The Westport Police Department does a great job of informing the public about danger. If there’s an imminent threat — human, weather-related, whatever — we know about it.
But an incident last week — involving a car chase through crowded streets — received little attention. Because the WPD was an assisting agency (not the lead); because the suspects were quickly apprehended with no further danger to thepublic, and because the investigation is ongoing, there was no press release.
For witnesses though, it was quite a scene.
The incident began when the Westchester County Police Department notified the Connecticut State Police of a vehicle wanted on felony charges.
The driver evaded state troopers, but they monitored the vehicle using live traffic cameras.
Westport Police were advised that State Police lost visual contact around I-95 Exit 17.
Officers spotted it near the intersection of Bridge Street and Riverside Avenue.
Dramatic dashcam footage obtained by “06880” shows the suspect vehicle (black car, left) barrel through the red light on Riverside Avenue at Bridge Street.
After backing up and turning, the vehicle races across the Cribari Bridge.
Police pursued the vehicle across the Cribari Bridge, and onto Imperial Avenue.
On Bridge Street near Imperial Avenue, the suspect vehicle (center) weaves through — and strikes — both an oncoming police car (with lights flashing), and a motorist who had pulled to the right.
With at least one tire blown, the suspect drove dangerously on the left side of the road, before coming to a stop on Otter Trail.
The suspect drives on the wrong side of Imperial Avenue, narrowly missing an oncoming car.
He continues to drive erratically on Imperial. Pieces of the car litter the road.
The driver halts on Otter Trail …
Two occupants — a male and female — were apprehended. The male was found to be the subject of multiple active arrest warrants. One was for burglary; several were for failure to appear in court after other arrests.
… and attempts to flee. He is quickly apprehended.
The male was turned over to Connecticut State Police for arrest processing relative to the active warrants. The female was not immediately charged.
The investigation is still active. Westport Police will seek an arrest warrant for charges against the male, including evading responsibility in 2 motor vehicle accidents, and failure to stop when signaled.
The Architectural Review Board took another look at Spinnaker’s plan for 175 apartments — and one retail space — last night.
In a low-key, collaborative Town Hall session, members discussed the developer’s pre-application for 606 Riverside Avenue. The property is bordered by Charles Street and Railroad Place. It currently includes Minute Man Cleaners, a parking lot, locksmith and a white residential building.
The ARB is not the Planning & Zoning Commission, chair Ward French noted. His board’s job is to consider aesthetics, not regulations.
Representatives from Spinnaker and Beinfield Architecture explained changes from their previous ARB meeting. The top (6th) floor now consists of lofts for apartments on the floor beneath it, rather than more residences. The building’s 2 garage levels have been lowered by 2 feet each. Setbacks are deeper. And the Riverside Avenue façade has been softened, in response to concerns about its look.
Sketch of the view from Riverside Avenue. Steam Coffee Bar is at left. The existing white residential building (behind Steam) would be retained, Spinnaker says, and possibly moved back from its current site on Riverside Avenue.
Discussion centered on how the buildings would appear from not only street level, but when coming off the train and I-95 exit 17, and driving past on the highway itself.
Questions were raised about its similarity to the Corbin District — 7 acres of 116 apartments, plus retail, restaurants, fitness studios and offices off I-95 Exit 11 in Darien.
Beinfield managing partner Seelan Pather referenced 95, noting that architects cannot design buildings that accommodate every view.
Pre-app discussion also included the Charles Street building, next to the current 4-story office building and across from Zucca Gastrobar. Its “factory aesthetic” design — a nod to Saugatuck’s heritage — would include 3 different brick styles, to break up its bulk.
View from the corner of Riverside Avenue (left) and Charles Street (right). The current 21 Charles Street office building is at far right. The higher new apartments would be set back from the street.
Suggestions were made to change part of the façade to clapboard siding from brick, to fit better with nearby structures.
French said, “I think we’re headed in the right direction, given the alternatives. I’m fearful of what Darien might look like here. This has more resonance.”
Before Saugatuck, the ARB looked at plans for 1460 Post Road East. Sprouts — the Phoenix-based “farmers’ market” chain — will move into the space now occupied by BevMax (and previously, Pier 1, Barnes & Noble, and Westport Lanes bowling alley).
The liquor store will move to the lower level. Julian’s will be relocated to the far eastern end of the shopping plaza.
Board members asked for changes to the side of the building facing the Post Road, citing its length and height.
Proposed entrance to Sprouts, facing the large parking lot to the west of 1460 Post Road East. Concerns were raised about the bulk of the façade to the left of this rendering, fronting Post Road East.
It’s been a quiet few months for the new Saugatuck development.
But next Tuesday (July 28, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309), the Architectural Review Board will hear a pre-application, and discuss plans, for 606 Riverside Avenue.
That’s the Minute Man Cleaners/locksmith/parking lot plot, bordered by Charles Street. Spinnaker plans to build 175 apartments there. Eighteen — about 10 percent — would be considered affordable.
The pre-app — with information from Beinfield Architects — note the intention to create a new Transit Oriented Development sub-area. It would “allow the proposed development to proceed, to encourage primarily residential development on larger lots proximate to the Saugatuck Train Station, to enhance the area’s aesthetic appeal, and to enhance pedestrian access.”
The TOD area would encourage developments “inspired by New England architecture vernacular (and) encourage the preservation of architectural features of historic buildings.” Click here to see all materials in the pre-application.
Spinnaker did not reply to several requests for comment.
606 Riverside Avenue (yellow outline). It is bordered by Railroad Place (left and bottom), Charles Street (top) and Riverside Avenue (right).
Exterior view, in the pre-application. Taller buildings are behind the one facing Riverside Avenue.
Second exterior view, with taller buildings behind.
The first agenda item is a potential text change in Saugatuck, related to the proposed development by Spinnaker on Riverside Avenue. Click here for all related materials.
The other items involve Dark Sky compliance, modifying mobile park regulations, and discussing accessory buildings.
The Zoning Regulation Revision Subcommittee discusses Saugatuck today.
There is one agenda item on tomorrow’s Board of Education agenda (Thursday, June 23, 9:30 a.m., Staples High School cafeteria): discussion, and possible action, on “Special Education Program Review: Review RFQ Responses and RFP.”
The meeting will be livestreamed on www.westportct.gov, and Optimum Channel 78.
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It’s a great National Hockey League tradition: Each player on the Stanley Cup-winning team gets to keep it for a day.
Which is how the famed trophy came to Westport yesterday.
Jeff Looby sent this photo, from social media:
A bit of context: Twitter user Phil Pritchard is the guy who shepherds the Stanley Cup from player to player, and town to town. (Much safer than FedEx.)
Shayne Gostisbehere is … well, you can read about him above. His only connections to Connecticut seem to be that he played prep school hockey at South Kent, and the Carolina Hurricanes started out as the Hartford Whalers, before fleeing to Raleigh in 1997.
Jeff thought Shayne might have a summer place in Westport. That can’t be confirmed. But it led to another social media post by Pritchard:
What is Eric Robinson’s connection with Westport?
AI says he is a “native” of our town. But he was raised in Bellmawr, New Jersey, and played at Gloucester Catholic High there. There are no other references to Westport anywhere for him.
So here are our questions:
Does Shayne Gostisbehere actually live here in the summer?
Is Eric Robinson actually a Westport native? And if so …
… why didn’t that get any publicity during the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run?
If none of that is true, how did the Stanley Cup wind up here yesterday?
And finally: Which is cooler: Having the Stanley Cup here in 2026, or the World Cup in Weston in 1991?
A memorial service celebrating the life of Scott Bryce — the beloved actor, Staples High School graduate and Weston resident who died July 12 — is set for this Saturday (July 25, 10 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.).
The other day, Sandy Rothenberg emailed “06880.” She said: “The intersection of Bayberry Lane Extension & Easton Road (Route 136) is a major accident waiting to happen.
“At the stop sign on Bayberry Extension, the sight line is very poor. Cars fly around the corner on Easton Road, or turn in 2 other directions at the same time. School buses use this intersection too.
“I have contacted Westport Police and Public Works. They said that since Easton Road is a state road and the bushes are not on public property, they can’t do anything about it.” They suggested writing a letter to the property owner at 300 Bayberry Lane Extension.
Town operations manager Tom Kiely told Sandy that the house was recently sold. New owners will move in next month. Kiely contacted them, and said they were receptive to meeting with town officials.
Rothenberg adds, “The state Department of Transportation needs to attend to the curve on Easton Road!”
Dangerous sightline: Easton Road (right) at Bayberry Lane Extension. Bayberry Lane is at far right. (Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
Only a few days — and 2 Westport Farmers’ Markets — remain in the Young Shoots photo contest.
For a decade, photographers ages 5 to 18 have captured the energy and beauty of the Thursday market — and shared great images of food, farmers and shopper.
The contest — with prizes in 3 age groups, and an exhibit and reception for all the young entrants — is sponsored by The Artists Collective of Westport and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.
Speaking of the outdoors: Flick the leopard gecko, Pearl the chinchilla and Chatty the bald eagle are 3 of the more than 50 animals that call Earthplace home.
Unable to survive in the wild due to permanent injuries, they now serve as ambassadors, connecting the community with nature.
But Earthplace can’t do it alone. Facing rising food, veterinary and enrichment costs, they need to raise $25,000 this month to ensure the animals receive the resources they need!
A generous matching challenge will double every gift, through July 31. Click here to donate.
Westport is filled with experienced professionals — and many other young men and women, just beginning their careers.
A networking mixer, bringing them all together, is set for next Tuesday (July 28, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Compo Beach brick pavilion).
The free event — organized by Westport Professionals Network co-founders Lisa Cukier and Katie Gervasio — is open to post-high school, and current and graduated college students. Plus, of course, anyone interested in offering advice and mentorship.
Roz Chast and Lisa Donnelly had a packed Westport Library crowd laughing loudly Monday night.
That’s appropriate. They spoke following a screening of “Women Laughing,” Donnelly’s documentary about a diverse and remarkable group of New Yorker female cartoonists. Chast and Donnelly are 2 of its most noted members.
From left: Roz Chast and Lisa Donnelly, with former New Yorker editor Anne Hall Elser. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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Lauri Weiser sent this “Westport … Naturally” photo yesterday, with a note: “On icky days like this, these beautiful flowers remind me why I love my garden.”
And finally … in honor of the Stanley Cup coming to Westport (story above):
(You may never drive a Zamboni. But you can always contribute to “06880.” Just click here to help. It’s even better than winning the Stanley Cup! Thank you all …)
Right around this time of year, in the early and middle parts of the 20th century, Saugatuck would celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony’s.
The entire, tight-knit Italian community poured into the streets. Music, food, games — it was a beloved highlight of the year.
Then in the mid-1950s, I-95 (“the Connecticut Turnpike”) sliced through Saugatuck. Homes were demolished, streets destroyed. St. Anthony’s Hall gradually faded, as a center of social life.
Eventually, St. Anthony’s Feast faded too.
In 1983, a group of volunteers revived the tradition. Festival Italiano — held in Luciano Park, and the nearby railroad station parking lot — quickly became 3 things: A new Saugatuck tradition. A town-wide fair.
And an attraction that drew visitors from all over the tri-state region (especially Brooklyn).
Italian Fest director Roberta Troy and grand marshal Buck Iannacone exchange glances during the parade.
For 27 years — with people like Lou and Marge Santella, and Mike and Carla Rae at the helm — “the Italian Fest” was a cherished part of Westport summers. With carnival rides and booths, tons of food (especially pizza, zeppole and the like), and entertainment (including favorites like Johnny Maestro), an old-fashioned parade, and MC John LaBarca (host of the long-running “Italian House Party” on local radio station WMMM), it was a modern-but-retro version of St. Anthony’s Feast.
Best of all: the sponsoring Sons of Italy returned $2.5 million to local charities.
It had become harder to find volunteers. Costs rose. Sponsors dwindled.
Saugatuck has changed so much over the years. St. Anthony’s Hall on Franklin Street, and the Sons of Italy building on Riverside Avenue, are gone.
Families like Capasse, Anastasia, Luciano, Cribari, Giunta, Caruso, D’Aiuto, Dorta, Romano, DeMattio, Arciola, DeMace, D’Amico, Manere, Capuano, Arcudi, Melillo, Rubino, Caputo, Tiberio, Bottone, Nazzaro, Saviano, Reitano, Valiante, Tedesco, Gilbertie and Nistico are spread all over town — and the world.
The neighborhood was redeveloped in the early 2000s. Now — with plans afoot for new apartments and retail — it’s changing again.
It’s been over a decade and a half since the last Festival Italiano. An entire generation of newcomers has moved here, with no memory — or even knowledge — of that great summer fair.
And even less knowledge of the Feast of St. Anthony’s, which preceded it.
Time marches on. But if it marched backward, we’d all be outside this week, in the middle of Saugatuck.
We’d listen to music. Play games. Ride rides. Meet old friends. Enjoy life.
And of course, eat way too much fried dough.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
The Planning & Zoning Commission held its first hearing yesterday on the new Spinnaker project. “06880” reporter John Palmer writes:
The Planning & Zoning Commission and members of the public got their first look last night at the latest development proposal for Saugatuck since the Hamlet was rendered dead.
Representatives for Norwalk-based Spinnaker presented a pre-application –a first look at the developer’s plans, and a chance for any last-minute concerns to be discussed before a formal application is submitted.
The Architectural Review Board discusses the pre-application at their meeting tonight (Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201; click here for materials).
“We know this property has a long and at times, frustrating history for the neighborhood,” said Matthew Edvardsen, principal at Spinnaker, who added he lives in town with his wife.
“We want this to be a project the neighborhood enjoys and is genuinely happy to be a part of.”
One view of the proposed Spinnaker development. Riverside Avenue is on the left, Charles Street on the right.
Spinnaker, which has developed properties in Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Fairfield and New Haven, bought 606 Riverside Avenue for $12.795 million, and 96 Franklin Street for $3.25 million. The rectangle parcel is anchored by Minute Man Cleaners.
“This is not the Hamlet,” said Adam Blank, an attorney with Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky, acting as land use counsel for Spinnaker. “We can assure you the project will comply with all town engineering standards.”
He added that the developers have already met with the Fire department, businesses and other town officials, as well as the state Department of Transportation. Spinnaker has also created a project website.
Unlike Hamlet, which involved a complicated mix of several properties, Spinnaker’s proposal calls for 175 mixed units within 1 block of property. Eighteen — or about 10 percent — would be considered affordable, less than the 20% that town regulations require for similar developments.
Seelan Pather, managing principal for Beinfield Architecture, which will handle design for the proposed development, said the intent is to create a “New England Village” that provides a walkable environment.
A view looking at Railroad Place (left) and Riverside Avenue.
Rather than providing a development with many amenities, he said the idea is to create a “symbiotic relationship” with downtown Westport, which he said would be the draw for people to visit.
“We are familiar with Westport, and we are trying to achieve some of that wonderful Westport energy that exists,” he said. “We will pay attention to detail. Needless to say we’ve done this before, and we know how to get it right.”
The parcel to be developed would be bordered by Charles and Franklin Streets, Riverside Avenue and Railroad Place.
Designers plan to preserve the historical feel of Saugatuck by retaining buildings such as the post office to provide a hint of nostalgia.
Along Charles Street and Riverside Avenue, street level buildings would be limited to 4 stories to avoid an urban “canyon effect,” and would feature townhouse-like apartments with stoops, as well as street-level retail and entertainment space.
A 5-foot setback from 13-foot sidewalks would help shield sightlines of a larger, 6-story structure that would house 2 levels of above-grade parking, and 4 levels of apartments that would surround a common plaza area for residents.
“You’d have to be on I-95 to see most of what’s going on there,” Pather said of the higher building.
A key feature of the new development, which differs from Hamlet, is 283 parking spaces. Most are on 2 levels that would be located at grade or on the second level, with entrances that would be hidden within the façade of the street level façade.
By comparison, Hamlet proposed 2 underground parking garages that would feature “stackers” employed to accommodate more vehicles. It would have also eliminated most on-street parking.
Spinnaker’s street-level parking plan.
Spinnaker’s version will provide 49 off-street parking spaces plus 10 on-street spaces on Charles Street, in addition to the 283 contained garage spaces.
According to Marissa Tarrallo, a traffic expert with AKRF, studies were done at 11 intersections in the area from March through May, collecting 3 days of turning movement counts as well as 9-day traffic recorder counts.
The project as currently planned would generate 57 more weekday morning trips, 88 more in the afternoon, and 129 more on Saturdays.
She said that Spinnaker’s development will generate about 80% fewer vehicle trips than the Hamlet would have generated, and almost no traffic delays more than 10 seconds at all intersections with Saugatuck Avenue.
Planning commissioners largely viewed the proposal positively, but several expressed concerns that the developers provide only 10 percent of affordable housing, when town regulations require 20 percent.
“It would be very difficult to approve something that is substantially lower than what we require of other developers in town,” said Bre Injeski, adding that a text amendment would likely need to be approved to allow a change in regulations.
“That would be a sticking point for me. I like that you have sufficient parking and the traffic numbers are not going to make traffic significantly worse.”
The current site of the Spinnaker property. Riverside Avenue is at the bottom of the photo; Charles Street is on the right.
“This is a massive development in an area that is already congested,” noted Michael Calise. “We just don’t have the infrastructure.”
Chairman Paul Lebowitz said that he’d like to see more setbacks integrated into the streetscape, to allow for opportunities to enjoy the environment.
“When I go to Saugatuck it’s for the experience of the places there, like eating ice cream and sitting on a nice evening,” he said. “I’d like to see more of that integrated into the sidewalks.
“It’s night and day from what we were presented with previously. I will be drawn to the negative space that will make Charles Street look like something it hasn’t looked like in many years.”
(Since our founding in 2009, “06880” has covered Saugatuck from every angle: real estate, business, transportation, history and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
If you’re like most Westporters, you figured the construction at 251-253 Riverside Avenue — at the foot of Sylvan Lane, on the left just before JR’s Deli heading toward I-95 — had something to do with the nondescript office building nearby. You didn’t give it a second glance.
The next time you drive past, you will.
Last week, Christine Finch Oleynick showed the finished product to the world. Well, to at least a few dozen very interested fellow realtors, and potential renters.
The renovation of a former office building flew way under the radar. It’s now 8 apartments — 2 and 3- bedrooms, right on the Saugatuck River.
The Anchorage (right) hugs the Saugatuck River.
Six are market rate: $10,500 to $12,500 a month (unfurnished). The other 2 are deemed affordable, according to state formulas.
As Westport debates large apartment complexes — some planned, some already under construction — at sites like the train station, Hiawatha Lane and Post Road West, smaller ones are cropping up all around town.
Think of the new units near Pizza Lyfe and Lyfe Café, for example.
But it’s doubtful any have the river views of “The Anchorage at Saugatuck.”
The view from the kitchen (virtually staged) …
With floor to ceiling windows, and balconies hanging almost over the water, these take advantage of the Saugatuck River in a way Westport seldom sees.
The Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant, Saugatuck Rowing Club and Rive Bistro all pay homage to the river. There’s a riverwalk at the medical complex. But this renovation has gone out of its way to maximize its location.
… and a bedroom (also virtually staged).
Standing in the unfurnished living rooms and bedrooms, and on the balconies — looking both upriver and downriver, with a turn of the head — I saw and considered the Saugatuck in a way I’d never done before.
The renovation is almost complete. Still to come: electric car chargers, and $75,000 worth of landscaping.
Views from the deck are both downriver …
Oleynick hopes the first tenants can move in around June 15. The Anchorage has elicited plenty of interest, from residents looking to downsize, New Yorkers looking for a weekend home, even folks looking for a rental while their own home is being renovated. All rentals are for 1 or 2 years.
… and upriver. (All photos courtesy of MLS Smart)
I’m not looking to move. I’m happy where I am. And — go figure — the price range is a little beyond what I can afford.
I must admit, though: I was intrigued. I began imagining myself in The Anchorage, on the river.
But then I looked out from one of the bedrooms, which I could convert to an office.
I know I can’t live there.
With those views of the river, I’d never get any work done.
(“06880” regularly covers real estate — and much more, including everything Saugatuck River related. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Do you boat, sail, paddle, row or cruise along the Saugatuck River?
If so, Connecticut’s Department of Transportation wants to hear from you.
They’ve posted a survey, as part of the Saugatuck River Waterway Study. The goal is to support planning efforts for infrastructure improvements, including the Saugatuck River railroad bridge.
Questions relate to a variety of river users, and planned activities within the next 20 years. It takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Click here for the survey.
Questions? Contact Erica Blonde: 857-208-8985, or eblonde@hntb.com.
Saugatuck River railroad bridge. (Photo/Doug Steinberg)
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Molly Alger writes: “When you read about the streets in town being repaired, you have an image of the old surface being torn up and a new surface put down over it.
‘On some streets the work is considerably more extensive — and grueling and challenging for town crews. Whitney Street is being widened, and the sidewalk widened and replaced (much needed). I am astonished to walk by the work every day.
“Huge boulders are being removed, broken up, and/or installed as walls along the road. Truly amazing efforts are being expended on this project.
“The men are rightly proud of their efforts and this project. They are upbeat, polite and attentive every day — and beyond any definition of ‘hard-working.’
“As a Whitney Street resident, ‘thank you’ is grossly insufficient acknowledgment of this grueling work.”
Working hard, on Whitney Street. (Photos/Molly Alger)
Based on the photo below, I called it “Flora Aesthetics & Spa.” I noted that I could find nothing about it online, beyond a similarly named “Flora Aesthetics & Wellness” in Ventura, California.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Reader Aini Rockwell pointed out that the business is actually “Elora,” not “Flora.”
Bingo!
Unfortunately, a quick Google search for that name was equally fruitless. This time I found 2 “Elora” aesthetics businesses.
One is in Cyprus. The other is in Qatar.
If anyone knows anything about this new Westport venture, click “Comments” below.
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Prospect Gardens — the spectacular 9-acre arboretum-style Greens Farms space featuring flowers, plants — is open to public twice a year. The next date is tomorrow (Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The event is a partnership with the National Garden Conservancy.
Main garden designers Cindy Shumate and Judy Gardner will there all day, telling stories and answering questions.
Greens Farms Garden Club members will explain how they plant, tend and harvest the 3-tiered vegetable garden. Last season, their harvest of over 1000 pounds was donated to local organizations that feed families in need.
The Staples high School Jazz Ensemble plays at 10:30 a.m. They’ll be fresh off an appearance last night, at New York’s Birdland Club.
The Y’s Men and guests got a sneak preview yesterday.
Y’s Men and guests, at Prospect Gardens. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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Speaking of gardens: Volunteers from 2 clubs — Westport and Greens Farms — lent their green thumbs yesterday to Susie’s House.
The gardeners ensured that everything looks stunning for today’s AWARE event, a fundraiser for Homes with Hope’s Compo Road North supportive housing for young women.
Garden work, at Susie’s House. (Photo/Kathie Motes Bennewitz)
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Summer is here!
A full moon and warm weather brought the grill and picnic crowd to Compo’s South Beach last night.
“John and Jen,” the musical co-written by Staples High School graduate and longtime Westporter Tom Greenwald over 30 years ago, is running now through June 7 at the Berkshire Theater Festival in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
And finally … the DOT’s survey (story above) got us thinking about how many ways we roll on the river.
(“06880” is proud to be your hyper-local blog. We’re proud to bring you news, features, photos and much more, 24/7/365. And we’d be extra proud if you click here, to support our work. Thank you!)
We’ve already seen the first couple of artists’ drawings of Spinnaker’s plan for the Minute Man Cleaners’ parcel in Saugatuck.
The Norwalk-based developer hopes to build 157 market rate units of rental apartments on the 1.5-acre parcel at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Charles Street. Another 18 would be deed-restricted as affordable. There would be 283 underground parking spaces.
The view from the corner of Railroad Place (left) and Riverside Avenue.
The view down Riverside Avenue; train station is far left. Charles Street is on the right.
Now they’ve released architectural plans.
Level 2 (ground level)
Level 3
Level 5 (level 4 was not posted)
Level 6
Parking garage – level 1A
Parking garage – level 1
The Planning & Zoning Commission will hear a pre-application of the proposal on Monday (June 1, 6 p.m.; Zoom).
The Architectural Review Board discusses the pre-app the next night (Tuesday, June 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
Meanwhile, Westporters are getting their first look at the new Long Lots Elementary School.
The initial renderings have been released. Below is a computer-generated aerial view.
The new school (right) is north of the current school, which will be replaced by a parking lot (center). An athletic field (left) replaces the former Community Gardens.
The renderings also show the front entrance (below), as viewed from the parent drop-off lane …
,,, and the “Main Street” corridor. This view is from the Stepping Stones/after hours/weekend entrance, heading to the gymnasium …
… as well as the cafeteria.
They are drafts only. Architects are still working on those, and other renderings. More may be available next week.
The projected opening of the new school has been pushed back to January 2028 — after winter break. The previous plan was the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.
This morning’s Roundup included 4 photos that we identified as computer-generated images of Spinnaker’s proposed Saugatuck development.
They’re part of the packet that Beinfield Architecture will present at next Tuesday’s Architectural Review Board meeting (May 26, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall room 309).
The images were identified incorrectly. They’re actually part of a new Spinnaker project in Norwalk, called Ardea Pointe, near a cemetery.
They were included in the ARB packet next to Beinfield’s artist renderings of that project, to show the resemblance to what is actually built.
Here is a screenshot of the packet. Beinfield’s drawings are on the left; Spinnaker’s completed Norwalk project are on the right.
“06880” apologies for the error, the misinformation, and any confusion.
Meanwhile, here are 2 renderings of Spinnaker’s Saugatuck proposal. The first view is of Riverside Avenue, looking toward the train station with Charles Street on the left.
The second is a view of Railroad Place (left), and Riverside Avenue (center and right).
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What is Eric Robinson’s connection with Westport?
