Roundup: Absentee Ballots, Leaf Dumping, Comedy …

Posted on November 1, 2023 | 7 comments

Election Day is Tuesday (November 7).

To be ready, the town clerk’s office (Room 105, Town Hall) will be open this Saturday (November 4), from 8:30 to 11 a.m., to issue absentee ballots.

They will also be available Monday (November 6), until 4:30 p.m.

All absentee ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk’s office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

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Speaking of Tuesday’s election:

Yesterday’s “06880” story on Board of Education write-in candidate Jill Dillon noted one particular challenge: educating voters on how to do it.

Several readers wondered how.

There are 2 steps: fill in bubble 5E, 6E or 7E (under “Board of Education”; then write in “Jill Dillon.” (“Dillon,” “J Dillon” and “Jill D” are also acceptable.)

Sample ballot for a write-in candidate.

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It’s leaf season. And time to remind Westporters that dumping leaves and debris in a wetland or watercourse is illegal.

Several leaf disposal options are available to Westport residents. One is to compost leaves in the back yard within a fenced area or a composting receptacle, located at least 20 feet away from any wetland or watercourse. Click here for details.

Another option for Westport residents with a valid sticker: Deliver collected leaves to the yard waste site at 180 Bayberry Lane, behind the Aspetuck Health District (no plastic bags).

The yard waste site is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.  Also, the Department of Public Works begins curbside leaf collection on November 6.

For more information about leaf removal or the yard waste site, call the Department of Public Works: 203-341-1120. For more information on wetlands or composting, call the Conservation Department: 203-341-1170.

Compost, don’t dump!

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Before leaving Halloween in the now-November dust: Here’s one last look back at last night, from Gorham Avenue:

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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Everyone needs to laugh.

Especially these days.

This weekend, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport offers 3 evenings of 4 one-act comedies.

The UU Players present the uplifting shows on Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4, 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday, November 5 (2 p.m.). The suggested donation of $20 will be collected at the door.

“Miss You” explores the tangled webs we weave with the aid of telephones. “Baby Food” and “Crazy Eights” highlight the extreme and bizarre lengths people go to to get what they want. “Sure Thing” proves that connections are all about timing.

For more information, click here.

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It just got easier for seniors to use technology.

A $10,000 grant from AT&T to Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities will be used purchase connected devices, and to support technology instruction programs (including workshops conducted by high school students).

For example, new iPads will allow the Senior Center to offer regular classes focusing on computer skills like navigating the internet, scam awareness, video conferencing with family members, and more.

Displaying a new tablet (front row, from left):  Diane Bosch and Marsha Darmory, co-presidents of Friends of the Senior Center; rear:  Harry Carey, AT&T director of external affairs’ Wendy Petty, Senior Center director; State Representative Jonathan Steinberg.

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Speaking of the Senior Center: Here’s how a few folks looked yesterday:

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

No, it’s not their normal look. It was Halloween, and they posed behind the pumpkin contest entrants. (The winner was #2 (hidden), courtesy of Jason Wilson.

It just goes to show: You’re never too old to dress up for this holiday.

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Tickets go on sale today for Coleytown Company’s music revue, “Pure Imagination”. Songs from Broadway Junior musicals include “Seussical,” “Shrek The Musical,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Frozen.”

Launching a new format this fall, the group of professionals leading the production broadened the cast to include students in all three grades (6-8). Veterans and newcomers bring their singing and dancing talents to the stage.

Performances are Thursday, November 16 (6 p.m.) and Friday, November 17 (7 p.m.). For more information and tickets, click here.

Getting ready for “Pure Imagination.”

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Westport Book Shop hosts a children’s book reading and signing of “Bradford’s Walk” == with author Denis O’Neill and illustrator Cyrus Quadland this Saturday (November 4, 10:30 a.m.).

As any parent of a Bradford fan knows, the tale follows the adventures of a lovable brown dog, set against the backdrop of, yes, Westport.  It captures the simple pleasures of daily walks that everyone relates to.

Denis is a Westport native, and has lived here for 6 decades.

. Space is limited. RSVP by email or by phone (203-349-5141).

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Speaking of children: Every kid needs a pet.

Every adult too.

This Saturday (November 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), William Pitt Sotheby’s (199 Post Road East hosts an event to benefit Westport Animal Shelter Advocates, PAWS and Hopalong Hollow Rabbit Rescue.

There will be available-for-adoption furry friends to meet (no on-site adoptions, though).

There’s also a raffle with donations from restaurants, merchants and animal service providers (plus New York Yankees merch). Food trucks will feed hungry humans.

For additional information, call 203 557 0361.

One of the dogs that will be at William Pitt Sotheby’s on Saturday.

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The Short Cuts Film Festival returns to the Westport Library on Thursday, November 9 (7 p.m.).

Six short narrative films will be screened, on the state-of-the-art 18-foot video wall.

Curated from the Tribeca Film Festival, Short Cuts showcases current trends in filmmaking. Selected films are a diverse cross-section of stories and perspectives, including one animated short.

“Fourteen years ago, when we began Short Cuts, it was difficult to find films directed by women, people of color, or LGBTQ communities,” says producer Nancy Diamond.

“Now filmmakers of all genders, cultures and life choices abound. Short Cuts brings these award-winning short films to you.” Click here for details on the 6 films.

Following the screenings, Olivia Shapiro, Let Liv writer and actor, will join Diamond on-stage for a conversation. Questions will be taken from the audience.

Tickets are $26.50; click here to purchase. Refreshments and popcorn will be served.

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It’s just a coincidence, but Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch and Learn” — the noontime webinar series — is about food.

Expert forager and author Russ Cohen hosts “Wild Plants I Have Known and Eaten” (November 10, noon to 1:30 p.m.).

He’ll featuring at least 2 dozen species of native edible wild plants suitable for adding to your landscape, or nibbling on when you find them. Click here for more information, and to register.

Russ Cohen, with wild plants.

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Remember Saturday’s beautiful, midsummer-like weather?

Pat Auber was at Compo Beach (with hordes of others), to enjoy it.

Also having fun: many unleashed dogs (in the leash-only area). She writes:

“This Animal Control officer policed the area. As he said, ‘it’s like putting my finger in a dike.’

“This is not the off-leash area!” a security officer explains. (Photo/Pat Auber)

“Dog owners: We don’t love your dogs off leash sniffing our toes and eating our food, like you seem to think we do.

“Westport is kind enough to offer a leash off area. Respect it! So thank you to this security gentleman, who managed this and made for a pleasant experience for all.”

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“06880” has posted plenty of images of Sherwood Mill Pond, from many angles.

But today’s “Westport … Naturally” offers a perspective we rarely see:

(Photo/Clarence Hayes)

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And finally … Aaron Spears, a Grammy-nominated drummer who played with Usher, Ariana Grande and many other major pop stars, died recently. He was 47.

Click here for a full obituary.

(If you enjoy our daily Roundups, please know: The stories are short, but they take a ton of effort. Please support our work, with a tax-deductible contribution. Click here — and thank you!)

 

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics

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FBI Training Supports Temple Israel

Posted on November 1, 2023 | 3 comments

As executive director of Temple Israel, Bryan Bierman is responsible for many things: human resources, building management, the cemetery.

But he’s also in charge of something colleagues at Christian churches never worry about: security.

With threats to synagogues increasing across the nation — particularly after Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel — the Westport resident is in constant contact with Westport and State Police, and other law enforcement agencies.

Bierman is impressed with all of them, and values their close working relationships. But a recent experience with the FBI has opened his eyes to the behind-the-scenes work of keeping Temple Israel — and our town, state and nation — safe.

Now, he’s more impressed than ever.

Bryan Bierman, at FBI headquarters. (Photo courtesy of Frank Rosen)

Earlier this year, congregant Frank Rosen told Bierman about the FBI Citizens Academy. The 8-week program gives business, community and religious leaders an inside look at the federal law enforcement organization.

Throughout the spring, Bierman attended classes at the New Haven field office. He was surprised to learn about programs like the FBI’s statewide task force on gang violence, and the daily work the public never hears about but that keep Connecticut safe.

He made valuable partnerships with divisions like the Bomb Squad. Bierman invited members to Temple Israel. They toured the building, just in case they ever need to be there.

At the Citizens Academy, Bierman learned of an even more elite program. Held at FBI headquarters in Washington, and their training center near Quantico, Virginia, it offers an inside, in-depth look at both the agency, and its agents.

He applied, accepted, and last month joined a group of 26 Citizens Academy graduates from both Connecticut and New Orleans at the facility.

FBI Citizens Academy. Bryan Bierman is in the back, 2nd from left.

“It’s hard to put the experience into words,” Bierman says.

They heard from the number two agent in charge of negotiations with Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, after the Boston Marathon bombing. He described the intense experience, including the intense gun battle.

The next day, the group saw the actual boat Tsarnaev had hidden in.

The boat in which Boston Marathon Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was captured by the FBI. (Photo courtesy of Frank Rosen)

Learning what the FBI thought and did during those difficult days was important, Bierman says.

The group also toured Hogan’s Alley — the “mock town” with banks, bars, stores, hotels, movie theaters and more, that agents and hostage rescue teams use to prepare for a variety of scenarios.

They learned that a trainee once did not notice a fake door, and was “shot.”

Later, during an actual investigation, he found an actual fake door — a direct result of his training.

In addition, the group viewed the real and digital models — used for future training, and in court — that woodworking and engineering experts make following investigations. One — showing the Capitol during the January 6 insurrection — has been used extensively by prosecutors.

Of particular interest to Bierman: the model used after the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh.

“There’s a lot more to the FBI than kicking down doors,” Bierman notes. “So much goes on that people don’t know about.”

The visit to Quantico and Washington reinforced for Bierman the value of having “strong leadership to keep us safe.”

He will continue to work with the FBI — and other partners — to ensure the security of Temple Israel.

Temple Israel.

As for the Connecticut field office, he says, “It’s not massive. But everyone there loves the state. They look out for everyone. They’re keeping us safe from threats most of us don’t even know exist.”

And, he notes, “The FBI says Westport law enforcement is great to work. As a Westport resident, and for Temple Israel, that’s a win for everyone.”

(The New Haven FBI Citizens Academy is always looking for applicants. To learn more, or for questions, contact Bryan Bierman: bbierman@tiwestport.org.)

(Every day, “06880” covers the people, places, institutions, history and life of Westport. If you appreciate our work, please click here to support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Pics Of The Day #2387

Posted on October 31, 2023 | 2 comments

Happy Halloween, on Indian Trail (Photo/Ken Yormark)

Meanwhile, on Juniper Road, this dude …

… hung out here … (Photos/Pam Long)

,,, and on Myrtle Avenue, Halloween looked like this (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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“06880” Podcast: Andrew Colabella

Posted on October 31, 2023 | 2 comments

Every “06880” reader knows Andrew Colabella.

His frequent comments and fine photographs add greatly to this blog. An RTM member, he’s active all over town: helping save the Sakura trees. Seeing the recent stolen vehicle police pursuit through town, and reporting on it. Helping a resident cut through red tape at the state Department of Transportation.

The other day, Andrew took a half hour out of his busy day to chat at the Westport Library. We spoke about his love for this town; why he stayed here, when so many fellow Staples High School graduates leave; his work on the Westport PAL board; is favorite spots, and his favorite people, and much more.

Click below, to learn more about one of our most interesting neighbors.

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Posted in Local politics, Media

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Roundup: Parks & Rec’s Gardens & Field; Hunt Club & Pickleball; I-95 & Traffic

Posted on October 31, 2023 | 36 comments

The Westport Community Gardens/Babe Ruth baseball field saga continues.

A week after the Long Lots School Building Committee recommended relocating the gardens to Baron’s South, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to place the diamond where the garden is now, just south of the elementary school.

Meeting last night at Town Hall, commissioners spoke about field use and scheduling, including possibilities for new fields to allow the gardens to remain.

Community members spoke. Issues raised included possible toxic chemicals at Baron’s South; the importance of fields for youngsters; the importance of the gardens for mental health and the environment, and contrasts between how often the gardens and Long Lots baseball field are used.

Commissioners then read prepared statements, favoring the baseball field over the gardens. They hope to keep as much of the Long Lots Preserve as possible, as a buffer for neighbors.

Other town bodies will now continue to discuss the entire Long Lots project, including the Board of Finance, Board of Education, Conservation Commission and Representative Town Meeting.

The Parks & Recreation Commission voted that a new Babe Ruth baseball field should replace the Westport Community Gardens.

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Yesterday, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker acknowledged recent antisemitic incidents in Westport, like the vandalism of an Israeli flag. She said:

“Hate incidents are on the rise in the US following the deadly terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Specifically, antisemitic incidents have increased by 388% according to a report released by the ADL last week.

“This data is shocking and horrifying. Leaders like me all around the country, in large cities and in small towns, are monitoring these trends and communicating with organizations like the ADL and our local clergy to publicly stand against these incidents in our communities.

“I want the residents and business owners of Westport to know that there is no place for hate — no place for antisemitic behavior — in Westport. Our community strongly rejects hate in all forms. The safety and well-being of each member of our community are my top priority and that of Police Chief Foti Koskinas. If you hear something or see something, please report it.

“We are here for you. We want you to feel safe, and heard. We want you to know that you are a valued member of our community, that you belong here. It is up to all of us to stand together and speak up – clearly and unequivocally – against hate, and specifically antisemitism, and any language or actions that feed or normalize it. Again, when one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.”

A defaced Israeli flag was found near Temple Israel last weekend.

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Fairfield County Hunt Club has withdrawn its Planning & Zoning Commission application to construct to construct 2 pickleball courts, along with a proposed tennis court expansion and parking lot modification.

At a recent meeting, commission members and neighbors questioned the plan, focusing on noise and related issues.

A revised plan may be resubmitted in the future, the Hunt Club says.

This is the second application to be taken off of next Monday’s meeting agenda. Yesterday, the town withdrew its application for a redesign of Parker Harding Plaza.

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It bears repeating: The second “bridge slide” is set for this weekend (Friday, November 3, 8 p.m. to Monday, November 6, 6 a.m.). Traffic throughout town will be heavier than usual.

Then again, it always is.

To keep up to date, bookmark this website.

And check it often.

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Westport Country Playhouse archivist Bruce Miller led the Y’s Women through 93 years of history yesterday.

He described the 1930 beginning, when Broadway producer Lawrence Langner bought a barn and hired a set designer, through Stephen Sondheim’s apprenticeship, and the Joanne Woodward-led renovation 2 decades ago.

Miller took his guests backstage, showing the lighting and sound board; onto the storied stage, then downstairs to see the dressing rooms, green room, and “wall of honor” with head shots of actors who have performed there, including Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, Ethel Barrymore, Gene Kelly, Olivia de Havilland, and of course Paul Newman.

Y’s Women begin their tour in the Westport Country Playhouse lobby.

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Trombonist Steve Davis and musical partner/pianist David Hazeltine headline this week’s Jazz at the Post.

Davis has appeared on over 100 recordings, while Hazeltine has been on hundreds more.

Also on the bill: Jason Tiemann (drums), Rich Zurkowski (bass) and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxophone).

The 2 shows are this Thursday (November 2, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover charge). Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com

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A new panelist has been added to Sunday’s TEA (Thinkers, Educators, Artists) talk at the Westport Library (2 p.m.).

The event — which explores the impact of artificial intelligence on the arts — will now include Luciano Floridi. A professor of philosophy at Yale University, he’s also founding director of the Digital Ethics Center. He writes extensively about the philosophy of information and technology, digital ethics and the ethics of AI.

He joins Brian Keane, the Grammy Award-winning composer/producer (and a 1971 Staples graduate), Westport Public Schools K-12 arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman, and arts consultant Liz Liggett. Click here for more information.

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In case you don’t have kids, and (somehow) forgot: Today is Halloween.

Stock up on candy.

And enjoy this sign, on Terhune Drive:

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Sure, it’s Halloween (see above).

But flowers still bloom. Lauri Weiser sent this photo of the scene at Lansdowne condos, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … everyone plays “Monster Mash” today.

But this if my favorite Halloween song:

(No candy for “06880,” thanks. But if you really want to give us something, a tax-deductible contribution would be sweet. Please click here. Thanks. Now we won’t toilet paper your house.)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Local politics, Politics, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Scarice Quells Rumors About “Appalling, Distressing” Video

Posted on October 31, 2023 | 13 comments

Last week, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice sent a message to the community about videos being shared by students on social media.

Federal privacy laws prevented him from providing details.

Rumors swirled, as adults then took to social media. A number of readers contacted Scarice and “06880,” asking why the local media was not covering an incident that was offered as “fact,” but was actually based on misinformation.

Yesterday, Scarice offered this follow-up message:

Over the weekend, I heard from a number of school community members who expressed serious concerns about a video, created outside of school, that has been circulating among families and over social media.

Today, I have reached out and spoken to most of those community members who contacted me. I will not be able to call each one so I will provide the following information.

I cannot share specific information about student matters because of federal student privacy laws. However, given the circumstances and level of anxiety, I will share the following:

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

First, I want to reiterate what I stated in community messages on October 9 and 13: “Categorically together with you, the Westport Public Schools stand against, and condemn, all forms of hate and violence.”

Without question, the Westport Public Schools condemns antisemitism and all other forms of hate.

The circulated video in question was created before October 7, 2023. It was not a re-enactment of the atrocities in Israel that began after its creation.

It was an appalling, distressing video that was addressed swiftly and firmly by the administration, in collaboration with the Westport Police Department, after it was brought to our attention.

The school administration, and the Westport police, in consultation with the state’s attorney’s office, investigated the video in question and could not substantiate any threat directed to specific Jewish people or to the Jewish population more generally, nor that the video targeted any Jewish person.

These points do not minimize that the video in question is disturbing and has caused hurt and upset to those who have viewed it. Its circulation at this moment in time is especially painful.

I want to assure the community that we do not tolerate this behavior, that we are addressing this matter, and that we address all matters in ways that are appropriate and sensitive to all students and community members involved.

As always, if you have any information of hate-based conduct, please make a report to the building administration.

13 Comments

Posted in Education, Media

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Write-In Candidate: Uphill Path To Creating Awareness

Posted on October 31, 2023 | 23 comments

The road to victory for a write-in candidate is daunting.

First, voters have to know he or she is running. They must learn how to fill in the ballot. At the polling place, they have to remember to do it.

Meanwhile, the candidate must somehow get his or her message out — without relying on traditional party machinery.

There’s a reason why Westporters cannot recall the last time — if ever – such a candidate won office here.

But Jill Dillon is undaunted. She’s running a write-in campaign for the Board of Education.

Jill Dillon

And she thinks she has a shot.

The long-time unaffiliated voter decided to run when she realized that because the Town Charter limits one party to no more than a bare majority on the BOE, one of two Republican candidates — Camilo Riano or Jamie Fitzgerald — seemed guaranteed a seat.

Their views worried Dillon, who served as PTA president at both Kings Highway Elementary and Coleytown Middle Schools, and generally supports the Westport Public Schools’ administrators and teachers (and the current Board of Ed).

Without speaking with Democratic Town Committee representatives, her hope was that voters would circle the names of Lee Goldstein and Neil Phillips — the 2 incumbent Dems in the race — and also bubble in the bottom of the ballot, then write “Jill Dillon.”

Her decision to run was solidified by support from friends — and strangers.

But “thank you for running” comments don’t translate into action. So Dillon and a dedicated corps of volunteers have been hard at work. They’re using social media, word of mouth, meet-and-greets and more.

Like all candidates, Jill Dillon has plenty of lawn signs.

Besides the usual challenges — including not appearing in the League of Women Voters’ guide — she has had to answer questions about why one of her 2 daughters attends private school. (The other is at CMS.)

“It was the right decision for her,” Dillon explains. “People assume we thought Staples was deficient.

“Not at all. As parents, we all make the best decisions we can. We thought that environment was the best fit. It’s been very good for her.

“I love our schools. I am 100% committed to Staples, and the Westport Public Schools.”

Criticism has not bothered her.

“I know who I am, and who I am not,” Dillon says. “Name-calling doesn’t bother me.”

She does not engage in back-and-forth on social media. “It degenerates quickly” into personal attacks, she says.

“It’s ironic. We don’t want our kids to be bullies. But adults bully all the time.”

Democrats Goldstein and Phillips have been called names. So have Republicans Fitzgerald and Riano.

“You can disagree strongly with what they says,” Dillon notes of the GOP candidates she is running against. “But calling them names takes away from their arguments.

“I don’t think I’ve smeared Camilo. I’ve stated his positions, and where I disagree. I think I’ve provided factual evidence to back up my claims.”

As her campaign heads toward the November 7 election, Dillon has been surprised by support from people she does not know.

Wearing a t-shirt with her name at CVS, she was approached by a woman with young children. “Thank you for giving us a choice,” she told Dillon.

Jill Dillon with supporters, at the Westport Farmers’ Market.

It’s one thing for a write-in candidate to forage for votes in areas where she’s known — like parents with children in schools. But Dillon realizes she must get the word out to other groups, including older voters, empty nesters, and younger voters without children.

So she and her volunteers continue to post on social media. They hand out yard signs.

And they keep hoping that voters know there’s a bubble at the bottom of the ballot that must be filled in, with a name they remember.

23 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics

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Pics Of The Day #2386

Posted on October 30, 2023 | 1 comment

Halloween is tomorrow!

This weekend, Rowene Weems strolled around Old Hill. Here’s what she found:

(Photos/Rowene Weems Photography)

Meanwhile, over on Oak Street … (Photo/Amy Unikewicz)

 

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Parker Harding Plan Withdrawn From P&Z

Posted on October 30, 2023 | 19 comments

In a terse, 2-sentence note this morning, the town officially withdrew its applications to renovate Parker Harding Plaza.

Department of Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich emailed Planning & Zoning Department director Mary Young:

In consultation with the First Selectwoman, and in light of the commentary offered on the above referenced applications, we have decided to withdraw both applications so as to focus on addressing some of the issues.

We will resubmit at a later date.

For over a year, the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee has worked on a multi-pronged plan.

The first part — reconfiguring the lot behind Main Street to add green space by the river, improve traffic circulation and aesthetics, and bring it in compliance with ADA standards — initially removed the cut-through from Main Street to the Post Road. It also eliminated dozens of parking spaces.

Vehement opposition from retailers, restaurant owners and residents led to a second plan. The cut-through was returned, but for a variety of reasons — including widening of parking spots to meet current regulations — it resulted in the loss of 45 spaces.

The most recent Parker Harding Plaza plan.

Last Monday, Pete Ratkiewich and DPIC chair Randy Herbertson presented the newest iteration of the plan. Officially, it was an “8-24” review at the request of 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

P&Z commissioners and members of the public praised parts of the plan. But other elements — especially the elimination of nearly 4 dozen parking spots, along with traffic patterns, perpendicular rather than angled parking, sustainability, flooding, and the location of the dumpsters at one end of Parker Harding, near the river — drew intense scrutiny. (Click here for that “06880” story.)

P&Z members also questioned the sequence of steps. The DPIC has reimagined all of downtown, including the Taylor (“lower library”) lot by Jesup Green, and the lot on Imperial Avenue now used by the Westport Farmers’ Market.

Since the Taylor/Jesup Green plan adds parking (and a playground) downtown, commissioners asked, why not do that work prior to Parker Harding?

If town officials do not want to add parking there before eliminating it behind Main Street, they suggested the plan be reconsidered to improve fire safety, add the 4 ADA-compliant handicap spaces the lot currently lacks, spruce up landscaping and the current boardwalk — but also retain more parking.

After 3 hours of discussion, at Ratkiewich’s request the P&Z agreed to continue the proposal to November 6.

Now, it’s back — literally — to the drawing board.

(“06880” reached out to DPIC chair Randy Herbertson. He was not immediately available to comment.)

Artists’ renderings for the Parker Harding plan show 2-way traffic and perpendicular parking, with a pedestrian walkway from the Main Street tunnel (right) to the Saugatuck River. The backs of the stores are stylized; they would not look like that.

 

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Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Transportation

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[OPINION] Impartial Review Panel Could Aid Long Lots Process

Posted on October 30, 2023 | 43 comments

Ken Bernhard knows Westport. He’s lived here for decades, and seen a lot.

He spent 8 years representing our town in Connecticut’s General Assembly, rising to assistant minority leader. He was 3rd selectman from 1987 to ’89, then served on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Ken Bernhard

The longtime Westporter has been a board member of the Westport Library, Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk Human Services Council, Earthplace, Westport Historical Society, Levitt Pavilion, Aspetuck Land Trust, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, and Connecticut League of Conservation Voters,

Further afield, he has worked with Syrian refugees, and in Ukraine. Ken writes:

I believe Westport is confronting a critical issue that requires the immediate attention of our town leaders — specifically, the divide between those supporting the preservation of our Community Gardens, and those who want to construct a new Babe Ruth playing field.

Advocates for both sides agree that there is a need for a new school. But the necessity for and, more importantly the location of, another ball field is debatable.

The hyperbole on both sides undermines us as a community.

Unquestionably, the Long Lots School Building Committee did its work thoroughly and honestly. But the allegations that it did not adequately involve some of the stakeholders soon enough, that it exceeded the scope of its mission, that the recommendation to remove the gardens was preordained, and that the process was possibly flawed, are resonating among Westport residents.

If we don’t address this directly, and before the political approval process commences, we will have failed to maintain the sense of fair dealing and honest brokering that defines how Westport manages its affairs.

Please recall instances where compromise and good governance prevailed in years past: resolving the Arts Center lease at Green Farms Elementary School, dogs at Compo Beach, the acquisition and then use of Winslow Park, construction of the Senior Center, creation of the Wakeman Farm complex, and building the Compo Beach playground, to name a few.

I recommend that the administration appoint an impartial, respected group of citizens to review the process; listen to LLSBC members, neighbors, and community garden advocates, and hopefully render an opinion regarding gardens vs. a playing field that everyone can accept, and that will help the approval process to proceed with minimum rancor and distrust.

It would not take a great deal of time, might speed up the hearings, won’t cost anything, and could avoid possible litigation.

Construction of the Compo Beach playground began in 1986 only after a court injunction was lifted.

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