Scientists: Helping Your Kids Learn About the Natural World” is set for next Tuesday (July 25, 7 to 7:45 p.m., grades K-3; click here to register) and Wednesday, July 26 (7 to 7:45 p.m., grades 3-8; click here to register).

Sure, bees sting. But they do so much more. A free webinar will help kids learn about the natural world.

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Where is Westport headed?

It’s an existential question.

And also a literal one.

Robin Frank spotted these dueling signs at Myrtle Avenue and Main Street, near Town Hall:

 

(Photo/Robin Jaffee Frank)

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Westporter Dan Gross is a financial and economic journalist. Edmond Safra has been called “the greatest banker of his generation.”

Last year Gross — who, like Safra, traces his heritage to Syria — wrote “A Banker’s Journey: How Edmond J. Safra Built a Global Financial Network.” It traces the financier’s remarkable journey from Beirut to Milan, Sao Paolo, Geneva and New York.

Yesterday, Maria Maloof — a Lebanese journalist — interviewed Gross. Fellow Westporter Avi Kaner made the introduction.

Check out the translation at the bottom in the video below, to see how the story of the Lebanese Jewish banking titan was shared with the Arab world.

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It’s an all-ages “Kaleidoscope.”

The 1-day MoCA Westport exhibition (August 27, 12 to 4 p.m.), features works from “MoCA Gives Back Healing Arts” and Camp MoCA participants.

It’s a celebration of MoCA’s commitment to offer equitable access and meaningful experiences, including employment and access to the arts, to under-resourced community members.

Healing arts classes were led by MoCA instructors. Works reflect participants’ inspiration, joy and deeper connection to the world they experienced through the healing power of art.

Over 200 pieces of camper artwork will be displayed. All are being created at this summer’s camp.

There is a suggested donation of $10 per adult. For more information on MoCA Gives Back, Camp MoCA or Kaleidoscope, click here.

MoCA campers. (Photo/Isabelle Engelson)

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You never know what you’ll see in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Today it’s cattails, at Grace Salmon Park:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the mixed messages at Myrtle and Main (story above):

(Like clockwork, here’s today’s Roundup. If you appreciate this daily feature — or any other part of “06880” — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Children, Economy, Education, Local politics, Police, Staples HS

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Roundup: Mill Rate, Animal & Boat Rescues: Club 203 & MoCA …

Posted on July 3, 2023 | 4 comments

On Saturday, Westporters received their municipal tax bills.

They’re driven, of course, by the mill rate.

In this week’s edition of “Westport … What’s Happening,:  1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker discusses that mill rate. How does it affect property owners? How does it compare with neighboring towns?

Click below to listen. The podcast is a service of the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston.

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Animal Control officer Peter Reid had a busy Friday.

Both highlight the need for residents to be more careful about what they toss in their yard, and use to handle “pests.”

On Friday he fielded a call about a groundhog in distress. Its head had become stuck in a discarded peanut butter jar.

Groundhog with a peanut butter jar …

Peter wrapped the trapped creature in a towel, and carefully removed the jar. The groundhog ran happily away.

Later that Friday, he received a call about a robin caught in a trap that was placed in a yard, perhaps to capture a chipmunk, squirrel or mouse.

… and robin, snared in a trap.

Peter freed the bird. Wildlife in Crisis is now caring for its broken leg.

Julie Loparo — a longtime local animal advocate — says, “In both instances, human carelessness caused great duress. We can do better. And I am very appreciative of a responsive town Animal Control, and having such a great resource such as Wildlife in Crisis in our back yard.”

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A rescue of a different sort took place yesterday. Jonathan Prager reports:

“A boat was stranded on a sandbar between Compo Beach and Longshore for the better part of an hour.

“After the ‘women and children’ were successfully evacuated by a passing motorboat, TowBoat US arrived to push the boat safely to the nearest yacht basin.

“It’s nice to know recreational boaters enjoy the Sound with ample support.”

Help arrives! (Photo/Jonathan Prager)

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Club 203 — Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities — plans an exciting summer.

“Art Explorations” at MoCA are set for July 10 and August 14 (6 to 7:30 p.m.; $10). It’s a chance to relax, create art, hang out with friends and meet new ones. Click here for details and registration.

Members are also invited to a book club at the Fairfield Library. It meets every other Tuesday (4 to 5 p.m.). Email club203ct@gmail.com for details.

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It’s been a banner year for dogwoods.

Rick Hochman shot today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo this past weekend, at the Weston Historical Society.

(Photo/Rick Hochman)

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And finally … in honor of one of Friday’s animal rescues (story above):

(Westporters are grateful for Wildlife in Crisis. Please support it. And while you’re at it — please support “06880” too. Just click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Economy, Environment, Local politics

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