Tag Archives: 8-30g affordable housing

Roundup: Common Ground, Affordable Housing, Lyman Aid …

Posted on April 28, 2023 | 11 comments

Common Ground — the Westport Library’s project to bring civility back to civic discourse — launches this Tuesday (May 2, 7 p.m.).

The event includes a conversation with former Congressman Roy Blunt — a Missouri Republican known for his bipartisan work — and attorney Steve Parrish, whose consulting firm specializes in corporate social responsibility and public affairs.

The aim of the initiative is to host positive, productive conversations on how we work together as a civil society, encouraging respectful, constructive dialogue while tackling challenging, controversial issues.

The Library leads the effort, with community leaders representing a wide array of constituents and views. Click here for more information.

Senator Roy Blunt

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A follow-up on the Representative Town Meeting’s recent “Community Conversation on Affordable Housing” promises to be as important and illuminating as the first.

“Our Town’s Affordable Housing Needs and Solutions: What Westporters Should Know and How They Can Help” will be held — virtually — on May 17 (7:30 p.m.).

RTM moderator Jeff Wieser will lead a panel of men and women who know the topic intimately: State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin, RTM Planning & Zoning Committee chair Matthew Mandell, and Westport Housing Authority director Carol Martin.

As with the first session — which drew 200 people — there will be plenty of time for public questions.

Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

New construction at the Wilton Road/Kings Highway North intersection — opposed by Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission, but allowed by a judge based on Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing regulation — is on many residents’ minds.

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The final Westport-sponsored project in Lyman, Ukraine has been successfully completed.

Thanks to $252,000 raised — in just 3 weeks — over the holidays, Westport has helped our sister city in many ways. They include:

  • Repairing 6 apartment buildings, housing 132 people
  • Purchasing and delivering 2 patrol cars, and communications and other equipment, for the police department after their station was destroyed
  • Purchasing and delivering 2 trash trucks, to haul away debris and garbage that piled up during 5 months of Russian occupancy
  • Purchasing bulletproof vests and other protective gear for utility works, who restored electricity near the front lines
  • Delivering food kids to hundreds of family, including holiday meals for 1,000
  • Delivering Christmas presents for nearly 500 children
  • Supplying 2,940 families with seeds for their farms and gardens.

Non-monetary support included 200 cards and artwork, created by Bedford Middle School 7th graders.

There’s still time for other Westport students — and their families — to add to the packages, which will be delivered next month.

Letters, drawings and posters of encouragement can be dropped off on the front porch of 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore’s house: 2A Baker Avenue (between Compo Road South and Imperial Avenue). Blue and yellow balloons (Ukrainian colors) are on the mailbox.

The deadline is May 5. Questions: Email amoore@westportct.gov.

More monetary help is needed. A new drive will begin soon. In the meantime, watch “06880” for news of a giant “thank-you” party for Westport. Save the date now: Sunday, July 9.

PS: To donate now, click here (and select “Westport” from the “Where it is needed most” dropdown menu.

Lyman apartments, under repair.

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The other day Wynston Browne — the non-speaking autistic Staples High School student who has made spectacular progress since learning to communicate less than 2 years ago — wowed the crowd of 200 people at the Circle of Friends celebration.

The event — celebrating teenagers who model inclusion and service to the community, by providing social experiences for children and teens with special needs — featured Wynston and his communication partner Elisa Feinman.

He earned 2 standing ovations, as he described his journey. Once thought to be intellectually disabled, he now shares deep insights about himself and the world, with many people who are eager to listen.

Also honored: Westporter Stephen Schwartz. Jenn Falik served as MC; 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Circle of Friends founder and director Freida Hecht, and Caroline Caggiano and James Dobin Smith, co-presidents of Staples’ Circle of Friends Club, offered remarks.

Wynston Browne (center) with his brothers BK (Staples High Class of 2016 graduate) and Harrison, a Staples junior, at the Circle of Friends celebration.

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Pierrepont – the small, non-traditional and very low-profile private school on Sylvan Road North at Post Road West — invites everyone to a big, non-traditional but very intriguing Arts Festival.

The event begins Thursday, May 4 (3 to 5:p.m.) with lectures on raga and contemporary opera, plus poetry. There’s a 5:30 p.m. reception, then at 7 p.m. music from Voices of Hartford and a raga ensemble.

Friday, May 5 includes a 4:30 Urban Bush Woman Workshop, 5 p.m. reception and 7:15 p.m. dance performance.

The 3-day festival concludes on Saturday, May 6 with 8:30 a.m. coffee, and 10 a.m. “Conversations in Art.”

Click here for many more details on each event.

Pierrepont School, on Sylvan Road North. The entrance faces Post Road West.

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“The Gospel of Soul” comes to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church tomorrow.

The Empire Voices — regular performers at the Metropolitan Opera, on Broadway, and back-up for artists like Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Pete Townshend and David Bowie — will take the Branson Hall “stage” at 5 p.m.

The church’s own Choristers will be make a guest appearance. A reception follows.

Organizers says, “This concert will fill your soul and have you on your feet.” Click here for tickets, and more information.

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As outdoor dining returns to Church Lane, the Westport Downtown Association is finalizing its summer concert series. Musicians will provide over 35 evenings of entertainment, al fresco.

A GoFundMe collection will help offset the cost of the singers and bands. Click here to help.

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The Levy Family of Westport will lead the 18th Annual STAR Walk & Roll fundraiser on Sunday, May 7 at Sherwood Island State Park.

The Levys have supported STAR — the 70-year-old not-for-profit that serves over 700 people with disabilities, from birth to their senior years, and their families –since their daughter Ariel began attending its day program.

Over the past several years, the Levy Family’s “Team Ariel” has raised over $100,000 for STAR.

The Walk begins at 10 a.m. May 7 with a 1k route suitable for any ability (walkers, strollers, wheelchairs and baby joggers are welcome). There’s a continental breakfast, and family activities including live music, arts and crafts, Bollywood dancing, a photo booth, face-painting and food trucks. Click here to register for the walk, or donate to Team Ariel or other teams. To learn more about STAR, click here.

Ariel Levy (center) with her parents.

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When you live on Myrtle Avenue, sooner or later nearly everyone in town passes your house.

When you post a sign, it better be a good one.

This isn’t just good, though. It’s great!

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Former Wesptorter Marie “Tina” Jennings-Kamber died April 15 in Sarasota, Florida. She was 98.

Tina came to the US from Venice, Italy in 1948 as a war bride.  She established and ran a Ridgefield children’s clothing store, the Cortina Shop.

She married Sereno Jennings of Westport, where they eventually settled. She was a member of Greens Farms Church.

They spent winters in Islamorada, Florida. The couple built the first tennis club, “The Net,” in the Keys, then moving to the mainland in 1983.

After her husband’s passing she met United Nations Diplomat Hans W. Kamberg. Because of their European connection they became close friends. and married soon..

Tina is survived by her step-grandchildren, including former daughter-in-law Ruth Jennings of Westport.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Resurrection House, 507 Kumquat Court, Sarasota, Fl. 34230.

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When you live in Westport, you get used to cormorants.

Still, William Whitmal says — today’s “Westport … Naturally” photographer — he’d never seen so many as the other day, in the Saugatuck River.

(Photo/William Whitmal)

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And finally … April Stevens, who won a Grammy Award in 1963 for “Deep Purple,” died last week in Arizona. She was 93.

I knew the song was a duet with Nino Tempo. But until I read her obituary yesterday, I had no idea he was her brother.

(From here to Lyman, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to contribute, and help us do keep doing it. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Library, Obituaries, Real estate, religion

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Roundup: Staples Basketball, 8-30g Video, Heart Disease …

Posted on March 2, 2023 | 2 comments

There will be no 5-peat for the Ridgefield High School boys basketball team.

But there may be a first for Staples.

The 4th-seeded Wreckers demolished the #1, 4-time reigning champion Tigers last night 71-54, in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC) semifinal at Wilton High.

Staples’ only league championship came exactly 60 years ago, in 1963. But there was no actual tournament then — just the standings — so this title would be a long-awaited first.

First-year coach Dave Goldshore’s team faces #3 Danbury for the crown tomorrow (Friday, March 3, 6 p.m., Wilton). The Hatters topped Trumbull 52-50, in last night’s other semi.

The Wreckers — who got 23 points from Chris Zajac, 16 from Gavin Rothenberg, 15 from Cody Sale and 11 from Sam Clachko — proved their earlier 61-54 victory at Ridgefield was no fluke. After that loss, the Tigers went on a 16-game winning tear.

Beyond their first-ever FCIAC tournament crown, Staples has added motivation in tomorrow night’s title match: Danbury won this year’s regular season game, 63-54.

The 2023 Staples High School boys basketball team.

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Speaking of Staples:

Yesterday’s incident, in which a Jeep driven by a teacher crashed through a door and windows, and into a culinary classroom, could have been tragic.

Fortunately, it happened before school. No one was injured, including the driver.

Fire officials shut off a gas leak. Classes began, after a delay.

The classroom was a mess yesterday:

(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

But officials say it will be only a few days before the damage is fixed.

Meanwhile, here is the scene from the parking lot:

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Monday night’s informational session on 8-30g — the state’s affordable housing regulation — drew nearly 200 virtual attendees.

The event was recorded, and is now online. Click below to see:

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Andrew Wilk has a big heart.

The longtime Westporter — and Emmy-winning television executive producer and director of shows like “Live at Lincoln Center” — often donates his talents to his home town.

Up next: a 3-part Westport Library series focusing on cardiovascular health.

Part 1 (March 14) focuses on coronary artery diseases, with Drs. Robert Altbaum, Ari Pollack and Mitchell Dreisman in conversation.

Part 2 (March 22) covers valvular heart disease; Part 3 (April 17) is on atrial fibrillation.

All 3 sessions begin at 7 p.m. All will be led by Dr. Altbaum, with coronary experts. Click here for details.

NOTE: Heart disease may not seem to be in Andrew Wilk’s wheelhouse. But before he turned to television and the performing arts, he wanted to be a doctor.

Andrew Wilk’s first session on heart disease includes (starting 2nd from left) Drs. Robert Altbaum, Ari Pollack and Mitchell Dreisman.

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Jen Greely lives on Caccamo Lane. Though close to downtown, she often spots wildlife in her back yard.

In almost 10 years though, she’d never seen a bobcat.

Until Tuesday.

Click below for her fascinating video:

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Nathan Selsky went for a walk yesterday by the Saugatuck River boat launch, underneath I-95.

His good time was interrupted by racist graffiti.

(Photo/Nathan Selsky)

The spray-painted messages included “Tired of anti-white propaganda,” “Reject white guilt!” and “Blacks 14% population, 53% homicide.”

Nathan says: “I know of no better way to stop behaviors and actions and feelings like this, than to discuss and understand it.”

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Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward continue to make news.

This June, Sotheby’s will auction “The World of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman.” A series of sales of more than 300 items — drawn primarily from their Westport home — will include film and entertainment memorabilia, automotive and racing collectables, family photographs, antique furniture and fine decorative arts.

Special items include autographed letters and photographs from presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and Joanne’s wedding dress and ring from her marriage to Paul in 1958.

PS: Happy belated birthday to Joanne Woodward. The actress turned 93 on Tuesday.

Click here for more information. (Hat tip: Valerie Szeto)

Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, back in the day.

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Bridgewater Associates — the Westport-based world’s largest hedge fund — keeps a low profile.

But a Bloomberg article yesterday notes:

Bridgewater is capping the size of its flagship funds, plowing more money and talent into artificial intelligence and machine learning, expanding in Asia and in equities and doubling down on sustainability. To pare costs and free up resources, it’s also embarking on a firm-wide reorganization over the next two weeks, eliminating about 100 jobs in a workforce of roughly 1,300.

“Just doing what we’ve been doing isn’t good enough,” (CEO Nir) Bar Dea, 41, said in an interview. “Evolve or die. That’s what’s happening here.”

Click here to read the full story.

In other Bridgewater news, Rob Copeland’s new book — “The Fund: Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates and the Unraveling of a Wall Street Legend” — is available for pre-order.

Called “the unauthorized, unvarnished story of famed Wall Street hedge fund manager Ray Dalio,” it “peels back the curtain to reveal a rarified world of wealth and power, where former FBI director Jim Comey kisses Dalio’s ring, recent Pennsylvania Senate candidate David McCormick sells out, and countless Bridgewater acolytes describe what it’s like to work at his fascinating firm.”

(Hat tips: Allan Siegert and Bill Dedman)

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Fresh off last night’s packed opening of the Artists Collective of Westport March pop-up show opening, Eric Chiang is showing various artworks — from small to very large, and from realistic landscapes to abstract — at 3 other high-quality group shows, now through May.

  • Through Mar 18: “Artists Collective Members Show” (Gordon Fine Art Gallery, 1701 Post Road East).
  • March 8 – May 9: “Music to Our Eyes” and “Piece by Piece” (Westport Library); opening reception March 8, 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Early March through April 16: “Home” (Greens Farms Church Gallery Hall).

NOTE: The Artists Collective show is on view at the Westport Country Playhouse barn now through Sunday, March 5 (2 to 6 p.m.). There’s an artists’ talk Sunday, at 5 p.m. too.

Art by Eric Chiang.

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Speaking of art: The Westport Book Shop‘s guest exhibitor for March is George Radwan.

He’s showing birdhouses, inspired by shacks he saw years ago in Soweto. He’s also exhibiting small mixed media pieces, constructed of found and repurposed materials.

All artwork is available for purpose. To see more of Radwan’s work, click here.

George Radwan, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Speaking still of art:

Bonnie Marcus has owned a design company (next to Arezzo Restaurant) for over 20 years. From her small studio, she and her team of Westport moms ship invitations and greeting cards to thousands of stores around the world, including Bloomingdales, Harrods, Target and Barnes & Noble. Celebrities like Britney Spears, Cindy Crawford and Christina Aguilera A-listers who have ordered invitations for special events.

Tonight you can see where Bonnie’s creativity comes from. An art exhibit featuring her great-uncle — abstract artist/painter/printmaker/social activist Louis Schanker opens at the Stamford JCC (7 p.m.).

Shanker and his wife, blues singer and socialite Libby Holman, enabled their close friend, Martin Luther King Jr,. to travel to India to learn firsthand non-violent techniques to battle racism in America.

Shanker’s paintings, sculptures and prints are on display through March 17. Click here for details.

Coretta Scott King and Bonnie Marcus.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is celestial: Venus and Jupiter, taken by Diane Lowman from her window.

Is the one on top Venus (smaller than Jupiter?) or Jupiter (further away than Venus)? Diane did not say.

(Photo/Diane Lowman)

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And finally … Karen Carpenter was born on this day in 1950, in New Haven. She died 32 years later, from complications of anorexia.

(Wow — there’s a lot of news today. “06880” covers it all, every day. To help keep it coming, please consider a contribution. Click here — and thank you.)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment

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8-30g Panel Offers Affordable Housing Insights

Posted on February 28, 2023 | 20 comments

The threat of snow closed the Westport Library early yesterday, forcing the much-anticipated 8-30g panel to Zoom.

There, nearly 200 Westporters got a cold dose of reality. The innocuously named state regulation, which mandates affordable housing percentages for municipalities — and used by developers to gain approval for much larger market-rate projects — is here.

It’s not going away.

But, the panelists noted, Westport can take proactive steps to mitigate some of its most onerous effects.

The evening — organized by Representative Town Meeting member Nancy Kail, and led by RTM moderator Jeff Wieser — began with a bit of history.

The first 8-30g proposal came 25 years ago, in 1998: 10 units on Cross Street, 3 of which were deed-restricted for 40 years as affordable.

Others followed: 41 units on a small parcel at the Wilton Road/Kings Highway North corner (a rare denial in court). 81 units on Lincoln Street. 19 units at Morningside Drive North.

122 Wilton Road — site of a proposed 6-story, 48-unit apartment building — sits at the corner of Kings Highway North. The property abuts the Taylortown Salt Marsh. The Planning & Zoning Commission’s denial was eventually upheld in court.

The infamous Saugatuck Summit development, which began as 55 townhouses on 10 building lots, ballooned to 187 units, and ultimately was settled at 157.

1177 Post Road East — across from Greens Farms Elementary School — was a “friendly” 8-30 go, without battles between the developer, town officials and neighbors.

All told, Westport now has 32 affordable units, created by 8-30g legislation. When Summit Saugatuck and other projects are completed, there will be 108.

Overall — including units built before 1990, when 8-30g was enacted — there are 390 units deemed affordable.

When projects currently in the pipeline are completed, approximately 6% of Westport’s housing stock will be affordable.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg called the 8-30g regulation “a blunt instrument.” But, he noted, Westport has done “a great job. We’ve built affordable housing, and we’ve embraced an inclusive housing plan.” He called housing “a national crisis.”

Yet the town’s 4-year moratorium on 8-30g proposals expires this Saturday (March 4). At that point, town attorney Ira Bloom said, developers can file applications.

One is already in the works, for 30 Maple Lane in Greens Farms. “The gate will open,” he predicted.

30 Maple Lane — between Greens Farms Road and New Creek Road, near the Greens Farms train station — is the site of an 8-30g application that may be filed soon.

“But Westport is not alone,” Bloom added. “There’s an intense focus by developers on Fairfield County.”

There is, he noted, a true need for affordable housing in the area. But developers also use 8-30 for their own ends.

The regulation makes it almost impossible for municipalities to prevail. Towns have lost 75% of all cases that have gone to court, Bloom said.

And “developers know it.”

Local officials who turn down an 8-30g application must prove their decision was driven by “a significant public interest.” However, traffic, even safety, are not always reasons for denial. (Wetlands can be a reason, however.)

“The process does not make it easy to negotiate once an 8-30g application is filed,” Bloom said.

A questioner asked whether the 8-30g formula includes beds in homeless shelters, like the Gillespie Center. The answer: No.

Units at The Saugatuck — the Bridge Street co-op limited to to buyers below an income threshold — also do not count for 8-30g.

Though its apartments are income-restricted, The Saugatuck co-op on Bridge Street is not included in Westport’s housing stock for 8-30g purposes. (Photo courtesy of SmartMLS Inc.)

Planning & Zoning chair Danielle Dobin believes the town can reach 10%. But, she explained, “it will take collaboration between town boards, and residents getting behind it.

“Westport believes in affordable housing. What we don’t want is density, or building on wetlands.”

The RTM can play a key role, she told the Zoom audience.

She urged the legislative body to create an affordable housing fund. Using town-owned land, developers could built low-density projects.

One example: Linxweiler House, on Post Road East between Fresh Market and McDonald’s. The historic home there could be renovated, and moved closer to the road. Cluster housing could be built behind it. Homes with Hope could provide supportive services to residents — who would have access to public transportation, almost at their door.

Linxweiler House, on Post Road East,

Another possibility, which town officials have explored for several years: the state-owned Department of Transportation maintenance facility on Post Road East by Parish Road West, just east of Walgreens.

Of course, even with funding, finding willing developers is not easy. Developers make much more money on market-rate housing than on affordable units.

It was an informative Zoom evening. Nearly all 200 attendees stayed on to the end.

They — town officials, residents, those who hope to become residents, and developers — will follow the next steps in the 8-30g saga closely.

Beginning Saturday, when Westport’s moratorium officially ends.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to help us continue reporting on important town issues. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Local politics, Politics, Real estate

Tagged , , , ,

Roundup: 8-30g Panel, Staples Hoops …

Posted on February 26, 2023 | 5 comments

Tomorrow’s important affordable housing community conversation — “The Impact of Connecticut State Statute 8-30g: What We Can Expect for 2023” (Monday, February 27, 7 p.m., Westport Library) — will also be livestreamed on the Library’s website. (Click here for the link).

Panelists include State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Westport town attorney ira Bloom, Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin and Connecticut Center for Ending Homelessness CEO Evonne Klein. The event will be led by Westport Representative Town Meeting moderator Jeff Wieser.

The session was organized by a diverse group of RTM members, all interested in finding out more about the controversial state housing regulation: Nancy Kail, Seth Braunstein, Ross Burkhardt, Jimmy Izzo, Sal Liccione, Matthew Mandell, Liz Milwe and Claudia Shaum.

It will be followed by a Q-and-A, with audience members. The session will also be posted online, for those who miss it live.

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Last night, the Staples High School boys basketball team avenged their regular season overtime loss to Wilton, in a big way.

The Wreckers dominated the Warriors defensively, and rode a balanced offense to a 53-43 win in the FCIAC quarterfinals at Fairfield Warde.

The victory vaults them into the league semifinals for the first time since 1996. The 4th-seeded Westporters’ opponent on Tuesday’s semi will be #1 Ridgefield. The Tigers downed New Canaan 47-33 in their quarterfinal. It was their 16th win in a row — following a 61-54 loss last month to Staples.

The Wreckers and Ridgefield tip off Tuesday (February 28, 7:15 p.m.) at Wilton High.

The 2023 Staples High School boys basketball team.

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Mark this Donnerstag — Thursday — on your calendar.

La Plage offers a dinner tasting of world-class wines from iconic German estates. A 5-course menu marries those selections with their own New England offerings. Click here for the menu.

The special meal begins at 6:30 p.m. (March 2). The cost is $145 per person. Click here for reservations.

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Yesterday’s cold and (surprise!) light snow prompted Mikayla Doyle to put out food for birds.

She was rewarded with this “Westport … Naturally” scene:

(Photo/Mikayla Doyle)

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And finally … on this date in 1616, Galileo Galilei was formally banned by the Roman Catholic Church from teaching or defending the view that the earth orbits the sun.

Of course, we know better today. Galileo’s discovery is now taught all over the world, except perhaps in Florida.

(PS: Happy belated birthday to George Harrison. He would have been 80 years old yesterday.)

(Celebrate “Sun”-day by making a contribution to “06880.” Our non-profit, hyperlocal blog depends entirely on reader support. Please click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Library, Local politics, Real estate, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Water Main Breaks, Arts $$$. 8-30g …

Posted on February 4, 2023 | 3 comments

The second burst pipe in 2 days affected 1,600 Westport customers in the Newtown Turnpike neighborhood last night.

That one was a 24-inch main. Aquarion. A.J. Penna and the Westport Fire Department assisted in repairs, in bitterly cold weather.

Repairs to the Newtown Turnpike main. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

Adding to the woes, at the same time high winds brought down a tree, also on Newtown Turnpike.

Tree down on Newtown Turnpike. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

The day before, a water main break on Duck Pond Road in Saugatuck Shores affected customers on more than 20 streets.

Saugatuck Shores water main break. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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“06880” has partnered with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.

Three scholarships — each worth $7,500 — will go to high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.

Students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 JPEGs of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.

Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 500 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.

Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2023 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 28.

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8-30g — the state’s convoluted, controversial affordable housing act — has been with us for quite a while.

There are rumblings of change in Hartford. What are they? What might they mean for Westport?

A community conversation called “The Impact of CT Statute 8-30g On Westport: What to Expect in 2023” may shed some light.

The February 27 event (Westport Library, 7 p.m.) features State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Westport town attorney Ira Bloom, Westport Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin, and Evonne Klein of the Connecticut Center for Ending Homelessness.

The event is organized by the Westport Representative Town Meeting. RTM moderator Jeff Wieser will lead the discussion.

Artist’s rendering of Summit Saugatuck. The 187-unit development on Hiawatha Lane Extension has been mired in 8-30g controversies for years.

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The Norwalk location is not on the list of hundreds of Bed Bath & Beyond stores set to close.

However, according to alert “06880” reader Bobbie Herman, the Westport Avenue store is no longer accepting their ubiquitous coupons. No worries: Everything there is 20% off.

The Fairfield location, on Kings Highway, is set to close. Their sale began the other day.

The home goods chain announced plans last year to shutter approximately 150 stores and cut 20 percent of its workforce. Another round of closures was announced the other day, on the heels of news they defaulted on their credit line, and may file for bankruptcy.

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There are plenty of important fundraising galas in Westport. Each has its own beneficiary, theme and vibe.

But only one invites you to come in pajamas.

The 4th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala (March 11, 7 p.m., FTC Warehouse, Fairfield) celebrates the life of Rachel Doran — the Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate, who was also a talented sleepwear designer — with music, food, an auction and great community spirit.

Proceeds benefit local families navigating the critical illness of a child. Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement, so family members can focus on being present for their children.

Guests are invited to wear “pajama-chic attire” to honor “Rachel’s Rags” — the business she began before her death in 2018.

An honors student and skilled costume designer for Staples Players, Rachel was a rising senior at Cornell University studying fashion design and business when she suffered a rare reaction to common medications.

The chain of unimaginable events leading to Rachel’s loss brought the Doran family’s friends together to support them when they needed it the most. That became the healing mission for Rach’s Hope: ensuring no family goes through the illness of a child alone.

Click here for tickets, and more information. To donate funds, goods, experiences or services to the auction, email teamrachshope@gmail.com.

Rachel Doran

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Only 7 VIP tickets remain for Fashionably Westport.

The raised runway show (Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum) highlights downtown’s fashion and beauty merchants. Just as importantly, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope.

That’s just part of the 2-day event. Also included: in-store activities and promotions.

VIP tickets include light bites, a DJ and gifts. Click here for all tickets.

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The Staples High School boys swim and dive team needs to raise funds for activities not sponsored by the Board of Education budget.

During a “Swim Challenge” (Friday, February 10, 4 p.m.), team members will swim 240 laps.

Yeah, that’s a lot: 6,000 meters (more relatably: 3.7 miles).

They’re seeking sponsors per lap. Scan the Venmo QR code in the flyer below, or send a check: Staples Swim & Dive Team, c/o Timothy Tanksley, 8 Salem Road, Westport, CT 06880. Be sure to write “Wreckers Swim Challenge.”

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The wintertime crowds at Compo Beach may not rival those of summer.

But the shoreline’s “Westport … Naturally” beauty is there, 24/7/365.

(Photo/Michelle Harmon)

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And finally … in honor of all the Aquarion, Fire Department and private contractor folks who worked over the past 2 days — in frigid weather — to fix Westport’s 2 water main breaks:

(Bed Bath & Beyond is contracting. But “06880” continues to grow — thanks to readers’ support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Politics, Real estate

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Wilton Road Apartment Approvals Begin

Posted on November 14, 2022 | 19 comments

In March, Westport’s 8-30g moratorium ends.

Four months from now, developers may again apply to include “affordable housing” in their plans. Some believe in it. Others use it as a ploy for approval of projects otherwise too big to pass zoning muster.

(8-30g is a state statute requiring at least 10% of a community’s housing stock to be “affordable,” according to a state median income formula. Westport would meet that standard if all affordable units were included. However, only those built after 1990 — when the regulation was adopted — are included.)

Meanwhile, an 8-30g project approved before the moratorium is moving through Westport’s approval pipeline.

122 Wilton Road — the 1.16-acre parcel bordered by Wilton Road, Kings Highway North, the Saugatuck River and Taylortown Salt Marsh — is the planned site of a 3-story, 19-unit,  20,078-square foot apartment complex.

122 Wilton Road is the site of a planned 3-story, 19-unit apartment complex.

In 2018, the state Appellate Court denied a plan by Garden Homes of Stamford to build a 7-story, 48-unit apartment complex.

The developer returned with the smaller, 19-unit proposal, which included an 8-30g component.

Again the P&Z rejected the request. The scale was still too big; there were still traffic and fire safety issues.

But Garden Homes appealed, and a court overruled the P&Z. According to 8-30g, affordability trumps traffic and safety concerns.

COVID pushed back the 122 Wilton Road schedule. But last month the Conservation Department issued a permit. Still ahead are permits from the Water Pollution Control Facility and Building Department.

But with the court’s okay, the project moves steadily ahead.

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Cross Street, Hiawatha Projects Settlements Near

Posted on May 9, 2021 | 12 comments

Two of Westport’s longest-running — and thorniest — housing issues may soon come to conclusions.

RTM member and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce executive director Matthew Mandell has been following the sagas of Lincoln/Cross Streets and Hiawatha Lane Extension for years. He writes:

Two major projects, both 8-30g*, have come to a negotiated resolution: Lincoln / Cross Street as well as Hiawatha.

Both will be presented to the public by the Planning & Zoning Commission this  Wednesday (May 12, 7 p.m., Zoom). There will be an outline of what each will be, and the public will be allowed to comment. It is anticipated that P&Z will then vote on each.

How did we get here? 

P&Z denied the Lincoln multi-story 80+ unit project, and was then sued by the developer. The judge ruled in favor of the developer. 8-30g cases are exceedingly hard to defend. Even though there were severe safety issues, the judge said the need for affordable housing essentially outweighed them.

The P&Z then worked with the neighbors and the developer to make the project more palatable. I was not in any of the meetings, so I too am waiting to see what has come out of it.

The settlement may lessens the impact on Lincoln Street, just south of Cross Street.

As for Hiawatha: P&Z, the Board of Selectmen, the Department of Housing and everyone else who ever said boo about this project was sued over this one. There were actually 7 lawsuits still pending after this 16-year battle.

With this negotiated settlement, all of them go away. Their ancillary issues, some of which could have been detrimental long-term to the entire town, will be gone as well.

While some of the suits might have been won, I am not sure all 7 would have. This was always an egregious project of 5 buildings with 187 units, where 10 naturally occurring affordable homes exist in the middle of an affordable neighborhood.

Homes on Hiawatha Lane.

This one is going to hurt. I can’t say more on the issue, but we will all see it when it comes public. I am very sad about this outcome, and really feel for the neighborhood. We all fought for 16 years against a developer and lawyer who only saw opportunity and not people.

In the end, it is the town that gets sued. It’s the town that negotiates for itself, and they make the call in these cases. A silver lining may be, with both of these projects the town would probably get another 4 year moratorium from 8-30g projects.

The Planning & Zoning Commission welcomes public comment at Wednesday’s 7 p.m. meeting. Click here for the Zoom link. The meeting ID is 816 5841 6015. The passcode is 221876.

*8-30 g is a Connecticut statute. It says that that unless 10 percent of a town’s housing stock is “affordable” — according to state definition — a developer planning to include affordable units can challenge a town’s denial of a proposal.

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[UPDATE] New Townhouse Proposal For Post Road

Posted on January 10, 2020 | 21 comments

Many Westporters have no idea what goes on at 900 Post Road East. The lot next to Walgreens, across from the Sherwood Diner, is filled with trucks and mounds of sand.

In fact, it’s a maintenance lot for the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

At least, it is now.

Sometime in the future though, it could be the site of new townhouses. Eighty or 90% could be “affordable” — under state 8-30g standards — while the rest would sell or rent at market rates.

As first reported by the Westport News, town officials — including 1st Selectman Jim Marpe and the Planning & Zoning Commission — are in very preliminary discussions with the state. The complex would be built on 4 of the 10.73 acres, along West Parish Road.

900 Post Road East

Early indications are that some nearby residents favor the move. They prefer townhouses to trucks in their back yards.

Others, however, oppose more development in the Greens Farms/Post Road area. New housing — some affordable, others for seniors, most at market rate — has gone up recently near Greens Farms Elementary School, and the foot of Long Lots Road.

Affordable housing is mandated by the state. It is not optional. In Westport, that translates to people earning just under $80,000 a year, says P&Z chair Danielle Dobin. That includes teachers, firefighters, police officers, other town employees, young people and seniors.

The P&Z’s Affordable Housing sub-committee meets today (Friday, January 10, 12 noon, Westport Town Hall Room 201). It’s the first of many meetings about this proposal.

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Morningside Drive South Housing Issue Is Settled

Posted on June 19, 2019 | 19 comments

One of Westport’s most controversial housing issues has apparently been settled.

With far less fanfare than it originally generated.

An email from Green’s Farms United says that last month, the developer and town negotiated a settlement about 20-26 Morningside Drive South. The property — directly opposite Greens Farms Elementary School, formerly owned by artists Walter and Naiad Einsel — was the site of a proposed 8-30g (affordable housing regulation) development.

The previously proposed development at 26 South Morningside Drive.

Green’s Farms United representatives — including an attorney, engineer and “GFU intervenors” — were then invited to meet with the town attorney and other officials to review the proposal. The GFU group provided input regarding the engineering and conservation easement landscape elements prior to the final agreement.

On May 23, GFU says, the settlement was approved by a judge. The 8-30g application was withdrawn the same day. (Click here for the full document.)

The Einsels’ house at 26 Morningside Drive South.

Key points from the settlement include:

  • The studio will be moved from 20 Morningside Drive South to the same lot as the historic home, which will remain where it currently is. Both buildings will be renovated, sold as one lot and considered the “new” historic district. GFU says the newly created historic district has greater legal protections under the settlement stipulation than the previous Einsel Historic District.
  • 26 Morningside Drive South will be subdivided into 3 lots. One is the Historic Home Studio; the 2 additional lots will have new homes.
  • The 2 center driveways will be next to each other in the location of the current driveway. They will be designed to look like one, giving the appearance of only 3 driveways on the property.
  • The 20 Morningside Drive South lot will have 1 new home.
  • The “Doll House” barn/shed located in the wetlands area will be removed.
  • Extensive planting will be done, with particular focus on the riparian buffer/wetlands areas abutting Muddy Brook
  • The developer is legally bound to adhere to the terms of the settlement stipulation, which will be enforced by the town and the court should any variance occur.

Green’s Farms United thanked supporters for their help during the long process.

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Local Zoning Makes National News

Posted on May 23, 2019 | 27 comments

ProPublica — the non-profit investigative news outlet — has published an in-depth look at the interrelated issues of affordable housing and zoning laws in Connecticut.

Much of the piece — produced in collaboration with the Connecticut Mirror, and headlined “How Some of America’s Richest Towns Fight Affordable Housing” — focuses on Westport.

It does not paint a pretty picture.

The story begins with the example of the new houses being built on the former Daybreak property, near Merritt Parkway Exit 42:

A dirt field overgrown with weeds is the incongruous entrance to one of America’s wealthiest towns, a short walk to a Rodeo Drive-like stretch replete with upscale stores such as Tiffany & Co.

But this sad patch of land is also the physical manifestation of a broader turf war over what type of housing — and ultimately what type of people — to allow within Westport’s borders.

After a lengthy description of the zoning battles that followed — without mentioning traffic and related issues — the piece notes:

Welcome to Connecticut, a state with more separate — and unequal — housing than nearly everywhere else in the country.

This separation is by design.

In fact, the Daybreak project was never about affordable housing. It was planned as 55-and-over housing.

Construction fence at the Daybreak development.

It talks about Westport’s “affordable housing” stock (as defined by state regulation 8-30g), without mentioning that the statute does not include dwellings built before 1990.

In Westport — where gated residences overlook the Long Island Sound and voters solidly backed Democrats in the most recent state and presidential elections — private developers have been allowed to open just 65 affordable housing units over the last three decades. Public housing rentals operated by the local housing authority have also grown at a snail’s pace, with 71 new units opening in this charming small town of 10,400 homes.

The story implies several times that racism is a factor in local housing decisions.

“I think the vestiges of our racial past are far from over,” said former Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who left office in early 2019 after eight years and regularly butted heads with General Assembly members who wanted local officials to have even more authority over housing decisions. For minority residents striving for safe and affordable housing, the state has “denied the opportunity that we allowed white middle-class aspirants to access,” Malloy said.

It includes quotes from Planning & Zoning commissioners and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe — though not always with context.

There are descriptions of zoning battles over developments like 1177 Post Road East (which is already built and occupied) and the Hiawatha Lane project (which has been battled over for years).

An artist’s rendering of the 4-story rental property at 1177 Post Road East.

Particularly striking: A photo of the Community Gardens, next to Long Lots Elementary School. The caption implies that the town bought the land and turned it into gardens simply to prevent construction of “multifamily housing for low-income residents in (that) heavily residential single-family section of Westport.”

There’s much more. It’s a long piece — and it will get people talking.

Click here to read the entire story.

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