After input from neighbors, developers of 1 Glendinning Place have reduced the scope of plans for the property off Weston Road (mostly recently, offices of Bridgewater Associates).
The previous one had 14 units. The new plan includes 10 free-standing units, of 3,000 square feet each.
Two will house special needs affordable residents. There are 3 units in each. One of the 6 will be reserved for a live-in supervisor.
Developer David Waldman notes that this is similar to supportive housing at 136 Riverside Avenue.
The change at 1 Glendinning Place will allow Westport to obtain more 8-30g (affordable housing) moratorium points.
The next step: application to, and hearing with, the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Artists’ rendering shows 10 proposed homes (green) for 1 Glendinning Place. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
Our Town Crier and Westport Marketplace have joined forces.
Now there’s one place for over 800 local listings — restaurants, retail, realtors, services (business, personal and home), and more — along with statewide information for categories like “Pizza Trail” and Valentine’s Day (places to eat and stay; things to do).
The Westport Progress Report on Floodplain Management is complete.
It is prepared annually to enable Westport residents to receive a 10% reduction in their flood insurance. Flood Insurance is offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to communities that participate in the Community Rating System. Click here to read the plan.
Municipalities that participate in the CRS are ranked from 1 (highest) to 10. Classifications warrant what flood insurance rate reductions are offered. Westport’s ranking is 8.
Annual reports are required identifying how Westport is implementing the Western Connecticut Council of Governments Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan. Click here for the Westport report.
Local flooding is becoming more prevalent. This was the scene in a back yard earlier this month. (Photo/Meghan Norris)
“I recently enrolled in USPS Informed Delivery, a service that tells you every day what mail is being delivered to you.
“I was mildly interested until last Friday, when I was informed that I was receiving 6pieces of mail.
“The mailbox was empty. Since that day, none of the indicated pieces of mail have shown up. (The service shows you pictures of the mail pieces, so I know they haven’t arrived.)
“In addition, I had ordered 2 boxes of COVID test kits. On Friday I was informed by USPS in great detail the progress of the delivery of these kits, culminating in notice that the packages were delivered to my mailbox. I have never seen these packages either.
“I have reported the non-deliveries, but have had no response from USPS. I wonder if any others have had similar incidents.”
So, “06880” readers: Do you have USPS Informed Delivery? Have you experienced non-delivery? What are your options if you report them, but never hear back? Please click “Comments” to help Bob.
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This week’s League of Women Voters of Westport annual “Pie & Politics” event at Pizza Lyfe featured Westport’s 3 state legislators: Senator Ceci Maher, and Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.
They updated attendees on issues expected to be debated this year in Hartford, including funding for voter education about early voting, support for polling staff, and the ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to offer no-excuse absentee voting. All 3 spoke passionately about protecting and expanding voters’ rights, and the importance of taking steps to improve voter turnout.
The discussion also included climate change, whether Connecticut should adopt an electric vehicle mandate to go into effect in 2035, and other initiatives to mitigate climate change and train a workforce for clean energy jobs.
The legislators spoke to the importance of looking at solar, geothermal, heat pumps, reskilling, and addressing housing shortages to attract clean energy companies and their employees.
Other topics included mental health policies, transportation, housing and education.
From left: State legislators Dominique Johnson, Jonathan Steinberg and Ceci Maher at Pizza Lyfe.
The Westport Rotary Club heard an animated talk by Tommy Greenwald at this week’s lunch meeting.
Of course, anyone who knows Greenwald — the 1978 Staples High School soccer state champion/father of 3 sports-playing sons/Broadway marketer/young adult author knows that he lives his life in an animated way.
Greenwald writes often about the hyper-competitiveness and pressure of youth sports — for children and their parents. He told the Rotarians that his goal is to bring fun back into that stressful world, and show youngsters that the path to a well-balanced life does not totally revolve around the success of a team, or individual achievement on the field or court.
Tommy Greenwald (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between January 17 and 24.
A woman was arrested after she found a $550 MoneyGram on the ground, endorsed it using her real name and address, and deposited it in her bank account. She was afforded the opportunity to reimburse the victim but refused, and was charged with larceny.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
Traveling too fast for conditions: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Reckless driving: 1
Speeding: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without proper load cover: 1
Operating a motor vehicle in violation of license class: 1
But the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport is the site of a “barn dance” this Sunday (January 28, after the service at approximately 11:30 a.m., until around 3 p.m.).
Billy Fisher will call the dance, with live music from Wry Bred. The event includes Cake Carousel and pizza.
Everyone is invited: all ages, all levels of experience. A recommendation donation of $5 per person, $15 per family covers entertainment costs.
MoCA’s 2nd Artisan Market (February 11, noon to 4 p.m.) features handcrafted items: bespoke jewelry, textiles, fine art and gourmet foods.
It’s a chance to purchase unique gifts before Valentine’s Day, while supporting local creators.
Staples musical sensation Ethan Walmark will entertain.
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Also at MoCA: Jazz musician Anthony Hervey, in concert February 27.
He has impressed audiences worldwide as a sideman for Christian McBride, Jon Baptiste, Michael Bublé and Wynton Marsalis (who called him a “beautiful trumpet player of first magnitude.”
He’ll be joined by saxophonist Markus Howell, pianist Isaiah J. Thompson, bassist Russell Hall and drummer Miguel Russell. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Anthony Hervey
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Patricia (“Patty”) Palmer died Sunday. She was 79.
The Bridgeport native graduated from St. Vincent’s School of Radiology in 1964. She worked at Norwalk Hospital for over 40 years, first as a registered X-ray technician and then as a manager.
Patty lived in Westport for over 50 years, and raised 2 daughters here. She was involved in their Parent Teacher Association, and led their Brownie and Girl Scout troops.
She enjoyed reading at Compo and Burying Hill beaches, taking a wide range of local classes, and was a regular walker at Sherwood Island State Park.
Her favorite activities were dancing and travel. She met her husband David on the dance floor. They spent over 30 years traveling and sightseeing, especially in Cape Cod and the Caribbean.
Patty is survived by her husband of 35 years; daughters Kelley Swift and Megan Tibball (Jeff), all of Fairfield, and grandchildren Jordan and Brendan Tibball, and Jackson Swift.
Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and caregivers at Bridgeport Hospital who took good care of her, and made her final time peaceful and comfortable.
Visiting hours are Monday (January 29, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Luke Church on Tuesday (January 30, 11 a.m.).
Patty Palmer
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All winter long, dogs are allowed on Compo Beach — and in the water.
These goldens enjoy the opportunity, oblivious they are the subjects of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
And finally … Melanie — the one-named, much-loved singer/guitarist/ songwriter of the late ’60s and early ’70s — died Thursday. She was 76. Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
(Real estate news? Police reports? Obituaries? Whatever you’re looking for, it’s here at “06880.” This is your hyper-local blog — and it’s reader-supported. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Between Long Lots Elementary School and Parker Harding Plaza, there hasn’t been much discussion lately on the future of the William F. Cribari Bridge.
But the 135-year-old swing span — historic, beloved, quirky, narrow — is not getting any younger.
William F. Cribari Bridge (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
The state Department of Transportation has spent several years studying the bridge, and planning its replacement. Any new one — if built with state and/or federal funds, that is — would have to meet current standards.
That would probably mean a bigger, wider structure. Meaning: One large enough to accommodate trucks coming off I-95.
Sources say that an environmental assessment is being prepared, though by a different company than originally hired.
The belief is that DOT will recommend replacing — rather than renovating — the existing bridge (which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places).
A long-ago trolley travels over the Cribari Bridge.
There is no new information on the state DOT website. The latest “news” was posted in 2019.
“06880” asked State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, who sits on the Transportation Committee, for a status update. He says:
It goes without saying, with each passing day, it deteriorates further. I don’t know the current status of the supporting piers, but I’d hope that DOT is monitoring and would let us know if it was approaching dangerous condition. And it’s fair to wonder why Westporters tolerate a structure so decrepit looking. Hardly a Westport icon!
In my last casual conversation with my contact at DOT, some months ago, she more or less confirmed their strategy of waiting for the town to respond to the options they put on the table now years ago. DOT sees little benefit in pushing hard for resolution without any partner in town government — at least as long as the bridge remains safe.
Cribari Bridge, looking west. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
In my opinion, our de facto plan to ignore the problem and avoid controversy is yielding to a vocal minority and risking a genuine traffic crisis should that bridge go out of commission for an extended period. Isn’t crossing the river in Westport challenging enough without losing a crossing point?
I believe we can talk through our concerns — such as keeping 18-wheelers from using the bridge — and come up with a satisfactory plan which preserves the bridge’s character while making it safe — actually safer (wider) — for the long hall. Remember: even if we had a plan today, it will take years to implement the fixes, perhaps including a temporary bridge.
So I can’t illuminate current status for you. Ultimately, the first selectwoman bears responsibility for communicating with DOT the town’s preferences and seeking resolution.
I just hope we don’t see a headline to your column reading: “Cribari Bridge closed indefinitely; Westport traffic grinds to a halt.”
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says: “The issue still sits with the state. I’m asking for an update from them. I’ll with you when I hear from them.”
(“06880” is your source for hyper-local journalism. Please click here to support our work, with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Staples High School Class of 1992 graduate Tracy Stein Hinson writes:
On Saturday, January 13, I was reminded that heroes live quietly among us.
Our house sits on a dangerous stretch of Wilton Road, at the invisible intersection of three towns: Westport, Wilton and Norwalk. Over 20 years we have responded to numerous accidents, fallen trees, stranded motorists and injured cyclists.
But that day was different.
Two cars collided violently at the corner of Brenner and Wilton Roads. No one saw it happen — or if they did, they didn’t stop. Six people were seriously injured.
The first to drive past was an off-duty emergency room nurse and her young-adult son. Without hesitation they called 911, retrieved medical supplies from their trunk and began assessing injuries.
Across the road, a neighbor heard the crash and came outside to investigate. She alerted her husband, an off-duty firefighter. Grabbing a radio and latex gloves, they too rushed outside to help.
Moments later another neighbor, a junior at Staples High School who is also a volunteer with Westport Emergency Medical Services, was on her way home. Despite being off duty, she donned her fluorescent jacket and calmly joined the harrowing scene.
Accident scene on Wilton Road. (Photo courtesy of Tracey Stein Hinson)
Sirens echoed in the distance. First responders began arriving from Wilton and Norwalk.
We also heard the crash and were surprised to find events unfolding outside our fence. My husband, a former Special Forces team leader, asked for his trauma bags from the house.
Our 12-year-old son ran to get them. I called 911.
Time seemed suspended. The off-duty ER nurse was on the phone and giving direction. Her son was describing events to police. The high school EMT and off-duty firefighter worked with first responders doing triage. The firefighter’s wife translated for several victims in Spanish. My husband knelt next to the youngest victim, repeatedly telling her she was going to be okay.
The ambulances finally arrived.
By the time all 6 people were en route to hospital, it seemed like hours had passed. Clean up efforts began. Shattered glass was swept up; rescue gear was put away; tow trucks were called. The dozens of people who had coalesced around the scene began to disperse.
The “informal” responders — the neighbors and passersby who stopped to help strangers in a moment of crisis- – brought compassion, empathy and humanity to a traumatic situation. Before leaving the scene they stood for a few moments, thanked one another.
Then, commenting on the fragility of life, all unceremoniously returned home.
For those people – the firefighter and his wife, David and Monica McCabe; the off-duty Westport high school EMT, Samantha Henske; the former Special Forces soldier, Ron Hinson, and the ER nurse and her son, in addition to Norwalk and Wilton first responders — we should all feel incredibly thankful.
“06880” honors all who responded. It’s good to know we are surrounded by great Good Samaritans.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this weekly feature — and all the others on “06880” — please click here. Thank you!)
Several drivers passing by had first aid kits in their cars.
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities’ Parent Conference includes 9 presentations from professionals on topics like ADHD, non-verbal learning disorders, dyslexia and assistive technologies for students with LD. The days ends with an “ask the experts” panel.
The event is February 3 (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Winston Preparatory School, 57 West Rocks Road, Norwalk).
Catering will be done by The Porch at Christie’s and Sweet P Bakery. Both offer training and employment for adults with disabilities.
Click here for more information and registration. Financial assistance is available; email programs@smartkidswithld.org.
Jon Gailmor has been a noted singer/songwriter since his Staples High School (Class of 1966) days, and his musical partnership with classmate Rob Carlson.
After performing in Europe, Jon settled in Vermont. He’s become a state treasure, beloved for a weekly radio show for kids; his performances in schools, colleges, resorts, restaurants, folk clubs, senior centers, prisons and hospitals, and his songwriting residencies and workshops for students and teachers.
Gailmor has been honored as an “Extraordinary Vermonter” by the governor, received the Mayor’s Peace Prize in Burlington, and was awarded a Silver Citation by the Vermont Arts Council. He sang as Vermont’s representative at the 25th Anniversary of the Kennedy Center in Washington.
He has toured with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, and released 6 albums.
This fall, he quickly sold out an appearance at the VFW’s First Folk Sunday series.
On April 6 he returns to the area, for a trademark songwriting workshop for young artists. Topics include meter and rhythm, lyrics versus poetry, and song structure.
There are 90-minute sessions for 2nd-5th graders, and 6th-8th graders. All students return that afternoon for a performance of songs they’ve written, with Gailmor.
The event is sponsored by the Weston History & Culture Center. Advance registration is required. Click here to register, and for more information.
Jon Gailmor
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Yesterday’s Roundup noted the introduction of an English language conversation group at the Westport Library, in addition to those in other languages.
One that was not listed: Hebrew.
A Hebrew conversation group has been active for 13 years. During COVID it moved to Zoom, where it continues today.
Members meet twice a month virtually. All levels of speakers are welcome. For information, email israelisinct@hotmail.com.
Americana/blues/bluegreass/folk/funk/jazz musician Crys Matthews comes to Voices Café on Saturday, February 3 (8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport). Called “the next Woodie Guthrie,” Matthews is a star in the new generation of social justice music-makers.
Click here for tickets ($25 adults, $15 under 21). A portion of proceeds benefits Trans Haven, part of New Haven’s PeerPride.
Crys Matthews
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Rugby players compete in all kinds of weather.
So it’s no big deal that a 4th annual rugby college showcase and combine is set for February 10 (noon to 4 p.m., Paul Lane Field at Staples High School). Sponsors are DC Old Glory and New England Free Jacks.
Over 70 college coaches are expected to attend. Registration is $75 per player. For information, email info@staplesrugby.com, or call 917-797-9486.
Several Staples High School rugby players will participate in the February 10 showcase and combine.
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Staples High School Class of 1982 graduate Joseph “Joe” Collins died earlier this month, at 59. His obituary reports that he took his own life.
He began his public service career as a Westport Emergency Medical Technician. He graduated from Franklin Pierce University with a BA in psychology and a master’s in business administration, and was chief of the college fire department.
Joe worked full time for the Keene (New Hampshire) Police Department and part time at the Fitzwilliam Police Department, rising to sergeant. He helped implement Keene’s K-9 program. He also volunteered for the Jaffrey-Rindge ambulance.
In 2000 he was named Chief of Police in Rindge. He was soon hired as a training specialist for the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council, and a trainer at the New Hampshire Police K-9 Academy and Working Dog Foundation. Later positions were with the towns of Sunapee and Newport.
Not necessarily feeling satisfied again, Joe returned to the field when he accepted a position with the Town of Sunapee Police Department, and later with the Town of Newport as well.
Joe became an explosive detection dog team handler with American K-9. As a member of the US Baghdad Embassy Security Force, he searched and cleared vehicles and packages entering the International Zone and US Embassy compound in Baghdad.
After Iraq, Joe continued to strive for sobriety and found a calling to serve others in a gentler way. He became licensed as an apprentice funeral director and embalmer. He then entered security operations as an officer at Monadnock Community Hospital and Windham County Court facilities in Vermont.
A desire to work with canines led him to Houston. He checked fans of the Houston Astros as they played their way to the world championship. Recently, Joe returned to his beloved Monadnock Region.
Joe is survived by his son, Coleman; sisters Karen VanBuskirk of Brewster, Massachusetts; Terry Croffy (John) of Fairfield; Patty Cronin of East Harwich, Massachusetts, and Christina Collins (David Huband) of Toronto, and his brother Greg of St. Louis, along with great-aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends, including Tammy Johnson and her daughter, Ronni, and his former wife Amy Collins.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held June 1 (11 a.m., Cournoyer Funeral Home, Jaffrey).
In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution to the Good Neighbor Fund, PO Box 486, Jaffrey NH 03452. For a full obituary, click here.
Joe Collins
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The temperature is creeping back up. The days slowly get longer.
Look closely at today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo of Saugatuck Shores, and you’ll see that spring is — well, maybe not right around the corner. But closer than it was a couple of weeks ago.
If you’ve never heard Jon Gailmor (story above): What a shame.
Here are a few:
(Every day, our “06880” Roundup provides information on things to do and see. Please support this, and other features on our hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)
Half a century ago, the Westport housewife opened The Market Basket in a corner of The Common Market, on Main Street (near where Kerri Rosenthal is now). Featuring antiques on consignment, and the creations of local bakers and cooks, it launched the careers of several local residents. (Click here for details.)
Westporters — and viewers across America — will be reminded of (or learn about) those days this Sunday (January 28, 9 p.m.). CNN debuts the first 2 of a 4-part original series: “The Many Lives of Martha Stewart.”
The second part airs February 4.
Among the residents interviewed for the show: Sarah Kerstin Gross. She has spent 40 years as owner of Cabbages & Kings Catering, C&K Take Away and, most recently, C&K Community Kitchen.
Gross was there when Stewart launched her own career, cooking Tassajara breads, honey challahs, cookies and chocolate covered bunnies for Lawrence Olivier and others out of her parents’ Greens Farms Road kitchen — around the corner from what became Stewart’s famed Turkey Hill home.
Martha Stewart and her husband Andy, at their Turkey Hill home.
“I schlepped the food there in my parents’ station wagon,” Gross recalls.
“The shop was fabulous. It recreated her kitchen in compact form, with a stove and hangingcopper pots.
“We were all cooking illegally out of our homes before there were cottage laws, and lying when confronted by the Health Department, on Martha’s behalf. She was and is defiant.”
Also interviewed about the early catering years: Westport native and event planner Louise Felix, and former Westport author Elizabeth Hawes, who collaborated with Stewart.
Former Westporter, now Fairfield and Maine-based Brooke Dojny, award winning food journalist and cookbook author, joined Stewart later, helping with catering. She reflected on her time as a recipe developer for Stewart’s first book.
Not on camera but part of the local mix then were Vicky Negrin, a Stewart catering chef who was also responsible for the handwritten text of the Gnomes books, and all hand-written copy for Hay Day’s labeling (now Balducci’s); Audrey Doniger, famous for her Market Basket lemon squares; Dale Lamberty, who created legendary Easter egg panoramas and delectable baked goods, then went on to found the Great Cakes bakery, and Ujala Shu, who made Indian specialties and later ran her own catering business.
Doniger told “06880” yesterday that Stewart had “a knack for picking out people who needed to work, and who really ‘got her.'”
Recently divorced, and with 4 young children, Doniger was one of Stewart’s early suppliers. When Doniger switched from “homemade” to a Cuisinart, in order to fulfill more orders, Stewart tasted the difference.
She handed Doniger a wad of bills, and told her to teach herself how to use a Cuisinart to make cookies that tasted as if they were homemade.
Martha Stewart (right) catering, back in the day.
“It was a very special time for her to launch her catering business, using many of us,” Gross says.
“And it was important to all of us who had our beginnings there. Prepared food like that did not exist around here. To use local talent to mix and match like that still is a brilliant idea.”
All of those women rose from the 60 people who responded to a single ad Stewart placed in the Westport News, soliciting bakers and chefs for The Market Basket.
How many will be mentioned in Sunday’s CNN story (click here for details)? We’ll have to tune in to see.
But wait! That’s not enough. Martha Stewart will be back again, after CNN!
Netflix is also working on a show on the entertaining mogul. It’s due out later this year.
John Richers writes: “Last week, Gloria washed up below Compo Beach Road, a stone’s throw from the Minuteman statue. Today the historic vessel finds herself again on Compo Beach Road, now within sight of the colonial cemetery near Quentin Road. It seems the old girl has a thing for Westport colonial history.” (Photo/John Richers)
But after a Zoom meeting of more than 4 hours yesterday — and hundreds of letters submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission — the Long Lots Elementary School building project took a big step forward last night.
Commissioners voted unanimously to approve an 8-24 (municipal land use) request submitted Thursday by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
The request — a revision of the original — includes a “multipurpose field,” rather than a baseball diamond. The Westport Community Gardens would be located near their present site.
The compromise plan drew over 300 virtual viewers, in addition to members of the P&Z and Long Lots School Building Committee. Long Lots parents used red backgrounds behind their head shots to highlight their numbers.
While all P&Z commissioners spoke in favor of the 8-24 plan, many offered caveats and cautions. For example, they wondered about prospects for a smaller footprint (via a 3rd story), the possibility of rotating the fields’ orientation, and keeping a buffer along neighbors’ yards.
Though the meeting was for the most part respectful, members asked for greater collaboration going forward with both the Building Committee and Parks & Recreation Department.
New commissioner Amy Wistreich cautioned Long Lots parents and other attendees that the 8-24 approval is just one step in the approval process. “There’s a long way to go,” she noted.
Still ahead: consideration by other town boards, including Finance and Conservation; hiring an architect; requests for detailed site plans, and more.
The Long Lots Elementary School site plan approved last night.
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Operation Warm Hug returns to the Westport Farmers’ Market on Thursday, February 1 and 8 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane).
Market-goers are encouraged to donate new and slightly worn coats, hats and mittens to help clients of nOURish of Bridgeport.
The Westport Library offers conversation groups for people wanting to practice their French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.
But what about English?
Bien sûr!
The first meeting of the Library’s new English Conversation Group is Monday (January 29, 11 a.m., Room 210, upper level). They’ll meet every Monday from then on.
It’s a chance to practice English language conversation skills with others, in informal conversation. It is open to both non-native and native speakers. Click here for more information.
As parents begin helping their kids select school courses for next year, S4StudySkills offers a free webinar.
Among the topics covered at “Why Course Selection is Important to the College Application Process” (February 1, 7 p.m.):
What classes reveal about focus and motivation
Should course requirements be exceeded?
How college admissions view a student’s high school curriculum.
The event is free, but registration is required. Click here.
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Emmy-nominated composer/pianist Steve Sandberg brings his blend of classical, world music, jazz to this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (January 25, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).
He’ll be joined by bassist Michael O’Brien, drummer Jeff Hirshfield, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Recent shows have sold out. For reservations, email JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
When Robin Saidov tried to buy a solar system for her Weston home, she found the process far from transparent.
She requested more than 30 proposals requested. None, she says, provided “a clear, accurate picture of the benefits for the homeowner.”
One of the largest US installers estimated her savings would be “a multiple of my investment over the next 25 years,” without disclosing their assumptions. In reality, she says, she would have overpaid more than $30,000 for electricity over that time.”
Fortunately, she was a 20-year veteran of the energy industry, and a former renewable developer. So started her own business.
Your Energy Footprint educates consumers, “to ensure that their investment of $10,000 to $100,000 is a good choice for them financially.
The number of owners interested in solar is growing, as the price of solar panels drops, Saidov says. However, “the market was established by solar installers to their advantage. It’s time for homeowners to have a trusted resource to become educated consumers.”
Saidov holds an MBA from INSEAD, a bachelors of engineering in electrical rngineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, and a bachelor of science in mathematics from New York University. For more information, click here.
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