Solutions to Westport’s traffic woes may move more slowly than the vehicles that race around town.
But they’re coming.
That was one of the messages delivered at last night’s Traffic Pedestrian Safety public meeting.
Three dozen residents — many of them RTM representatives and other town officials — heard members of the Traffic & Pedestrian Task Force, and an outside consulting firm, describe steps they’ve already taken, and will take, to address the thorny issue.
The task force, created by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, was represented by Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich, Police Corporal Al D’Amura and Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson, Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, town operations director Tom Kiely, and town engineer Keith Wilberg.
Four members of the Tighe & Bond engineering firm presented too.
Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force members (from left) Pete Ratkiewich, Al D’Amurra, Ryan Paulsson, Nick Marsan and Keith Wilberg, last night at Town Hall.
Increased traffic enforcement — particularly around schools — has led to 3,580 traffic stops since October: a 39% increase. More than 170 of those stops have been made on Easton Road, near Coleytown Middle and Elementary Schools.
That’s a direct result of the 4 police officers assigned to Westport’s 8 schools (Staples/Bedford, Coleytown Middle and Elementary, Kings Highway/Saugatuck and Long Lots/Greens Farms), Paulsson said.
In addition, several sidewalks have been built, crosswalks have been designated, and no-parking zones created.
A map showed that traffic enforcement takes place all over Westport. “It’s not just on the Post Road,” Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson noted. (Photos/Dan Woog)
A $562,500 grant — 75% of it federal, 25% local — will help Tighe & Bond devise a safety action plan by next February.
It may include traffic enforcement cameras, at selected locations. State legislation passed recently now allows municipalities to install the devices. But there are many stipulations, such as demonstrated need. Westport is moving forward to qualify, Paulsson said.
Data collection on accidents and “hot spots” continues, the consultants explained. There have been 2,944 motor vehicle accidents over the past 5 years, with 5 fatalities and 37 serious injuries.
Among the most troublesome areas: the Post Road, and Riverside and Saugatuck Avenues.
Twenty-eight involved pedestrians, while 6 involved bicyclists.
The “interactive survey map” has been helpful. Over 1,350 people have logged on, to register complaints and comments, and offer solutions.
Many involve the Post Road, Riverside Avenue, Main Street, Compo Road North and Cross Highway. Low responses have come from the northwest (Redcoat Road) and southeast (Greens Farms) sections of town.
The survey is open until May 10. Click here to see and respond.
In the public portion of the meeting, several RTM members spoke about their districts’ concerns.
Congestion, dangerous drivers and poor visibility were mentioned frequently.
Bicyclists were not forgotten. RTM member Peter Gold asked for debris to be cleared from roadsides, potholes filled and vegetation removed, so that cyclists would not have to veer into roadways.
Bike Westport co-founder Markus Marty urged the creation of more bike lanes, noting studies that show narrower lanes lead to safer streets.
(Click here for Westport’s Traffic & Pedestrian Safety page.)
(Everyone talks about traffic. “06880” brings you news about it — along with everything else going on in Westport. But we can’t do it without you. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Much of the debate about the William F. Cribari Bridge is binary: Replace the 139-year-old span, or renovate it.
Mary Gai has another idea. The longtime resident writes:
After reading a letter written to the state Department of Transportation by a Westporter, extolling the virtues of the temporary bridge that was constructed while the last repairs were made to the Cribari bridge about 30 years ago, a thought popped into my head.
The temporary bridge (left), built next to the Cribari Bridge. It came close to the Mansion Clam House (later Parker Mansion). The view is looking north, to Bridge Street. Bridge Square is on the right.
The bridge over the Saugatuck River is beloved, no doubt — but not all of us love the traffic congestion caused by its size and state of disrepair.
The letter proposed keeping the bridge, but leaving it in the open position to let boats through, while building another bridge like the wonderful temporary bridge that was so great for traffic and boats.
Keeping it open does not make a lot of sense to me. But what is keeping us from dedicating the Cribari bridge to pedestrian and bike traffic only? We can elevate it, with stairs on both ends and ramps for those who need them.
Then we can build a bridge like the temporary bridge we all loved 30-plus
years ago, for the cars and trucks.
Saugatuck is all grown up now, with many more residents than there were just a decade ago. Could this make everyone happy?
If this was previously presented as an idea and shot down, let’s revisit it. Our technology has to be better now. And we will be able keep the beautiful lights at holiday time … or all year long.
This rendering of a temporary replacement — while the current bridge would be worked on — was presented by the Cribari Bridge Project Advisory Committee in 2018. Could it be a permanent solution?
(“06880” often publishes Opinion pieces by residents. It’s one more feature of our hyper-local blog. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
The Connecticut Department of Transportation wanted them gone, for sidewalk installation and lane expansion as part of the Post Road renovation project.
Representative Town Meeting member galvanized local politicians and others in support of the beloved trees.
Public Works Department, RTM, Westport Tree Board and Earthplace officials, plus Sakura’s owner and landowner, met with representatives from DOT and Eversource. The trees were saved.
This week, they were at peak blossom.
Present and former members of the RTM headed to Sakura, to honor the occasion.
Every Westporter who drives past the restaurant thanks them for their efforts.
FUN FACT:“Sakura” means “cherry blossom” in Japanese.
Standing at Sakura (from left): RTM members Harris Falk, Claudia Shaum, Andrew Colabella, Matthew Mandell, Don O’Day. Not pictured, but important to the effort: Louis Mall, Jay Keenan, Julie Whamond, Chris Tait, Seth Braunstein and Jimmy Izzo.
Senator Richard Blumenthal was supposed to address the Sunrise Rotary Club in person at 8 a.m. yesterday, at Green’s Farms Church.
However, the Senate schedule kept him in Washington.
No problem! Rotary member Mark Mathias used his technical know-how to set up a remote appearance.
At 8:00 sharp, Blumenthal appeared on-screen. An audience of 80 people — members of both Westport Rotary Clubs, and guests — heard his takes on a variety of issues, including the need for quick approval of military aid to Ukraine.
Senator Blumenthal addresses Sunrise Rotary. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
The Tesla Cybertruck that has drawn plenty of attention in Westport may be off the road for a while.
Tesla has recalled all 3,878 of the vehicles it produced from November 13 to December 4. An accelerator pedal can stick, leading to accidents. The cause for the defect was soap used as a lubricant at the Austin factory. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
Tesla Cybertruck, last week on Hillspoint Road. (Photo/Karen Como)
The Westporter has developed a great business making (very) fresh jams and preserves.
Mary Lou is also an excellent artist.
She took a break yesterday from the kitchen. On a whim, she headed to Playhouse Square.
There — on the sidewalk outside the post office — she went to work:
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Whatever she does, Mary Lou always manages to make it a fruitful day.
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Speaking of artists: Herm Freeman — the Westport Book Shop’s artist exhibitor for February, whose works have been exhibited throughout the US and Europe for over 40 years — is one of 2 local artists whose “Kaleidoscope Eyes” show at Colorblends House & Spring Garden in Bridgeport has an artists’ reception today (Saturday, April 20, 3 to 6 p.m., 893 Clinton Avenue).
The other — Cris Dam — has produced the show.
They invite interested Westporters to stop by. “There’s tons of art, and thousands of tulips. It’s great family fun!” Herm says.
Judging by the number of emails I get, Westporters are increasingly concerned about the number — and weight — of wires strung between utility poles.
They serve a variety of purposes: electricity, telephone, cable. But apparently it’s lot easier to string new ones than replace outdated ones. There are a lot up there.
Alert “06880” reader Bob Weingarten spotted a utility worker yesterday, on Post Road East by Stop & Shop. Bob writes: “He must be wondering, which one do I connect?!”
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is a fierce one.
Anita Tucker Smith writes: “Our wooded yard on Roseville Road has a lot of daily wildlife visitors. But this one is special.
“We first spotted footprints in the 6-inch snow a few weeks ago. We then saw him 6 feet from our front door a few weeks later. We were all startled, and he zipped away.
“I finally managed a few pictures Saturday afternoon as we glanced out the living room windows, just before heading out to dinner.”
(Photo/Anita Tucker Smith)
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And finally … since today is 4/20:
(On 4/20 — and every other day of the year — “06880” is your hyper-local blog. And every day, we rely on readers like you. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
His wife’s death from pancreatic cancer in 2013 galvanized Tony Award-winning actor Jim Naughton into action.
He’s spent the past decade advocating for a statewide Aid In Dying law.
On Tuesday he brought his passion — and powerful persuasive powers — to the Westport Rotary Club. The longtime Weston resident discussed the importance of the bill, its history and future.
He noted that although 75% of Connecticut residents support this “death with dignity” legislation, its proponents have not been able to get it out of committee for a vote.
Jim Naughton, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Photographs are not allowed during the trial of Donald Trump — at least, not during the actual action.
But a few photographers have been allowed in before the proceedings begin. This one — published around the world — was taken by Staples High School graduate Spencer Platt:
(Photo/Spencer Platt for AFP)
It’s not the first time Platt has shot a Trump-related image.
In 2022 he was one of 5 Getty Images photographers who earned a Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News Photography, for their coverage of the January 6 assault on the US Capitol. (Hat tip: Richard Seclow)
Westport PAL is collecting used sports equipment. It will be used on their Memorial Day float, and donated to organizations in need.
Equipment can be dropped off any time in the lobby of Police headquarters on Jesup Road. Pickups can also be scheduled; call Emma Rojas at 203-571-7505.
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There’s been another Tesla Cybertruck sighting in town.
Saryn Koche and her son saw it parked behind Don Memo.
Today’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is very timely.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker offers details about the downtown parking plan, including process, options and current status. Click below to listen to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston presentation:
Her maiden name is Carusone. Her father was a Westport police officer. Her grandfather James Dorta worked for the town.
She tells “06880” that she fell on hard times. Both she and her husband are on disability. She has severe arthritis, while he has cataracts and needs surgery.
“We’re out of food and money, and have no transportation,” she says.
On Spotfund she wrote: “We have less than $100, and we’re exhausted. We have been surviving on one meal a day, making sure our dog has food and water. We’ve literally got no food in the room for ourselves.
“Applying for help takes time. We’re reaching out to churches and whatever benefits we can get. All we are trying to do is stay afloat and get into affordable senior housing ASAP, and get stable.
“We’re reaching out hoping and praying for help in this difficult situation. All donations will be used to keep us with a roof over our heads and fed, clothes washed, and non food items like toiletries. We need a vehicle obviously, but for now the basic necessities.”
A Tesla Cybertruck — first announced in 2012, introduced as a concept vehicle in 2019, scheduled for production in 2021, and finally delivered in late November 2023 with a 4-year wait list — has finally been spotted here.
Alert “06880” readers noticed one at both Classic Cars in Southport, and Old Mill Beach.
We received only one photo, however, so we’re not sure if there are two Cybertrucks in the area, or just one.
Mia and McKenzie Didio accomplished a lot at Staples High School.
The twins members of the Class of 2022 captained the basketball and lacrosse teams, and won FCIAC and state championships in soccer.
Both now play lacrosse at the University of Delaware.
And they’re poised to accomplish even more.
The Didio women will represent the Puerto Rico lacrosse team this summer, at the U20 World Games in Hong Kong.
Their maternal grandmother is Puerto Rican. Though they have not been submerged in that culture, they look forward to learning more through their participation.
They know their selection means a lot to their mother and grandmother.
“Being able to represent them in a new capacity is so exciting,” McKenzie says. “It’s something bigger than ourselves.”
Mia tore her ACL after she was selected. Her coaches asked her to take on a manager’s role. She happily agreed.
The Didios have started a GoFundMe to raise money to help fund the Puerto Rico lacrosse program. Click here to help. Click here to read more, from the University of Delaware.
Exactly 4 years ago this month, the yarn bomber first struck.
In those first desperate weeks of the pandemic, someone began draping trees with multi-colored, soothing blankets of yarn.
Compo Beach was first. Then came fire headquarters, Bedford Square, the Senior Center … all over town.
Eventually, the disease eased. Westporters went back to their “normal” lives. The yarn faded, and curled. Residents removed the “bombs,” as anonymously as they’d been placed.
But now, it seems, the yard bomber has returned.
Molly Alger sends this photo, from the Senior Center:
(Photo/Molly Alger)
It’s fresh, clean, and in the signature style of the original yarn bomber.
It looks great. And we’re happy to have the decoration — so long as it has nothing to do with COVID.
Post-Easter news: Wakeman Town Farm has 12 chicks in need of sponsors.
Sponsorship includes naming rights for 1 year, and a certificate. Funds support the sustainability center’s operations. Click here for more information.
Wakeman Farm chickens. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)
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David Hazeltine — the most recorded contemporary jazz pianist of our time (35 CDs as a leader, hundreds more as a sideman) — returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (April 18, shows at 7:30 and 8;45 p.m., dinner service at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).
He brings his long-time musical partner, trombonist Steve Davis.
Also in the house: bassist Boots Maleson, drummer Steve Johns and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Today, “Westport … Naturally” takes a break from spring flowers. We turn the feature over to a snowy egret, perched delicately yet decisively at Ned Dimes Marina.
And finally … if you’re thinking of sponsoring a chick (story above), let’s goose things along:
(Ain’t nobody here at “06880” Central but us bloggers. If you enjoy our work, please support us with a tax-deductible donation. Just click here to help. Thank you!)
Ferry Lane West — the official but seldom-used name of the road running along the eastbound side of the Westport railroad station parking lot — is a well traveled road.
But in their rush to get to or from trains, few folks look around.
Those that do might notice — and wonder — about the long and high brick wall rising next to them.
And, it seems, only a few people have noticed the good-sized red wooden door, set deep into the wall.
That door was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Andrew Colabella, Scott Brodie, Seth Schachter, Dan Vener, Lynn Untermeyer Miller and Michael Simso were the very observant readers to correctly identify the mysterious door. (Incorrect guesses included the Kings Highway North cemetery, Viva Zapata, and a Compo Beach bathroom.)
The 1,675-foot long wall was built as part of a privacy agreement, when the Cockeroft family sold some of their estate to the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad.
Over time, their handsome home — built around 1890, and accessible via a steam launch from New York City — deteriorated.
Around 1950, Lawrence Langner of the Theatre Guild, Lincoln Kirstein of Lincoln Center and arts patron Joseph Verner Reed tried to build an American Shakespeare Theatre and Academy on the property. Proximity to the train station was a major piece of the plan.
The price for all 21 acres: $200,000.
But many residents objected. There were also concerns that it would draw audiences away from the Westport Country Playhouse. (Others argued that a Shakespeare Theatre would enhance the town’s reputation as an arts community.)
The theater was never built here. It opened in the aptly named town of Stratford, Connecticut in 1955, and was moderately successful until ceasing operations 30 years later.
In 1956 Westporters Leo Nevas and Nat Greenberg, along with Hartford’s Louis Fox, bought the property for residential development, called Stony Point.
Little remains of the original estate. But the brick wall — and that odd, little noticed door — is still there. (Click here for more details.)
Here is this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Richard Hyman)
(If you enjoy our weekly Photo Challenge — or anything else we post — please consider a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Just click here. Thank you!)
Much of Westport’s focus is on the future of the William F. Cribari Bridge.
But another project is taking shape just a few yards away.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation has launched a website with information about the “SAGA River Railroad Bridge.”
If that means nothing, try this: the railroad bridge over the Saugatuck River, just south of the Cribari and I-95 spans.
The Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge, just south of I-95.
The “SAGA River Railroad Bridge” is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Built in 1905, it is a “single leaf Scherzer rolling lift bascule bridge” carrying Metro-North, Amtrak and freight traffic over the Saugatuck River.
Metro-North operates 36 trains each, eastbound and westbound, on weekdays.
Amtrak runs 12 trains eastbound, and 13 westbound. The bridge also services 1 freight train daily in each direction.
Unknown to many Westporters, a pedestrian walkway on the south side of the bridge is a cherished shortcut for neighborhood commuters. (It also offers a spectacular view of the river, all the way to its Long Island Sound mouth.)
View from the Saugatuck River railroad footbridge, looking north. (Photo/Jennifer Rosen)
Two 50-horsepower diesel engines in a small building open and close the bridge. The bridge is periodically tested, but openings for marine traffic are “virtually non-existent.”
Due to its condition and age, 2 mechanics must oversee the locking mechanisms.
An early 20th-century photo shows the Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge opening, to let maritime traffic through.
Here’s the project overview:
“Due to the age and condition of the structure, including the mechanical and electrical components, the Connecticut Department of Transportation is considering various options for the future replacement or rehabilitation of the existing bascule bridge which carries 4 railroad tracks over the Saugatuck River in Westport, Connecticut.
“Failure of the structure to properly open/close would pose a significant risk of major long-term disruption to the Northeast Rail Corridor and to a lesser extent, maritime traffic. Therefore, the CTDOT is considering the viability of replacing or rehabilitating the moveable bridge.”
Another view of the Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
Design alternatives include no build; bridge rehabilitation; new fixed bridge replacement, and new moveable bridge replacement.
The next step is a feasibility study, including evaluation and environmental reports. It will examine “the effects a fixed structure would have on the area.”
The study will also investigate the possibility of increasing track speed to as much as 110 mph through the area. Currently, there is a 45 mph speed restriction on the bridge.
“These changes will likely require a higher track profile and an increasing of the distance between the tracks,” the website says.
“The Feasibility Study will evaluate this impact on the Westport Station, highway under/ overpasses in close proximity to the new structure, adjacent private properties, and railroad appurtenances such as catenary and signal and communication systems.”
The website lists the benefits of a new bridge:
More reliable and faster service
Possible expansion of future high-speed rail, intercity, commuter and freight rail operations
Improved maritime safety and navigation
Improved connectivity for economic growth.
No timetable is given for the project. Click here to view the website. For more information or questions, email DOT.SAGARiverBridge@ct.gov.
Westporters gather on the banks of the Saugatuck River, following a 1935 railroad crash.
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Last week, the Representative Town Meeting’s Transit Committee voted 7-2 against recommending that the full RTM spend $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to redesign Jesup Green, and the nearby Imperial Avenue parking lot.
Tonight, the final item on the full RTM’s agenda is to vote on a request by the director of Public Works, and a recommendation by the Board of Finance, to approve an appropriation of $630,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund for design
and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Lot.
Here is the report of the RTM Transit Committee, which the full RTM will consider tonight (Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; click here for the livestream):
Presentation
Director of Public Works Pete Ratkiewich began the meeting with a PowerPoint presentation on downtown parking. The presentation included an overview of the history, the proposed scope of work, costs and timing as well as the reasons for the $630K appropriation request. The discussion primarily focused on the Parking Harding and Jesup lots. (Note: the current Jesup lot is also known as the “ Taylor lot.”)
● History
○ Many downtown parking issues today are similar to those 20 years ago.
○ Desire to connect to the river front wherever possible.
○ Most recent plan: 2015 Downtown Master Plan.
Parker Harding Plaza, through the years.
● Parker Harding
○ Current layout does not meet ADA and Fire Code standards (currently short 3
ADA spaces).
○ Proposed redesign would result in a net loss of 42 spaces.
○ Jesup Green (upper portion) identified the location for the relocated 42 spaces.
● Overall goals
○ Reconstructed Parker Harding and the Taylor lot (lower Jesup) with no net loss in parking.
○ Proposed 850 square foot net increase in green space (once phases are complete).
● Funding/Cost:
○ Current Appropriation Request: $630,000 full design/permitting for Taylor Lot (lower Jesup Green) and Imperial lots.
○ Prior Appropriation (2022): $400,000 completed schematic designs for Parker Harding, Jesup and Imperial, and full design of Parker Harding.
○ Capital Cost Forecast: $11 million
● Projected Phasing – Town is working to move forward with a phased approach:
○ Phase I: construct parking on Jesup Green to alleviate parking issues caused by
Parker Harding reconstruction. Then reconstruct Parker Harding.
○ Phase II: Re-align Jesup Road. Convert part of Taylor Lot (lower Jesup) to green space.
○ Phase III: TBD – “will occur when the police station is relocated”.
Summary and vote
● The committee thanked the DPW and Downtown Plan Implementation Committee for their hard work.
○ Appreciate the decades-old history and efforts.
○ Committee agreed we all want to find a balance between thriving downtown, river access, and enhanced green space.
○ “We’re getting there.” But the only way to accomplish that is to “look at it
holistically first.”
● Desire to move forward but recognized that some things have changed and some things have not yet been adequately addressed:
○ Explore gaining spaces elsewhere before taking Jesup Green (e.g. Baldwin). “Put concrete where concrete is now.”
○ Why not use a portion of the $630,000 to fund an analysis of the cost of structured parking and/or fee-based parking?
○ Evaluate impacts of soon-to-be implemented 3-hour timed parking.
○ The Jesup side should be coordinated with the police station site. For these reasons, the majority of the committee felt that the $630,000 appropriation is not justified.
The Baldwin parking lot, after its recent renovation.
Motion made to approve the $630,000 appropriation:
● 2 in favor – (Bloom, Burkhardt)
● 7 against – (Lowenstein, Liccione, Cohen, Johnson, Benmosche, Gold, Levy)
Below is information with additional detail on some of the issues/points raised by the committee at Monday’s meeting.
RTM Transit Committee discussion:
Various questions were raised by the committee: Jesup Green
● Multiple questions were raised about the apparent conflict between the proposed parking plan for Jesup Green and stated goals in the 2015 Downtown Plan:
○ Prior plans recommended both expanding riverfront access wherever
possible while retaining existing open space, including Jesup Green.
● Concerns raised around paving green space for more blacktop:
○ Current plan takes upwards of ⅓ of Jesup Green, and removes several
mature trees in the middle and upper portion of the Green.
○ The proposed first stage is to build the 40 spots on Jesup Green before
the redevelopment of Parker Harding.
● Concerns about losing green space on Jesup with no guarantees about the future.
● Currently the entire width of the library opens up to the Green on both floors. Under the proposed plan for Jesup Green the library would overlook a parking lot.
● Is Jesup Green deed restricted?
● Why hasn’t the cost of structured parking been considered before moving forward to pave the upper portion of Jesup Green?
○ Pete Ratkiewich indicated “no shovels in ground until 2025,” indicating that a delay of a
couple of months to evaluate a deck on Baldwin will not seriously delay the
project.
● Is a new waterfront playground a driver of the current DPIC plan?
Jesup Green is surrounded by a road, police station, the Westport Library, parking, and the Saugatuck River. (Photo/Samuel Wang)
Taylor Lot / Jesup Road
● It was noted that the current configuration of the Taylor Lot balances the needs of downtown (including across the river) and the library while providing good access to the waterfront (especially ADA) and Jesup Green .
● Existing waterfront
○ Does it make sense to take upwards of ⅓ of Jesup Green (estimated cost – $4 million) to build a different green space near the library’s lower entrance when there is green space there now?
○ Existing green space along the river and in front of the lower library entrance is lightly used and enjoyed, but not well maintained.
● Jesup Road was recently repaved. Does it make sense to spend money on ripping up a new road?
○ Could proposed angled-parking lead to further congestion caused by people
circulating for parking and/or backing up into the line of traffic?
Economic Changes:
● Does the new plan actually reflect changes the town has seen in the last few years with increased economic activity downtown and new stores, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions?
Timing/Need:
● Concerns that “we’ve lost the forest before the trees”; the 8-24 for Parker Harding has not been approved by the P&Z. Nevertheless, the committee is voting on an appropriation that would result in paving Jesup Green for the purpose of recovering parking spots lost at Parker Harding, on a plan that so far is not approved (?). (NOTE: The P&Z approved the 8-24 for Parker Harding last night.)
● Comment: “Is there any reason why we can’t live with parking as it is now until the police station moves, then do all 3 phases together so we know we are going to get the green space back?:
Discussions have begun about a new police station. The current one is adjacent to Jesup Green.
● It is not clear if the 40 spots on Jesup Green will be needed once the timed parking is implemented – then people who need longer term parking may choose not to park on Parker Harding or Main Street:
○ Consider monitoring the impact of the 3-hour limit first.
○ How often is Baldwin lot full (just holidays or more frequently?).
○ Perhaps wayfinding signs could help with parking losses on Parker Harding.
● Concerns around whether ARPA funding can be used when Westport’s downtown is thriving following the pandemic-related influx of new residents.
● Concerns around opportunities for public feedback:
○ Next formal phase of public comment will follow after Jesup Green is paved.
○ Public never asked the question whether they prefer more parking downtown or green space.
● Those who expressed support for the current appropriation felt that further delay is akin to “paralysis by analysis”; the phased approach outlines how the town will ultimately end up with more green space. But others expressed concerns that the promise for more green space in the future could be jeopardized by lack of funding appropriations for various phases and the uncertainty around the timing and plan for the police station site.
● Concerns that we are spending a lot of money on one narrow view forward:
○ Both $630,000 request and $400,000 prior ARPA funding represents over $1 million in plans for one view without any funds directed to evaluating alternatives for parking other than paving ⅓ of Jesup Green.
It took over 6 hours of talk. But early this morning, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-3 in favor of plans to renovate Parker Harding Plaza, and add the spots lost there to Jesup Green.
Those parking spots would be at the top of the green.
Tonight (Tuesday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; click here for the livestream), the Representative Town Meeting votes on a request to spend $630,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the design and redevelopment of both Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
(Click here for a full report, from the Westport Journal.)
And the grand marshal of the 2024 Memorial Day parade is …
… Charles Lamb. He is a Korean War veteran, and a longtime civic volunteer.
The 95-year-old native of Springfield, Illinois joined the Navy in 1946, at 17. He was part of the Naval Aviation College Program.
In 1948 he was sent to Pensacola Naval Air Station. where he became a midshipman and started ground school. In 1950, age 21, he was designated a naval viator.
He amassed over 2,000 hours of flight time and earned 2 medals, each representing 20 aerial combat missions during the Korean War. He rose to the rank of lieutenant.
In 2022, the State of Connecticut recognized him for his patriotic service.
Lamb moved to Westport with his family in 1971, and still lives in the house they bought on Saugatuck Shores.
He served on the Representative Town Meeting (District 1) and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
This year’s Memorial Parade — the first in 54 years not overseen by Bill Vornkahl, who died in January — will be held on Monday, May 27, at 9 a.m. A ceremony follows the completion of the parade, on Veterans Green.
Charles Lamb will be grand marshal for the 2024 Memorial Day parade. After his remarks, a bugler will play “Taps.”
Westport’s Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force has been listening, and acting.
On April 25 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), they’ll provide an update on their progress.
Residents will also be able to offer comments, and air concerns.
The event — coordinated by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and the Public Works, Planning & Zoning, and Public Safety Departments — will include town employees experienced in traffic management, and well versed in roadway conditions, engineering, and speed calming solutions, as well as the regulations and oversight authority of the town.
Also in attendance: the consultants responsible for preparing Westport’s Safety Action Plan, funded by a federal grant.
Meanwhile, the town’s interactive, online survey is open for residents’ input. Click here for access.
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Plenty of Westporters thrilled to the University of Connecticut’s romp to its second straight NCAA men’s basketball title last night.
A few were in Glendale, Arizona. Many were at home. Some were in Gampel Pavilion, the Huskies’ court, where UConn hosted a viewing party.
Tomaso and Lucia Scotti — siblings, Staples graduates, and fellow students — found each other in the large crowd.
Tomaso graduates this spring with a fine arts degree. focusing on graphic design. He gives tours from his job at the rec center, where he is a fitness instructor.
Lucia has a leadership positions in the visitors center. She is a sophomore majoring in civil engineering, and will study in Italy next year.
Besides UConn’s rousing victory yesterday, the other big news was the solar eclipse.
Dozens of Westporters sent photos to “06880.” Franco Fellah added a video.
He writes: “Too bad the conditions were pretty horrible and cloudy. Here is a time lapse of the entire eclipse, as seen from my front yard on Elmwood Road. It is composed of 160 images taken with a robotic telescope.”
Here it is: a much quicker look than you got yesterday.
Also yesterday: The Westport Country Playhouse was buzzing, for the world premiere of 3 films. All were Triple Threat Academy productions, made by aspiring actors, singers and dancers under the guidance of professionals.
Two were largely student-produced: “Oceans Fourteen” and “Family Recipe.”
“Family Recipe” actors post, at the Westport Country Playhouse.
The feature was “Presumed Incompetent,” directed by Triple Threat founder (and former “Fame” star, and 1981 Staples High graduate) Cynthia Gibb, and written by Jill Johnson Mann.
Jill Johnson Mann and Cynthia Gibb, at the Playhouse.
“Presumed Incompetent” is based on the true story of Wynston Browne, the Staples High School junior with non-speaking autism and apraxia. He’s also the star of the film, which shows how a simple spelling device unlocks his very sharp brain. It’s life-changing — for him, his family, and all those around him who for too long presumed him to be incompetent.
“Presumed Incompetent” — which includes many local youngsters (and Gibb’s mother Linde) — is poignant, uplifting and inspiring. It heads next to festivals around the country.
Wynston Browne, at the “Presumed Incompetent” premiere. (All photos/Dan Woog)
At 10 a.m. yesterday, a tree toppled. It took down power and cable to 160 homes — and started a brush fire.
The Westport Fire Department extinguished the blaze, but Wilton Road was closed to traffic.
Eversource restored power by 12:30 p.m., and the road was reopened.
(Photo/Steve Stein)
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Marriage equality for LGBTQ people was not always the law of the land. And the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport was not always a “welcoming congregation.”
The history of the local UU road’s to equality is the subject of a documentary film, “Welcome,” by longtime Westporter Rozanne Gates.
It’s being shown at (of course) the Westport church this Saturday (April 13, 7 p.m.). A discussion (and refreshments) will follow.
The showing is free, and the public is welcome.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.
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The Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for president campaign will be at Sherwood Island State Park this Saturday (April 13), from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
They’ll be collecting signatures, to get him on the Connecticut ballot in November. 12,000 are needed.
This week’s Jazz at the Post features saxophonists Dayna Stephens and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi,” in a tribute to the “two tenor sax front line” legacy.
Accompanying them are guitarist Kenny Wessel, bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Tim Horner.
There are 2 shows this Thursday, at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service begins at 7. The music cover is $20 ($15 for veterans and students). Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Longtime Westport resident George Erickson died peacefully at home on April 3. He was 86.
The Pelham, New York native earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Colgate University, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.
After graduation he was an officer in the US Marine Corps, rising to captain.
George married Susan Ostrom in 1960. They moved to Quantico, Virginia, and later Westport.
George discovered a passion for restoring old houses, seeing potential that no one else would tackle. Beginning with a 1789 Federal home in Greens Farms, he then worked on homes in Southport, a summer home in Branford, and finally a Victorian on Mill Hill.
He often volunteered to drive vans for soccer tournaments, Scout camping trips and rides to college. He was almost always on the sidelines of games, concerts and graduation ceremonies, for children and grandchildren.
His career started as a Fuller Brush salesman in Westchester, then led to a marketing position at Glendinning, and ultimately his own direct mail business, Curriculum Resources. Owning his company allowed him the freedom he craved.
In Westport George enjoyed a friendship with Jon Fox (who he met in 7th grade). He and Susan traveled often. And ever the volunteer and proud Marine, George enjoyed building Memorial Day floats with the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
George is survived by his wife Susan, children Martha and Jonathan, and his grandchildren Guthrie, Aria, Riley, Nell, Mullein, Romy and Faye. He was predeceased by his daughter Kristin.
Donations in his name may be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County.
George Erickson
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Golf is not really part of our natural world.
But dogs sure are. Which is why this shot fits the bill for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … on this day in 1682, Robert Cavelier de La Salle discovered the mouth of the Mississippi River. He claimed it for France, and named it Louisiana.
(Whether you’re in Westport, Louisiana, Mississippi or anywhere else: If you enjoy “06880,” please consider a tax-deductible donation. We rely on reader support. Click here — and thank you!)
On Monday, the Representative Town Meeting’s Transit Committee voted 7-2 against recommending that the full RTM spend $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to redesign Jesup Green, and the nearby Imperial Avenue parking lot.
A week earlier the Planning & Zoning Commission put off their own vote on a plan for those 2 sites, plus Parker Harding Plaza. The P&Z discussion will continue at next Monday’s meeting (April 8, 7 p.m., Zoom).
Meanwhile, the Flood & Erosion Control Board and the Conservation Commission have both approved the Jesup Green redesign.
As downtown parking remain stalled, 2 residents offer differing views of the plans.
Downtown Plan Implementation Committee (DPIC) chair Randy Herbertson writes:
Downtown Westport master planning has been underway for more than 30 years — with consistent objectives, countless hours and investment, but little execution.
Formed after the 2015 Master Plan exercise, DPIC was created to support town efforts to bring plans finally to fruition, after failed attempts in the 2 previous master planning exercises.
This screenshot from the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee shows the Parker Harding lot and Saugatuck River.
When I took over as chair of DPIC in 2021, I was tasked with bringing a number of our bigger project visions to life. Springboarding from the 2015 plan, we summarized the vision into 5 key pillars articulated on the website we re-vamped and launched at that time.
As identified, a careful balance must be struck between maintaining the right level of safe, accessible and up-to-code parking with green space for pedestrians, river views, and flood resiliency.
Our decrepit lots have been in need of updating for decades. Our residents (especially those who don’t attend town meetings) have consistently told us they desire better access to our unique downtown riverfront.
But we can’t invent land to perfectly serve the divergent needs of all, including the merchants who want close employee parking, exclusive loading zones and no loss of spaces for customers, as well as the many who provide opinions that are not founded on the expertise we hire professionals to give us.
Our overall master plan does not call for the loss of any parking inventory, and future prospects of a relocated Police Department and possibly a parking deck (if warranted somewhere once we assess the impact of timed parking areas and new lot configurations) will provide even more.
Currently, we just want to complete our “commerce sub-district” with Parker Harding plans, which are now complete.
Due to the heavy pushback on short-term parking inventory loss, the Department of Public Works developed a solution in the only close-in area possible: the top of Jesup. This development area has been in the master plan schematic since April of last year, and was shown in public forums and on the website.
The Jesup Green redesign plan.
The current proposed DPW plan calls for 3 phases — the first 2 to be completed with the Parker Harding work.
When done with just these 2 phases, we will have net zero loss in parking and more green space on Jesup than today, all closer to the river. It will also provide more Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible and clustered parking to serve the many library and Levitt events, which was part of the objective on this “culture sub-district” side.
This said, we had ideally hoped to assess this further with holistic planning and public feedback devoted to Jesup and Imperial (funding for which was not approved this week by the RTM Transit Committee, although it still goes to full vote next week.) However, if the cost of progress is moving in phases, we may have to do so.
The whole downtown process marks a new low in delays, many of which are quizzically politically driven and divided.
It’s been 30 years. Isn’t it time to provide a downtown experience that will support real estate values and serve all our residents?
Toni Simonetti has lived in Westport for nearly 24 years. A retired corporate communications executive and former journalist, she has become “passionately interested in good municipal governance, as the town works through a number of high-stakes projects.”
She writes:
After reviewing the most recent to-and-fro on the town’s uncertain plans to address downtown parking, I am compelled to voice my strong objection to proposed plans for the Jesup Green and adjacent parking areas, and further to express my concern once again for a less-than-transparent process.
I strongly oppose the Jesup plan for the following reason: It will pave over 1/3 of the green space known as Jesup Green. That is a travesty. The town’s Plan of Conservation and Development puts a priority on green space. We are losing green space in Westport at an alarming rate.
I am aware of the counterargument that Phase 2 and Phase 3 will restore the green space lost. However, that is a pipe dream contingent on Westport getting $400 million in capital projects approved (so that the police station is moved out of the Jesup area). There is no guarantee Phase 2 or 3 will ever see the light of day, be approved, or be funded.
Until there is a concrete plan that includes the immediate replacement of green space, the Jesup plan should be rejected.
Second, to pre-empt the expected protestations about lack of transparency claims: The public was not made fully aware of the Jesup Green parking plan until mid-March, when a schematic was first made public for a Planning & Zoning Commission 8-24 hearing.
Trees at the top of Jesup Green. (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)
Here is the tick-tock:
In October 2023, the P&Z expressed reservations about Parker Harding parking plans, citing among other things a lack of a holistic plan for downtown parking in general, and at Jesup and Imperial lots.
On January 12, 2024 — unbeknownst to the public — 2 town agencies acted in accord to write up appropriations requests for studies:
Fire/Emergency Medical Service to study proposals for a new joint headquarters with the Police Department and
Public Works design appropriation to pave 1/3 of Jesup Green into 44 parking spots, and modify parking spaces at the Imperial lot.
On January 17, the public got its first cryptic glimpse that the town would pave over 1/3 of Jesup Green when the chair of the Board of Finance issued its agenda for its Feb. 7 meeting, with items #8 and #9 as follows:
Upon the request of the Fire Department Deputy Chief, to approve an appropriation of $110,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Fund Account 31502220-500188 for work to update and merge FD conceptual plans to include PD and EMS in a new concept analysis for a Joint Public Safety Facility.
Upon the request of the Director of Public Works, to approve an appropriation of $630,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund 51003310-500189-13012 for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Lot.
On February 7, both agenda items were withdrawn from the Board of Finance meeting. It seems the items were a surprise to more than just myself.
On February 8, the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, the hardworking appointed body charged with all things downtown, held an in-person-only meeting at 8:30 a.m., which I attended and at which no detailed information was given on the Jesup Green plan other than additional parking was being considered.
Members of the public, and even a member of the DPIC who is also on the RTM, expressed surprise by the sudden appropriation requests that appeared out of nowhere. We all had a lot of questions. The answers pointed to one person who was not there: the first selectwoman.
On March 6, the BOF reviewed these items and approved the appropriations. There was no specific detail or schematic posted or presented in the BOF meeting packet on where the additional parking would go. A specific plan was not shared, though some questions were answered verbally,
The Jesup schematic plan was drawn Feb. 15, but was not made public until posted in mid-March as part of Planning and Zoning’s March 24 meeting process.
On March 14, DPIC again held an in-person-only meeting, which I was not able to attend. There is no specific Jesup Green parking plan posted in conjunction with the meeting.
On March 24, the P&Z heard 8-24 requests for Jesup Green and Parker Harding. Though much has been publicized on Parker Harding Plaza, this was the first real look at what was planned for Jesup Green.
Redesign plan for Parker Harding Plaza. The Saugatuck River is at the bottom; backs of Main Street stores are at the top.
I believe once the public comprehends the paving plan for Jesup Green, they will be outraged. The P&Z did the right thing by continuing the matter to April 8 – at which time I suggest they issue a negative 8-24 report.
I live on Evergreen Parkway in RTM District 9, in what I consider a downtown neighborhood. I love the location of my home because I can – and do — walk downtown to shop, dine and recreate.
There is much ado about parking, but it’s not a problem for us (though I empathize with downtown merchants and support their stance).
This is a walkable town and one big reason why I choose to live here. I walk my dog Max nearly every day past Town Hall, along Main Street, through Parker Harding Plaza and along the river, then across the Post Road down the Riverwalk around the Library and Levitt Pavilion over to the Imperial lot and up Imperial, back over to my neighborhood. Sometimes Max detours us over to the Winslow dog park on our way home.
My Westport is a walkable Westport. Please preserve our green space.
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“The Feasibility Study will evaluate this impact on the Westport Station, highway under/ overpasses in close proximity to the new structure, adjacent private properties, and railroad appurtenances such as catenary and signal and communication systems.”
