Town officials have spent months debating The Hamlet: a 5-story Saugatuck development with 57 residential units, 57 hotel rooms, plus retail, an event space, marina, and community gathering spots.
Soon, they may debate something else: an 8-30g proposal, with over 500 housing units. Thirty percent would be deemed affordable, under state standards.
The 70% that comprise market rate units would be a mix of condos and rentals.
Three massive buildings, 8 stories tall – 6 floors of housing, above 2 for parking – would be constructed on the Hamlet footprint.
And – because it’s an 8-30g development – the town would have virtually no say regarding parking, conservation or other issues.
ROAN Ventures – the developers who spent the past 4 years trying to build the Hamlet – surprised last night’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting with a rough design of the plan.
The 8-30g would occupy 3 parcels of land: the Saugatuck River waterfront; the area bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street; and the site above Luciano Park, previously planned as the “Barn” event space.
An 8-30, with 500+ housing units in three 8-story buildings. The one on the left would be located at what is now the parking lot above Luciano Park. The middle building is in the area bordered by (from bottom, clockwise) Railroad Place, Charles Street and Riverside Avenue. The building on the right lies between Riverside Avenue and the Saugatuck River.
ROAN is still pushing the mixed-use Hamlet. Most of the P&Z’s time last night was spent discussing traffic and other issues related to that project.
Yet ROAN partner Dan Suozzi offered the 8-30g in the interest of “full transparency.” The last several months have been difficult for the developers, he said. Opponents of the Hamlet have called for a scaled-down version.
That’s not commercially viable, according to Suozzi. ROAN cannot decrease the height or size of various buildings, and deliver what it promised investors.
So, he said, they’ve been forced into exploring an 8-30g option. ROAN partner Martin Purcell told “06880” that they will file a pre-application soon with the Planning & Zoning Department.
In fact, Suozzi noted, the 8-30 would actually take less time to build — and be more financially viable — than the Hamlet. If they had wanted to do an 8-30g, he said, it could have already been completed.
Artists’ renderings of several Hamet buildings. The “Barn” — an event space overlooking Luciano Park — is at upper left.
Rumors have circulated for weeks that if the P&Z does not approve the Hamlet, a developer — not necessarily ROAN — would apply for an 8-30g. Some residents downplayed that concern. Others called it a negotiating tactic.
Suozzi reiterated that ROAN would vastly prefer the Hamlet, as proposed. He noted that those plans are in full compliance with the text amendment approved earlier by the P&Z.
But the developers also want officials and residents to know what the taller, denser option – an 8-30g, of 500-plus units – would look like.
This is not the first time an 8-30g has been planned, following long debate over plans for less intensive use. The town and neighbors spent many years fighting a proposed 47-unit development on Hiawatha Lane extension, not far from the Hamlet site. A 177-unit complex is now in the works.
Once again last night, ROAN Ventures showed town officials revisions to their Hamlet at Saugatuck plan.
Once again, those officials had more questions.
Last night’s virtual Planning & Zoning Commission meeting — another 6-hour marathon — was intended to bring the residential/retail/hotel proposal closer to a vote.
On Tuesday, the Flood & Erosion Control Board approved the plan. Yesterday, the Board of Selectwomen tabled a vote on the traffic portion — pending the P&Z’s decision.
That may come soon. Or — in a procedural move to allow more time, because state law mandates 65 days of deliberations beginning June 18 — the application may be withdrawn, and immediately resubmitted.
ROAN — the developers of the project — addressed some of the thorniest issues last night. They addressed changes made, based on previous feedback, to parking, building heights, floor area and sightlines.
Primary peer reviewer Dave Ginter noted that the application complies fully with regulations and the P&Z’s text amendment, which paved the way for the project.
The town’s traffic consultant called the plan workable, but asked if ROAN had any other locations for the entrance/exit to the waterside parking garage.
ROAN’s traffic consultant said they did not believe there was any other suitable location, due to the need for river view access, and the limited area they own on Riverside Avenue.
The Hamlet plan. New buildings are shaded. Railroad Place is at the bottom; Charles Street is at top. The Saugatuck River is on the right.
Commissioners questioned contractor parking, loading zones and truck traffic. ROAN offered assurances for on-site management of deliveries, and said they removed a tunnel to create more commercial loading zones.
They reiterated traffic studies — noting that it did not include COVID data — and said that their proposed improvements would save time.
A great deal of time was spent on traffic flow, particularly where Riverside Avenue meets Railroad Place. “Calming measures” like raised pedestrian crossings and blinking signs are among the items planned by ROAN.
Traffic plans, for the area around Ferry Lane, under the train tracksk and toward the parking garage at Riverside Avenue.
One unknown factor is how any state Department of Transportation Cribari Bridge reconstruction project would impact traffic throughout Saugatuck.
ROAN also addressed the construction timetable. The project would be broken into phases, though there might be overlaps between them.
When the public finally spoke, many addressed items like traffic and building density.
The Hamlet got a boost from Roger Leifer, who called the Hamlet “good for Westport.”
Bill Kutik was not so sure. Noting the lack of a scale model, he warned of “towers as high as the I-95 overpass,” high-rises that “block the sun,” and gridlocked traffic.
The next P&Z meeting is Monday (June 16, 6 p.m., Zoom).
A bipartisan group of Westport town officials has urged Governor Ned Lamont to veto HB 5002.
The controversial omnibus housing bill would “pose real risks to both local governance and the broader state economy,” the 9 elected leaders say. Areas of concern range from parking and potential as-of-right conversion of all commercially zoned properties to residences, to a provision allowing courts to require municipalities to pay developers’ legal fees.
The signers — including Republican 1st Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore, plus Board of Finance vice chair Michael Keller; Democratic 3rd Selectwoman Candice Savin, Planning & Zoning chair Paul Lebowitz and vice chair Neil Cohn, and Board of Finance chair Lee Caney, plus non-partisan Representative Town Meeting moderator Jeff Wieser and deputy moderator Lauren Karpf — note that Westport has taken “meaningful, proactive steps to expand access to housing”; established an Affordable Housing Fund of over $1 million, and maintained a homeless shelter downtown.
HB 5002 was passed by both General Assembly houses. Lamont has not yet decided whether to sign or veto it, or allow it to pass into law without his signature.
It’s one of Staples High School’s newest — and best — traditions.
A couple of days before graduation, seniors visit the 5 elementary schools where they started their Westport education years ago.
Wearing caps and gowns, they greet “old” teachers (and classrooms). Youngsters watch reverently, and begin thinking of their own futures.
The photo below, from yesterday’s event at Saugatuck Elementary School, shows the many soon-to-be grads from Staples — plus 4 classmates who graduated the other day from Greens Farms Academy grads — along with SES mascot Saugy the Seal.
Several dozen other seniors headed back to Long Lots Elementary.
A couple of years from now though, returning students from that school will not recognize their alma mater.
Last night, the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a new 8-24 plan for construction of a new Long Lots. That was a major hurdle on the road to a modern, $100+ million building.
The process continues tonight, with meetings of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Education and Finance Committees (Tuesday, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., respectively; both in Town Hall Room 201).
Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Finance meets to okay the project. Final approval could come Thursday (June 12, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) from the full RTM.
The new Long Lots Elementary School.
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A few hours after the looking-back elementary schools event, seniors gazed forward.
Staples Tuition Grants handed out $400,000 in scholarships, to 102 recipients. (Some are already in college, and have received previous grants.) They’re attending 71 schools.
Marcus Harper — father of Max Harper, a ’25 member who died in an accident last September — spoke about a new initiative: the Live Life to the Max Award. It helps students suffering from ADHD.
Galen Blumenthal — a 2008 recipient, and former Staples Player and Student Assembly member — described his journey from the University of Texas to his return to Westport, as a management consultant. He urged the recipients to never be afraid to ask for help, and to always give back.
He’s doing that himself. Galen just joined the Staples Tuition Grants board.
Some of the 2025 Staples Tuition Grants honorees. (Photo/Rebecca Mace)
The swimmer — the best in Staples High School history, and perhaps the state — just swam the 4th fastest time in the US for the 50 free (24.62), in the 17-18 age group.
That’d faster than the time posted by the current world record holder, Gretchen Walsh (now 22), when she competed in the event at that age.
Annam is also the only 18-and-under swimmer to compete in the women’s 50 meter freestyle final at the 2025 U.S. Championships. And: She earned a spot on the World Junior team, and will compete in Romania this summer.
But wait — there’s more!
Annam also co-chairs the Westport Youth Commission.
And she is secretary of Staples’ Teen Awareness Group.
It should be no surprise to anyone that she will swim for Stanford University this fall.
And go far beyond that, in life.
Annam Olasewere
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“John Proctor is the Villain” — produced by Westporter Eric Falkenstein, and co-produced by residents Ben Frimmer and Ari Benmosche — did not win a Tony on Sunday for Best New Play.
But our town was well represented on the Radio City Music Hall stage anyway.
Staples High School graduate Justin Paul and his writing partner (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”) joined Marc Shaiman and Scott Witman to write the award show’s opening number (performed by host Cynthia Erivo). Click below to see:
Speaking of “John Proctor”: Westport resident and veteran TV journalist Anne Craig interviewed Ben Frimmer — the Staples High graduate/Coleytown Middle School theater teacher/director mentioned in the item above — about his involvement as a producer.
He too has a Justin Paul connection. Click below or below to learn more.
Speaking of plays: Staples Players’ recent presentation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” was a powerful staging of the inspiring story drawn from the writings of the German teenager, who for nearly 2 years hid from Nazi with her family and others, in a small annex behind an Amsterdam warehouse wall.
It was, audiences agreed, a show that is important to be seen by young students — particularly in these times.
Fortunately, it was.
The high school drama troupe gave 3 special performances during school hours. The result: every Westport Public Schools 8th grader saw the show, for free.
Those youngsters also met Andy Sarkany. The 89-year-old Hungary native immigrated to the US. He earned master’s degrees in math and computer science, worked for McDonnell Douglas and IBM, and has spent the past decade speaking to students about his experiences during the Holocaust, livng under the brutal Soviet regime, and finding a home in this country.
Bedford Middle School principal Adam Rosen says that the Players’ show “brought real emotional depth to what students have been exploring in the Human Rights Unit.”
Janna Sirowich, Coleytown Middle School principal, adds, “It aligns perfectly with our curriculum. But more importantly it provides our students with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on history, empathy, and resilience.”
Andy Sarkeny, on the “Anne Frank” set, talks with 8th graders. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Speaking of theater: Last night’s Westport Country Playhouse script in hand reading of “The Shark is Broken” offered a clever, behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Jaws.” The groundbreaking film is now 50 years old.
From left: Actors Ciaran Byrne, Patrick Halley, Seth Andrew Bridges, Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan, stage director Faith Sandberg. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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An update on HB5002, the controversial omnibus housing bill passed by the state General Assembly last week:
Though it has been sent to Governor Lamont — and he was widely expected to sign it — he has not yet done so.
CT Mirror reports that after heated opposition to the bill this weekend, the governor may call a special session, for revisions. Click here for the full story.
Governor Lamont — shown here at the Westport Library — has not yet signed the housing bill. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
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Peonies look beautiful all the time.
But they’re especially lovely when tinged with raindrops, as in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image:
And finally … Sly Stone, who the New York Times calls an “influential, eccentric and preternaturally rhythmic singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer whose run of hits in the late 1960s and early ’70s with his band the Family Stone could be dance anthems, political documents or both,” died yesterday in Los Angeles.
He was 82, and had battled lung disease and other health issues.
Sly & the Family Stone played 2 memorable concerts in Westport, a month apart.
On May 25, 1968 — a year after their debut “Dance to the Music” rocketed them to the top — they played at a “sock hop,” in the Staples High School gym.
On June 25 that same year, they were on stage at the Longshore Inn. I had finished 9th grade at Long Lots Junior High the week before. A couple of friends and I snuck into the ballroom (it wasn’t hard).
I’ve seen plenty of concerts since then. I’ve never been closer at one to a mega-star — or been to a show with more raw energy, power and life.
(From Broadway to Westport — and everywhere else — readers rely on “06880” for all the local news, features and music. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
The topic of yesterday’s Y’s Men panel, before a packed Westport Library crowd, was “how the media covered the first 100 days of the Trump administration.”
But panelists roamed freely, with most talking more generally about the role of the media in today’s polarized world.
Congressman Jim Himes noted that the founding fathers believed the press must be independent of the president. However, he said, “I don’t think any media outlet can or should be impartial. It’s up to as news consumers to learn and understand bias. If we can’t do that, then democracy is in danger.” He said he was “harsher on citizenry than the media.”
Former Fox News and CNN journalist (and Westport resident) Alisyn Camerota said, “We’re taught in journalism school to be conscious of our biases, and to check them at the door.”
She added, “It’s hard and perilous to be a journalist right now. We’re in the middle of an earthquake. Institutions are shaking and collapsing around us. We’re in the middle of the 1st Amendment doorway. When the shaking stops, will still have ’60 Minutes’ or CNN?”
The good news, she said, is that as journalists “scatter” from traditional media outlets, they wind up at “thousands” of places like Substack and podcasts. There, there are “no overlords.”
Veteran News12 anchor Rebecca Surran discussed the difficulty of maintaining “down-the-middle” coverage, particularly as economic woes hit outlets like hers, and news sources like the AP are banned from the White House.
She warned that although there are “thousands of ways to get news today, don’t stay in an echo chamber. Consume news you don’t feel comfortable with, too.”
Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe noted that despite the demise of papers like the Westport News and Minuteman, Westport is not a “news desert” like many locations. He cited coverage by “06880,” and reporting by Westport Journal.
Fairfield University assistant professor of politics Aaron Weinstein called the ability to undersand a poll “one of the most imporant skills” a citizen can have.
From left: Aaron Weinstein, Jim Marpe, Rebecca Surran, Alisyn Camerota, Jim Himes, John Brandt. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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HB 5002 — the omnibus housing bill that could bring big changes to municipalities across the state — has been passed by the Connecticut House of Representatives and Senate. It now awaits Governor Lamont’s signature.
This morning, Westport 1st Selectman — in her capacity as a gubernatorial candidate – said:
“If signed into law by Governor Lamont, House Bill 5002: An Act Concerning Housing and the Needs of Homeless Persons, will be the biggest assault on local zoning control in Connecticut in over 30 years.
“Framed as a measure to help our homeless population, instead it represents a fundamental change in how communities make decisions, plan for the future, and serve the needs of all residents.
“The negative consequences will be felt for decades to come as it undermines local town operational management and zoning, and the voices of residents in decision-making.
“A one-size-fits-all approach does not work. HB 5002 will fundamentally transform local zoning across our beautiful state, radically changing the face of our unique towns and cities without any planning, infrastructure investment or regard for our natural resources. It’s time for housing policy that respects our residents and business owners, our environment, and the autonomy of our municipalities.
“Advancing affordable housing and ending homelessness are goals that I not only believe in, but have taken action on. As Westport’s 1st Selectwoman, I have helped champion a common-sense, collaborative approach to create diverse housing. This includes pursuing text amendments to convert Town-owned buildings to affordable housing, and deed-restricting Town-owned property to serve as congregate housing (the first in the State to do so).
“Westport received the Community Champion Award by the CT Coalition to End Homelessness as a result of our innovative efforts. This is the work towns can do with community support, local decision-making and visionary leadership. HB 5002 strips planning and zoning control from our towns and gives it to the state and to developers. That’s wrong for Connecticut. That’s wrong for our residents and our business owners. We can do better.”
The kids-first nonprofit is running 2 grade-level track and fitness clinics, from June 23 through July 17, at the Staples High School track.
They combine athletic training with specialized event instruction.
The session for grades 3-7 (9 to 10:30 a.m.) focus on specific events. The one for grades 7-8 (10:30 to noon) includes strength, movement and flexibility. More details and registration is available here.
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To honor Pride Month, Temple Israel invites the entire LGBTQ+ communities — and allies — to a “joyful and inclusive Pride Shabbat.”
The June 13 (6:30 p.m.) service includes music from the temple’s artist in residence, Elana Arian. It will be followed by a festive oneg (social gathering), and more music by Arian, with Cantors Julia Cadrain and Becky Mann.
A celebration of the life of Carol Randel — the longtime Westport, noted professor and beloved civic volunteer, who died last week — is set for 4 p.m. on June 29. The public is invited.
The setting is appropriate: the Saugatuck Rowing Club. That’s where Carol discovered herself as an athlete, found joy on the water and camaraderie with teammates. She won plenty of medals there too.
Carol Randel
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Humans prefer to fish alone.
These guys — not so much.
Mark Laclair spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene on Harbor Road.
Marina Drasnin was a Holiday on Ice figure skater.
She married, got divorced and remarried. Eight years ago, her second husband passed away.
Marina Drasnin
All along, she enjoyed a career as a photographer and artist. She worked for Larry David, arranging flowers and creating other art projects for his events. She developed books of photos, for private clients.
Marina had a beautiful home, with a garden she loved, in Pacific Palisades, California.
Life was great — until this past January, when wildfires raged. Then came torrential rains, and mudslides.
Marina’s home suffered extensive smoke damage. Most of her neighbors’ were destroyed.
After living with her friend Randy Gardner — the figure skating star — in Manhattan Beach for 2 weeks, and 2 more weeks with other friends in Ventura, she decided to take up friends’ suggestions to move east.
A Southern California native, she’d gotten to know — and love — this part of the country as a Tufts University student.
Her son went to Sarah Lawrence College, and now lives in Brooklyn. Marina’s best friend lived in Westport, and is now in Weston.
Moving was a daunting decision. She navigated a tight real estate market, from 3,000 miles away.
Suddenly, something came on the market: a 900-square foot cottage on Richmondville Avenue.
The wooden floors were new. It was clean and fresh. In back was a beautiful garden.
Marina’s Richmondville garden.
She put in an application, sight unseen. Then she googled the name of the realtor: Mar Jennings.
Amazingly, Marina learned, he’d been a figure skater.
They chatted, and found several friends in common. Mar has been “an angel,” Marina says.
And that was just the start of her love affair with her new home town.
Marina (and her 2 cats) arrived on May 1. Since then, life has been wonderful.
Marina has enjoyed photographing scenes like this.
Outgoing by nature, Marina met many new people. They’ve quickly become friends.
The staff at the Parks & Recreation office were extremely helpful. A girl working at the Longshore tennis courts introduced her to a woman, who invited her into a doubles game. The other women were equally warm.
The woman’s Greens Farms home was surrounded by lilacs and dogwoods. “I’m in heaven here, with them all around,” Marina says.
Marina is enchanted by scenes like this.
The garden in her new home — and shops like Terrain — enthrall Marina. She looks forward to checking out Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Shop, which she’s heard so much about.
“I almost got in a car accident today, looking at all the peonies and rhododendrons.” (She’s already driving like a Westporter, it seems.)
She went to the Memorial Day parade. She’s been invited to a clambake.
Memorial Day photo collage, by Marina Drasnin.
And Jenny Bentley — half of the 2Jens organizing business — is helping Marina unpack and get settled. (They met through a mutual friend, who works for Westporter Shonda Rhimes.)
“I love all these old houses and country roads,” she says.
“People in L.A. seee my Instagram and say, ‘You’re in love with Westport.’ I am. I feel safe here. I can go places by myself. I’m so happy.
“I’m happy with my neighbors. I’m happy to see people walk by. I just saw an old-fashioned ice cream truck!'”
After we chatted, Marina was off to the Westport Book Shop. She loves it too — and hopes one day to have a show there.
Compo Beach lifeguard chair (Marina Drasnin)
Soon, Mar Jennings — the realtor who helped her find the cottage she loves — will be taking her to dinner.
They’ll have a lot to talk about, from their ice skating past to the home town they now share.
Mar Jennings and Marina Drasnin.
(Welcome to Westport, Marina! Whether you’re a newcomer or a native, we hope you enjoy “06880.” A reminder: We rely on readers’ support. If you like this hyper-local blog, please click here. Thanks!)
After a day-long debate, and several changes, an omnibus housing bill was adopted 84-67 yesterday, by the Connecticut House of Representatives.
CT Mirror reports that important changes made from last week’s version include an assurance that “litigation couldn’t be used as an enforcement tool, and adding in a process for towns to contest their assigned numbers.”
The legislation “also includes a proposal from Gov. Ned Lamont’s office that would offer towns easier pathways to moratoriums under 8-30g. The decades-old housing law offers developers court remedies if their affordable housing proposals are denied, unless it’s for a reason of health or safety.
“Towns can get moratoriums under the law by showing they’re making progress toward increasing their percentage of designated affordable housing and are exempt from the law if at least 10% of their housing stock is designated affordable.”
The bill now heads to the State Senate, for a vote.
More than 200 Westporters of all ages, and many faiths, gathered on Jesup Green yesterday evening.
The vigil was a show of solidarity with the Jewish community, following the murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington last week.
The interfaith event included remarks by Rabbis Jeremy Wiederhorn, Michael Friedman and Yehuda Kantor of Westport; Rev. Heather Sinclair of the United Methodist Church, and past Carl McCluster from Bridgeport, who was recently in Israel.
Congressman Jim Himes — who knew Sarah — called her a “shining light.” Senator Richard Blumenthal also spoke, as did 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. She assured the Jewish community that Westport is a safe place for all.
“06880” will run a full story on the vigil soon.
Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel speaks. Behind him, from far right: Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of TCS, Congressman Jim Himes, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Senator Richard Blumenthal. (Photos/Dan Woog)
Friends of the popular local tennis instructor, who opened a tennis academy in his native Cameroon that changed the lives of thousands of youngsters, were raising funds to medically evacuate him to the US, for treatment of life-threatening complications.
Joseph died last night, before he could be airlifted here.
Organizers say: “As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we also celebrate the powerful legacy he leaves behind. “For over 25 years, he poured his heart, soul, and every resource he had into building OTA. The tens of thousands of students he lifted up are a living testament to the impact one man can make.
“Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, and supported Joseph on this journey. Your kindness meant the world to him; now, it means everything to those he leaves behind.
“We are keeping this campaign open to honor Joseph’s memory by covering remaining medical and funeral expenses, supporting his family during this difficult time, and ensuring the continued operation of the Oyebog Tennis Academy—his life’s work.
Westport is filled with many interesting and multi-faceted people.
Take Dan Bikel. A prominent computer scientist and AI leader at Meta, he’s also part of the founding team at StartUp Westport, our public/private tech, innovator and entrepreneurship networking/mentoring group.
He’s a singer, songwriter and composer. And, oh yeah: He’s the son of Theodore Bikel, the legendary folk singer who played Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” over 2,000 times.
Dan takes the Westport Library stage this Saturday (May 31, 7 p.m.). His original songs on piano and guitar explore themes of family, love, loss and joy. He’ll also perform the second movement of his Piano Concerto No. 1 — a glimpse into his classical side.
The Westport Transit District has reached a milestone: 100,000 rides.
Natalie Lloyd — a nanny who lives elsewhere and commutes to Westport, using Wheels2U to travel between the train station and her job — was the 100,000th rider.
She calls the service “the best thing ever. It’s reliable, reasonable and so worth it..
Wheels2U — the on-demand commuter and community shuttle service — recorded over 2,500 rides last month alone. That follows a recent switch to a new service operator; smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, and the launch of a downtown pilot program that expands midday service to the Senior Center, Farmers’ Market and Jesup Green (Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).
Riders book $2 rides through the Wheel2U app. Average wait times are about 10 minutes. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available.
Wheels2U
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My Lucky Penny — the fun children’s shop at 8 Church Street South (behind Little Barn) invites everyone to their grand opening this Saturday (May 31, noon to 5 p.m.).
It’s a “make and take” event. Customize any item in the store, and save 30% off regular-priced clothing.
Plus Jim’s Ice Cream truck, cookies, and more.
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Leave it to writers to come up with a catchy name for the Westport Writers’ Workshop’s annual fundraiser.
“Lit & Wit” is a night of comedy. The laughter is for a good cause: the organization’s outreach program, through which underserved populations participate in pro bono writing workshops.
Headliner for the June 4 event (7 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club) is Jane Condon (“an upper crust Roseanne,” according to the Associated Press).
She’s joined by another dozen comics: Olivia Barbulescu, Christine Zalewski, Calder Stokes, Brad Bruckner, Alyssa Katz, Mat Orefice, Kim Berns, Craig Lottner, Ivy Eisenberg, Liz Austin, Aline Weiller, and John Bennett.
And finally … in honor of the Staples Class of ’25 party at The Clubhouse (story above):
(As we do every day, “06880” informs, enlightens, and helps you plan your Westport life. If you appreciate these daily Roundups, please click here to support our work. Thank you.)
The former Davis Cup tennis player/Cameroon national champion/beloved local tennis coach has changed many lives in Africa.
The Oyebog Tennis Academy in Cameroon has provided free tennis coaching, food, shelter and education to tens of thousands of underprivileged children.
To his students, Joseph is more than a coach. He is a father figure, mentor, and beacon of hope.
Westporters have supported OTA generously. Now Joseph needs our help.
He was diagnosed with pancreatitis, which led to severe liver damage and many other life-threatening complications.
His condition is rapidly deteriorating, and the local hospital in Cameroon cannot handle his complex case.
Doctors strongly recommend that he be medically evacuated to a major healthcare facility in the US, where his wife and children now live.
Joseph’s many friends are raising funds to cover the costs of his medical evacuation, treatment, postoperative care and rehabilitation, so he can continue his mission at the Oyebog Tennis Academy.
Speaking of fundraisers: They may be teenagers, but Staples High School senior Jack Schwartz — co-president of the Yale Junior Board — and clssmates Jackson Tracey, Ryan Sunjka and Lucy Barneu are organizing the 3rd annual “Heartbeat for Hope” fundraiser.
Money raised for Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital wil support sick kids and under-resourced families, as they struggle through difficult medical complications.
It’s a rowing and running competition. Everyone receives a t-shirt.
Last year’s running and rowing competition …
The dates are May 31 and June 1 (12:30 p.m.) in Westport; May 31 (10:45 a.m.) in New Haven, at Orange Theory.
There is no entry fee. Team members reach out to friends and family. and encourage donations.
The Artists Collective of Westport hosts 2 intriguing shows at the Westport Library.
“Interiors: A Look Inside” explores physical, metaphysical and emotional spaces through the visual arts.
Contributors include Bonnie Edelman, Lynn Carlson, Peggy Dembicer, Ros Shaffer, Norm Siegel, Suzanne Benton, Julie Leff, Trace Burroughs, Diane Pollack, Miggs Burroughs, Kat Evans, Niki Ketchman and more.
“Piece by Piece” is a 6-foot by 8-foot installation composed of the work of 48 Artists Collective members.
Each received a 12-inch by 12-inch blank panel, and a 12-inch square section randomly selected from a well-known modern painting. The artists created individual pieces, replicating a part of the larger painting in their own style, without knowing what the final painting will look like until it is revealed at the opening reception (June 6, 6 p.m.).
Each 12-inch by 12-inch “piece” of “Piece by Piece” is available for purchase, starting at the reception. Each square is $100, with 50% of the proceeds supporting the Library’s art programs and 50% going to the artist.
The additional artworks on display in the Sheffer and South Galleries are also available for purchase, with a percentage of the proceeds also going the Library’s art programming.
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The long-delayed Lincoln Street apartment project is making headway.
The first construction — elevator shafts — are done. Floors and walls are being added now. Here’s a recent view:
(Photo/Bill Christiaanse)
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Sunday’s rainbow over Owenoke — as seen from the Longshore golf course — stars as today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.
And finally … on this date in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge opened to pedestrian traffic. The link between San Francisco and Marin County changed both places forever.
But 13 pages of amendments to the 92-page bill came out yesterday — yes, Memorial Day.
And it could be voted upon today.
Danielle Dobin — former chair of Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission, and a current member of the Board of Finance — has been following the legislation closely. This opinion is her own.
A revised version of HB 5002 has just been posted. And while the bill’s authors claim to have scaled it back in response to the massive outpouring of public outrage to the original language, the changes do little to address the core problems.
If anything, the new language merely reframes unworkable mandates to appear more palatable — without meaningfully improving their impact on towns like Westport.
Under the revised bill:
Every commercially zoned lot in Connecticut could be converted as-of-right into up to 9 multifamily housing units, with no local public hearing required. Imagine the parcels surrounding our downtown (many include a portion zoned commercially) built up with 9 townhouses each, with no parking provided and no public hearings at all.
Off-street parking requirements for buildings with fewer than 24 units would be entirely eliminated. Think about all of the apartment buildings on the Post Road East and West, and proposed near downtown, that rely on public parking lots like Baldwin, and street parking on side streets in Old Hill, Long Lots and Greens Farms.
For larger developments (24+ units), parking requirements would be determined by the developer, who can propose little or even no parking— particularly in areas near train stations or public parking lots. The Planning & Zoning Commission will be prohibited from requiring any parking for any new multi-family buildings constructed around either of Westport’s train stations, or even on nearby streets like Hiawatha Lane, Ketchum Street or Ferry Lane West.
The bill continues to de-prioritize towns like Westport for critical state road and infrastructure grants, unless we comply with sweeping zoning changes. The so-called “Fair Share” mandate has been repackaged, but the core requirement remains: Westport would still need to zone for a more than 30% increase in the town’s total housing stock.
122 Wilton Road added 19 apartments to Westport’s affordable housing stock. Much more would be required, under HB 5002.
One of the most concerning provisions remains intact: towns could still be forced to pay a developer’s legal fees when defending against 8-30g lawsuits, if a judge so decides.
The only meaningful rollback in the revised version is the elimination of the as-of-right conversion of office buildings to multi-family housing, which has now been removed. But that alone is not enough.
This bill would fundamentally transform local zoning across the state — and do so without thoughtful planning, infrastructure investment, or real local input.
The vote is expected today (Tuesday). If you believe in balanced, locally informed planning, now is the time to act.
Contact our legislators and urge them not only to vote “No,” but to speak out against this bill and the entire idea of dropping complex bills on the public on Memorial Day itself. We deserve better:
It took another 5 hours. Over 80 people joined the Zoom call.
When it was over, there was still no resolution on the Hamlet at Saugatuck proposal.
But the controversial retail/residential/hotel/marina plan took another step forward last night, at another Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
The proposed redevelopment between Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street faced a complex mix of support, concerns, and outright objections.
The revised version of the plan is significantly scaled down from the initial 2022 proposal. But residents and commissioners say questions remain about density, environmental impact, traffic, and architectural fit with Westport’s coastal New England character.
Proposed buildings on Riverside Avenue.
P&Z chair Paul Lebowitz praised elements of the plan, including the waterfront access, event barn, and environmental cleanup efforts.
“I appreciate the drainage aspects, because now they’ll exist. Before that, everything would go into the water,” he said.
However, he expressed concern over the hotel’s size and the overall density, echoing sentiments of residents who feel the new version still overwhelms the character of the area.
Lebowitz also raised logistical issues like access and drop-off near the barn, sidewalk safety, and parking, particularly for Black Duck customers. The Hamlet team countered that customers would park under the I-95 bridge.
Aerial renderings of the Hamlet project.
Commissioner Michael Cammeyer pushed for collaboration and transparency, expressing particular interest in Hamlet’s plans for the marina and dock access.
ROAN Ventures — the developer — referenced the successful example of Rowayton Seafood in terms of marina management, and stressed the need to ensure that transient slips are used effectively.
Cammeyer also voiced concern over potential traffic congestion during events, especially given the timing of evening trains and rush hour.
Much of the discussion focused on traffic flow, loading docks and delivery logistics, especially given Westport’s heavy commuter culture.
Commissioner Bre Injeski questioned how daily deliveries and waste management would function. The Hamlet team said a more detailed report would be submitted next week, including plans to restrict larger delivery vehicles to the street, and limit on-site access to smaller Sprinter vans. Deliveries would be managed during specific time windows, with on-site staff ensuring compliance.
The view on Railroad Place.
“There’s still a lot we don’t know,” Injeski noted. “And deliveries near pedestrian crosswalks during commuting hours are a real safety concern.”
Amy Wistreich flagged concerns over building setbacks, sewer capacity, and the potential floodplain issues surrounding the event barn. However, the Hamlet team assured the commissioners that sewer capacity was more than sufficient by citing underutilized land areas.
Commissioner Michael Calise questioned the quality of the proposed public spaces, stating that what Hamlet is presenting as “open space” is more akin to setbacks.
“A sidewalk is not a gathering space… An open space is where 25-30 people can congregate,” Calise said.
He expressed concern that the barn’s placement could disrupt the floodplain and raised a legal question about the stone wall the town owns that may have to be relocated.
Meanwhile, P&Z director Michelle Perillie and attorney Patrizia Zucaro pushed for clarification on what approvals the project still requires, particularly those tied to infrastructure and right-of-way usage.
Hamlet’s legal team noted that certain bridge and roundabout designs require special approvals, but reassured the commission that state and local compliance remains a top priority.
Traffic improvements, suggested by the ROAN Ventures team.
Fiona Flynn of SLR, representing the traffic planning side, said the first step in the approval process with the Office of State Traffic Administration — traffic volume approval — had already been completed. However, P&Z must give the green light before submitting step 2, which involves more detailed drainage and safety plans.
Flynn also detailed pedestrian safety improvements, such as reducing the walking path’s exposure by 8 feet and ensuring that 13-foot travel lanes are utilized. She emphasized that a full state review is pending and will involve detailed coordination with the Department of Transportation, including hydraulics and drainage.
Commissioner Neil Cohn voiced support for ideas for a courtyard and green space where children and families can gather, emphasizing that this project should make people feel like they are a part of the community.
But obstacles remain. Many residents and commissioners feel the project, despite being scaled back, still clashes with Westport’s identity.
Officials now await Hamlet’s follow-up reports on loading logistics, traffic management, and environmental compliance. Commissioners will continue to listen to public concerns.
Hamlet representatives maintain that they’re complying with all required regulations, and are open to reasonable modifications.
“We’re not asking for favors,” one said. “We have traffic experts who believe our design will improve the current conditions.”
No decisions were made on the proposal. The current plan — to render a P&Z decision by June or July — may not be met, Lebowitz said. Other town bodies must still weigh in too, before P&Z renders its verdict.
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