They offer young riders independence. They save parents the hassle of driving.
Yet few young people — or adults — know e-xactly what’s legal. Or where.
This spring, members of the Westport Youth Commission’s E-bike Safety and Awareness group created a poster awareness campaign.
There are 2 goals. The first is to educate young riders on safe e-bike operating practices.
The second is to educate parents on which e-bikes their children are allowed to ride.
The first stage of the project has begun: a poster campaign targeting parents and youth alike.
One poster …
The Youth Commission has collaborated with the Police Department and Walk Bike Westport on this.
Three posters alert bike users to new laws; direct them to a website built by a member of New Canaan’s youth commission that addresses the issue, and educates bike purchasers about basic e-bike safe riding practices.
… a second …
The posters are being provided to doctors’ offices, schools, bike stores and the media. Yard signs are also being distributed .
The YAC has already begun discussing future plans. This fall, they’ll host biking events to promote e-bike safety and awareness.
But starting right now, remember: Ride safely. And legally.
… and third.
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Westport has a new property tax rate: 13.2 mills ($13.2 per $1,000 of assessed value). The Board of Finance set that figure at its Wednesday meeting.
The current rate (for fiscal year 2025-2026) is 18.86 mills. However, many homeowners will see their property tax rise, following last year’s revaluation.
Tax bills will be sent in early July. To figure out your new rate, click here. Find your property; multiply the total assessment (minus the last 3 numbers) by 13.2.
Alma Sarelli’s candidacy for the 26th State Senate District is official.
The Republican Party nominated the Westport Representative Town Meeting member this week. She’ll face Democrat Sam Nestor — Weston’s 1st selectwoman — in the race to succeed retiring Senator Ceci Maher.
Sarelli owns a production company. She is involved in several local organizations, including Neighbors and Newcomers, and TEDx Westport.
Alma Sarelli
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Speaking of politics: It was 1st selectpersons’ day yesterday, at the Y’s Men’s meeting.
Westport’s Kevin Christie and Weston’s Sam Nestor were interviewed by a panel, then took audience questions.
Topics included the Westport mill rate (story above), Nestor’s run for State Senate, Saugatuck development, affordable housing including for teachers and young people), seniors aging in place, and Saugatuck River dredging.
Wheels2U is extending its “10 rides for the price of 9” promotion through December 31. The cost is $18 — a savings of $2.
Riders now have 8 more months to snag the discount. There is no time limit for using the rides.
Wheels2U provides on-demand service to and from anywhere in Westport, and the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations, Senior Center, Jesup Green, Farmers’ Market, and the shopping centers at Post Road East and Compo Road.
The Staples Tuition Grants Kids Fun Run is always a great time.
It’s also a chance to support an organization that each year helps over 100 students attend college.
This year’s Kids Fun Run is Saturday, May 30 (8:45 a.m., Loeffler Field at Staples High). In addition to the run, there’s a bounce house, face painting, snacks, awards and more.
Organizers Will Briggs and Ryan Krenzer, and other Stapleites, will help run the event. All youngsters in grades pre-K through 5th grade are welcome. Click here to register.
A few tickets are left for Cocktails & Clams. The tasty benefit for Harbor Watch — the Earthplace division that protects local waterways through water quality monitoring and research is set for June 6 (5 p.m., Copps Island Oyster, Norwalk).
This year’s event celebrates 2 milestones: the 15th anniversary of Cocktails & Clams, and the 40th for Harbor Watch.
All proceeds support Harbor Watch’s testing lab, to improve efficiency, expand monitoring capacity, and provide more hands-on training for student interns.
As always, the fundraiser includes an unlimited, super-fresh raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, open bar live band and silent auction, all with beautiful views of Long Island Sound. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime Westport resident Mary McCarthy died Tuesday. She was 93.
Though born in New York City, Mary spent her formative years in County Limerick, Ireland, where she moved with her mother and brothers. Her childhood there shaped the woman she became: deeply rooted in her Irish heritage, her faith, and her love of family.
After World War II, Mary returned to New York City with her family. She graduated from Cathedral High School, and went on to work for the telephone company. At a St. Patrick’s Day dance she met her future husband of 61 years, Tom McCarthy.
After living in Manhattan and Montclair, New Jersey, they moved to Westport. Over more than 50 years Mary created a place of warmth, laughter and open doors, where 7 children and all their friends always felt welcome.
Her annual St. Patrick’s Day party — complete with homemade Irish soda bread and Irish coffee — was a cherished tradition for family, friends and neighbors.
In the years that followed, Mary and Tom lived in London, making a home away from home for family and friends. She and Tom traveled extensively across Europe and Asia.
Mary volunteered for many years at the Gillespie Center, where she and Tom served dinner monthly for many years. Recently, she found joy and purpose in attending protest rallies at Jesup Green and on the bridge in downtown Westport.
Tom died in 2021. She was also predeceased by her brothers Patrick, Neasy and John, and her dearest friend and cousin, Ann Ahern.
Mary is survived by her children Christine, Tommy, John ( Susan), Maggie, Michael (Stacy), Paul (Ann), and Stacey; grandchildren Kathleen, Thomas and James Casey, and Crissy, Patrick, Siobhan, Sean, Jack and Danny McCarthy, and nieces and nephews John Carroll, Madeleine Richmond, Sarah Richmond, Liam Richmond, Dorothy Carroll and Rob Nelson.
The family will receive visitors at Harding Funeral Home today (Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated tomorrow (Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m). Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Nourish Bridgeport.
Mary McCarthy
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Egrets are regularly featured in our “Westport … Naturally” series. (Sometimes we misidentify them as cranes.)
But usually they’re solo, or in pairs.
Today’s image shows a school of egrets. That may not be the official term (like a “parliament of owls”).
But the young ‘uns sure look like they’re learning what it takes to survive in the rough waters of Burritts Landing.
And finally …. on this date in 1807, a grand jury indicted former Vice President Aaron Burr on a charge of treason.
(We know: It’s not a crime to not support “06880.” But if you read us regularly but haven’t yet donated — well, what are you waiting for? It’s as simple as clicking here. Thank you!
When Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana opens at 361 Post Road West — formerly the Naan restaurant — on June 1, it may seem like an Italian restaurant replacing an Indian one. (Which previously took over from Kibberia, a Middle Eastern spot.)
Residents with longer memories will recall that for many years, the space was occupied by John’s Best Pizza. So — like a big pizza pie — things are coming full circle.
But Frank Pepe has been around the block far longer than John’s Best. The “Original New Haven Apizza” place opened in 1925, on Wooster Street.
The Westport location — its 18th nationally, and 9th in Connecticut –features a large coal-fired oven, enclosed with a cast iron door that matches the original one in New Haven location. The dining room seats 110.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria will be open every day, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Takeout, delivery and catering ordering is available here. Diners get $10 in their account by signing up signing up here, or downloading the Frank Pepe Pizzeria app.
Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 20, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Finance will set the town’s mill/tax rate.
That’s item 6 on the agenda. They’ll also hear:
A request for additional funds to cover legal expenses, due to an atypical cost overrun. The item allows residents to glimpse the type of litigation the town faces (agenda item 8).
Funding to prepare the 2027 Plan of Conservation and Development. The state requires each town to create this, every 10 years. The POCD is important, as Westport thinks about housing in the years ahead (agenda item 9).
In addition, the Board of Finance will hold office hours this Thursday (May 21, 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.), Westport Library room 213). The public is invited to meet a member, and ask questions about any aspect of the board, and public finances.
Railroad station parking permits expire on June 30.
To renew a railroad permit, click here. Then click the “Permit” icon at the top of the page. Double-check that your email address is correct.
All renewals are online, or dropped off in the Police Department lobby. Drop-offs require cash or a check made out to “Town of Westport – Railroad Parking,” and a copy of the current vehicle registration(s). The Police lobby is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Time to renew! (Photo/Elle Bowe)
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Weston 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor took a big step toward a new job last night.
She earned the Democratic Party endorsement to run for the State Senate’s 26th District. She captured 48 delegate votes, nearly twice as many as State Representative Lucy Dathan. A primary is set for August 11.
The winner will face a Republican opponent in November: Westporter Alma Sarelli.
Prospect Gardens — the spectacular 9-acre arboretum-style Greens Farms space featuring flowers, plants — is open to public on 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.
Prospect Gardens dates back to an 1812 Victorian farmhouse and onion farm. Property acquisitions over the past 20 years have created the current gardens. Mature deciduous and evergreen trees create a sweeping canvas.
Key features include a Mediterranean entry garden, 2 orchards, berry houses, bee hives, perennial garden, shady woodland walk, conifer collection, numerous flowering shrub and grass borders, a Japanese-inspired meditation garden and maple collection, citrus and cacti, a glasshouse, sculptures, 1-acre perennial/ native wildflower meadow, and a 4-tiered grassy amphitheater with a stone-medallioned stage.
The Staples high School Jazz Ensemble plays at 10:30 a.m. They’ll be fresh off an appearance 2 days earlier at New York’s Birdland Club.
The Westport Weston Domestic Violence Task Force is collecting items for their Crisis Center.
They need toothbrushes, toothpaste, menstrual products, deodorant, lotion, soap and body wash, shaving gel, shampoo and conditioner, and hair care products.
Drop-off locations are the Westport and Weston police stations.
To purchase items directly through an Amazon wish list, click here.
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Anyone can get scammed.
Before scammers hack your accounts, they hack your emotions.
In response, Westport’s E3 Wealth Advisory Group is sponsoring a 30-minute webinar. Attendees will learn how to recognize emotional manipulation, before they react.
It’s repeated 4 times: 12 noon and 2 p.m., tomorrow (Wednesday, May 20) and next Wednesday (May 27). Click here to register.
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Singer Melissa Newman — Westport’s own, and a Jazz at the Post favorite — kicks off their first-ever Voices of Spring festival this Thursday (May 21, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; VFW Post 399).
Winning this year’s Westport Transit District poetry contest was not.
But 7 people persevered, penning “double dactyl” poems to earn gift certificates to restaurants of their choice.
For those who skipped English class: Double dactyl is a rhythmic, humorous poetic form consisting of 2 stanzas of 4 lines each.
The first 3 lines of each stanza must follow a DUM-da-da DUM-da-da rhythm. The 4th line of each stanza follows a DUM-da-da DUM rhythm.
The last line of the 1st stanza must rhyme with the last line of the second stanza.
The first line is often a nonsense phrase such as “Higgeldy piggeldy” or “Jiggery pokery.”
Extra credit was given for using “Wheels2U” in the poem; an additional bonus if one line in the poem is a single 6-syllable word.
The contest’s goal (besides fun) was to remind Westport residents, employees and visitors that Wheels2U — the on-demand app service for rides to the train, downtown and other spots — is easy, convenient and ($2) cheap.
Wheels2U
First prize goes to Carter Teplica.
The two second-place winners are Melissa Chang and Harris Falk. Finishing third are Trace Burroughs, Elllie Ferraro and Joan Issacson.
Honorable Mention goes to Saniyah R., a student in Homes with Hope’s After School Academic Program. Inspired by local poet Sylvie Middleton, children in ASAP showed their creativity, and entered the contest.
So, without further ado (and minus any clever rhyming introduction), here are the winners.
1st place: Carter Teplica
Higgledy piggledy
Streetcars helped Westporters
Home from the Saugatuck
Station of yore;
Wheels2U Westport now
Hyperconveniently
Takes you direct from the
Train to your door.
2nd place: Melissa Chang
Honkity beepity
What’s with the traffic here?
Post Road is jammed and the
Parking lot too.
Responsibility’s
Not mine this time ‘cause my
Car’s in the garage; I
Took Wheels2U.
(All day, every day, “06880” brings you news, information, photos and more — all hyper-focused on Westport. We even do poetry contests! We’re reader-supported; please click here to help. Thanks!)
The 53rd annual event returns May 23 and 24. The nationally recognized event –sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association — draws an exceptional lineup of fine artists from across the region. Their works cover an enormous range of media and styles.
The WDA will announce featured artists, vendors, food, live music and more soon.
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Wheels2U is on the move!
Starting today, Westport’s on-demand shuttle service is extending its midday service. The result: Riders will have more time, more destinations, more convenience and more freedom.
To better serve the needs of shoppers, commuters, and seniors, on May 5 Wheels2U is extending its midday hours, and adding destination options.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday service will now end at 3 p.m — 90 minutes later than previously.
In addition, starting a 9 a.m. on those days, passengers can request a ride to or from anywhere in Westport, provided the trip starts or ends at one of these “hubs”:
Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations.
Westport Library, Senior Center and Farmers’ Market.
Jesup Green, and the intersection of Post Road East and Compo Road North.
Whether it’s catching a train, enjoying Saugatuck, shopping downtown or by Compo Road, walking in Winslow park, or transferring to the Coastal Link bus, Wheels2U can help.
AWARE is one of Westport’s most effective and action-oriented volunteer groups.
The acronym stands for Assisting Women Through Action, Resources and Education. Each year the organization selects a women’s cause, then partners with a charity to benefit it. Through a fundraiser, hands-on activity and educational event, AWARE shines a light on a different meaningful women’s issue.
This year, they’re working with Susie’s House.
The 124 Compo Road North residence is run by Homes with Hope. Named for former director Susie Basler, it provides stable, affordable living for 6 young women ages 18 to 24 who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness.
Susie’s House helps resident get back on their feet through education and employment, eventually moving on to independent living. Each woman has a mentor, community support and case management.
On May 30 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), AWARE is hosting a “Flower Power Brunch” — at Susie’s House itself. Guests will enjoy “lite bites,” gardening tips and fun.
In Westport, the Staples High School program has a long tradition of welcoming Little League players at a special day each season.
This year’s Little League Day is Friday (May 8). Young athletes will be invited onto the field for the lineup and national anthem.
They’ll then cheer on the Wreckers against Fairfield Ludlowe — and (for those wearing their Little League jerseys) enjoy free pizza* from the Colony truck.
Pre-game festivities start at 4 p.m. The first pitch is 4:15. Go Wreckers!
Harrison Gill is the Westport Book Shop guest exhibitor for May. His watercolors of the Saugatuck River and Long Island Sound will be on display through May 31. All works are available for purchase.
Alert — and concerned — “06880” reader Larry Weisman warns: “The Splash Car Wash automated system has twice broken the rear wiper assembly on our cars.
“Their response was, ‘Have it fixed at your dealer, and we’ll reimburse the cost.’
“Unless you have time to go to your dealer, I suggest you go somewhere else to have your car washed.
This week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, May 7, VFW Post 399: shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7) features singer Giacomo Gates. He’s known for his spontaneity, humor, and stories about music and composers.
Since its formation in 2023, Bike Westport’s goal is a safer, better community.
Through advocacy, education and working with town and state governments, they’ve focused on infrastructure improvements for everyone who shares our roads: bicyclists, walkers and drivers.
Their focus is broad and deep. It goes beyond just bikes. So today, they’re rebranding themselves.
Walk Bike Westport — the new name — reflects both the non-profit’s expanding mission, and the strong community support demonstrated through last fall’s advocacy campaign and public pledge.
Walk Bike Westport builds on that momentum. Hundreds of residents signed on in support of safer, more connected streets.
The campaign reinforced a shared belief that Westport’s roads should work better for everyone — whether walking, biking, or simply getting around town.
“Last fall’s campaign made it clear that this work is bigger than biking alone,” says Markus Marty, founder and co-director.
“Walk Bike Westport reflects what we’ve heard from the community. People want safer streets, better connections, and a town that works for all ages and abilities.”
Last fall, what was then Bike Westport sponsored a “bridge to bridge” walk. Political candidates chatted with voters along the way.
Along with the name change, Walk Bike Westport introduces a new logo. Created by Kings Highway Elementary School parent Aimee Kenline, it expresses the broader, more inclusive vision
To bring the community into the rebrand, Walk Bike Westport is launching a “Color Your Logo” campaign.
Residents are invited to customize the new logo with their own color palettes, and submit their version. The aim is to reflect the diversity of the community, and reinforce the idea of a shared effort, shaped by the people who live here. Click here to participate.
Create your own color palette.
“This rebrand is a reaffirmation of our commitment to complete streets in Westport,” says Jenna Petok, co-director. “We want to keep building on the momentum we’ve seen, and help turn it into real improvements people can experience day to day.”
As part of this next phase, Walk Bike Westport is expanding its all-volunteer team. They welcome Aimee Kenline as creative director, Robert Bartel as director of web and digital experience, and Evan Siegal as community engagement and content lead.
The group remains fully volunteer-led, with community members contributing time and expertise to advance safer, more connected streets across Westport.
Walk Bike Westport is a broad, inclusive community effort. From left: Rob Ponzo, CB Sportif Bike Shop; Westport Police Corporal Greg Gunter; Markus Marty, co-director Walk Bike Westport; Evan Siegel, community engagement WBW; Jenna Petok, co-director WBW. (Photo/Evan Siegel)
As Walk Bike Westport grows, they hope more volunteers will support community events, education initiatives, and advocacy.
The transition to Walk Bike Westport also reinforces a commitment to the priorities outlined in last fall’s pledge, including improving pedestrian safety, expanding connected bike networks, and advancing complete streets principles across town.
Walk Bike Westport will roll out the new name and branding across its communications, events and advocacy efforts in the coming weeks.
For more information, click here. Follow on social media @walkbikewestport.
While Westport’s attention is focused on the Cribari Bridge — and the traffic issues that already plague Saugatuck — an “06880” reader urges us not to forget about the “worst intersection” in town (and perhaps the state).
That is, of course, the cluster**** that is Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road and Post Road West. The reader writes:
Below is a 5 p.m. Google Maps screenshot of “live” traffic on the Tuesday of school vacation last week.
Wilton Road at top; Riverside Avenue at bottom; Post Road West cutting through.
I can only imagine how red the lines will be now that schools are back in session, and everyone rushes to get home from school, work and play.
A quick AI search on “06880” turns up several suggestions, offered in the past:
Traffic Officers: Some suggest assigning police officers or traffic agents to direct traffic, especially during peak hours. This has been noted to significantly improve traffic flow at similar problematic intersections, such as the Cribari Bridge. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Traffic Light Timing and Configuration: Many readers suggest altering the timing of traffic lights to allow for better flow. One idea is to have green lights for only one direction at a time (e.g., green for northbound Wilton Road traffic only, then green for Post Road West traffic only; then green only for the other 3 streets, moving counter-clockwise one at a time. That would prevent backups caused by cars waiting to turn while opposing traffic is also trying to move. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Road Widening and Lane Adjustments: Past opportunities were missed to widen the road or create turning lanes by acquiring properties at the intersection corners. While difficult now, widening the road, particularly at the intersection of Wilton Road and the Post Road, could create a much-needed right turning lane. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Many of these suggestions involve state roads, which means changes require the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s planning, funding, and approval. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
In the mid-2010s, David Waldman proposed a creative solution: move the building at the corner northwest corner of Wilton Road and the Post Road — at that point, it was a liquor store — to create a turning lane.
Town officials turned him down.
Now, in 2026, the state is looking to acquire 77 square feet with eminent domain at the same location, according to recent media reports.
The Department of Transportation would install Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks ramps, and a pedestrian push button there.
Aerial view of the intersection — without, remarkably, any traffic.
But instead of incremental tweaks to lights and sidewalks, why don’t we take time — and perhaps one of the Cribari Bridge Committees — to engage with DOT and the town, for a holistic look at the intersection for more permanent solutions?
It may be expensive to buy and/or move buildings (including, perhaps, the one at the foot of Post Road West on the eastbound side, where traffic turns sharply onto Riverside Avenue). That’s another solution proposed in the past.
But unless we build another bridge, in addition to the Cribari Bridge changes or bore a tunnel under the Saugatuck River, the traffic problems will continue to get worse in Westport.
Who is interested in shaping another solution to make Westport safer and faster?
(“06880” regularly covers transportation, local politics, real estate — and, like today, their “intersection.” If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
But before anyone applauds, one question should be asked: Is this committee being formed to scrutinize the state’s process — or simply to give local cover to a decision already being pushed forward on an outdated record?
Because that is where things stand.
The state is moving toward a consequential decision on the future of the Cribari Bridge while relying on what it calls an “updated” Environmental Assessment that is, on close reading, still essentially the same document prepared in 2020.
First meeting of the Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee, in 2018. A new committee will soon be formed.
And Connecticut Department of Transportation officials say that kind of document has a shelf life of only 2 to 3 years.
So let’s stop pretending the issue is only what kind of bridge gets built.
The issue is whether Westport is being asked to accept a 2026 decision based on stale assumptions, stale analysis, and a process that no longer matches present reality.
I attended the first meeting of CTDOT’s Planning Advisory Committee in July 2018 as a federally recognized consulting party, because I live in the Bridge Street National Register Historic District.
At that meeting, CTDOT made the standard clear: Environmental Assessments do not last forever. After roughly 2 to three3 years, they must be revisited to account for changing conditions.
That was then.
At the March 19, 2026 public hearing, CTDOT presented a February 2026 version of the Environmental Assessment that appears to be little more than the 2020 document with a new date.
Cribari Bridge (Photo/Fred Cantor)
Yet the process rolls on:
Preferred alternative identified.
Public comment period underway.
Town leaders urged to engage.
Residents told their voices matter.
Fine. Then the first thing this new advisory committee should ask is obvious: Why is Westport being asked to react to a decision framework built on an expired study?
This matters because the bridge does not sit in some abstract engineering zone.
It sits in the Bridge Street Historic District, where setting, views, scale and patterns of neighborhood life are part of what is protected.
It also connects directly to Route 136 Scenic Highway, where preservation of visual character is not a sentimental talking point but part of the public purpose of the designation.
Start of the Route 136 Scenic Highway.
Since 2020, the surrounding conditions have plainly changed.
COVID transformed our demographic and altered our work habits.
Traffic patterns are different.
Navigation apps now push drivers through residential streets in real time.
Greens Farms Road already functions, at key hours, as a pressure valve for I-95 congestion.
Development in Saugatuck has intensified.
And nearby infrastructure changes raise entirely foreseeable questions about whether this corridor is being transformed, in practice, into something far more consequential than CTDOT’s analysis admits.
Residents do not need a consultant or an advisory committee to tell them that conditions have changed.
They live them.
What makes this even harder to defend is that the project’s own visual analysis appears partial. The review described in the current materials does not meaningfully capture winter visibility from elevated homes within the historic district, even though those views are part of the setting that gives the district its character.
The Bridge Street streetscape changes with the seasons.
So no, this is not just a procedural quibble.
It goes to the integrity of the entire decision-making process.
Because when a study is outdated, everything built on it becomes suspect: the alternatives analysis, the impact claims, the traffic assumptions, the mitigation discussion, and the town’s ability to say honestly that it has evaluated current conditions.
That is why the new advisory committee matters.
Not as a public-relations device.
Not as a way to calm people down.
Not as a stage on which local officials can appear engaged while the real framework remains untouched.
It matters only if it is willing to say, clearly and publicly, that Westport should not be boxed into commenting on a preferred option grounded in a stale Environmental Assessment.
Part of the state’s assessment of the Cribari Bridge.
Westport’s elected officials should be careful here.
A committee can be a tool for real scrutiny.
It can also be a way to absorb public anger while avoiding the central issue.
If this committee is serious, it should demand answers to a few basic questions immediately:
Why is a 2020 Environmental Assessment still serving as the foundation for a 2026 decision?
What exactly was reevaluated, and what was merely repackaged?
How were post-2020 traffic changes actually studied?
How were cumulative corridor impacts assessed?
Why should residents trust a process that appears to have updated the cover more than the analysis?
Those are not anti-bridge questions.
They are pro-accountability questions.
No one is asking for delay for delay’s sake.
What people are asking for is something much more modest and much more reasonable: that before Westport lends its name, its cooperation, or its political cover to this process, someone in authority insists that the underlying record reflect the world as it exists now — not as it looked 5 or 6 years ago.
The Cribari Bridge, in 2019. (Drone photo John Videler, for Videler Photography)
More than 1,600 people have signed a petition calling for federal oversight on the protection of Westport and the nation’s historic resources.
The March 19 hearing drew a packed room and a near unanimous, clear mandate.
The public has spoken with unusual clarity at the sole public hearing CTDOT has conducted on this project.
Now the question is whether this advisory committee will do anything more difficult than listen.
Because in the end, this is not just about what replaces the Cribari Bridge.
It is about whether Westport’s leaders will insist on an honest process — or help legitimize one that is already past its shelf life.
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyper-local blog with a tax-deductible contribution, please click here.)
Last month — before and during the state Department of Transportation public hearing on the future of the Cribari Bridge — residents and Representative Town Meeting members urged 1st Selectman Kevin Christie to form an advisory group.
Today, he did just that.
Christie said that a new Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee would “support the town’s ongoing engagement with the DOT as the state-led process moves forward.”
He did not announce names of committee members, or indicate when and how they would be appointed.
The first selectman noted, “the well-attended public hearing reflected strong community interest and underscored the complexity of the issues involved.
“Traffic, safety, neighborhood impact, historic and neighborhood context, and long-term fiscal responsibility are all legitimate concerns that deserve to be evaluated carefully and in an informed way.”
Residents packed Town Hall for last month’s Department of Transportation public meeting. (Photo/Dan Woog)
While state officials have identified a “preferred option” for the bridge, no final decision has been made. The environmental review process remains open.
Christie said, “the Advisory Committee will bring together technical expertise and community perspectives to help keep Westport’s input grounded in facts and reflective of community priorities. It will evaluate options for the bridge, including structural and design considerations, in the context of community impact, funding implications, and long-term maintenance responsibilities.”
The Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the First Selectman.
However, he noted, “the Advisory Committee will not replace the formal state process or make a final decision on the project. Its role is to support the town’s engagement with DOT by providing a structured forum for coordination, analysis, and public input, with a focus on outcomes that serve Westport’s long-term interests.
“Westport has a real stake in this project for our neighborhoods, our infrastructure, and our fiscal future. This Advisory Committee will build on the Town’s discussions with the DOT by grounding decisions in facts, incorporating community input, and identifying solutions that work for Westport.”
The public comment period on the DOT’s Environmental Assessment is open through April 17. Comments can be submitted online, by email to James.Barrows@ct.gov, or by mail to James Barrows, P.O. Box 317546, Newington CT 06131-7546. Reference Project No. 0158-0214.
Cribari Bridge (courtesy of Connecticut Department of Transportation)
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… and third.
Walk Bike Westport — the new name — reflects both the non-profit’s expanding mission, and the strong community support demonstrated through last fall’s advocacy campaign and public pledge.
