Roundup: Housing Bill Update, Plus: Ride Your Bike, Be Safe, Play Mini-golf …

Posted on May 23, 2025 | 3 comments

Danielle Dobin reports that after a massive outreach to legislators by citizens around the state, a vote on HB 5002 — omnibus legislation that would overhaul the rights of municipalities to control zoning related to affordable housing — was delayed yesterday.

An amended version of the bill will be released by state legislators, likely on Tuesday. A vote may be held the same day.

CT Mirror has a full report on the bill, and yesterday’s developments, here.

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There’s no rain in the forecast for tomorrow’s Parks & Recreation Department Kickoff to Summer extravaganza at Compo Beach (Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

There’s a Touch-a-Truck show, face painting, obstacle courses, raffles and food trucks.

It’s a perfect place for bikes. And Bike Westport invites everyone to ride to the beach (or bring bikes in your car).

They’ll be set up by the basketball court, with:

  • Bike Rodeo: Kids navigate a safe, marked course with cones/signals (helmets required). Led by the Westport Police Department.
  • Helmet inspection and bike assessment: Is your gear up to date and safe to ride? A professional mechanic will be there to assess.
  • Test Ride: New bikes, E-bikes and traditional, if you’re looking to upgrade.
  • Giveaways: Bike Westport swag, and CB Sportif discount coupons for bike service.
  • Bike Westport info: Learn how to get involved and donate. Share your ideas for safer, more walkable and bike friendly streets and routes in Westport.

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Speaking of bikes: The town’s next Traffic and Pedestrian Safety update session is Thursday, May 29 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force will offer details on their progress, and hear input from residents about issues of concern.

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Bedford Middle School was packed last night, for Westport Public Schools’ 4th annual district-wide art exhibition

“Spark” — a celebration of student creativity and artistic expression — is “a powerful display of the depth and breadth of arts education and the role it plays in shaping thoughtful, expressive, and empathetic students,” says Steve Zimmerman, WPS music and visual arts coordinator.

The show features over 1,000 works of art from students in pre-K through Advanced Placement Art & Design. They include observational drawings, mixed media, sculptures and digital art.

A small part of the large “SPARK” student art exhibit.

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Back in the day, there were 2 mini-golf courses in Westport.

Is it time for another?

The Westport Youth Commission wants to know.

They’ve created a quick survey to gauge interest. All ages can participate — because mini-golf appeals to every.

Click here to take the survey. Fore!

The miniature golf course (and driving range), owned by the Backiel family. It’s now the site of the Regents Park condos, near the BevMax shopping plaza.

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The Staples High School internship program is a chance for seniors to get out in the field for a few weeks. They test the real world, right before graduation.

Andre Albanese and Grace Zhang take that literally.

The two are spending their internship with the Westport Farmers’ Market.

They work on farms, help the bakers, learn to makek bagels, and help facilitate the WFM’s operations every Thursday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).

They also spend time learning who grows their food. And they eat plenty of it — happily and healthfully.

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The Mom Salon podcast is a way for women to feel less alone in motherhood.

But what good is listening to their show alone?

Hosts Melissa Fairchild (a post-partum therapist) and Leah Devito (a stylist and community organizer) are hosting “The Ultimate Moms’ Night Out” at Content Studio on Saugatuck Avenue (May 29, 7 p.m.).

In addition to a live capture of their podcast, they promise cocktails, lite bites, Bridgewater chocolates, Sweet Bond permanent jewlery, and plenty of networking opportunities.

Tickets and more details are available here. 

The Mom Salon podcasters.

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Jay Norris is one of Westport’s most active residents. He’s the founder of Westport10, a co-founder and board member of StartUp Westport, Westport Weston Family YMCA board member and former board member of the Westport Library — and that’s just here.

Jay is also co-chair of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the New York Urban League — in addition to his full-time job as co-founder and CEO of Guesst.

In his Urban League role, he’ll celebrate the 59th annual Frederick Douglass Awards Gala in New York (June 5, 6:30 p.m., Ziegfield Ballroom, New York City).

Honorees include Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, actress Meagan Good, Great Performances founder and CEO Liz Neumark, and Xponance founder, CEO and CIO Tina Byles Williams. Details and reservations are available here.

Frederick Douglass

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Viburnum makes its first-ever appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” feature. Welcome!

(Photo/Susan Iseman)

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And finally … on this date in 1829,  Cyrill Demian received a patent for the accordion in Vienna.

(Kick off summer with tomorrow’s Parks & Rec Compo Beach event. And kick off — or continue — your support of “06880” by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Categories, Education, Environment, Politics, Transportation

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Dr. Mark Oestreicher: Legendary Physician Retires

Posted on May 23, 2025 | 12 comments

The cards keep coming.

In the days since Dr. Mark Oestreicher announced his retirement from his dermatology practice of 46 years, the popular physician has been inundated with letters and emails from grateful patients, and their families.

They describe his caring, compassionate manner. They recall important — even life-saving — diagnoses. They say, “You were the best doctor I ever had.”

The praise is well deserved. (Full disclosure: Dr. Oestreicher is my dermatologist. I agree with all the kudos.)

Dr. Mark Oestreicher

In his near half century of practice, Dr. Oestreicher has treated tens of thousands of people. He worked in 2 offices — Westport and Trumbull — from 6:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,  6 days a week.

He saw the parents of patients, and their children — and grandchildren.

The age range, and variety of cases, is what made dermatology so initially appealing, and ultimately so satisfying.

The Bronx High School of Science graduate was the first person in his family to go to college.

After SUNY-Stony Brook, his first choice for medical school was Georgetown. But New York state offered him a $150 Regents scholarship, so he headed to Albany Medical College.

He was interested in internal medicine. A few dermatology cases, though — and conversations with dermatologists — convinced him to switch specialties.

Dermatology involves immunology, physiology and surgery. “You never get bored,” Dr. Oestreicher says.

He did his residency at UCLA. (California is also where he saw his only case of leprosy.) But an earthquake in 1979 sent him and his wife Marilyn back east. He never regretted the move.

Dr. Mark Oestreicher, and his wife Marilyn.

He knew Westport from his aunt and uncle, who built the first home on Pequot Trail. (He visited in the early 1960s to watch New York Giants football games; blacked out in the city, they could be seen here on Hartford’s Channel 3.)

Early in his career, he met highly respected internists like Paul Beres, Harold Steinberg and Robert Altbaum. He gained their trust by diagnosing difficult cases they had sent him. His practice grew.

“I didn’t want to be a technician,” Dr. Oestreicher says, explaining why he has never specialized in Botox and laser treatements.

“I have nothing against cosmetic work. It just wasn’t for me.”

Instead he earned a reputation as a master diagnostician. He recalls with satisfaction a newborn with a high fever, whose body was blistering. She had been tested for fungus and herpes. Dr. Oestreicher realized it was a staph infection. Antibiotics saved her life.

He diagnosed lupus in a woman whose skin was peeling off. He moved her to the burn unit, and saved her life.

His early detections of skin cancer have saved countless livs.

When the AIDS crisis hit in the 1980s, Dr. Oestreicher was the only dermatologist who would see those patients.

For 3 decades, he was the only one to run a dermatology clinic for Medicaid patients at Bridgeport Hospital — for free. He’ll continue there for the rest of the year, even after retiring.

Until 2 years ago Dr. Oestreicher even made house calls, to infirm patients. “She treasured those visits,” the former caregiver of one woman told him recently.

He treasured them too.

Still — in addition to his practice, and teaching at Yale, Bridgeport Hospital and Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Dr. Oestreicher somehow found time to be a Cub Scout master, and soccer and Little League coach.

The Oestreicher family.

He and Marilyn raised 4 children. Their son Matt is a singer/songwriter, who toured with Lady Gaga, worked with Rihanna and Alicia Keys, and is now assistant musical director of the Apollo Theater. Jeffrey is a pediatric emergency doctor at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, while Adam — who gets married next month — manages a tennis club in Trumbull.

Their daughter Amy — a very talented artist, performer and writer — died 4 years ago, after a multi-year battle with rare stomach problems. “She was surrounded by a circle of excellence,” her father says, of support from doctors and the community.

Two cancers — and chemotherapy, which destroyed 70% of his lungs — have forced Dr. Oestreicher to retire. His last day in the office is June 30.

Until then he sees patients in the morning, 3 days a week. He gets in early, takes oxygen, then does what he has done for 46 years.

“I spend plenty of time with each one,” Dr. Oestreicher says. “We kibbitz. We laugh.”

Dr. Mark Oestreicher, mid-career.

His cancer has limited some of what he will do in retirement. But he plans to join the Y’s Men, join Marilyn at their favorite restaurant (Sakura), and continue to make a difference in his community.

He’ll have time with his wife, too. He and Marilyn celebrate their 53rd anniversary in July. “I’m the luckiest guy,” he says.

“I always stress to my staff: We’re here to make a difference in people;s lives. They’re often scared. Our job is to let them know what’s going on, and feel okay. I never compromised. I always put them first.”

In his retirement letter to patients, Dr. Oestreicher expressed his “deepest gratitude to every one of you for entrusting me with your health over the years.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your doctor, and I am grateful for the relationships we have built. Your trust and support have been the driving force behind my commitment to excellence.”

“I just love being a doctor,” Dr. Oestreicher says.

His patients love having him as their doctor, too.

Which is why the thank-you cards, letters and emails keep pouring in.

 

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Pics Of The Day #2955

Posted on May 22, 2025 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2955

Wakeman Town Farm farm … (Photo/Seth Schachter)

… and just over the bridge, on Post Road West (Photo/Nancy Breakstone)

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Community Garden Steering Committee Endorses Burr Farms Site

Posted on May 22, 2025 | 62 comments

Today, the Westport Community Garden Steering Committee sent an update to its “gardening families.” The email offered reasons to reject a relocation of the garden from Long Lots School to Baron’s South.

They propose a different site: part of Burr Farms Field, off Long Lots Road. The steering committee wrote: 

You may have read that the town of Westport has submitted a new 8-24 for 13 Hyde Lane/new Long Lots School Site Plan, removing the Westport Community Gardens completely from the property to make way for a multi-use Parks & Recreation field, post-construction.

The Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet to discuss, and possibly vote on, this 8-24 on Monday, June 9.

As a possible relocation site for the gardens, the town suggested Baron’s South.

After carefully touring the property and thoroughly researching its suitability, we, as your Steering Committee and representatives of this community, came to the conclusion that we could not, in good conscience, recommend it.

Proposal for Community Gardens at Baron’s South.

The safety and health concerns — along with accessibility and environmental factors — would place too many of our gardeners at risk. Baron’s South is not a long-term solution to a long-term problem.

We have consistently asked the town for a collaborative effort to identify an alternative location, should we not be allowed to co-exist with the new Long Lots School. Despite multiple outreach attempts and ideas, we have not received any meaningful response or engagement.

In light of that, we recently submitted a formal proposal to relocate the Westport Community Garden to a portion of Burr Farms Field, located on Burr School Road off Long Lots Road.

Burr Farms Fields, located on the site of the former elementary school.

If you are unfamiliar with the property, we encourage you to visit it. This site offers many of the same benefits that made our current garden so successful: It is sunny, flat, centrally located, easily accessible with ample parking, and complementary to the surrounding neighborhood. We believe it offers a truly viable and equitable path forward.

A copy of our submitted proposal is attached for your review.

The letter noted that “the space is underused, with a portion currently chained off from any use at all.”

The steering committee asked to share the property. One baseball diamond would remain, with the outfield “still available for tot soccer or other light recreational use.”

One possible location for the gardens. Burr School Road is at the left; the parking area is at top …

The location “also complements the property’s character and history,” the committee said. From 1958 through the early 1980s, it served as athletic fields for Burr Farms Elementary School. The building to the north of the fields was demolished, and was replaced by homes.

Existing fencing could be repurposed, with “only minimal infrastructure, such as hose hookups and permiter fencing” needed to get started. 

… and a second one.

The steering committee called deferring a relocation decision to a townwide planning process with consultants “expensive, slow, and frequently re-opened by incoming administrations to suit shifting priorities.”

The letter to gardening families continued:

Thank you for being a part of what makes our community garden so special. Your spirit, care and commitment have built more than garden beds — you’ve created a deeply rooted community. We remain hopeful that together we’ll soon be planting new seeds in a new, beautiful space where this community can continue to grow and thrive.

The current Burr Farms site.

 

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Roundup: Fine Arts Festival, Long Lots School, StartUp Westport …

Posted on May 22, 2025 | 2 comments

Westport’s Fine Arts Festival is just 2 days away.

On Saturday and Sunday (May 24 and 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the national Top 20 show draws 165 fine artists from 19 states to Main Street and Elm Street. As always, there are returning faces. This year, 41 artists are new.

The Westport Downtown Association event includes plenty of family activities. They include Elmo and friends, facepainting, crafts, games, dancing and photo ops.

There’s wine and beer for adults, plenty of food vendors, and lots of great music. Lots more information is available here.

Of course, “06880” will add more details, as the Fine Arts Festival nears.

Dozens of artists, tons of fun at the Fine Arts Festival. (Photo/Talia Varsano)

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The new Long Lots Elementary School is on the agenda for a joint Conservation Commission, and Flood & Erosion Control Board, meeting June 4 (7 p.m., Zoom; meeting ID 864 1571 7675; passcode 407757).

Later in the meeting, the Flood & Erosion Control Board, meeting separately, will consider the wetlands aspects of the application for the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.

 Muddy Brook, near Long Lots Elementary School. (Photo/Peter Swift)

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If you’ve been to a StartUp Westport social event, you know how much fun — and productive — it is.

If not: You’ve got your chance.

The town’s public/private organization for tech, innovators and entrepreneurs hosts its not social on June 5 (6:30 p.m., La Plage restaurant).

No panels, no presentations — just good people, great conversation, waterfront views (and a cash bar). RSVP here.

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Michele Sorensen and horseshoe crabs are the main attractions at Friends of Sherwood Island‘s annual general meeting Sorensen on June 8 (4 p.m.).

Sorensen — a longtime volunteer — receives the “True Friend Award.”

Jo-Marie Masinak of Sacred Heart University will speak about horseshoe crab research, conservation and education.

There are refreshments, and the meeting is open to all.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between May 14 and 21.

They issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Texting, 2nd offense: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • No passing zone violation: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Disobeying the signal of an officer: 1

Do not disobey a police officer!

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Eleish Van Breens Home celebrates “Glorious Gardens and Styled Interiors,” with a meet-and-greet and book signing with author Dara Caponigro and interior stylist Mieke Ten Have on June 4 (June 4, 4 p.m., 177 Main Street).

“Botanical beverages” and lite bites are provided by Allium. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local garden clubs.

Dara Caponigro’s book.

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Everyone has heard of the Lindy, twist and electric slide.

But the grizzly bear? Maxixe? Lulu fado?

Susan de Gardiola has. And the social dance historian brings her knowledge to the Weston History & Culture Center on May 31 (2 p.m.). Her “May I Have This Dance?” celebrates the openng of an exhibit on the changes in dance and music in the years from the sinking of the Titanic through World War I.

She’ll talk about fads, and the musicians of that era too. Free for members; $10 for non-members.

The companion exhibit — from her private collection — includes original early 20th century dance manuals, rare sheet music, and dance cards.

The next day (June 1, 2 p.m.), the Weston History & Culture Center hosts a Ragtime Tea Dance. De Guardiola will teach the 1-step, 2-step, foxtrot, tango and other dances from the ragtime era. No partner or experience needed! Tickets are $25 for members, $35 non-members. Only 25 spots are available.

Irene and Vernon Castle.

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Spring is finally — and fully — here.

Greenery is everywhere. Including today’s “Westport … Naturally” view, in the Old Hill neighborhood.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

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Amd finally … Norm died.

His real name is George Wendt. But everybody knows his name.

(Like “Cheers” years ago, “06880” is something you trust will always be there. We rely on reader support to make that happen. Please click here to make sure we keep serving ’em up for you.)

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[OPINION] Soccer Coach Situation Could Have Been Solved. More Trouble May Lie Ahead.

Posted on May 22, 2025 | 49 comments

“06880” founder and executive editor Dan Woog writes:

This is not going away.

The Board of Education, superintendent of schools, and Staples High principal and athletic director may hope that the tsunami of outrage following the non-renewal of boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense will disappear soon.

School will be out in a month. Certainly then, the thinking goes, students, parents and alumni will move on to another concern.

But that is magical thinking. It’s as unconnected to reality as the 14-hour “appeal hearing” in which 8 people were not allowed to testify, crucial evidence was withheld from the Board, and administrators (over and over) “did not recall.”

This is not going away. In fact, much worse lies ahead.

Despite what some think, this has gone far beyond a “soccer coach” issue. The 7-month process revealed an astonishing lack of guidance for coaches; arbitrary and capricious discipline across other Staples sports, and a complete absence of due process.

Taxpayers are seeing how much money is being spent in cases involving top administrators.

Parents across the board – in sports, academics, extracurriculars and special education – are coming forward with stories about disrespect and poor treatment. They are legion.

And students are watching.

At Town Hall last week, and again at Staples 4 days later, they saw their anger and concerns brushed aside, dismissed, even mocked.

They heard that Westport holds its coaches, teachers and students to a high standard. Yet they have seen over and over that the standards for an investigation, or an appeal hearing, can be appallingly low.

And though this has moved beyond a soccer-only situation, the entire school saw that a near-70-year-old program that earned national renown has been decimated.

Not once since October has the athletic director, principal or superintendent reached out to the 60 young men in the boys soccer program and asked, “How are you doing?”

The saddest part in this nobody-wins drama is that it did not have to be this way.

For 7 months, those in power could have found a solution. They could have reached out, talked, planned next steps to help the soccer coach and program, improve policies and procedures, and avoid a townwide uproar.

No one in power took those steps. And now – in the aftermath of what is widely seen as an immensely flawed hearing, and despite even more offers to avoid even more uproar – they are doubling down on their decision.

In a school district that decries bullying, students have learned that adults can be bullies too. Students learned that quiet discussion, compromise and resolution can be viewed as weakness. They learned life-long lessons about arrogance, stubbornness and cowardice.

This is not going away. Buckle up.

49 Comments

Posted in Categories, Education, Local politics, Staples HS

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[OPINION] New State Zoning Proposal Could Bring Drastic Changes To Westport

Posted on May 22, 2025 | 45 comments

Danielle Dobin is a current member of Westport’s Board of Finance, and the previous chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission. She submitted this opinion as a private citizen, and not on behalf of any board or commission.

Westporters don’t always see eye to eye — and that’s a good thing.

We are a community that cares deeply, thinks independently, and engages actively with each other and our local officials. Over the past few weeks we’ve seen spirited conversations around zoning decisions like the proposed Hamlet development, and debates relating to our schools, including the Board of Education soccer coach appeal and the possible implementation of a bell-to-bell cell phone ban at Staples.

But occasionally an issue comes along that is so consequential, so far-reaching, that it deserves our collective attention — regardless of where we stand on any particular local issue. Right now, that issue is House Bill 5002.

Just introduced in the state legislature, this massive omnibus “aircraft carrier” bill consolidates numerous housing and zoning proposals into a single piece of legislation — one that could be voted on as early as tonight or tomorrow.

Among its most impactful provisions:

  • Density Explosion: Every single commercially zoned lot in Westport (400+ parcels) in every single neighborhood in town will be automatically re-zoned to allow the development of up to 9 units of “middle housing” (townhouses, cottage clusters, etc.) without ANY public hearing, and with no off-street parking required.
  • Municipal liability for legal fees: Towns like Westport would be forced, at the court’s discretion, to pay developers’ legal fees when defending against 8-30g affordable housing lawsuits — even when we are trying to enforce reasonable land use protections.
  • Off-Street Parking: This bill eliminates ALL off-street parking requirements for buildings under 24 units, and only allows a P&Z to require off-street parking for larger developments based on a developer’s own parking assessment.
  • As-of-right office-to-residential conversions: This bill will allow the conversion of any office building in any zone to be turned into multifamily housing. The town will be prohibited from re-assessing the newly created multifamily or higher taxes for 3 years.
  • Fair Share housing mandates: Westport would be required to zone for 1,495–2,461 affordable and deeply affordable housing units. If those units are built as part of developments with only 20% affordability — as is typical — this would mean up to 12,305 new housing units, or we both lose infrastructure funding, and we’ll face a tougher battle seeking our next moratorium from 8-30g.
  • Work-Live-Ride transit district incentives: Towns that don’t preemptively create designated transit districts may lose access to critical infrastructure grants if they don’t allow high-density, as-of-right multifamily development with no off-street parking, especially where single family home zoning exists (Stony Point, Burritt’s Landing) near transit hubs like the Saugatuck station.
  • Loss of state infrastructure funding: Westport will have limited access to essential grants — such as STEAP, Main Street, and Town Aid Road – which will be tied to compliance with state-mandated zoning changes required by Fair Share and Work-Live-Ride.

What does this mean for Westport? It means a potential tidal wave of development with no parking. It means the erosion of local decision-making. And it means the financial burden of litigation costs that towns will be forced to bear.

Westport relies on state Town Aid Road grants for a significant portion of our annual paving projects. Westport utilizes STEAP grants, such as the $1 million grant we are seeking for the Cross Highway culvert replacement, to fund critical infrastructure projects.

Whether you support mixed-use development or housing only in Saugatuck; if you advocate for preserving Westport exactly as it looks today or with changes; whether you favor or oppose the closing of Church Lane to vehicular traffic; whatever your thoughts on the high school cellphone ban, every Westporter should be concerned about the loss of local control and the scope of mandates being imposed without adequate consideration of infrastructure, schools, traffic, or environmental impact.

This passage of this bill will immediately transform our zoning to allow for THOUSANDS of new units (via the rezoned commercial lots and office conversions), with little to no parking for the new residents.

This is a moment for Westporters to stand together.

I urge you to contact our state delegation today and share your perspective — before it’s too late:

  • State Senator Ceci Maher – ceci.maher@cga.ct.gov
  • State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg – jonathan.steinberg@cga.ct.gov
  • State Rep. Dominique Johnson – dominique.johnson@cga.ct.gov

We may not always agree — but we all deserve a voice in decisions that will shape the future of our town.

Read the full House Bill 5002 here.

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Pic Of The Day #2954

Posted on May 21, 2025 | 1 comment

Classic Compo cannons (Photo/William Weiss)

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Unsung Hero #383

Posted on May 21, 2025 | 8 comments

The choice for this week’s Unsung Hero may be unusual.

Beatrice Franklin is an attorney. She represented Russell Oost-Lievense — pro bono — in last week’s marathon hearing to appeal the non-renewal of his contract.

The Board of Education denied his appeal.

But the long day was filled with drama. Over 14 hours, her cross-examinations, objections and statements could have been taken from a TV courtroom show.

Yet this wasn’t scripted. It was real life. The dozens of students packed into Town Hall got a real-life lesson in the law.

Beatrice Franklin

Several students — transfixed by her poise and passion — wanted to know more. They googled her, and learned she graduated from Harvard University (magna cum laude) and Columbia Law School.

They saw she was named a Rising Star by National Law Journal, and was on Lawdragon’s Next Generation of Leading Lawyers list.

They learned she clerked for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

In a day that was mostly about men — 2 coaches; the Board of Education “mediator”; the superintendent of schools, Staples principal and athletic director, and their lawyer — Franklin stood out.

During a break in the proceedings, she walked into the lobby.

A group of girls watched, awe-struck. In their eyes, the attorney was a rock star.

“I think I want to be a lawyer,” one said.

If her work inspired only one girl — or boy — to want a career dedicated to justice, and the rule of law, then Beatrice Franklin won the day.

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

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Roundup: Parks & Rec Summer Kickoff, Saatva Olympic Mattresses, Startup Westport Networking …

Posted on May 21, 2025 | 1 comment

This Saturday marks the start of Memorial Day weekend.

And — thanks to Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department — it’s also the kickoff to summer.

Plus the grand reopening of the Compo Beach playground.

The full day at Compo begins with an “unveiling” at the playground, at 10:30 a.m. There’s a special invitation to all who helped renovate it. Wear your team shirts, for a group photo.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the family-friendly “Kickoff to Summer” includes:

  • Touch-a-Truck, with vehicles from Westport Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation Maintenance
  • Face painting
  • Obstacle courses
  • Program info and demonstrations
  •  Raffle prizes, with giveaways from Longshore Golf, Longshore Sailing School, and IST Camp
  • Food trucks: Good Burger. The Parlor Pizza, The Milk Truck, LobsterCraft, Fork in the Road.

But wait! There’s more!

At 8:15 p.m., a bonus Movie Night at the Beach — “Trolls” — begins. Bring a blanket and chairs, for the grand finale of the Kickoff to Summer.

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The “06880” tagline is “Where Westport meets the world.”

It doesn’t get more worldly than the Olympics.

Saatva — the  luxury mattress company whose made-to-order products are hand-delivered by white-glove teams; whose founder and CEO Ron Rudzin is a longtime Westporter, and which last summer opened a store across from the Sherwood Diner —  will be the official provider of mattresses and bedding for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The cardboard bed frames used in Tokyo in 2020 and Paris last year — selected for sustainability and, some reports said, to collapse under the weight of 2 people enjoying more than sleeping — did not win any medals. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

You can get the same bedding as Olympians, right next to Walgreens. (Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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It may rain tomorrow.

But the Westport Farmers’ Market is still on: Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot.

“Farmers don’t head inside when it rains,” the Market says. “Produce does not press pause — nor do we.

“While we might not have the perfect sunny day, we have the perfect array of food for your kitchen.”

In addition to 36 vendors, the market features “Get Growing” — educating kids on the value of shopping local through art projects and activities — plus music and more.

A little rain won’t stop the Farmers’ Market. (Photo/Quinn Fitts)

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Vibrant Health — the Westport-based Vibrant Health premium superfood formulas and dietary supplements company — will not officially launch its rebrand until January.

But the new logo design and assorted branding has already won 3 awards.

None of it would have happened though, without Startup Westport.

The town’s public/private organization for tech, innovators and entrepreneurs has a strong networking component.

At one meeting, Ted Schachter introduced Vibrant Health owners Ted and Paige Parker to CJ Yeh from Cinda Media, and their design team.

The design “conveys growth, innovation, and the synergy between science and holistic well-being.” It even includes a new typeface.

Many more success stories can be traced to StartUp  Westport. Learn more about the organization — including upcoming events — here.  (Hat tip: Jay Norris)

From left: Vibrant Health owners Ted and Paige Parker, and the Cinda Media design team, with the rebrand award.

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Speaking of awards: Congratulations to Chloe Robbin, Olivia Whee and Charlotte Naughton.

The Bedford Middle School 6th graders took 2nd place in the international World of 8 Billion student video contest.

More than 3,200 videos were created this year, from around the world. Students could choose to focus on Child Well-being, Rainforest Ecosystems or Sanitation, with at least one idea for a sustainable solution.

The BMS youngsters filmed “The Scoop on Poop.”

Olivia says, “We love animals, and we knew that deforestation was destroying a lot of their homes in the rainforest.”

Research was inspired by Chloe’s grandparents, who had a notebook from Thailand made from elephant feces.

Workshop instructor Sean Murphy helped his students bring their ideas to life. Click on the video below to see their work.

The 2nd place winners!

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Like anyone getting ready to move, longtime residents Carl Addison Swanson and JoAnn Miller are getting rid of some belongings.

Unlike many, that includes several large outdoor sculptures, by 1971 Staples High School graduate Kelley Spearen.

They’ve already donated one to Wakeman Town Farm.

There’s another for sale. It’s $5,000. If interested, email carladdisonswanson@yahoo.com.

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Yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club guest speaker was a familiar face: Westport Library executive diretor Bill Harmer.

He spoke about the effect of technology (research queries are up, because Google does not have all the answers), the success of Verso Studios and Verso University, and an exciting new creative project to be announced soon.

Westport Library director Bill Harmer, at the Rotary Club. (Photo/Alec Foege)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — a swallowtail butterfly — was found warming itself by the side of the Sherwood Diner.

(Photo/Clarence Hayes)

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And finally … in honor of the sculpture for sale by Carl Addison Swanson and JoAnn Miller (story above):

(There’s no question about it: “06880” relies on reader support. Here’s the answer: Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution.  Here’s the follow-up: Thank you very much!)

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