Roundup: We Voted! VersoFest! New Poet Laureate! …

Posted on April 3, 2024 | 1 comment

Connecticut’s presidential primary ended yesterday.

No surprise: Joe Biden and Donald Trump won their respective parties’ votes.

In the Democratic primary, Biden collected 710 votes. There were 29 ballots cast for “Uncommitted,” 7 for Marianne Williamson, and 3 for Dean Phillips.

In the Republican primary, Trump got 184 votes. There were 72 ballots for Nikki Haley, 23 for “Uncommitted,” and 4 for Ron DeSantis.

Statewide, Biden and Trump also prevailed, with about 85% and 78% of their respective parties’ votes. Only 1.4% of the state’s voters participated.

But there was one surprise: In the first-ever week of early voting, Westport had the third highest turnout of voters in the entire state.

Hamden led with 1,197 early voters. Wallingford was next, with 506.

Westport was not far behind: 460 residents cast early ballots (361 Democrats, 99 Republicans).

As Election Day voting began (background of the photo below), Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas presented a (tiny) trophy to Westport’s registrars of voters: Democrat Deborah Greenberg (left) and Republican Maria Signore.

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VersoFest 2024 kicks off today (Wednesday, April 3).

It’s the first of 5 days celebrating music, media, and creativity, with concerts, panels, workshops and more.

The Westport Library’s annual music and media conference and festival is “where knowledge is shared and inspiration is discovered — a forum for media creators, artists, and fans to converge.”

Up to 6,000 guests are expected.

Headliners include Chuck D (Public Enemy), producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T. Rex), drummer John Densmore (The Doors), plus Cindy and Dennis Dunaway, Tish & Snooky of Manic Panic, the Cold Crush Brothers, Tony Tone, Grand Wizzard Theodore, and author Audrey Golden.

This year’s shows include the Thursday night kickoff with the Lemon Twigs, and Friday’s concert headlined by the Spin Doctors.

Click here for the schedule, and more details.

 

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2-4-6-8
Westport needs a new poet laureate!

Okay, that won’t get me the job. But if you’re more qualified than I:

It’s National Poetry Month, and the town has begun searching for a new poet laureate. Current poet Jessica Noyes McEntee’s 2-year appointment ends July 1.

He or she serves as a cultural ambassador, promoting poetry appreciation and literacy throughout town.

The ideal candidate is a published poet with a strong connection to Westport, and a passion for sharing their love of poetry with others.

The Poet Laureate is responsible for creating and delivering original poems for significant civic events, hosting workshops and readings, and collaborating with local schools and organizations.

Click here for more information, and the application. The deadline is May 10.

Questions? Email waac@westportct.gov, with the subject line “Poet.”

Westport’s first and second poet laureates Diane Lowman (left) and Jessie Noyes McEntee on the Westport Library screen. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Tomorrow (April 4, 5 to 9 p.m.) is when Westport Police Department officers will “work” with the wait staff at Rizzuto’s restaurant. Customers are encouraged to leave extra tips. They all go to Special Olympics Connecticut.

Our police are known as Westport’s finest. Thanks to the force, Rizzuto’s and Special Olympics, for this very “fine” idea.

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Aaron Fortunoff is a Staples High School freshman. His brother Brett Fortunoff is in 7th grade at Bedford Middle School. Both boys have big hearts and great goals. They write:

“In the spirit of giving and being thankful, we can’t forget about those who are less fortunate and fail to receive a proper daily breakfast — the most important meal of the day.

“So we teamed up with a non-profit called Cereal4All that helps provide cereals to local food pantries. We hope ‘06880’ readers can help us with this important cause.

“For local readers, we will be by both entrances of Stop & Shop this Sunday (April 7, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). We will then deliver the collected cereal to food pantries in Fairfield County.

“There will also be a collection box at Temple Israel in Westport throughout May.

“For readers who are not local, we created an Amazon wish list you can donate to.  Also, you can Venmo our mother: @lauriefortunoff. She will buy cereal with the money raised:  You can also click here and donate directly to the charity. The donation is tax deductible.

Aaron and Brett Fortunoff, at their first Cereal4All drive last year.

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The Westport Astronomical Society shines a light on the early universe, at their next free online lecture series.

Robert A. Simcoe, director of MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, discusses “Science in the Early Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope” (April 16, 8 p.m.).

He studies the formation of the earliest stars and galaxies by constructing custom-built spectrometers for major astronomical observatories.

Click here for the Zoom link. Click here for the YouTube livestream.

Just another view of outer space.

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The Fresh Market ospreys are not our only raptors.

The Sherwood Island Mill Pond birds of prey are back too on the west side, opposite the oyster house, Chris Swan says.

The other two nearby nests — one near I-95 accessible from Grove Point Road, the other opposite the Nature Center in the Sherwood Island State Park salt marsh — appear to have occupants, though Chris says the combination of clouds and his weak eyes preclude a definite “yes.”

The nearby Burying Hill platform appears empty, Chris says.

Sherwood Island Mill Pond osprey nest. (Photo/Chris Swan)

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In 2021, Westporters Eva Grant-Rawiszer and Diana Sussman created — with 2 other women — “Virtually Ours.”

Our show was created in 2021.

The musical rom-com about 5 very busy professionals in their late 20s and early 30s who turn to an unusual AI-driven dating app to find their perfect mate was selected by the Spark Theater Festival New York City.

It was presented last month to a full house, at an Emerging Artists Theater showcase.

Click here for highlights. Click below for the sizzle reel.

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Longtime Westport resident Winifred Keane passed away peacefully Monday, in Wallingford. She was 93.

She was born in Beijing in 1931, where her father was a naval doctor. She had an itinerant childhood. The family eventually settled in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

In 1952 Winifred earned a BFA degree in voice and composition from the University of Pennsylvania where she met her first husband, CommonFund founder George Keane. They had three children: award-winning composer and musician Brian Keane; cellist Geoffrey Keane, and physical therapist, Dr. Sheila Keane.

After moving to the Berkshires as a new mother, Winifred directed a church choir. She sang and composed music for them, and won 2 scholarships to Tanglewood.

Moving to Westport in 1957, Winifred studied voice with Metropolitan Opera bass Alexander Kipnis. She made her Carnegie Hall debut as lyric soprano in 1962 to critical acclaim.

Winifred performed her compositions in concert halls including Columbia and Yale Universities, Lincoln Center and the Charles Ives Festival in Danbury.

After obtaining teaching certification in music from Western Connecticut State University she taught children in New Canaan, and adults at Fairfield University. She also had private students, and ran The Creative Music Studio in Westport for several years. Later, she took up the French horn and played in bands, orchestras and solo recitals.

Winifred received an MFA degree in composition from Sarah Lawrence College. Her woodwind and percussion compositions were premiered there under Saul Goodman of the New York Philharmonic in 1972.

Her interest in world music drew her to sing Indian ragas at Wesleyan University, and folk songs in Mandarin with Chinese traditional instrumentalists.

She was the recipient of commissions, awards and prizes for her compositions from the Westport Arts Center, the National League of American Pen Women, and the National Endowment of the Arts. Her composition “International Greeting” was commissioned by the US Coast Guard Band.

She wrote compositions for opera, oratorio, choral, songs, orchestra, band, instrumental, sacred music, electronic and microtonal music. One of her more renowned pieces involved electronically processed recordings of Siamese cats, with vocal soloist and Moog synthesizer, which was choreographed for ballet.

She was a  founding member of Connecticut Composers Inc. Later, she became  interested in poetry, and was published by the Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts.

Winifred lived in Westport for 54 years, before moving to Ashlar Village in Wallingford in 2011.

She was a long-time member of the Religious Society of Friends in Wilton and Middletown. She was a prominent member in Al-Anon. When she moved to Ashlar Village she got involved with various arts and poetry groups.

Winifred Keane was predeceased by her sisters Lorraine Morey and Jean Albright; her ex-husbands George Keane and Harvey Brickman, and long-time companion and fellow Westporter Walter Schlenker. She is survived by her  children Brian, Geoffrey and Sheila; grandchildren Wylder and Dylan Keane, and sisters Mary Weightman, Barbara Schauber and Carol Amling.

A memorial service is set for Sunday, April 7 (2 p.m., Chapel at Masonicare Health Center, Ashlar Village, Wallingford; click here for the livestream.

There will be a smaller Quaker memorial at Wilton Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 13 (2 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Wilton Quaker Meeting to support programs for social justice, environmental activism and education.

Winifred Keane

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows spring trying hard to arrive at Covlee Drive on Saugatuck Shores:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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And finally … in honor of Westport’s search for a new poet laureate (story above) — and Sunday’s story about Phil Ochs — let’s listen to the folk singer’s haunting rendition of Alfred Noyes’ classic poem “The Highwayman”:

(Wow! We crammed a ton into today’s Roundup. If you appreciate this daily feature — or anything else about “06880” — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

 

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After Life-Changing Battle, Jessica Branson Stands Stronger Than Ever

Posted on April 3, 2024 | 5 comments

It’s hard to imagine a Westporter more active, engaged and upbeat than Jessica Branson.

The 1996 Staples High School graduate — a former soccer and volleyball player — worked in Australia after Colgate University. Moving back here, she spent over 2 decades in advertising and marketing. She helped build a variety of brands, including Coke, Jeep and Trojan.

Always healthy, she didn’t think much of some stomach problems in the winter of 2021.

But after a couple of months she lost motor functions. She dropped cups, fell often, then could not even walk.

No one could figure out what was happening

Finally, on Jessica’s second visit to Norwalk Hospital, a neurologist said, “I’m 99% certain you have Guillain-Barré Syndrome.”

Jessica had never heard of the rare autoimmune disorder. It affects 1 to 2 people out of every 100,000.

But it was clear: Her body was fighting its own nervous system.

Despite intense pain, Jessica Branson managed a smile.

She began intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Healthy antibodies quieted her angry ones.

But she was paralyzed from shoulders down. The disease deprived her of her mobility, yet her nerves continued to fire signals. They tingled, all over her body. 

The pain was “excruciating,” she says. Her body felt like it was constantly vibrating.

Though the disease is related to ALS and multiple sclerosis, it attacks the peripheral — not the central — nervous system.

The good news is, 85% of Guillain-Barré patients respond to treatment.

The bad news: It takes a long time. GBS, it is said, stands for “Get Better Slowly.”

After 2 weeks in Norwalk Hospital, Jessica was transferred to Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford for rehabilitation.

She had to learn how to pick up a pencil, take a shower — and walk — again.

Fortunately, the GBS had not affected her mouth. Some patients can’t swallow or breathe, and need speech therapy.

“I was 41 years old. I laughed at the doctor when he said it would take 1 to 2 years” to recover, she said.

Jessica Branson today.

Three years later, she’s not yet fully healed.

After 4 months at Gaylord, Jessica returned to her Newtown Turnpike home. She spent the first year in a wheelchair.

Thankfully, she says, her home has just one floor. She and her husband had never considered mobility issues when they bought it.

It was mid-summer, 2021. COVID was still rampant. No one could visit.

Her friends did what they could. She is grateful for the community outpouring of support.

At Christmastime, they decorated her ramp so it looked beautiful — “just like Terrain.”

Jessica Branson’s neighbors raised her holiday spirits.

Still, it took well over a year before she could drive again. Her feet could not feel the pedals.

Throughout her ordeal, Jessica’s spirit never wavered.

Now, as she re-emerges into the world, she wants one thing: to give back.

She is guiding another woman — a 42-year-old Westport mom — through her own long journey with GBS.

The morning we spoke, Jessica had been at Gaylord Hospital, helping strategize a fundraising campaign.

She works with a national foundation. And she’s helping doctors at Yale and Massachusetts General with their clinical studies.

She’s back at work professionally, too.

Jessica created Branson Growth Consulting with a simple vision: to help businesses and individuals grow, by telling their stories.

“You never know when your story will become someone else’s survival guide,” she says, quoting author Brené Brown.

Jessica Branson’s mantra.

She works with local non-profits like Staples Tuition Grants, Homes with Hope and Positive Directions, to get their stories in front of the community.

And she is writing a book about “the view of the word from 3 feet” — a wheelchair — to educate readers about GBS, and champion solutions for the disabled community.

If you look at Jessica today, it’s hard to see anything wrong. “My motor side has recovered,” she says. “But my sensory side has not. I still feel disconnected from my feet. I’m a former athlete, and I’m re-learning the basics of how to balance myself, and how to walk.”

For someone who always felt so connected to her body, that disassociation is both “horrible, and humbling.”

It would have been easy to feel sorry for herself, or become depressed. But, Jessica says, “that wouldn’t have helped. I couldn’t do anything, so all I had were my thoughts. I decided to think about recovery.”

She recognizes the advantages she had — the resources to be in a hospital; a motorized wheelchair, and someone to push it — and says, “I have my voice. Now I’m looking for my stage.”

(Click here, to see a News12 story on Jessica Branson.)

(“06880” often posts stories of remarkable Westporters or Staples graduates — or both, like Jessica Branson. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #2541

Posted on April 2, 2024 | 2 comments

Saugatuck River railroad bridge (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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Roundup: Jimmy Pitaro, Cell Tower, Tommy …

Posted on April 2, 2024 | 4 comments

StartUp Westport — our town’s public/private tech entrepreneurship venture — is all about innovation.

So it’s no surprise they’ve chosen an innovative selection as their first-ever “Innovator of the Year” awardee.

Jimmy Pitaro — chair of ESPN — will be honored on April 30, at the Westport Library.

The award will go each year to “a member of the greater Westport community whose work exemplifies the ability to embrace opportunities, forward looking ideas or technologies that shape the future for the betterment of the lives of others.”

ESPN sports personality Mike Greenberg — a fellow Westport resident — will interview Pitaro on his accomplishments during the ceremony.

“ESPN brings joy and excitement into the homes of hundreds of millions of people around the globe every day,” says Startup Westport president Cliff Sirlin. Jimmy’s dynamic leadership and groundbreaking initiatives make him a worthy recipient.”

Pitaro has led ESPN with strategic advancements and innovative concepts. He has overseen great growth in the network’s digital and social presence, along with audience expansion, diverse storytelling and community engagement.

Proceeds from the event benefit The Westport Library. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Jimmy Pitaro, at ESPN headquarters. (Photo/Joe Faraoni)

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After several years of controversy, construction on the cell tower at 92 Greens Farms Road began last summer.

Yesterday, the antenna was installed.

(Photo/John Richers)

That’s good news for cell phone users, in what has been a dead zone.

And bad news for residents who worried about the scenery, just yards from Hillspoint Road, I-95 and the railroad tracks.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (April 8, 7 p.m.; Zoom [click here for the link]; http://www.Westportct.gov; Optimum Channel 79; Frontier Channel 6020) includes these items:

  •  8-24 request from the 1st Selectwoman to “expand the parking adjacent to Jesup Green and to transform the Parker Harding parking lot layout, resulting in a net parking increase, and to add Public Waterfront Access to the Saugatuck River on Town-owned property in the Business Center District/Village District Overlay Zone/Westport Center.”
  • Request from Longshore Hospitality for “substantial improvements to the Inn at Longshore.”
  • Request for a 2-lot  subdivision of property at 50 Sylvan Road South.

The most recent plan for Jesup Green shows increased parking at the east end (right), and more green space on the west (left).

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Like many boomers, Ellen Botwin remembers “Tommy”: The Who’s 1969 rock opera, and album, and the film 6 years later (with, perhaps most memorably, Tina Turner as the Acid Queen).

Unlike most boomers, the 1974 Staples High School graduate is involved in the Broadway revival, which opened Thursday.

She and her husband, Howard Ignal, are co-producers.

According to Next Avenue, that means traveling often to New York. She “attends readings, meets the cast, sits in on rehearsal and more. Botwin is often called to Zoom meetings with the lead producer, fellow investors and co-producers, directors and actors to discuss marketing and social media, casting and promotional activities, among other topics.”

That sounds like a lot. But she and Ignal are also co-producers of “Cabaret,” opening this month in a very crowded Broadway season.

They are not their first ventures. They invested previously in “Merrily We Roll Along,” among others.

And they’re already looking ahead, to the Holocaust-themed “Here There are Blueberries.”

Unlike the eponymous protagonist of Pete Townshend’s show, Botwin is neither deaf, dumb, nor blind. For Next Avenue’s full story on Botwin’s Broadway efforts, click here. (Hat tip: David Abrams)

Ellen Botwin and Howard Ignal, at the opening of “Funny Girl.” (Photo courtesy of Next Avenue)

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Speaking of entertainment: Noted film critic and longtime Westporter Susan Granger is the guest of Staples’ Film Club at Toquet Hall tomorrow (Wednesday, April 3, 7 p.m.).

And everyone in town is invited.

Granger will be part of a panel, then answer questions from the audience.

Unlike at movie theaters, there are free refreshments too.

 

Susan Granger

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Westport-based Oi tape — which offers mouth tape for sleepers — has launched a new non-vented product.

Mark Nordstrom started the company, with his daughter Natalia. He says:

“Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the US.  The American Heart Association has named quality sleep as one of only 4 behavior changes we can make to improve heart health.

“Quality sleep is closely related to our breathing practices. Mouth-taping is often used at bedtime to reduce mouth-breathing and promote nose-breathing. We should breathe through our nose and eat with our mouth.

“Nose breathing reduces snoring, eliminates waking due to dry mouth, and increases oxygen in our blood streams.  t also helps stimulate our parasympathetic nervous system to reduce anxiety.

“While sleeping with mouth tape may not be for everyone, mouth taping can be used in a variety of situations to promote healthy nasal breathing — while driving, on extended walks, working on the computer, reading a book, etc.

“Proper breathing leads to heart health and other physical benefits we forfeit when we breathe through our mouths.”

Click here to learn more about Oi’s mouth strips. (The name stands for “optimal intake.”

Oi’s non-vented mouth tape.

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This Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (April 4, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; food service from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students) is a family affair.

Guitarist Rale Micic is a VFW favorite. He’s joined by jazz singer Alma Micic.

Also on the bill: bassist Peter Slavov, drummer Jason Tiemann, and — filling in for Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, saxophonist Eric Alexander.

Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Former Westporter Herbert Nachman, of Townsend, Tennessee, died peacefully with his loved ones at his side last Thursday. He was 93.

The Augusta, Georgia native earned a bachelor of arts in journalism from the University of North Carolina. He was active in student publications and his fraternity. He served in the  Korean War as a 2nd lieutenant, and was a retired Air Force Reserves major.

Herb’s early career was in printing and advertising in New York. He then worked as a healthcare communication specialist, serving national pharmaceutical companies.

Herb retired to Townsend in 2000. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, advised small companies on business plans for SCORE of Knoxville, and was a docent at the Heritage Center and a member of the Blount County Community Action Committee.

He was active in the Unitarian Movement his entire life serving in many leadership positions in various churches.  He was a founding member of Foothills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Herb enjoyed skiing, tennis, the gym and travel.  Hiss favorite hobby was cooking, especially baking homemade bread and pizza dough. He especially enjoyed making gourmet meals.

Herb was predeceased by his daughter Katherine and son David (Martha). He is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Serene White (Jai) and Claire Brooks (Wade), grandchildren Kiera Nachman-Kent (Troy), Billy Nachman (Julie), Victoria Nachman Pearson (Dylan) and Sydney Flax, and 4 great grand children.

A memorial service will be held in Maryville, Tennessee. The date will be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Herb’s name can be made to Meals on Wheels or Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center.

Herb Nachman

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As of yesterday, dogs are banned from Compo Beach until September 30.

No word on cockatoos, though.

Karen Como spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject near the pavilion.

And the much duller (but more numerous) gulls.

(Photo/Karen Como)

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And finally … (see story above): “Tommy, can you hear me?”

Yes!

(“Who” will support “06880”? You, we hope! Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation to our hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Downtown, Library, Local politics, Obituaries

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AI: Just Another Day At The Beach

Posted on April 2, 2024 | 8 comments

A recent “06880” story about Couch Potato Salad — Zack Gross’ very clever online word game, using AI computer-generated images — inspired Kevin Carroll to get off his own couch, and play around with ChatBox.

In the AI Image Generator, he wrote: “Create a picture of Compo Beach in Westport, CT in the style of _______.”

Kevin then added the names of 10 different artists.

The results were “pretty cool,” he says.

That’s an understatement.

He sent the images — and a challenge — to “06880”: Guess which picture “belongs” to which artist.

Answers are at the bottom.

From top to bottom, the artists are: Monet, Rockwell, Dali, Warhol, Rousseau, Seuss, Kandinsky, Banksy, Pollock, van Gogh. 

(Despite AI, “06880” still relies entirely on humans to research, write, edit, and do all the other work to publish this blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, technology

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Pic Of The Day #2540

Posted on April 1, 2024 | 4 comments

Today’s sunrise at Sherwood Mill Pond (Photo/Nicole Gorman)

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Roundup: Westport Burgers, Weston Budget …

Posted on April 1, 2024 | 5 comments

Burger King is long gone from Westport. (Spoiler alert: It’s the Starbucks drive-thru.)

But now Matthew Mandell can call himself our new Burger King.

As executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, he oversees events like The Great Burger Contest. Twenty restaurants competed, in 7 categories.

But Matthew didn’t just sit in his office. He went whole hog.

He visited all 20 restaurants, during the 31 days of March. He ate a burger at every one (and tons of fries, too).

Matthew Mandell: 20 burgers in 31 days.

Voting ended at midnight last night. Results will be announced soon.

We’ll also announce how Matthew is feeling.

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Jay Norris is a busy man.

The Westport resident is co-founder and CEO of Guesst, the real estate and restaurant leasing software platform. He also co-founded BlackLight, the world’s first search engine for Black-owned businesses nationwide.

In addition, he helped start Startup Westport, the public/private partnership whose goal is to make our town the tech entrepreneurial capital of Connecticut. He founded Westport10, the social and networking organization for Black men and their families.

And he’s a board member of both the Westport Library, and the Westport Weston Family YMCA. Oh, yeah: He also volunteers as a mentor with A Better Chance of Westport.

Now he’s added a new gig.

Jay was just named co-chair of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. Focusing on innovation and technology, he’ll work to connect tech leaders in New York, and help them come up with solutions for the city and their small-to-medium- sized businesses.

Congratulations, Jay!

Jay Norris

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In this week’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, First Selectwoman Sam Nestor details the proposed FY 2024-25 Weston town budget.

Click below, for the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston feature:

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Yesterday’s Easter sunrise service warmed the hearts of all who headed to somewhat chilly Compo Beach.

Among the scenes:

(Photos/Rick Benson)

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No, this is not an April Fool’s joke.

The Westport Fire Department is not pretending to fill Ned Dimes Marina with water.

They were just down at Compo this weekend, testing out their hoses.

Looks like they work!

(Photo/Lisa Gold)

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Sherwood Island State Park is the scene for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

In just a few short weeks, the same spot will be packed with people.

Enjoy the serenity while you can.

(Photo/Susan Leone)

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And finally … happy April 1!

(Don’t be fooled: Information is not free. “06880” relies on reader support. We’re serious! Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you.)

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Latest Downtown Plan: 3-Story Deck On Parker Harding

Posted on April 1, 2024 | 39 comments

First came the Parker Harding Plaza redesign. Merchants and shoppers howled at the loss of 44 parking spaces.

Then came the solution: adding those spots at Jesup Green. Residents howled at the loss of several century-old trees.

This week, the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will unveil its latest concept: a 3-story parking deck, covering virtually all of Parker Harding Plaza.

“I’m not sure why this hasn’t been proposed before,” says DPIC chair Randy Herbertson.

“The Baldwin lot (behind Brooks Corner) was considered for decking, but it was renovated last year without a structure.

The latest proposal: a 3-story parking structure for Parker Harding.

“Parker Harding is probably a better site. It’s even closer to Main Street. There are entrances and exits at both ends.

“And we not only won’t lose river views — we’ll gain them, by putting a park on top of the parking garage. There will be walkways, benches, trees and flowers. People could even fish from there.”

The park would cover the entire area of the parking structure.

Herbertson says that although some spaces would be lost on the lowest level due to reconfiguration to meet federal Department of Transportation and Americans with Disabilities Act standards, the entire 3-story parking lot would have “650 to 750” parking spots.

That would be enough to solve the entire downtown problem, he says — without removing a single tree from Jesup Green.

Click here to see architectural renderings of the plan.

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Posted in Downtown, Local politics

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Pic Of The Day #2539

Posted on March 31, 2024 | 5 comments

Nyala Farm (Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Real Estate Commissions: Behind The Settlement

Posted on March 31, 2024 | 8 comments

Earlier this month, the National Association of Realtors agreed to a historic deal that could change the entire industry. It eliminates the standard 6% sales commission.

We asked our friends at KMS Team at Compass for their thoughts. They say:

Since the March 15 announcement of the proposed settlement of lawsuits
against the National Association of Realtors, assessments of its impact on
commission rates and even home prices have been making headlines.

Right now, we know three things:

First, beyond the 1.5 million Realtors in the United States, millions of
people are interested in or passionate about real estate, fueling
interpretations and predictions about the impact of this proposal. It is all
speculation until the Department of Justice opines on the settlement offer.

Second, real estate is local. Buying and selling of homes is conducted
differently throughout the United States.

In Connecticut, for example, Buyer Brokerage Contracts were first introduced in 1990, which was among the earliest in the nation.

Agreements, now titled Exclusive Right to Represent Buyer, are required to provide clarity of services a buyer can expect from us and transparency regarding our fees.

Third, commission rates are and always have been negotiable in Fairfield
County. While discount brokerage models have existed for some time, our
community has embraced professional, full-service representation.

This 5-bedroom, 5 1/2-bathroom house at 50 Compo Mill Cove is on the market for $13,500,000. It is 3,915 square feet, on 0.39 acre.

As part of the proposed litigation settlement, NAR plans to modify certain
practices. For example, sellers may, but will not be required to, offer a
commission to the buyer’s representative. Any such offer will not be
included in its Multiple Listing Services.

We believe this may change how agents are compensated for representing home buyers. But the underlying reasons why they are compensated remain.

Like many real estate agents in town, the KMS Team at Compass is and has always been client-focused.

We all see ourselves as partners in achieving clients’ real estate goals. We do everything in our power to find buyers a home — a place where they feel comfortable physically, emotionally, and financially.

To achieve this we ask about, listen to, empathize with and anticipate our
clients’ needs and wants.

We search, evaluate, compare and present properties, and explain their towns/neighborhoods. We offer suggestions, propose alternatives, and recommend competent, trustworthy professionals for all
house-adjacent needs.

We handle paperwork, answer questions, and attend to details. We are on call nearly 24/7/365 for our clients.

(“06880” covers Westport real estate — and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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