Category Archives: Politics

Roundup: Staples Basketball, Overdose Education, Entertainment Options …

Posted on March 14, 2026 | 3 comments

Congratulations to the Staples High School boys and girls basketball teams!

Both pulled away in the second half from solid opponents in last night’s state tournament quarterfinals, before raucous crowds in a home doubleheader.

Both now move on to the state semis — a first in school history.

Staples’ boys  — ranked #1 in Division I — downed #8 New London 56-35. That vaults coach Dave Goldshore’s squad into a matchup against #5 Notre Dame Prep-Fairfield.

The girls of coach Tommy Sparks — seeded 3rd in Division II — topped South Windsor 42-35.

The neutral sites and times of the semifinals will be announced soon. Up next: #10 Bristol Central.

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If you want to learn more about overdoses — and who doesn’t? — check out “CT Save a Life Day.”

The April 8 event (6 p.m., Westport Library) is organized through the Westport Prevention Coalition.

You’ll get liquor stickers and lock bags to prevent access to abusable substances, parent handbooks, and brief training to recognize and respond to an overdose (with a free Narcan kit). Click here to RSVP. 

Narcan nasal spray.

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Speaking of Positive Directions: They’ve partnered with Westport Together, to sponsor a “Night Out” for high school students who live in Westport, or attend school here.

The March 27 event (7 to 9 p.m., Westport Weston Family YMCA) includes an open gym (basketball, volleyball and more), games, pizza from Riko’s, dessert from Stew Leonard’s, door prizes (including Starbucks gift cards, Stew’s ice cream, golf simulator time, and a Modern Dermatology facial), and music.

The cost is just $5. Click here to register.

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Speaking of the YMCA: Professional ballroom dancer Karina Smirnoff (“Dancing With the Stars”) offers a special ballroom master class on Tuesday (March 17, 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.).

Open to all ages and experience levels, it includes a performance, Q-and-A and photo opportunity. The cost is $40 for Y members, $50 for non-members.

Click here for more information, and to register. To learn more about the Y’s ballroom program, click here. 

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New restaurants are opening at a fast clip downtown.

But one just left: Gogi.

The Korean barbecue spot — located in an out-of-the-way spot, inside Bedford Square behind Emmy Squared — is not completely closed.

They’ve relocated to Shelton.

(Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)

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The United Methodist Church is located on Rabbit Hill. The previous owner was Robert Lawson — author/illustrator of the beloved children’s series.

So it’s the perfect site for an Easter egg hunt on March 28 (2 p.m.). All kids are welcome. Click here to register.

There’s a suggested donation of non-perishable food, for local pantries.

Easter egg hunt, at the United Methodist Church.

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Speaking of kids: 2 new family-friendly shows come this spring to the Westport Country Playhouse.

“Click Clack Moo” — based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, aimed at pre-K through 4th graders — is set for 2 shows May 16 (1 and 4 p.m.).

“Pete the Cat” follows on June 7. It’s recommended for pre-K through grade 3.

Click here for tickets, and more information. 

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Speaking of entertainment: Westport and Weston will have a strong presence at next weekend’s 6th annual Norwalk Film Festival.

Board member (and Staples High graduate) Jennifer Bangser notes some of the connections:

Friday, March 20: The opening night Sundance-premiered film “Little Richard: I Am Everything” takes a deep dive into the life and career of the charismatic, complicated musician. Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker/novelist/playwright/essayist/producer/professor Trey Ellis will be in conversation after the film with director/producer Lisa Cortes. Email info@norwalkfilmfestival.org for ticket information.

Saturday, March 21: Staples graduate Cynthia Gibb’s short film “Straight Laced” will be shown during the Connecticut Shorts Block (12 to 2 p.m.). It’s the story of a conscientious honors student who buckles under academic pressure in her town of overachievers and overearnest parents.

In the 2 to 4 p.m. Narrative Shorts Block, “Sit with Me While I Die” stars award-winning actor James Naughton of Weston. He plays a priest who must reconcile his lifelong dogmatic views on suffering with real-life pain.

The Norwalk Film Festival includes many more films, plus workshops and an audience-voted awards ceremony.

More information plus individual tickets, day passes, weekend passes and student discounts are available at www.norwalkfilmfestival.org. Questions? Email Jennifer.Bangser@gmail.com.

James Naughton in “Sit With Me While I Die.”

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Chris Delorier writes: “Help, before someone gets seriously hurt!

“I live on High Point Road. At least once a week a near accident occurs from people blowing through the stop sign down the hill on Long Lots Road.

“There are many new drivers every year, many kids walking to school or on bikes. My fear is nothing will be done until it’s too late.

“Half, I bet, are innocent mistakes. It’s a tough sign to see. On Cross Highway at Bayberry Lane they put in flashing solar stop signs. At a minimum that should be done at Long Lots and High Point.

“Let’s not wait for a life to be taken. This seems like a no-brainer.”

Drivers coming down the Long Lots Road hill often ignore the stop sign (right) at High Point Road.

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Congratulations to Staples’ 8 Students of the Month: seniors Isabel Jo and Henry Wood, juniors Samantha Armentano and Catalina Zapata, juniors Olivia Flinn and Nickolas Glekas, and freshmen Maya Luo and Sophia Muriel.

The honor recognizes “students who help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the community: the type of creative, thoughtful, conscientious students that keep the high school together, enabling it to grow and thrive.”

Recipients are nominated by teachers, in recognition of hard work, friendliness to staff and students, and positive contributions inside and outside the classroom.

Students of the Month (from left): Catalina Zapata, Samantha Armentano, Olivia Flinn, Isabel Jo, Maya Luo, Sophia Muriel, Henry Wood.

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Journalist/author/former “Good Morning America” host Joan Lunden spoke about her new memoir — “Joan: Life Beyond the Script” — on Thursday, at the Westport Library.

With sports reporter and Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak, Lunden talked about life transitions, and the importance of embracing change.

Joan Lunden and Lindsay Czarniak on the Westport Library stage; “Good Morning America” stage is behind. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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The Sally was a Fairfield County merchant sloop that was converted into a Revolutionary War vessel.

It played an important role in espionage, raids against the British, and privateering in Long Island Sound during the The Sally – and was involved in Nathan Hale’s ill-fated spy mission.

On April 11 (2 p.m., Weston History & Culture Center), historian Edward Eckert discusses The Sally. The event is free, but registration is required. Click here. 

At 3:15 p.m the same day, Laura Clark Murray speaks on for “Genetic Genealogy in Action: From Researching Patriots to Solving Cold Cases.”

It too is free, but registration is required. Click here.

Merchant ship, back in the day.

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State Representative Lucy Dathan of New Canaan hopes to add Westport to her list of constituents.

She has joined the race to succeed Ceci Maher, for the 26th State Senate seat.

Dathan now chairs the Government Oversight Committee, and sits on both the Appropriations and Human Services Committees. Beyond her legislative work, she has been a CPA and CFO for start-ups.

The 26th district includes Westport, Weston, and all or part of 6 other towns. Weston First Selectwoman Sam Nestor is also running for the seat.

State Representative Lucy Dathan

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo is a reflective shot of Sherwood Mill Pond.

Much more wildlife will return soon, to the tranquil 84-acre tidal pond and estuary.

(Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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And finally … Happy Pi Day!

(The music will never die. And — thanks to continued reader support — let’s hope “06880” won’t either. To help keep us alive, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you all!)

3 Comments

Posted in Children, Entertainment, Library, Politics, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

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Lee Goldstein Joins State Rep Race

Posted on March 13, 2026 | 13 comments

A second Westporter has joined the race to succeed State Representative Jonathan Steinberg.

Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein joins Matthew Mandell in the campaign for the 136th District. Steinberg is retiring.

Goldstein — a Yale University graduate and former high school English teacher, writer, editor and manager of a family foundation, and volunteer with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Mercy Learning Center — filed paperwork on Thursday.

“Westport deserves experienced, thoughtful leadership that protects our schools, strengthens our communities, and takes the rising cost of living seriously,” says Goldstein. “I’m running to bring that leadership to Hartford.”

As BOE chair for 4 years, Goldstein helped lead the renovation of Coleytown Middle School, plan for a new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool, and develop a comprehensive capital improvement plan.

School budgets have passed unanimously, which she attributes to collaboration she fostered between the Board of Ed, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting.  

Lee Goldstein

However, she notes, “Federal instability threatens funding, public health and safety, education, reproductive rights, and common-sense gun safety laws. Connecticut needs steady, values-driven leaders in Hartford who recognize what’s at stake and bring people together to solve problems.”

Goldstein tells “06880”: “I am proud of our remarkable schools. But over the past 4 years on the Board, I’ve learned that more depends on relationships and trust than on any single decision.

“Whether we’re aligning budgets with long-term priorities, advancing overdue capital work or developing complex strategic plans, progress comes from listening, persistence, and a willingness to bring people together around shared goals. The most durable decisions are rarely the most dramatic ones — they’re the ones people have a hand in creating themselves.

“What is drawing me toward Hartford right now is a mix of optimism and urgency. I think Connecticut has the capacity to respond thoughtfully to this moment -strengthening public education, protecting reproductive rights, public health, and gun safety laws, addressing affordability pressures, and helping communities plan responsibly for the long term.

“But optimism only matters if you’re willing to take responsibility for what comes next. Over time, I’ve come to feel that the next phase of the work I care about needs to happen at the state level.”

13 Comments

Posted in Education, Politics

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Roundup: Staples Logowear Online, A Better Chance Events, Earthplace Egg Hunt …

Posted on March 11, 2026 | 2 comments

Alumni and residents often ask the Staples High School PTA if they sell logowear.

They don’t have a permanent store. However, 3 times a year they run online sales.

One of those times is now.

From today (Wednesday) through March 25, you can order alumni gear. Some youth sizes are available too.

Items include t-shirts, polos, hoodies, sweatshirts, shorts, flannel pants, caps, golf umbrellas, stadium seats and magnets.

Click here to shop. Your purchase will be delivered to your door.

Some of the Staples High School logowear at the online store.

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Speaking of Staples: A Better Chance of Westport — the program that provides educational opportunities to academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color — has 2 important upcoming events.

On March 21 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), you can “Shop for a Cause” at Fred, the 30 Post Road East women’s clothing store. 10% of all sales that day will benefit ABC.

It’s a great chance to find the perfect outfit for the organization’s “Dream Event” (May 7, 6:30 p.m., House on the Hill, Norwalk). It’s an inspiring evening, saluting the young scholars of A Better Chance, who enrich our community every day.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of tickets: They’re going fast for Earthplace’s Great Egg Hunt.

One-hour slots are available April 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to a nature hunt for eggs, youngsters can meet live rabbits and create spring-themed crafts. Click here to register.

Also on the Earthplace calendar: their 5th annual Arbor Day “Toast to the Trees.”

The April 25 event (4 to 6 p.m.) includes craft beer tastings, food trucks, live music, fun activities and more. Click here for more information, and registration.

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“Greens” Farms Church was an appropriate setting Monday, for Club203’s “Luck o’ the Irish” celebration.

A large crowd of adults with disabilities, and their friends, enjoyed green-themed delicious foods from Lyfe Café, desserts by Avery, and tunes from the Especially Everyone band. Attendees also made pots of gold, with MOCA\CT.

Volunteers — including many Rotarians — brought great spirit, laughter and energy to the bash.

A small part of the large green crowd at Monday’s Club203 event.

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Yesterday afternoon, Westport Police searched for a man who left a facility against the wishes of medical control.

He was located on Post Road East, near Myrtle Avenue.

The number of police vehicles and officers made the response look more significant than it otherwise might be, due to its proximity to headquarters and its occurrence during a shift change.

Police vehicles on Post Road East. (Photo/EJ Zebro)

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This year’s Democratic Women of Westport “Souper Luncheon” welcomes the co-chairs of the Connecticut House of Representatives Reproductive Rights Caucus: Jillian Gilchrest and Matt Blumenthal.

The event is March 27 (11:30 a.m.). A $40 donation supports Staples Tuition Grants’ DWW scholarship. RSVP by email: dww06880@gmail.com.

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Red Hot Mamas — the online community for menopause information founded by Westporter Karen Giblin — is looking for baby boomers to be part of a special Oprah Winfrey podcast conversation focused on “generations.”

The taping is tomorrow (March 12, 11 a.m.) in New York City.

Email info@eventstics.com if interested. Include your first and last name, email address and cell phone.

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Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan visited the Westport Rotary Club yesterday.

He spoke about the Playhouse’s Pulitzer Award play, “Primary Trust. Previews begin April 14.

Shanahan called it “a story of friendships and lifting people up. When I first saw this play, I choked up.”

Mark Shanahan

The main Rotary speaker was Jasmine Prezzie, program director for the Norwalk Mentor Program.

A former mentee herself, she noted the value of adults who share their triumphs and disappointments with children trying figure out their own futures.

There are 413 mentors in the school-based initiative.

Jasmine Prezzie (Photos/Dave Matlow)

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The new header on our “06880” home page features the Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach. You can see it below, too.

The image — showing empty slips, just waiting to be filled — is by longtime Westporter JD Dworkow. We highlight his great work often here.

Thanks, JD!

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Our favorite nature photographer, Lou Weinberg, writes: “In addition to rooting for the UConn Huskies in the upcoming March Madness, I’m rooting for the comeback of the rusty red and blue: Eastern bluebirds.

“They scored a big win at the Newman Poses Preserve on Monday. Eastern bluebirds seem to be rebounding well. Conservation efforts and bird boxes help. Protecting open space and planting natives are important factors in their recovery as well. Go Bluebirds!”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … in honor of Lou Weinberg’s bluebird (above):

(Is spring finally here? We have no idea. But we do know this: Any time is a good time to help support “06880.” Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment, Police, Politics, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Sam Nestor Runs For State Senate

Posted on March 10, 2026 | 2 comments

Weston First Selectwoman Sam Nestor has her eye on a new prize: the State Senate.

Yesterday, she filed paperwork for the 26th District seat currently held by Ceci Maher. The 2-term senator is not seeking re-election. Both Nestor and Maher are Democrats.

The district includes Westport, Weston and 6 other towns. State Representative Lucy Dathan of New Canaan also announced yesterday.

“After Senator Maher shared her plans, my family and I took time to thoughtfully consider what the future may hold,” Nestor says.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Senator Maher and deeply appreciate her thoughtfulness, hard work, and graciousness in public service. While serving as First Selecwoman of Weston has been an honor, I believe I have so much more to offer our communities.”

Weston 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor

As her town’s chief executive, Nestor has secured and overseen more than $30 million in grants and funding.

“These experiences have given me a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges towns face in working with the state,” Nestor notes.

“I know how state policies can help communities thrive — and I’ve also seen where unnecessary obstacles can actually make it harder for towns to meet the needs of their residents.”

Pressures on local communities include rising healthcare costs for municipal and school employees, plus infrastructure, energy and maintenance expenses.

“Every town is working hard to keep communities affordable, maintain strong schools, and manage rising costs responsibly,” she said. “I will bring a town leader’s perspective to the legislature and focus on policies that support municipalities rather than burden them.”

Before becoming first selectwoman, Nestor served on Weston’s Board of Selectmen and Board of Education.

“Those of us who live in Weston know that our lives and communities extend well beyond town lines,” Nestor says. “I know and care deeply about the towns of this district, and I look forward to listening carefully to residents in every community as we work together towards solutions that benefit all of us.”

2 Comments

Posted in Politics, Weston

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Mandell Enters State Rep Race

Posted on March 9, 2026 | 3 comments

The first candidate has declared an intention to succeed Jonathan Steinberg as Westport’s state representative.

Matthew Mandell — a 20-year member of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), and the longtime executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — today announced his candidacy for in the 136th District.

Calling himself an advocate for open space preservation and historic protection, Mandell released a video outlining his priorities and reasons for seeking the seat.

In the video he emphasizes the importance of maintaining local control over town planning decisions, while also addressing the need for additional affordable and workforce housing in Westport.

He points to his decades of civic involvement and grassroots leadership as preparation for representing the community in Hartford.

Matthew Mandell

“I have always had Westport’s best interests in mind,” Mandell says. “From preserving the Partrick Wetlands and saving the Kemper Gunn House to creating unique town festivals and most recently spearheading the establishment of an Affordable Housing Fund, I have worked to strengthen this community. I believe I can do even more for Westport by serving at the state level.”

Mandell says his campaign will focus on listening closely to residents and community stakeholders, gathering their concerns and ideas, and working collaboratively to move thoughtful solutions forward.

Additional priorities include strengthening consumer advocacy for residents, and advancing environmental initiatives such as expanded alternative energy and improved recycling and sustainability programs.

Click here or below for the full video.

3 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Politics

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Roundup: School Calendar, Ceci Maher, AI App Widget …

Posted on March 6, 2026 | 3 comments

A few tweaks are coming to the school calendar.

But there will be no changes to April vacation.

Unless — uh oh — there are any more cancellations between now and then.

Last night, the Board of Education approved superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s recommendations to adjust dates, based on recent weather-related closures.

The school year will now end on Thursday, June 18. 

Friday, March 20 will now be a regular school day. It had been scheduled for professional development.

The student calendar will be reduced from 182 to 180 days.

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Westport’s delegation in Hartford will look very different next year.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg announced in January that he would not seek re-election this fall.

Yesterday, State Senator Ceci Maher said the same.

As first reported by “Good Morning Wilton,” the 26th District legislator — who represents Westport, Weston and 6 other towns — said her decision “reflects both personal priorities and a broader belief that public leadership should make space for the next generation.”

She said, “As a boomer, it’s time to get out of the way,” she said.

“I love the job, so it’s hard not to run again, not to legislate again, not to be out in the wider community again. But I really believe if we run just because we can, it keeps the stopper in the system. My belief is the next generation needs to be in it and needs to be learning how to do this.”

Maher is 72 years old. She has 2 grandchildren, with a third on the way. She looks forward to gardening, mentoring and more.

This is her 2nd term. She succeeded Will Haskell, a 2-term senator from Westport.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

State Senator Ceci Maher

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Great news for “06880” app users: Our AI widget is now available on that platform too.

The widget — developed by Westport-based ThoughtPartnr, and rolled out on our desktop, laptop and mobile sites last month, and located on the upper right of any page — allows users to ask questions about all 17 years of “06880” content, AI-style.

It takes some getting used to. Typing in a name (as in a Google search) is less effective than a question (“Why was the Hamlet plan rejected?”).

The widget is learning too. It gets better, as more readers engage with it.

On the “06880” app (available for iPhones and Androids), the widget button is the furthest left button (AI “stars” icon) at the bottom:

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Alisyn Camerota — the former CNN anchor and Westport resident — is used to interviewing prominent political figures.

Joe Walsh — the Tea Party co-founder who is now an ardent anti-Trumper, and a Democrat — is one of those figures.

But when the pair got together — remotely — for Camerota’s Substack podcast, the topic was “grief.”

The journalist and politician spoke candidly and movingly about Camerota’s 19-month journey, after the death of her husband Tim Lewis to pancreatic cancer.

Walsh has a lot to say about the state of our nation, and Camerota has drawn him — and many others — out about it.

This is a very different interview. Click here for the link.

Screenshot: Joe Walsh and Alisyn Camerota.

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Staples student-athletes get plenty of recognition.

But Staples teacher-athletes are no slouches, either.

Congratulations to Dr. Wole Ogunkoya. The social studies instructor (and girls track and field assistant coach) is a national champion!

He earned a gold medal in the  men’s 45-49-year-old long jump at USATF Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships last month in Albuquerque.

Dr. Ogunkoya is truly a “master” athlete — and teacher.

Dr. Wole Ogunkoya

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Speaking of track and field: The Joggers Club is warming up for spring.

Their Kid’s Run Club — for kindergarten through 8th grade — meets every Sunday from April 5 through June 7, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at the Staples track.

Eight coaches lead youngsters — of all abilities — in meets, games and relays. (There’s also an ice cream truck). The price is $199 until March 15; then $250. There is a maximum of 100 participants.

The Joggers Club’s run club of adults meets every Saturday at 8 a.m., at Compo Beach.

There are short runs, long runs, and everything in between. The post-run fun is catered by Village Bagels, with coffee from McDonalds. The cost is $50 — and new members get a free Lululemon shirt (value $58).

Click here for details and registration.

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Speaking of running: For the second year, Westport’s Positive Directions has been selected as a charity partner for the New York Marathon.

Runners who are not drawn from the bib lottery can apply to run for Positive Directions (and pledge to raise a minimum of $3,500).

Last year, 3 PD runners raised over $19,000.

100% of funds support Positive Directions’ mission to support individuals and families in need, and to de-stigmatize and foster mental well being through individual and group therapy, community prevention, and recovery assistance

Click here to learn how to support Team Positive Directions.

New York Road Runners CEO (and Westport resident) Rob Simmelkjaer (3rd from left) with Gianna Alfi, Brian McGarvey and Cam Gaylord. They ran the NY Marathon last year, for Positive Directions.

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Brian McGarvey and former Staples High School track star Cam Gaylord — both Westport residents — and Gianna Affi

Speaking still of sports: Oscar Edelman — the Westport native and Greens Farms Academy graduate — has had an excellent season for the Wesleyan University basketball team.

The sophomore — a 6-8 starting center — helped lead the Cardinals to a #1 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) ranking. They open NCAA Division III tournament play tonight (Friday, 6:15) at home vs. Lehman.

Oscar Edelman (Photo/Steve McLaughlin)

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State comptroller Sean Scanlon gave an informative presentation yesterday, to business owners and others interested in Connecticut finances.

The event, at the Westport Library, was part of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce “Your State – Your Business speaker series.

Scanlon discussed his role as the state’s primary financial watchdog, the rainy day fund, state pension obligations, and financial issues that impact business owners and residents (rising utilities costs, healthcare, taxes and more).

The comptroller noted his experience as CEO of Tweed New Haven, and as a legislator, in the context of transportation and commuting.

The “Your State – Your Business” series continues March 19th (Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, 11 a.m.) and April 2 (Attorney General William Tong).  Click here for more information. 

State comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell.

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The Blondinit wishes “Chag Sameach” to its customers — and offers a special Passover menu.

Dishes range from matzo ball soup and salatim to Mediterranean chicken, brisket and pistachio-crusted black sea bass. Options include à la carte trays, or packages for 4–6 or 8–12 guests.

Orders must be placed by March 27. Kosher for Passover wines are available for pickup or delivery. A limited kosher menu is available to dine in, April 1-8.

To order: Click here, call 203-557-3277, or email catering@theblondinit.com.

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The newest addition to the Levitt Pavilion’s 2026 lineup is Andy Frasco & the UN and Kitchen Dwellers.

They bring “a wildly eclectic approach (to) navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power.”

The opening act is Magoo.

The show is August 23. Tickets go on sale today (Friday), at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the artists’ partner charity, Backline Care (offering mental health and wellness resources for music industry professionals and their families).

Levitt Pavilion (Photo/Alex O’Brien)

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Reeds along the Longshore exit road offer a hint of spring, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo:

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … in honor of Dr. Wole Ogunkoya’s gold medal (story above):

(You don’t have to run — or even walk — anywhere to support “06880.” Just click here. We will very quickly thank you!)

 

3 Comments

Posted in Education, Politics, religion, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

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Cribari Bridge Survey: “06880” Readers Want “Adaptive Rehabilitation”

Posted on March 6, 2026 | 13 comments

The public has spoken,

By a wide margin, respondents to yesterday’s “06880” Cribari Bridge survey favor “adaptive rehabilitation” of the 143-year-old span. That means improving roadway safety and adding bike lanes, while preserving the 12′ 10″ height to continue blocking heavy truck traffic.

As of 6:45 this morning,  464 readers, or 75% — out of a total of 617 who answered the question — chose that option.

Another 98 (16%) selected “full replacement” (meeting all modern height, weight and flood-resilience standards).

The third option — “no change; leave it as it is” — was chosen by 55 (9%).

Cribari Bridge (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)

The survey was unscientific (and a few of the 627 participants did not answer every question). But it offers some insight, as Westport grapples with next steps in a decades-long debate over next step for one of the town’s 3 Saugatuck River crossings.

Readers were given 4 elements to rate as “very important to me,” “somewhat important to me” or “not important to me,” when considering the Cribari Bridge.

The most important, according to respondents, was “the potential for use by large trucks.” That was “very important” to 426 (70%), “somewhat important” to 100 (16%), and “not important” to 85 (14%).

“Safety issues — for example, increasing the width” — was “very important” to 356 (58%) and “somewhat important” to 175 (29%). It was “not important” to 80 (13%).

When considering its future, the Cribari Bridge’s history was deemed “very important” by 277 readers (45%), and “somewhat important” by 257 (42%). Another 79 (13%) called it “not important.”

The fourth consideration was “navigability of the Saugatuck River, including the ability of all marine craft to pass underneath.” 173 readers (28%) called it “very important; 276 (45%) said it was “somewhat important,” and 164 (27%) said it was “not important.”

The Cribari Bridge is the oldest swing span of its type in the nation. It is opened manually, to allow marine craft to pass underneath. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

“06880” readers’ preference for “adaptive rehabilitation” aligns with a sense of the meeting vote taken Tuesday night, by the Representative Town Meeting.

Twenty of 21 RTM members present and voting — 95% — said yes to a bridge that would be wide enough for pedestrian and bike lanes, yet low enough to prohibit 18 wheelers.

The lone “no” vote was cast to reflect a desire for restoration, not replacement in any form. Four members abstained.

The full “sense of the meeting” resolution is at the end of this story.*

The Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

The survey asked 3 other questions.

On the issue of whether the town of Westport should buy the Cribari Bridge — which would mean being responsible for renovation and maintenance, without federal and state funding — the majority (369, or 61%) said no. 236 readers (39%) agreed with the idea.

Even more respondents opposed the idea of moving the bridge elsewhere in town, to serve as a footbridge and preserve its history. That idea was opposed by 392 (65%), supported by 210 (35%).

The final question asked: “If the town negotiates with the state Department of Transportation on the future of the Cribari Bridge, which of the following should NOT be up for discussion?”

The most important non-negotiable item — “allowing large truck traffic” — was chosen by 484 (43%).

“Losing the historic look” was deemed non-negotiable by 266 (24%), followed by “keeping height” (172, 15%), “creating a new alignment” (121, 11%) and adding width (7%).

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* The RTM “sense of the meeting” resolution” said:

RESOLVED: It is the sense of the Westport Representative Town Meeting that the Town administration should engage with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to ensure that the Cribari Bridge across the Saugatuck river is restored, rehabilitated or replaced as soon as practicable.

Any upgrade should at a minimum maintain or evoke the historic design of the current structure. The finished structure should be wide enough to include pedestrian and bike lanes and a height restriction to ensure that it will not provide access for semi tractor trucks.

(“06880” reports regularly on the Cribari Bridge debate — and everything else in Westport too. If you appreciate our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Local politics, Politics, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Cribari Bridge Future: Take Our “06880” Poll

Posted on March 5, 2026 | 28 comments

Everyone has an opinion about the Cribari Bridge.

Save it at all costs! Renovate it for safety and river navigation! Don’t allow trucks! Don’t worry, they can’t get through Saugatuck anyway!

As the March 19 community meeting (6 p.m., Town Hall) with the state Department of Transportation looms, the jury remains out on what Westport — residents, and town officials — really want for the span’s future.

A decade after discussions began on a renovation or replacement of the 143-year-old bridge, no one seems to have an idea of what to say to DOT.

That might be because no one has clearly asked.

Today, “06880” does just that.

We’ve created an 8-question survey. It’s not scientific — we’re not Gallup or Quinnipiac — but it could give some sense of residents’ feelings. Results will be posted on Friday.

The survey is below. NOTE: This is for current Westport residents only. Thanks!

Cribari Bridge (Photo courtesy of Library of Congress)

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Posted in Local politics, Politics, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Cribari Bridge: An Outside Engineer Looks In

Posted on March 3, 2026 | 26 comments

If Westport decides what we want to do with the Cribari Bridge, the state Department of Transportation will listen — and work with us.

If not, they won’t.

That’s the assessment of a civil engineer — not a Westporter — who is very familiar with state bridges and the DOT, and has followed our town’s saga for years.

His view — gleaned from news reports, and watching the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Zoom session last week — is that most people here agree something must be done to the 143-year-old span.

But after all this time, there is no consensus on what that should be.

No consensus yet on the Cribari Bridge’s future. (Drone photo/John Videler, for Videler Photography)

There are issues with historic integrity (the bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places), structural integrity (it was built when Grover Cleveland was president), traffic, semi-trailers, navigability of the Saugatuck River, and more.

“I get the sense that Westport is not unified in what it wants,” the engineer says. “But it seems like everyone is using DOT as a punching bag.”

In his experience, DOT officials work with municipalities that want to work with it.

Kicking the can down the road won’t work. The bridge won’t last forever.

And if there is a major incident with it, then where would Westport — and the state — be?

The Cribari Bridge is sometimes stuck in the open position. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

One option has been little discussed, he notes: the town purchasing the bridge. In that case, Westport taxpayers would have complete control over its design and traffic.

We’d also be responsible for buying it, and maintaining it — without state and federal funds.

Without going that route, the engineer says, the state must be involved. Westport can’t ignore ConnDOT. Their goal, he says, is a “safe, reliable transit network.”

The engineer is also trying to figure out Westporters’ views on the historical nature of the Cribari Bridge.

If people value it for its history, he says, are they amenable to relocating it to another site, perhaps as a pedestrian span? If not, why not?

“If Westport could wave a magic wand, what would you want?” he asks.

“Probably no one knows. But without Westport being aligned on what they want, it seems very difficult to see this project proceeding. Is that what people want? And what happens then, if something bad happens to the bridge?”

The bottom line, the engineer says, is this: “DOT is coming to the table on March 19.” (That’s the date for a 6 p.m. meeting with residents, at Town Hall.)

“Westport should have a uniform idea of what they want then.” If that happens — and the meeting does not devolve into conflicting ideas and accusations — “DOT would certainly work with the town.”

The engineer knows that complete consensus is probably impossible. But if town officials come up with “a couple” of options” — and tell DOT, “we need this, and it’s okay to compromise a little on that,” a plan can be made.

“If you took DOT out of the room, it doesn’t look like right now Westport knows what it wants,” he reiterates.

“And if the town doesn’t know, how can DOT respond?”

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Meanwhile, based on news reports and last week’s RTM meeting, the engineer offers his objective summary of the situation.

The 1884 bridge stands at the center of a 2026 traffic management discussion.

The only reason not meeting current design standards is even being considered is the National Historic Preservation Act. It is a legal protection that allows a community to argue that the history of the bridge and the protection of the neighborhood are more important than the DOT’s book of standards.

Without the bridge’s National Register status, there would be little to debate; the bridge would have been replaced with a standard concrete span decades ago. The “gravitas” of the 1884 date is the only reason the “substandard” height remains an option on the table.

The Engineering Reality: After 140+ years of service, the bridge faces a critical intersection of structural decay and functional obsolescence. Routine inspections have identified severe corrosion and collision damage. Current vehicular weight limits are restricted to 20 tons — half the modern standard — affecting the routing of school buses and emergency apparatus. The bridge’s 19.5-foot width and 12′ 10″ vertical clearance fall significantly below modern safety standards, leading to frequent sideswipe accidents and truss strikes.

The Crux of the Dilemma: To the state DOT, these metrics represent a failure of its mission to provide a safe, efficient, and resilient transportation network. From a management perspective, full replacement would likely seem the most defensible path. It secures a 75-year design life, meets federal safety standards, and eliminates the state’s liability for maintaining a “substandard” structure.

To the community, however, the bridge’s deficiencies are viewed as its most vital features. The low vertical clearance acts as a physical obstacle that prevents large tractor-trailers from using Route 136 as a bypass for I-95. Residents fear that a modern bridge, built to standard heights, will fundamentally transform a residential village.

Traffic is a concern on the Cribari Bridge.

Alternatives

Full Replacement (likely DOT-preferred): A new bridge, likely designed as a “High-Fidelity Replica” to satisfy historic preservation needs. It would meet all modern height, weight, and flood-resiliency standards.

Adaptive Rehabilitation (resident-preferred): Would involve “splitting and widening” the original trusses. This would improve roadway safety and add bike lanes, while intentionally preserving the 12′ 10″ height to continue blocking heavy truck traffic.

The Adaptive Rehabilitation proposal is a paradox: It seeks to meet modern standards for width, while refusing them for height. For DOT, accepting this requires a “Design Exception” that shifts long-term liability and maintenance risks to the state for a structure that remains intentionally restricted.

Progress depends on uncoupling the bridge design from traffic enforcement.

In addition, the Saugatuck River is a navigable waterway. Under federal law, the bridge owner is legally mandated to open the bridge for marine traffic.

From an objective engineering standpoint: There is no technical justification for an intentional height restriction on a state-maintained route.

However, the “inevitability” hits a legal wall called Section 4(f). Because the bridge is a National Historic Resource, federal law says the DOT cannot replace it simply because it’s “the most sensible use of funds.” They must prove that every other alternative is “not prudent.”

This may become a battle over whether “Historic Preservation” and “Community Character” are legally allowed to override “Design Standards.” Some in Westport may be betting that the answer is yes.

A little bridge causes big controversy.

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Posted in Local politics, Politics, Saugatuck

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[OPINION]: $2.6 Billion Bus Has No Brakes

Posted on February 25, 2026 | 6 comments

Marc Lemcke is a Westport resident, and a close observer of Aquarion.

Yesterday, he attended a hearing in Hartford on the proposed sale of the water utility. He writes:

You’re driving a bus at 110 miles an hour, when you see a wall in front of you. You cannot stop. Everyone on board knows: This will not end well.

Yesterday’s hearing before the Connecticut Energy and Technology Committee felt like that.

The proposed $2.6 billion sale of Aquarion Water Company to the Regional Water Authority carries enormous risk — and committee members know it.

The “bus driver” is committee co-chair Jonathan Steinberg, Westport’s state representative.

He is probably the least to blame, having warned early about the risks. Yet all eyes are on him, to see whether he can avert what could become a disaster.

The odds are squarely against him. Here’s why.

Hartford’s rushed enabling legislation, passed in an emergency session in 2024, created the state’s largest public agency. It would be financed entirely through $2.6 billion in debt. Not partially. Entirely.

Aquarion reported net income of just $33 million in 2023, according to the Connecticut Mirror. That’s the math.

The state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) rejected the deal.

However, the Superior Court found that PURA misapplied the statute — essentially ruling that the regulator must operate within the legislature’s framework, not independently of it.

Next week, PURA — with newly appointed commissioners — will issue a revised draft decision and may approve the deal, pointing to the 2024 enabling legislation.

To be clear: at a lower price, this deal could offer many advantages for Westport ratepayers. RWA has strong water quality, is innovative, and serves customers rather than investors.

Meanwhile, the town  focuses heavily on Aquarion’s property tax payments — which we fund through our water bills, and which will decline over time under public ownership.

The sale of Aquarion is a textbook example of what journalist Dan Davies calls an “accountability sink” — a situation in which responsibility is diffused across complex systems, making it nearly impossible to determine who is accountable when Aquarion is in trouble.

Much now rests with Representative Steinberg. At the end of a long legislative career, he finds himself again at the center of Connecticut’s utility universe — driving a bus carrying more than 200,000 passengers.

We can only wish ourselves luck — and start preparing for much higher water bills, while considering more water-friendly gardens. That may not be entirely bad.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Submissions may be sent to 06880blog@gmail.com.)

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Posted in Environment, Politics

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