Roundup: Soleil Toile Closes, Parking Limits Reconsidered, Mahj Players Meet …

Posted on July 8, 2025 | 4 comments

Soleil Toile — the Post Road East lingerie/swimwear/accessories/and more shop — is closing soon.

They started in 1990, with 1,400 square feet specializing in fine lingerie from the US and Europe.

A 1997 move to their 3,400-square foot store enabled them to expand into swim and resort wear.

They opened a second store in New Canaan. It closed last September.

News of the closing — at the end of July — has disappointed many longtime customers.

Until then, many items are 30-60% off.

PS: If you have forgotten your French, Soleil Toile means “sun canvas” or “sun cloth.” (Hat tip/Sal Liccione)

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Of the 6 agenda items for tomorrow’s Board of Selectwomen meeting (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium), the one with the most direct impact on most Westporters is a proposal by the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee to lower parking limits on Main  Street, Elm Street, Church Lane, Bay Street and Jesup Road from 3 hours to 2.

The change would affect on-street parking only. Parking lots — including Parker Harding Plaza, the Baldwin lot, and the Taylor and Jesup lots near the Library — would remain at 3 hours.

Parking lot limits would not change. But street parking would.

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Pride Month is over. But Bill Shakos is back, with a podcast focusing on LGBTQ+ youth.

The Westporter — who dives deep into important topics, in his “What Do I Know?” series — speaks in Episode 10 with Kayla Ianetta. The Staples High School science teacher chairs the Westport Public Schools’ Pride Coalition.

GenXer Bill and Millennial Kayla chat explore the world of GenZ queer youth. Kayla discusses her own journey, along with the importance of safe spaces, DEI backlash, and much more.

Click here for various ways to download the podcast.

Kayla Iannetta

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What can be better than a morning coffee and treats, outside at The Blondinit?

How about a chance to play mahjong too?

The Church Lane restaurant has partnered with the Haus of Mahj. They’ll host a “Monday Morning open play” next week (July 14, 10 a.m. to noon; experienced players only).

The $30 fee includes coffee or soft drink (food is available for purchase). Grab your quad or sign up solo. All materials — including tiles, racks and mats — are provided. Click here for more information, and to reserve a spot.

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One last look back at the holiday weekend — specifically, the Levitt Pavilion.

On Sunday, Westport’s outdoor entertainment venue featured Jake Swamp & the Pine.

The Americana/folk/pop/country/and more band was joined by Kaliloops, and emerging folks artists Simon Robert French and Harrison Goodell.

Jake Swamp recently played the Greenwich Town Party — the same festival as Alanis Morissette.

Looking ahead at the Levitt:

  • Tonight (Tuesday, 7 p.m.): Westport Community Band
  • Wednesday (7 p.m.): Children’s Series, with Joanie Leeds
  • Thursday (7:30 p.m.): Richiman and Groove Nice (7:30 p.m.; American-style blues band from South Korea).

All 3 shows are free, but tickets are required. Click here to reserve tickets, and for more information.

Jake Swamp & the Pine, and friends, on the Levitt Pavilion stage.

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Jazz at the Post swings into summer with pianist/composer Sarah Jane Cion. She’s joined in a classic trio with bassist Alex Safy and drummer Mike Camacho.

It’s Thursday (July 10, VFW; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students). Click here for reservations.

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Former Westport resident and store owner Michael Nappa III died June 30. He was 75, and lived in Milford.

Michael  helped run the family business, Nappa Sales, with his father Michael Jr. and brother Robert from 1971 to 1981. After their father died, Michael and Robert ran it until they closed their doors in 2018.

They also managed 15 apartments behind the storefront on Main Street in Westport, which served low-income tenants. Some kept in touch even after moving away.

Michael enjoyed movies. He also rescued cats, and nursed them back to health.

He is survived by his sister Marion of Westport; brother Robert (Linda) of Wilton; nieces and nephews Linda and Diana DeMattia, and Katherine and and Robert Nappa Jr. and great-nephews and nieces Daniel Landan, and Emma and Louis Parnes.

The Family will receive friend in the Harding Funeral Home on Thursday (July 10, 10-11 a.m.). A graveside service will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road at 11:15 a.m.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences for the family can be left online here.

Michael Nappa III

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Most “Westport … Naturally” photos are gorgeous, inspiring, cute or fun.

Occasionlly, they’re all of those in one shot.

Today’s image is none of the above.

Spotted lanternflies can be seen all over town.

Tammy Barry “spotted” this scene on Hillspoint Road. Neaby, the invasive bugs can be seen all over the trunks of another invasive species: trees of heaven.

Ugh.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … in honor of Soleil Toile (story above):

(What does “06880” need? Well, not lingerie. But we really could use a tax-deductible contribution or two, to support our 24/7/365 hyper-local work. Please click here. Lizzo and I thank you.)

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Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Local business, Local politics, Obituaries, Restaurants

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P&Z: No Hamlet Decision Yet. But Soon …

Posted on July 8, 2025 | 51 comments

Design. Traffic. Parking.

Those concerns were raised again last night — as they have been for several months — as the Planning & Zoning Commission debated the Hamlet at Saugatuck proposal.

The long process is nearing an end, however. Commissioners meet again on July 21. A vote on the controversial retail/residential/hotel/event space project may come then, or the following week (July 28).

That vote may include outright acceptance or rejection, or approval with conditions.

As the meeting began, 3 commissioners — Michael Cammeyer, Neil Cohn and Breanne Injeski — indicated that they favor the Hamlet.

Four — chair Paul Lebowitz, and Michael Calise, Amy Wistreich and Patrizia Zucaro — said they are opposed.

Artist’s rendering of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.

The work session was to determine whether developers ROAN Ventures comply with a text amendment, created in 2022 to allow a development like this. Cohn said that it does.

But Wistreich and others cited ongoing concerns, in several areas.

Zucaro spent over 3 hours offering a detailed analysis of how the project does not comply with the text amendment, such as “water dependent uses” (including stormwater management, public access and waterfront parking), along with traffic flow in the area.

Other traffic issues revolved around employee parking, stacked valet parking, and a proposed roundabout.

Traffic plans, submitted by ROAN Ventures.

In terms of density, Cohn noted that the height of the buildings is allowed by the text amendment. Wistreich called it an “urban design.” Cammeyere countered that multiple elements make up a small-town feel, beyond the size of a building.

Cohn reiterated his belief that — because the Hamlet plan complies with the text amendment — the commission cannot reject it.

Cammeyer added that ROAN has done a good job with the environmental aspect — and that the P&Z’s professional staff agrees that it complies.

The 65-day window for a decision continues to tick down.

(Reporting by Catie Campagnino)

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Posted in Local politics, Real estate, Saugatuck

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NeuroMind: Unlocking Neurodiverse “Superpowers”

Posted on July 8, 2025 | 2 comments

For neurodiverse people, “masking” is a way to find acceptance — in social situations, school and the workplace.

Forcing eye contact and making small talk, for example, or hiding repetitive behaviors, enables those on the autism spectrum, people diagnosed with ADHD and others, to navigate a neurotypical world.

But creating a façade, or acting in a way that does not feel authentic, can be difficult, exhausting — even detrimental to emotional health.

Lauren Rosenblum

Lauren Brown Rosenblum and Chelsea Elkind take a different tack. They believe in “neuro-affirmation” — helping neurodivese people of all ages stay true to themselves, and embrace their “superpowers.”

Through individual and group coaching and support, career development, educational consulting, cognitive rehabilitation and more, they do not “improve” clients’ lives.

They prefer to say, “We help get people where they want to go.”

On their own, neurodivergent terms.

The Westport professionals do it through NeuroMind. Their collaboration embraces neurodiversity, prioritizes autonomy, and builds skills and confidence.

Their backgrounds are complementary. Rosenblum — a Staples High School Class of 2010 graduate, who earned a master’s in communication science and disosrders from Columbia University — worked in speech therapy, in New York schools.

Chelsea Elkind

Elkind — a New Jersey native, and competitive gymnast at the University of New Hampshire, where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s in occupational therapy — worked at large hospitals in Chicago and New York.

Both moved to Westport with their families during the pandemic. Rosenblum and her boyfriend (now husband) Jake came to live with her parents for what they thought would be a couple of weeks. They’re still here (in their own home, with one child and another on the way).

Elkind was pregnant. She and her husband had friends and relatives here.

Both have been invigorated by the influx of young families. “It’s like the first year of college,” Rosenblum says. “Everyone is making friends, and doing things together.”

The women met socially a couple of years ago. They share similar interests and work ethics.

Realizing a shared passion, they created NeuroMind.

They and their staff of speech pathologists, occupational therapists and licensed counselors offer a range of services, from executive functioning support for organization and planning, to career coaching, educational readiness, independent living skills and social skills training.

Clients include youngsters to men and women in their 60s and 70s. Some parents of neurodiverse youngsters have realized they may be neurodiverse too.

Neurodivergent “superpowers.”

“There’s a lot of neurotypical ‘projecting'” in today’s world, Rosenblum says.

Children are told, “you need to sit still so you can learn math, and succeed in life.”

But here are many ways to succeed, Elkind notes. Someone obsessed with, say, Dungeons & Dragons can earn a good living as a livestreamer.

“We help them advocate for their diagnoses, and find areas of growth,” Rosenblum explains.

“They often say ‘no one really understands how my brain works.'” The neurodivergent therapists on the NeuroMind team do.

One client, suffering from depression, lived at home with their parents. Eventually they got a job, joined a dating app, found a partner, and moved to Colorado to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. “All it took was a bit of support to achieve their goals,” Elkind says.

Olivia McGuffog, working with young clients.

A woman in her mid-20s, diagnosed with autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, was burned out at work — not uncommon for neuro-divergent people.

NeuroMind’s staff helped her find a fulfilling career. Her “superpower” was seeing minute details. She is now a superb professional organizer.

A woman with ADHD — raising 2 children, and working as a New York attorney — struggled to manage her work and home lives.

NeuroMind helped her use an app to take mental rests. She also reduced her nighttime sensory overloads, allowing her to sleep better.

Much of their work is virtual. But they’ve reached out to local groups like Uniquely Mothering and Tilt, and will add more in-person support. In the works: home visits, and perhaps a brick-and-mortar location.

Autism, ADHD and OCD have been stigmatized for years.

Now — thanks to words like “neurodiversity,” and the public embrace of their neurodivergence by famous figures like Elon Musk — that stigma is fading.

“Superpowers” are having their moment. At NeuroMind, Lauren Rosenblum and Chelsea Elkind make sure that everyone gets a chance to show off theirs.

(To learn more about NeuroMind, click here. Their Instagram is @NeuroMindServices.)

(“06880” regularly covers interesting trends — and services — in Westport. We are your 24/7/365, full-service, reader-supported blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Local business

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Pic Of The Day #3001

Posted on July 7, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3001

Relaxing at the Westport Country Playhouse, before a show. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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As P&Z Debates Hamlet, 8-30g Looms

Posted on July 7, 2025 | 57 comments

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets tonight (Monday, 6 p.m., Zoom).

There is one agenda item: the Hamlet at Saugatuck. With public input closed, the P&Z is now discussing the fate of the residential/hotel/retail/event space project.

Commissioners are in the midst of a 65-day period, in which they’ll render a verdict.

Hamlet project, as seen from the Saugatuck River.

The developers — ROAN Ventures — said last month that if they do not gain approval, they would file a pre-application for an 8-30g housing development on the site. The area encompasses Riverside Avenue from Charles Street to Railroad Place, part of Railroad Place, and Charles Street from the office building to Riverside

The 8-30g proposal would include over 500 housing units. Thirty percent would be deemed affordable, under state standards.

The 70% that comprise market rate units would be a mix of condos and rentals.

Three buildings, 8 stories tall – 6 floors of housing, above 2 for parking – would be constructed on the Hamlet footprint.

And – because it’s an 8-30g development – the town would have virtually no say regarding parking, conservation or other issues.

Artists’ rendering of possible 8-30g housing. 

What would that mean? Here is a comparison of the Hamlet project, and the 8-30g.

Units: 57 housing units, 57 hotel units; vs. 500+

Height: 60 feet; vs. 100 feet (current design; no limit under 8-30g)

Setbacks: Enforceable under 8-30g; vs. can go up to property line under 8-30g

Mixed use: Restaurants and retail walkng paths; vs. residential only under 8-30g

Affordability: 20% (at 80% of mean income = 14 units within 1/4 mile; vs. 30% (15% at 80% mean income, plus 15% at 60% mean)

Architectural design: Yes; vs. no under 8-30g

Artists’ rendering of The Hamlet at Saugatuck. 

Sightline to river: Yes; vs. no

River access: Yes; vs. no

Marina: Public access with transient spots; vs. no marina required under 8-30g

Parking: Underground to preserve look and space; vs. above ground under 8-30g (no minimal requirements)

Traffic improvements: Upgrades, including traffic lights and turning; vs. no traffic upgrades required under 8-30g

Proposed traffic improvements, in the Hamlet plan. 

Remediation: Will remove soil and remediate land; vs. only cap soil while leaving toxins under 8-30g

Drainage: Improvements, including filtering; vs. no drainage plan required under 8-30g

Sewer use: 114 total keys online (57 + 57); vs. 500+ units may require additional expenses

Tax revenues: $6 million+ added to Grand List; vs. could generate more costs than revenue under 8-30g

School costs and impact: Minimal impact from 57 units; vs. likely large impact from 500+ units

Police Department: Minimal impact from 57 units; vs. greater impact from 500+ units

Fire Department: Fire chief signed off on fire lanes; vs. new equipment may be needed under 8-30g

Connectivity to Main Street: Shuttle provided; vs. no connectivity under 8-30g

Walkability: Mixed use, with boardwalk connection to Gault development; vs. no river access likely under 8-30g

Community use: Marina, paths, kids’ club, local food court; vs. not required under 8-30g.

Proposed event space, above Luciano Park. 

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Posted in Local politics, Real estate, Saugatuck

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Roundup: Sherwood Island, Blue Origin, Metro-North …

Posted on July 7, 2025 | 1 comment

“06880” regularly posts photos from Compo Beach.

Less regularly, but still often, we feature Burying Hill and Old Mill Beaches.

But — despite its 238 acres, in the heart of our coastline — we seldom show Sherwood Island State Park.

Long an afterthought for residents, it’s gained in popularity since its “discovery” during the pandemic.

Plus, it’s free! (With a Connecticut license plate.)

Here are a few Sherwood Island weekend images. They’re probably not Westporters — but hey. Anyone can have fun at “our” biggest beach.

(Photos/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

“The Kite Guys” are Sherwood Island regulars. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Meanwhile, over at Compo, a different church hosts Sunday services each week during the summer.

Yesterday, it was Green’s Farms Congregational:

(Photo/Rick Benson)

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Metro-North fares will rise 5% on September 1. A second 5% hike takes place on July 1, 2026.

State Department of Transportation officials call the hikes necessary to keep the trains running. Click here for the full story, on CT Mirror.

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Speaking of transportation: Compo Beach continues to attract classic cars.

The latest one spotted at South Beach is this 1930 Model A Ford.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

We can’t see a beach sticker. It must be grandfathered in.

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Speaking still of transportation: The Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series continues July 15 (8 p.m., Zoom and YouTube), with Dr. Bob Dempsey, director of flight operations for Blue Origin’s New Shepard suborbital rocket system. It’s designed for space tourism and scientific payload flights.

His talk is called “What Goes Up Must Come Down: Private Space Flight in the Era of ‘New Space.'”

Blue Origin

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Congratulations to Westport Little League’s 10-11 year-old team: District 2 champions!

(Photo courteys of Andrew Colabella)

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We start our “Westport … Naturally” week with a luscious shot, from Sherwood Island State Park (see item above):

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Astronomical Society’s upcoming talk (story above):

(Another Monday, another week of Roundups. If you enjoy learning all about Westport — every morning, 24/7/365 — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Categories, religion, Transportation

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Staples Soccer Coach Sues Board Of Education

Posted on July 7, 2025 | 23 comments

For months, Westporters have wondered about the incidents that led to the non-renewal of Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense, by superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

A few details emerged during the coach’s appeal hearing in May, before the Board of Education.

But many other details were not made public. Scarice and/or the mediator for the Board objected to 7 witnesses, and dozens of emails and other evidence. The mediator also objected to every attempt by Oost-Lievense’s attorney to introduce information that, she said, would prove that the non-renewal was “arbitrary and capricious.”

Much of that information is contained in a lawsuit brought by Oost-Lievense, against the Board of Education. It was filed in Stamford Superior Court.

Russell Oost-Lievense

Oost-Lievense levels several charges against the BOE, including violation of his rights during the appeal.

His complaint details a 2022 incident, in which the coach addressed bullying by freshman and junior varsity players.

It also describes in detail an incident before the 2024 season, during a team-building retreat; Oost-Lievense’s handling of it; a complaint filed nearly 2 months later about it; and the post-season banquet that resulted in a charge of “insubordination” against the coach.

Oost-Lievense’s suit also includes information about false allegations made against him at a public BOE meeting; the roles of the Board’s “mediator” and their regular attorney, who at the appeal hearing represented the superintendent, Staples principal and athletic director; exclusion of evidence and witnesses; conduct of the BOE during the hearing; alleged conflicts of interest by 2 members, and more.

Oost-Lievense is seeking damages for loss of income, reputational harm, emotional distress, punitive damages — and a reversal of the non-renewal decision, or a fair appeal process.

Click here to read the full complaint, as filed in Superior Court.

Members of the Westport Board of Education, and (4th from left) the board’s mediator, at Russell Oost-Lievense’s May 12 appeal hearing.

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Posted in Education, Local politics, Staples HS

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Book It! Westport’s Boutique Hotel Welcomes Guests

Posted on July 7, 2025 | 13 comments

Westport seems to have everything.

Beaches. A town-owned country club. A historic Playhouse and popular Pavilion. A kick-ass library. A wide array of interesting restaurants, a vibrant downtown and high-achieving school district.

And when out-of-town friends and family want to enjoy any of that — a show, shopping, graduation, whatever — they settle into a hotel in … Southport.

Or Norwalk. Or Stamford.

Not counting the dozen or so rooms at the Inn at Longshore — now being renovated — Westport has had zero hotel rooms.

There were 100 or so until a couple of years ago, when the Westport Inn closed. But they were decidedly meh. (Though they were a step up from their predecessor, the really forgettble New Englander “Motor Hotel.”)

That puzzling hole in our hospitality heart has now been filled.

Last week, guests began arriving at the Delamar Westport.

Delamar Westport.

The newest addition to a small group that includes boutique properties in Greenwich, Southport, West Hartford, Mystic and (why not?) Traverse City, Michigan, the Delamar Westport will quickly become one of the buzziest spots in town.

Earlier this week, before the soft opening — only about half the rooms are ready; the restaurant won’t open until next month, the pool next year — I got a quick tour.

My mind was in New Englander/Westport Inn mode. I should have been thinking Delamar brand.

Each room — there will be 86 when finished — is big, but homey. The goal was to combine “classic New England hospitality and modern luxury,” and — at least in the rooms I saw — the designers succeeded. From hardwood floors to the definitely non-Hyatt bathrooms, these are not typical hotel rooms

A Delamar Westport room.

Three of the most luxurious are luxury suites. They were created by Christian Siriano.

The internationally known fashion designer has stepped successfully into a new realm. He also designed the lobby, a fun and welcoming space that includes a whimsical sketch wall.

Siriano did not have far to go for this project. He lives 2 miles away.

Christian Siriano, in the lobby.

The Westport Inn was in Westport, but never really part of it. The Delamar hopes to be very involved in the community. There are meeting rooms and private event spaces, for corporate meetings, weddings and special occasions.

They flank the restaurant, called Dandelion. The cuisine will be “coastal Mediterranean,” with Moroccan influences. It’s a stunning space, with outdoor seating. It’s at the back of the property, with plenty of greenery all around.

Dandelion restaurant.

Also in the works: a bocce court and fire pit nearby. And, in the atrium, a giant olive tree.

Besides filling a (desperate) need for a hotel, the Delamar will benefit from its location diagonally across the Post Road from The Clubhouse.

The golf and other sports simulators, huge-screen TVs and rooftop lounge attract the same type of guests who will enjoy the hotel.

As the first guests arrive, workers are putting finishing touches on the Delamar. They, and the staff who will be the public face, seem genuinely excited for the reveal.

When Westporters step inside, they’ll be excited too.

Finally, we won’t have to send out-of-town guests out of town.

(Click here for the Delamar Westport website.)

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Posted in Local business, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #3000

Posted on July 6, 2025 | 1 comment

Sherwood Mill Pond: Extremely low tide, 6 p.m. today (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Photo Challenge #549

Posted on July 6, 2025 | 8 comments

Once upon a time, there were phone booths everywhere.

In the Staples High School parking lot. At Ned Dimes Marina, and near the Compo Beach bathhouses. In Parker Harding Plaza. In front of Coleytown Elementary, at the Easton Road/North Avenue intersection.

Very few remain. A couple of stalwarts — at the Merritt Parkway Exit 42 commuter lot, and Sherwood Diner — have been the subject of previous Photo Challenges.

Another one popped up last week. It’s on the Little Pub at Dunville’s porch. (Click here to see.)

If you know, you know … and Dave Eason, Brian Taylor, Regina Kiska, Dan Vener, Andrew Colabella and Ali Godfrey Woods did. Congrats!

This week’s Photo Challenge is another that may be “hidden in plain sight.”

If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)

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Posted in Photo Challenge, Restaurants

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