Category Archives: Real estate

Roundup: Water Main Breaks, Arts $$$. 8-30g …

Posted on February 4, 2023 | 3 comments

The second burst pipe in 2 days affected 1,600 Westport customers in the Newtown Turnpike neighborhood last night.

That one was a 24-inch main. Aquarion. A.J. Penna and the Westport Fire Department assisted in repairs, in bitterly cold weather.

Repairs to the Newtown Turnpike main. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

Adding to the woes, at the same time high winds brought down a tree, also on Newtown Turnpike.

Tree down on Newtown Turnpike. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

The day before, a water main break on Duck Pond Road in Saugatuck Shores affected customers on more than 20 streets.

Saugatuck Shores water main break. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

======================================================

“06880” has partnered with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.

Three scholarships — each worth $7,500 — will go to high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.

Students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 JPEGs of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.

Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 500 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.

Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2023 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 28.

=======================================================

8-30g — the state’s convoluted, controversial affordable housing act — has been with us for quite a while.

There are rumblings of change in Hartford. What are they? What might they mean for Westport?

A community conversation called “The Impact of CT Statute 8-30g On Westport: What to Expect in 2023” may shed some light.

The February 27 event (Westport Library, 7 p.m.) features State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Westport town attorney Ira Bloom, Westport Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin, and Evonne Klein of the Connecticut Center for Ending Homelessness.

The event is organized by the Westport Representative Town Meeting. RTM moderator Jeff Wieser will lead the discussion.

Artist’s rendering of Summit Saugatuck. The 187-unit development on Hiawatha Lane Extension has been mired in 8-30g controversies for years.

=======================================================

The Norwalk location is not on the list of hundreds of Bed Bath & Beyond stores set to close.

However, according to alert “06880” reader Bobbie Herman, the Westport Avenue store is no longer accepting their ubiquitous coupons. No worries: Everything there is 20% off.

The Fairfield location, on Kings Highway, is set to close. Their sale began the other day.

The home goods chain announced plans last year to shutter approximately 150 stores and cut 20 percent of its workforce. Another round of closures was announced the other day, on the heels of news they defaulted on their credit line, and may file for bankruptcy.

=======================================================

There are plenty of important fundraising galas in Westport. Each has its own beneficiary, theme and vibe.

But only one invites you to come in pajamas.

The 4th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala (March 11, 7 p.m., FTC Warehouse, Fairfield) celebrates the life of Rachel Doran — the Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate, who was also a talented sleepwear designer — with music, food, an auction and great community spirit.

Proceeds benefit local families navigating the critical illness of a child. Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement, so family members can focus on being present for their children.

Guests are invited to wear “pajama-chic attire” to honor “Rachel’s Rags” — the business she began before her death in 2018.

An honors student and skilled costume designer for Staples Players, Rachel was a rising senior at Cornell University studying fashion design and business when she suffered a rare reaction to common medications.

The chain of unimaginable events leading to Rachel’s loss brought the Doran family’s friends together to support them when they needed it the most. That became the healing mission for Rach’s Hope: ensuring no family goes through the illness of a child alone.

Click here for tickets, and more information. To donate funds, goods, experiences or services to the auction, email teamrachshope@gmail.com.

Rachel Doran

====================================================

Only 7 VIP tickets remain for Fashionably Westport.

The raised runway show (Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum) highlights downtown’s fashion and beauty merchants. Just as importantly, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope.

That’s just part of the 2-day event. Also included: in-store activities and promotions.

VIP tickets include light bites, a DJ and gifts. Click here for all tickets.

====================================================

The Staples High School boys swim and dive team needs to raise funds for activities not sponsored by the Board of Education budget.

During a “Swim Challenge” (Friday, February 10, 4 p.m.), team members will swim 240 laps.

Yeah, that’s a lot: 6,000 meters (more relatably: 3.7 miles).

They’re seeking sponsors per lap. Scan the Venmo QR code in the flyer below, or send a check: Staples Swim & Dive Team, c/o Timothy Tanksley, 8 Salem Road, Westport, CT 06880. Be sure to write “Wreckers Swim Challenge.”

======================================================

The wintertime crowds at Compo Beach may not rival those of summer.

But the shoreline’s “Westport … Naturally” beauty is there, 24/7/365.

(Photo/Michelle Harmon)

=====================================================

And finally … in honor of all the Aquarion, Fire Department and private contractor folks who worked over the past 2 days — in frigid weather — to fix Westport’s 2 water main breaks:

(Bed Bath & Beyond is contracting. But “06880” continues to grow — thanks to readers’ support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

3 Comments

Posted in Arts, Downtown, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Politics, Real estate

Tagged , , , , , ,

Roundup: Compo Cove, Compo Cold, St. Patrick’s Day …

Posted on January 30, 2023 | 4 comments

One of the most well-known homes in Westport — 48 Compo Mill Cove, the one closest to Old Mill Beach beyond the Sherwood Mill Pond pedestrian bridges — sold recently.

Now the second most well-known home on the Cove — #43 — is on the market.

43 Compo Mill Cove (Photo courtesy of MLS)

Built in 1940 (original location: the other side of the walking path), the property is just .18 acres.

But it’s surrounded by nearly 100 acres of the Mill Pond, and preserve. The sun and moon both rise over the pond, and there are stunning views in every direction. It’s the only house on the left side of the Cove’s path.

The 2-bedroom cottage needs work (and to be raised, to mitigate flood concerns).

The listing price is $1,999,000. For more information, click here.

==================================================

Speaking of the beach:

On Saturday, Simon Gurvets noticed a dozen or so people wading into the Compo Beach water. They were all ages, and both genders.

The stayed for about 20 minutes. Simon stayed too — fascinated, and snapping photos.

From the 45-degree warmth of the sand.

Everyone into the water! (Photo/Simon Gurvets)

=====================================================

Bonnie Erickson lives in Monroe. But the Staples High School Class of 1971 member still feels connected to Westport.

She also wants to do whatever she can to help others in need.

So when she saw an “06880” Roundup item about a call to assemble 600 life-saving medical kits that will be hand delivered to front line units in Ukraine, she headed last night to The Readiness Collective in the SoNo Collection mall.

The event was organized by Staples High School graduates Jesse and Sefra Levin. The twins are readiness skills specialists, whose company — Tactivate – prepares people for survival worldwide.

Jesse and Sefra have worked in Ukraine since last February.

Last night’s diverse group, assembling medical kits. (Photo/Bonnie Erickson)

======================================================

Sure, and though it’s still January, the fine folks at Stop & Shop are already thinking about … St. Patrick’s Day.

Forget Valentine’s. No way, Presidents Day.

This display is all about the green.

In more ways than one.

Late January, at Stop & Shop. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

=======================================================

From green to red, orange and purple …

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a colorful daybreak, from the kitchen window of Mark Yurkiw’s Cross Highway home.

(Photo/Mark Yurkiw)

=======================================================

And finally … as noted above, it’s still January. But — as Stop & Shop shows — it’s never too early to celebrate March 17.

(You don’t have to wait until St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate “06880.” Please click here today to support this blog. Thank you!)

 

4 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Politics, Real estate

Tagged , , , , , ,

Roundup: State Of The Town, Summit Saugatuck …

Posted on January 29, 2023 | 2 comments

Some readers are not receiving “06880” emails. WordPress knows of the problem, and is working to solve it.

Until they do, if you know anyone who is not being notified of new “06880” stories, please tell them to go directly to the website: www.06880.org. Thank you!

===================================================

What’s the state of the town?

Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein offer their thoughts next Sunday (February 5, 2 p.m., Westport Library).

The “State of the Town” event is free. It will also be live-streamed here.

After a review of town and school accomplishments, and a preview of what’s ahead, the officials will answer questions. Westport Rotary Club past president Tony McDowell will moderate.

The event is a joint initiative of the Westport Sunrise Rotary and Westport Rotary Club.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein, at last winter’s “State of the Town” event.

=====================================================

Summit Saugatuck — the 187-unit development on Hiawatha Lane Extension, near I-95 Exit 17 — has plowed ahead.

Last summer, what seemed to be the final steps for construction occurred. The last tenants left their homes, and heavy equipment moved in.

For 2 decades, neighbors have fought the proposal. Yesterday, after countless setbacks, Carolanne Curry — one of the most dogged opponents — sent this message:

“For 20 years we’ve been living with the bad news — the disrupting presence of developer Felix Charney wrecking havoc and and uncertainty in our lives. But today there is good news for all of us who want to Save Old Saugatuck.

“For many months our attorney, Joel Green, has been preparing significant legal steps to appeal the recent court ruling. He has prevailed in submitting a formal filing with a 170-page plaintiff’s brief, taking our case from the CT State Superior Court to the CT State Appellate Court. This was no easy task as Charney’s attorney, Tim Hollister, created many delays and presented misinformation and intimidations.

“Once an appeal has been filed, no property development should progress until the appeal has been settled. Over the next several months Attorney Green will have the opportunity to present the compelling reasons that legally support retaining a single family neighborhood on Hiawatha Lane Extension, and simultaneously would protect every other home in our community of Old Saugatuck. (To read online or download a PDF file of the entire brief, click here.)

“This initial appeal is just the first step in the appeal process… and we will continue to take this as far as possible.”

Artist’s rendering of the proposed 187-unit apartment complex on Hiawatha Lane.

=======================================================

Rain gear has been added to the list of material being collected for Ukraine, at the next 2 Westport Farmers’ Markets (February 2 and 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane).

Also needed: gently used winter coats, mittens, hats and gloves. Cash contributions to help with shipping costs are welcome too.

Questions? Want to help? Email Mark Yurkiw: mark.think3d@gmail.com.

Mark Yurkiw is helping collect supplies for his native Ukraine.

=======================================================

Longtime Westporter Martin Rosenfeld died Monday at his home in Rockville, Maryland. He was 95 years old.

Living here from 1998 until 2021, he and Martha, his wife of 66 years, were active members of the community.

Together, they donated over 16,000 volunteer hours, during nearly 20 years of service at Norwalk Hospital. Countless area residents remember Martin from his help with patients, visitors and staff in the ambulatory surgical waiting room.

Longtime members of a synagogue in New Rochelle, when they retired they looked for a community where they could continue to be active. At The Conservative Synagogue of Westport they found a young community with many children, which they immersed themselves in.

They assisted in the office, shined the silver on the Torah scrolls, and provided Passover Seders for people without local families. Martin played a key role as a tutor in the synagogue’s B’Nai Mitzvah program.

At the age of 70, Martin learned to read Torah for the first time. Until the pandemic diverted synagogue services to Zoom, he was still going strong — in fact, he was the synagogue’s most prolific reader.

Martin and Martha Rosenfeld

He and his Martha were avid attendees at adult education programs, inspiring all. In 2018, the couple were honored by the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County.

Born in the Bronx, Martin was a graduate of DeWitt Clinton High School and New York University. A veteran of World War II, he then attended Yale University where he became fluent in Japanese.

In addition to his wife Martha (Elowsky), Martin is survived by his daughter Elizabeth, son and daughter-in-law Reuben and Ora, and 3 grandsons.

His funeral and burial services were held Tuesday in Elmont, Long Island. Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn and Cantor Luis Cattan officiated.

(Hat tip: Howard Matson)

=======================================================

Longtime Westporter Joseph Crosby, Jr. died this week, after a brief illness. He was 82.

Raised outside Philadelphia, Joe entered the Navy as an officer after graduating from LaSalle in 1962. While stationed in Puerto Rico he met his wife of 55 years, Carmen I. Crosby (Brau).

They settled in Westport in 1969 and raised their family there, the greatest joy of his life.

Joe was a pilot with American Airlines, retiring as captain in 2000. His favorite trips were those that brought him home each night. His children called him “the only pilot who doesn’t enjoy traveling.”

Joe also loved sailboats, and purchased his first in 1976. Over the years the boats got bigger, and the family summer cruises longer. They traveled to Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

At home, Joe spent mornings discussing the New York Times, afternoons watching the birds, squirrels, chipmunks and ducks that graced their yard, and evenings in the living room with cocktails and snacks.

His favorite activities were watching sunsets on the boat, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife Carmen; daughter Tracy Crosby (Peter Vath); son Joe (Tricia Mulligan), and grandchildren Caleb and Leah Vath, and Samantha and Ryan Crosby.

His family expresses appreciation to all the healthcare professionals at Bridgeport Hospital, especially the Progressive Care Unit, Vitas, and the 7th floor team.

The family will receive visitors on February 4 (11 a.m., followed by a service at noon) at Harding Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bridgeport Rescue Mission in Joe’s name.

Joseph Crosby, Jr.

===============================================

It’s been nearly 2 weeks since we ran a “Westport … Naturally” photo of the black buzzards buzzing around the dumpster behind Gaetano’s and Shanghai Gourmet.

They’re still there, enjoying Italian and Chinese food to go.

(Photo/Jack Krayson)

=======================================================

And finally … mark your calendars for February 5: Westport’s “State of the Town” event at the Library (story above). See you there!

 (If there’s something going in my — okay, our — little town, “06880” covers it. Please keep here, to help us continue our work. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics, Obituaries, Politics, Real estate, Saugatuck

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: 8-30g, Crime, Med Kits …

Posted on January 26, 2023 | 10 comments

Connecticut’s 8-30g regulation may be in for a change.

House Republicans have proposed a “technical adjustment” to the affordable housing law that allows developers to bypass most local zoning restrictions for new developments. unless a municipality has at least 10% of its stock designated as “affordable” under strict guidelines.

Westport’s housing stock includes “affordable” units that were built before 1990, but are not included in the formula because that is the law’s start date.

The proposed adjustment would “put many Connecticut towns well over the threshold that exempts them from potential legal action if they deny developers’ proposals for certain affordable housing — without any new housing going up or changes to zoning policy,” the CT Mirror reports.

It would add would add properties that are not deed restricted, but are affordable to people whose income is up to 80% of the area median income.

Click here for the full CT Mirror story.

Westport’s approval of a 187-unit apartment complex on Hiawatha Lane was driven in large part by 8-30g factors.

======================================================

Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests during January 19-25.

One — for burglary, larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny and failure to appear — dated back to an April 11, 2020 burglary at a residence. Approximately $70,000 in jewelry and personal effects were taken.

Another arrest for larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny was connected to a January 25, 2022 incident in which checks worth over $28,000 from a local business were altered and fraudulently cashed.

A woman was arrested for third degree assault, following an incident on December 7, 2022 in which she bit the arm of someone in the Walgreens parking lot.

A man was arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol after he was seen speeding and driving erratically on Post Road West. When an officer caught up with him, he was driving extremely slowly in the left lane.

A man was charged with breach of peace after he took a neighbor’s cat.

Police also issued the following citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Improper passing: 1
  • Failure to obey control signal
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Criminal mischief: 1
  • Breach of peace: 1.

Not the stolen cat. But bad luck for the thief.

=======================================================

Meanwhile, in related crime news:

On Tuesday, people got out of 2 vehicles in the Westport Weston Family YMCA parking lot, then smashed the windows of several cars and snatched laptops, credit cards and other items.

The Westport Police responded promptly, but no arrests have yet been made. The license plates on the vehicles were obscured; the thieves wore hoodies, and the car visors were down to further obscure their faces. They most likely made their getaway on the adjacent Merritt Parkway.

The Y offers this advice to members (but it applies to everyone):

Before you exit your vehicle, make sure:

  • Your personal items and valuables are out of sight – including phone, cash, laptop/laptop bag, small electronic devices, briefcase, shopping bags, etc. Items visible on the seat, dashboard, floor may elicit unnecessary interest.
  • You always lock your doors and close windows (including sunroof).
  • Take your keys/fob with you.

=======================================================

Since graduating from Staples in 2003, Jesse and Sefra Levin have been on a mission: preparing people around the globe to survive. They bring “readiness skills” to the veteran, disaster response and entrepreneurial communities.

Their company — Tactivate — outfits customers with gear, and offers advice and training, for every conceivable emergency. They call themselves “bespoke readiness outfitters. For a while, they had a pop-up shop on Church Lane.

They have been in Ukraine since February. They’ve assembled a team of 20 people, focused full time on efforts there and throughout Eastern Europe.

This Sunday (January 29, 7 to 9 p.m.), they’re hosting a “medical kit” maker space event at The Readiness Collective, in Norwalk’s SoNo Collection.

The goal is to build 600 kits, to be hand delivered next month to front-line units.

Everyone is welcome to help create the kits. Questions? Email jesse@tactivate.com.

=======================================================

There’s a special, behind-the-scenes look this Saturday at the development and pre-production of “The Team Room” — a new play about Army Special Forces immediately before, during and after 9/11.

The sneak preview is set — very appropriately — at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 (Saturday, January 28, 3:30 p.m.).

Playwright Bill Raskin and producer Michael Hare will discuss the production and premiere in Washington, scheduled for this coming October.

The 501 (c)3 show will raise awareness for veterans’ services. Following the run, all net proceeds will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Saturday’s event is free. The production team is excited to share their story, and raise awareness of the show. Click here for more information.

=======================================================

Generations of Westporters remember the Country Playhouse kids’ shows. For many, those weekday summertime events were their first introductions to live theater.

They’re still around — in a different form. Three family-friendly shows are on tap on weekends, to liven up the long (if snow-less) winter.

They include:

“Woof Woof” shadow theater; grades pre-K and up (Sunday, February 12; 1 and 4 p.m.).

“Pete’s Big Hollywood Adventure”; grades pre-K and up (Sunday, February 26; 1 and 4 p.m.).

“Scaredy Kat Presents”; grades 6-10; Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m. Click here for details.

All tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

=====================================================

CronArt — a cool little pop-up gallery — enlivened Bedford Square in 2018.

Artist/owner Ryan Cronin is back in New Paltz, New York. But his many Westport fans may want to know that his “Obama” painting has been accepted into the Obama Presidential Center’s permanent art collection in Chicago.

The curatorial process took a year and a half. But now Ryan’s work lives forever.

Ryan Cronin, with his “Obama” painting.

=======================================================

Staples High School Class of 1979 graduate David Halsey died unexpectedly in his sleep earlier this month. He was 61, and lived in New Canaan.

His family said in his obituary that he died of natural causes, and was active, healthy and happy in the days before his death.

The Kalamazoo, Michigan native spent much of his life in Westport. He was described as :a voracious reader with wide-ranging interests,” and “an avid rock hound.” He loved the outdoors, animals and music.

Dave is survived by his mother, Carol Halsey of Knoxville, Tennessee; Karen and brothers John and Peter. He was preceded in death by his father Philip B. Halsey of Underhill, Vermont.

No funeral services are planned.

======================================================

Rev. Demetrios Recachinas of Westport, protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, died Sunday. He was 74.

Born on the island of Lefkada, Greece, he came to Washington in 1966. He graduated from Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, MA. Father Demetrios earned a master’s of theology from Princeton University School of Theology. He attended Catholic University, working towards a Ph.D. program

Father Demetrios was ordained as a deacon in 1977 and ordained into holy priesthood at Saint Paraskevi in Greenlawn, Long Island, four months later. He was assigned as Assistant Pastor at his home parish of Saints Constantine and Helen.

Father Demetrios served on several committees in the DC area, including the National Conference of Christian and Jews Executive Committee, the White House Conference for the Elderly and the President Reagan Inaugural Committee for the International Sector, Catholic University and Maryland University Ethnic Studies Committee, and the UN Environmental Program Committee. He represented the Archdiocese in many official capacities as well.

In 1983 Father Demetrios was appointed pastor of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bridgeport. His emphasis in his ministry was on youth. He served as president of the Orthodox Clergy Association of the Greater Bridgeport Area. He was a member of the Archdiocesan Youth Commission and the Advisory Board of Sacred Heart University, and a chaplain at St. Vincent’s and Bridgeport Hospitals.

Father Demetrios served on the Board of Trustees and Executive Board of Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology and also served on the Board of Trustees of St. Basil’s Academy.

Father Demetrios represented the church at the Ecumenical Patriarchate during the Third Millennium first World-Wide Orthodox Ecumenical Conference, and represented the Archdiocese at the World-Wide Biennial SAE Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece.

In 2001, Father Demetrios was bestowed with the highest honor awarded to a married clergyman of the Greek Orthodox Church, “Protobresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne,” by Patriarch Bartholomew on his visit to Holy Trinity.

In addition to his wife Eleftheria he is survived children, Tassos Recachinas, Katerina (Daniel) Pergola and Emmanuel (Paige) Recachinas; grandsons Christopher, James and Nicholas; brothers, Dion (Laura) Recachina and Andrew (Sophie) Recachinasl sisters, Sophia Espanopoulos and Christina Plotas; sister-in-law, Haido Neda, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Church. Click here for online condolences.

Rev. Demetrios Recachinas

=====================================================

Harold Gross died peacefully at his Westport home on Tuesday. He was 96.

Born in the Bronx, he graduated from high school in 1944, then proudly served as an Army paratrooper in World War II. He remained in Japan with the occupational forces, and lived there for 13 years.

He saw the world through his work, selling medical and dental equipment and supplies to countries in need. He became fluent in Japanese and Portuguese.

Harold is survived by his wife Francine Schweiger; son David Grosz, stepson Jordan Schweiger (Wendi) and their children Chase, Mason and Sloane Schweiger and son-in-law Michael Collins; grandson Nick Grosz and nephew Daniel Gross. He was predeceased by his daughters Diana Gross and Debbie Collins, grandson Brian Grosz and brother Joseph “Lenny” Grosz.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Friday, January 27, 11:30 a.m., Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Road, Fairfield). Shiva will be observed immediately following services at Francine Schweiger’s home in Westport. For more information and to share a condolence message, click here.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish National Fund to plant trees in Israel.

=======================================================

“Westport … Naturally” can’t resist dogs-at-the-beach photos. From October 1 through March 31, that’s their playground.

The other day, Bobo had a blast.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

=======================================================

And finally … the Army Special Forces featured in an upcoming play (story above) are also known as the Green Berets.

 

10 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, History, Local business, Police, Politics, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

Tagged , , , ,

Roundup: Josh Koskoff & Alex Jones, Fashionably Westport, Sunflower Bean …

Posted on January 20, 2023 | 4 comments

For an hour and a half yesterday, Josh Koskoff kept a packed Westport Library crowd rapt.

The Staples High School graduate — and lead attorney in the recent groundbreaking Alex Jones defamation lawsuit — took the Trefz Forum audience through the entire case.

Josh Koskoff, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston — sponsors of the very informative talk — recorded the event. Click below to learn all about “The Case Against Alex Jones.”

Fashionably Westport is back!

The raised runway event– sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, and held in the Westport Library’s Trefz forum — has 2 key elements.

It showcases downtown Westport’s fashion and beauty merchants, while benefitting Homes with Hope.

Professional stylist Amy Guzzi returns as runway director. The date is Saturday, March 4.

But Fashionably Westport is also a 2-day event, with in-store activities and promotions.

VIP tickets include light bites, a DJ and gifts. Click here for all tickets.

And hey: Do you want to model? Click here for details.

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, click here or email Jill Dunn: events@westportdowntown.com.

=======================================================

Speaking of the Library:

First they announced that the Smithereens and Marshall Crenshaw would headline the Friday night (March 31) show at VersoFest 2023.

Now comes news of the opening act, on Thursday, March 30: Sunflower Bean.

The Brooklyn-based band kicks off the 4-day festival at the state-of-the-art Verso Studios’ Trefz Forum. Hysterica does the DJ honors.

Sunflower Bean singer-songwriter Julia Cumming returns to her home base of Fairfield County, hot off the band’s headlining presence at South by Southwest 2023.

The band’s “Headful of Sugar” was named #41 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Best Albums of 2022.”

Sunflower Bean formed in 2013. The next year, Jon Pareles of The New York Times described their sound as “… what might have happened if psychedelia had emerged after punk and the Police rather than before.”

The band has toured extensively with artists like Beck, Cage the Elephant, Interpol, Courtney Barnett, The Pixies, The Kills, DIIV, Courtney Barnett and Wolf Alice.

Tickets for the show are $25; click here.

Sunflower Bean

=======================================================

A new mixed-use development — with 136 apartments, more than 6,800 square feet of retail space, and a pool, dog run  and walking trails — has been okayed for the Westport border.

“Nancy on Norwalk” reports today that the Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved plans for the proposal on Renzulli Road. It currently runs from Kings Highway South in Westport — between Rivard Crescent and Strathmore Lane — to Westport Avenue (Route 1) in Norwalk. Kings Highway South marks the Westport/Norwalk border.

Renzulli Road begins on the Westport/Norwalk border.

Renzulli Road would now become a cul-de-sac, with no outlet onto Westport Avenue.

The principal engineer for the project promises a “significant amount of landscaping” including trees around parking areas and the back property as a buffer with neighbors, and plantings throughout. The site will also include feature an improved storm water management system.

The site now houses a dry cleaner, and a vacant building that was once a liquor store.

The next step: approval from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Westport Avenue is a state road. (Click here for the full story. Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

A rendering from Bruce Beinfield Architecture of the proposed Renzulli Road apartment and retail complex.

=======================================================

Staples High School is justly proud of its Players theater troupe and Orphenians, the elite a cappella singing group. Both have been around since the 1950s.

But Soundings — the award-winning literary magazine — is a decade older.

Founded in 1947, it’s now an annual print and digital magazine showcasing student submissions ranging from prose, poetry and short stories to 2D, 3D and digital art.

But a few years ago, Board of Education funding was cut. Soundings now relies on a GoFundMe appeal. The goal is just $1,000 — but ever dollar helps. Click here for more information, and to contribute.

(Need more incentive? Click here to browse the archives.)

Meanwhile, Soundings seeks submissions from students. This year’s theme: “The world is your playground.”

Short stories, essays, visual media and more (and questions) can be sent to Soundings@students.westportps.org. To be eligible for a cash prize, include a $5 submission fee (not mandatory).

====================================================

Speaking of literature: Staples High School graduate Bruce Lawder reads his poetry at Westport Book Shop (February 2, 6 p.m.).

After graduating from Dartmouth College, and earning a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of Zürich, where he also taught, Lawder now lives in Europe.

Space is limited. RSVP:  bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org; 203-341-5141.

Bruce Lawder

==============================================

Speaking of reading: The Westport Library is sponsoring a winter program for kids.

It’s a way to decorate the Children’s Library with colorful mittens. Here are instructions for young readers (or their parents)

  • Log into READsquared and create an account. Then start logging your reading.
  • Keep track of reading progress in the READsquared program.
  • For every 50 minutes read, you can decorate a mitten for display in the Library.
  • When you’ve read 250 minutes, you’re halfway to the end. You’ll get a coupon for a free shake at Shake Shack.
  • When you’ve read 500 minutes: congrats! Go to the Library to choose a free book to keep.
  • Winter Reading ends March 4 — or when you’ve read 500 minutes.

Click here for details.

=======================================================

Applications are now being accepted for an affordable 2-bedroom rental at 52 Church Lane.

The 822-square-foot unit must be rented to families whose annual income is equal to or less than 80% of the state median income (family of 1, $63,056; of 2, $72,064; of 3 $81,072; of 4, $90,080). The rental rate is $1,622 a month, plus utilities.

Email info@davidadamrealty.com, or wrote BW Church East, c/o David Adam Realty, PO Box 5040 Westport, CT 06881 to request an application.

52 Church Lane

======================================================

MoCA Westport’s “Cocktails and Conservation” series continues next Thursday (January 26, 6 p.m.).

This extra-special event includes a collaboration between several Westport-based female influencers, in the areas of art, fashion and design.

“The Intersection of Art, Fashion, and Lifestyle” conversation will be led by Sade Strehlke, editor of POPSUGAR of Westport.

Panelists include style maven and WEST owner Kitt Shapiro; noted photographer Jane Beiles; content creator and founder of Designport Jen Berniker, and social “artrepreneur” and founder of Invest in Her Art Diana Mashia.

Guests who arrive early can explore the Paul Camacho and annual high school exhibitions, and buy a drink or cocktail from the new bar service, The Cup Bearer.

Advance registration requested; click here.

=======================================================

Pamela Kesselman spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene at Compo Beach.

“You must always keep your guard up,” she warns.

(Photo/Pamela Kesselman)

=======================================================

And finally … if you’ve never heard of Sunflower Bean, the band that kicks off this year’s Verso Fest on March 30 (story above), click below.

You won’t be alone. It’s already got over 3.7 million views.

(After you’ve finished listening to Sunflower Bean — and buying tickets to VersoFest 2023 — there’s one thing left. Please click here to support “06880,” Without us, you’d never know about stuff like this. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Arts, Library, Local business, Politics, Real estate

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

No Longer Sleepless In Saugatuck: Welcome To The Benjamin

Posted on January 17, 2023 | 13 comments

Search Airbnb for properties in Westport, and you get plenty of hits.

For Norwalk, Fairfield, Weston, Wilton …

Rentals here are sparse. But with only a few rooms at the Inn (Longshore), demand is high.

That’s why folks coming here for whatever reason — checking it out for a possible move; visiting for a wedding or party or other celebration; a job interview or short-term work; even a vacation — can now book a new spot.

And a very convenient one.

Last month, Karena Piedmont welcomed the first guests to The Benjamin. The newly converted 2-story home on Franklin Street can be rented as a 2-bedroom downstairs, a 1-bedroom upstairs, or together. (There are interior and exterior stairs. Each floor sleeps 4 people.)

The Benjamin: 35 Franklin Street.

This is not Karena’s first rodeo — or Airbnb.

She lives in Wilton, but knows Westport well. The owner of Real Estate University in Norwalk, she’s trained many Westport agents.

Karena already owns rentals in Wilton and Newport, Rhode Island. But she long had her eye on under-Airbnb-ed Westport.

The Franklin Street property was perfect. She bought it, and turned what had been a downstairs business and upstairs apartment into an attractive home-away-from-home.

She remodeled the interiors, bought all new furniture, and painted inside and out.

The Benjamin’s 1st floor living room.

Franklin is one-way, connecting Charles Street with Saugatuck Avenue. There are a few multi-family homes, but it’s seldom thought of as a residential area.

Still, Karena says, it’s perfect for an Airbnb.

“Some people don’t like hotels. They like to cook their own meals, and hang out in what feels like home,” she says.

Of course, right now hotel options in Westport are — well, let’s say “limited.”

Her first guests last month were an eclectic bunch. Two were looking at Westport before buying homes here. Another drove 10 hours from Canada, for a pickleball tournament (presumably not in Westport). Others were here for a Longshore wedding, but wanted to stay together (not in separate rooms at the Inn).

All gave The Benjamin 5-star reviews. Among the highlights: excellent restaurants within walking distance, proximity to the train station, and the ease of working with Karena.

With the Saugatuck train station a few yards away, guests do not need cars, Karena says. There’s plenty to do in the area (including dining — she put menus for nearby restaurants in both units).

As for the name: Karena wanted a strong historical figure (her Newport Airbnb is Araminta, for Harriet Tubman’s legal name).

“The Benjamin” seemed perfect for this one. After all: It’s on Franklin Street.

Karena calls the price “on the low end. It’s $168 a night for the downstairs (with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, living room, eat-in kitchen, a porch and patio); $150 for the upstairs. Both floors are $375 a night.

That’s not too many Benjamins for Westport’s newest rental property, right?

13 Comments

Posted in Real estate, Saugatuck

Tagged , ,

Roundup: Saugatuck Hamlet, Lyman Video …

Posted on January 14, 2023 | 14 comments

The next stop for the rezoning of Saugatuck: the full RTM.

On Thursday, 2 subcommittees of the Representative Town Meeting — Planning & Zoning, and Transit — discussed a text amendment and map amendment, approved earlier by Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission.

That decision — which would create a new district in Saugatuck, suitable for development of a retail/restaurant/hotel/residential/marina complex — was opposed by more than 30 voters.

Their petition to the RTM led to the subcommittee hearings. The votes to uphold the P&Z’s approval of the new district were 6-0 in the RTM P&Z Committee (with 1 abstention), and 5-1 in the Transit Committee.

The full RTM votes this Tuesday (January 17, 6:30 p.m.; remote). Two-thirds of the members — 24, regardless of how many are present — must vote in favor of the petition to overturn the zoning change.

The meeting will be livestreamed on www.westportct.gov, and shown on Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020.

The shaded area includes the new text and map amendment boundaries.

======================================================

Several readers had difficulty accessing the link in yesterday’s Roundup to a YouTube video showing the delivery of supplies to our sister city Lyman, Ukraine, and the exchange of town flags.

Click the red arrow in the middle of the logo below to view.

=======================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” bald eagle was spotted at the Cross Highway/Sturges intersection.

Which makes it a good candidate for “Fairfield … Naturally” too.

(Photo/David Furth)

======================================================

And finally … today in 1973, Elvis Presley’s “Aloha from Hawaii” concert was broadcast live via satellite. It set a record: the most watched broadcast by an individaul entertainer in TV history.

(The King is long gone, but “06880” lives. Please click here to support your local blog. Thank you!)

14 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Politics, Real estate, Saugatuck

Tagged , , , ,

Compo Shopping Center: Behind The Reveal

Posted on January 10, 2023 | 12 comments

Rick Hoag has always liked the “quirky, ’50s-’60s feel” of Compo Shopping Center.

So when his Frederick William Hoag Architects firm got the chance to redesign the façade of one of Westport’s first strip malls, he was eager to help.

The west (CVS, Planet Pizza) side was built in 1957. The east (Gold’s, Little Kitchen) portion followed shortly after.

Compo Shopping Center’s west (top) and east sides, before renovation.

It’s really, really long. It’s home to a diverse array of different-sized tenants. And regulatory challenges constricted the type of changes Hoag could do.

But he’s nothing if not resourceful.

“The existing architecture exudes a playful mid-century vibe with sweeping fascias and inclined façades, retro forms, and language to be celebrated within a contemporary architectural skin,” he says.

“The existing sloped cornice seems to put the whole building façade in motion, emulating the automobiles traveling the Post Road.”

That reminded him of “Norman Rockwell-like images of happy American families shopping. before whisking off in their Chris-Craft on Long Island Sound.”

Mid-20th century Chris-Craft.

That classic speedboat concept inspired his design.

The new west side …

By applying finishes as a rain screen, he and his firm maintained the existing weather tightness of the building.

… and the east.

LED lights are a 21st-century thing. But Hoag designed them in a way that, he says, embraces both the spirit of the retro façade, and the feel of today.

The result — with help from Bill Achilles, earlier in the process — is emerging now. A.V. Tuchy — the Norwalk builders doing the renovation — should be finished in March.

Then, the scaffolds will come down. The “new” Compo Shopping Center will sparkle by day, and shine by night.

Dusk view.

That may attract more shoppers and restaurant-goers than ever.

Drive safely!

(“06880” covers stories you never realized needed covering. Please click here to help us continue our work. Thank you!) 

12 Comments

Posted in Local business, Looking back, Real estate, Restaurants

Tagged , , ,

Pic Of The Day #2084

Posted on December 31, 2022 | 4 comments

Compo Cove sunrise (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)

4 Comments

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day, Real estate

Tagged

Marigny Painting: The Barn, And The Back Story

Posted on December 28, 2022 | 8 comments

As part of Westport’s fundraising for Lyman — our new sister city in Ukraine — “06880” auctioned off a painting of Marigny-le-Louzon, France.

It was donated by our friends in Marigny, Westport’s other sister city. The relationship extends more than 75 years. We helped the Normandy town rebuild after World War II. Now, together, we are helping another ravaged place, this one in Ukraine.

Wendy Van Wie won the painting, with a bid of $1,500. But there’s more to this story than just a Westport resident helping an important relief effort.

Wendy and her husband Mark Yurkiw live on Cross Highway. Their home — the Meeker homestead — stood on the route taken by British soldiers in 1777, as they headed to Danbury to burn an arsenal. (A musket ball lodged in the door provided evidence of the event.)

The home on Cross Highway. (Photo/Amy Dolego)

Wendy and Mark bought the foreclosed property in 2003. After 2 centuries, the barn and 1728 saltbox house — already half a century old when the British marched past — had fallen into disrepair.

The couple rehabilitated their home, barn and cottage. Their attention to detail earned them a 2017 Historic District Commission preservation award.

interior of the barn, after renovation.

Today it’s known as the Schilthuis-Meeker house. Sally Schilthuis was influential in preventing construction of Merritt Parkway Exit 43 in the area, resulting in the current “No Man’s Land” between Exits 42 and 44.

Schilthuis died in 1975. Her obituary noted that her barn served as a meeting place for Westporters planning aid for post-war Marigny.

Cross Highway barn. (Photo/Amy Dolego)

The barn still serves an important relief role. Mark — whose heritage is Ukrainian — has worked tirelessly since the Russian invasion began to provide help for his homeland.

His current project –besides playing a key role with Lyman — is collecting generators, chain saws, sleeping bags, phone power banks, kerosene heaters, rechargeable batteries, blankets, pillows, warm winter clothing and more. It’s sent overseas, when space becomes available in shipping containers.

The gear — all donated by generous Westporters — is stored in that very same barn. (You can still help. Call Mark:  646-873-0050.)

Donations for Ukraine outside Mark Yurkiw and Wendy Van Wie’s barn — with the country’s familiar blue and yellow symbol of resistance.

As part of Wendy and Mark’s historic preservation work, they received a perpetual easement. Their barn is protected from any future demolition.

That’s where Wendy’s new painting will hang. It will keep the story of the Westport/Marigny connection — and the 2 towns’ new relationship with Lyman — alive.

“Long after Mark and I are gone, this will remind and inspire future generations,” Wendy says.

“The painting, and its back story, will become a permanent part of the permanent barn.”

This Marigny scene by Roger Potier will soon hang in Wendy Van Wie’s Cross Highway barn.

Tax-deductible donations can still be made to Westport’s sister city, Lyman, through Ukraine Aid International. Please click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other tax-deductible donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo). You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here).

8 Comments

Posted in History, Politics, Real estate

Tagged , , , , ,