Tag Archives: affordable housing

Roundup: Affordable Housing, NCAA President, St. Patrick’s Parties …

Posted on March 13, 2025 | 3 comments

In the wake of the announcement that the Connecticut Department of Transportation plans to build a new maintenance building at the state facility on Post Road East between Walgreens and West Parish Road, renewed attention has come to approximately 1.4 acres of the property, near West Parish.

Yet 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker tells “06880,” “The DOT never offered the town of Westport a portion of that property.

“There were discussions regarding building affordable housing on a portion of the property, in 2020 and 2021. However, the land would have been transferred from DOT to the Department of Housing for that purpose, not the town.

“Neither the state DOT nor DOH has advanced that project.”

State Department of Transportation land. The Sherwood Island Connector is at left, Post Road East at top, West Parish Road on right. The proposed new maintenance facility is outlined in black (behind Walgreens). The land once considered for affordable housing is in red, at right.

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Just days before the Division I basketball tournament (aka March Madness) begins, NCAA president Charlie Baker sat down with Dave Briggs for a long, and very interesting, interview.

Briggs — a Westporter, former NBC Sports and Turner sports broadcaster, and host of a high-energy March Madness show — asked important questions.

What’s the future of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal? Does the NCAA support the Trump decision to ban transgender athletes? How will private equity impact college sports?

It’s a national podcast, but there are 2 Westport connections (besides this being Briggs’ hometown):

  • Briggs referenced Marc Lasry. The Beachside Avenue resident and private equity billionaire has indicated an interest in getting into the college sports space.
  • NCAA president Baker is married to Lauren Schadt, a Staples High School graduate who grew up in Westport.

Click below to watch the full interview.

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The Clubhouse opened last month, to rave reviews. Now 2 big perfect-for-the-space events are coming up.

From March 14 to 17, the Post Road East hot spot offers Irish-inspired dishes and drinks, and their first-ever brunch specials. They’re open normal hours Friday to Sunday, then noon to 10 p.m. on Monday the 17th.

Starting March 20, March Madness basketball will be live on the massive 22-foot TV wall.

Coming soon: the opening of the roof deck.

The Clubhouse — with the 22-foot TV wall on the right.

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Speaking of St. Paddy’s Day: Club203 celebrates the green the next day.

Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities gathers at the Westport Library on March 18 (6:30 to 8 p.m.) for karaoke, Irish soda bread and sweet buns from Cobs Bread, green bagels from Village Bagels, shamrock cookies from Baked by Belle, crafts with MoCA, and free books from the Westport Book Shop.

Everyone is invited to wear green. Click here for more information.

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Yesterday’s “06880” Unsung Heroes feature honored the Westport Woman’s Club food pantry, for its 50 years of service.

Unfortunately, the link for readers to donate did not work.

There’s always time to help. Click here, for a usable (and greatly appreciated) link.

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Suspense and legal thriller author David Baldacci has sold over 150 million books worldwide. He’s been published in 45 languages.

His new book, “Strangers in Time,” will be released April 15. It’s about a bereaved bookshop owner and 2 teenagers scarred by the World War II in 1944 London, and the healing and hope they find in each other.

At 7 p.m. that day, he launches it with a keynote address and book signing — at the Westport Library.

The Library is including a copy of the book with each ticket ($40). Attendees can get 2 seats and 1 book for $50. Extra copies are $30 each. There is a special opportunity to meet Baldacci one-on-one ($150). Click here to register.

David Baldacci

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Remember the Famous Artists School?

In its heyday in the 1950s and ’60s, the correspondence course company on Wilton Road promised millions of would-be artists that they could draw like a professional.

The school lives on — at least through June 15, at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

An exhibit from the Famous Artists Cartoon Course — launched in 1956 — offers a look at famous cartooning “teachers” like Rube Goldberg, Al Capp and Milton Caniff. Click here for more information. (Hat tip: Carol Waxman)

A Famous Artists School cartoon course cartoon.

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The artist known as Inam unveils his latest collection, “Life in Color,” at Clarendon Fine Art on April 24 (6 p.m.). The reception includes drinks and live music. These works include his signature forest scenes, and striking new seascapes.

Clarendon will cover the sales tax on all purchases made at the event (terms and conditions apply).

“Sailing in the Sun” (Inam)

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Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between March 5 and 11.

A 49-year-old Westport woman was charged with evading responsibility (hit and run), driving under the influence and failure to drive in the proper lane, following an accident on Imperial Avenue. Officers located the vehicle parked at the driver’s residence, while she was still sitting in it.

A 39-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with possession of a controlled substance, after respondingi to a vehicle facing the wrong direction on Red Coat Road. The driver was slumped over in the driver’s seat, with a baggie and straw in his lap. A field test of that, and additional baggies in the vehicle, were positive for cocaine and fentanyl.

A 54-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with burglary, criminal mischief and larceny following an investigation into the theft of $800 from Little Kitchen, after a rear door was forced oopen. He was unable to post $25,000 bond.

A 33-year-old Philadelphia woman was charged with larceny, payment card theft, identity theft, and conspirace to commit those crimes, after investigation into the the theft of a handbag at Panera in 2020.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to renew registration (6 citations)
  • Speeding: 5
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Simple trespass: 2
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Passing a stopped school bus: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Improper turns: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Creating a public disturbance: 1

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Longtime Westporter Paulette Weibel died peacefully on March 4. She was 98.

The Geneva, Switzerland native immigrated to the US in 1950, to marry her husband Otto Weibel. They were married for 65 years, until his death in 2015. 

Paulette lived in Westport for the past 60 years. She was a proud member of the NY/CT Swiss-American; loved nature, walking, knitting, sewing and volunteering, with Girl Scouts and the Westport Library.

She also worked full time at the library. She helped maintain picture files for over 36 years. Her beautiful handwriting can be seen today on many files.

She is survived by her son, Robert (Silvia) of Switzerland and daughter Joyce Bottone (Joseph) of Westport; grandchildren Jessica, Jonathan (Naima), Leonard (Vanessa), Nolan, Stella, Joseph and Jennifer, and great-grandchildren  Shayna, Kiana and Ayana. She was also predeceased by her son Peter and  brother Jean Lambert.

The family will receive friends and family at the Harding Funeral Home on March 17 (4 to 7 p.m.). A graveside service is set  March 18, 2025 (11 a.m., Willowbrook Cemetery). Click here to leave online condolences.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Homes With Hope  or the Domestic Violence Crisis Center,

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Most “Westport … Naturally” photos show gorgeous daytime scenes: birds, bees, trees and the like.

Every once in a while, we mix it up. Here’s a nighttime view of Nyala Farm:

(Photo/Bob Levy)

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And finally … Joey Molland, the last surviving member of Badfinger, died on March 1 in Minnesota. He was 77, and suffered from diabetes. Click here for a full obituary.

(If you want it, please click here to help support “06880” — “where Westport meets the world.” Thank you!)

 

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Affordable Housing Fund Committee Begins Work

Posted on October 4, 2024 | 5 comments

The opening of 122 Wilton Road — Westport’s new 19-unit affordable housing building across the Saugatuck River from downtown — shined a new spotlight on an issue the town (and county, state and nation) are addressing with ever-increasing urgency.

Westport has done a better job than many similar communities. We supported one of the first homeless shelters in any suburb anywhere. Homes with Hope — which operates 122 Wilton Road — has evolved with the times and needs, and today is stronger and more efficient than ever.

Still, their mission — to end homelessness in Fairfield County — is enormous, and seemingly impossible to achieve.

The Westport Housing Authority, formed just after World War II to help returning veterans, oversees 4 residential communities — Canal Park, Hales Court, Hidden Brook and Sasco Creek Village — with professional management, resident services, and outreach and support.

But their wait lists are closed.

Among Westport’s affordable housing options: Sasco Creek Village.

Still, Westport continues to seek solutions. The need for affordable housing is not just a moral issue; it involves the economy and jobs; education and the next generation, and much more.

Last winter, the Representative Town Meeting created an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Money from land purchases, house construction and market rate housing sales will be used to build affordable housing. It could generate up to $1 million annually.

Fairfield and New Canaan have similar funds.

Last month, the RTM appointed 5 members to the Affordable Housing Fund Committee to will oversee the money.

They are former Board of Finance member James Foster, former assistant town attorney Gail Kelly, former Planning & Zoning Commission member Jon Olefson, investment banker Kate Weber, and retired institutional asset manager Ralph Yearwood.

Ralph Yearwood

The other day, Yearwood — a Harvard College and Business School graduate; Westporter since 1984; father of 3 children who went through the local school system; volunteer with a food pantry and after-school learning program, and a Norwalk Public School mentor, as well as treasurer of Homes with Hope — chatted with “06880” about the new committee.

“Everyone should have sufficient food, housing, education, healthcare and security,” he said, describing his volunteer efforts in general, and his motivation to serve on the Affordable Housing Fund Committee.

Members have not yet held their first meeting. They’ll meet individually with 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, before convening as a group.

When they get together, they’ll assess their tasks: to study the town’s existing plan for affordable housing; inventory the sites that may be suitable for affordable housing; track the availability of those properties, and determine how to purchase and fund those sites.

Yearwood is proud that there is a consensus in Westport around the need for affordable housing. The state mandates that 10% of units built since 1990 be deemed “affordable,” according to an income formula.

19 apartments at 122 Wilton Road are Westport’s newest affordable housing units.

But, Yearwood says, the interest of residents goes beyond state requirements.

“Having affordable housing enables you to attract better employees,” he says.

“There’s a direct benefit to teachers, first responders, retail workers and others.”

Affordable housing is also a means of reducing homelessness. And yes, there are homeless people in Westport, he notes.

In addition, the opportunity for children to get a good education helps end inter-generational poverty, whose effects are borne by all taxpayers.

The details and timeline of the Affordable Housing Fund Committee are still to come.

But Ralph Yearwood and his fellow members feel right at home in their work.

(“06880” is Westport’s hyper-local source for real estate, education and political news — and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Beach Sticker Sales, Saugatuck Apartments, Leonard Everett Fisher Memorial …

Posted on March 6, 2024 | 6 comments

It’s a sure sign of summer: Beach parking emblems go on sale online, and in the Westport Parks & Recreation Department office, at 9 a.m. next Monday (March 11) for Westport and Weston residents. The number of sales to Westport and Weston residents is not limited, and they are not required until May 1.

Sales of emblems to people not living in Westport or Weston begin online, and in the Parks & Rec office, at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13. A limit of 450 will be sold.

If you have purchased emblems or registered for Parks & Rec programs in prior seasons, you already have an online account established. Click here to log into your account. Then choose memberships; in the search box, type “Resident.” This brings all Westport resident vehicle packages to the top page. Weston residents should type “Weston” in search box.

After verification (Parks & Rec may request a copy of your current registration, or updated proof of residency), online purchases will be mailed to you. It may take 14-21 days.

Office hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov.

(Photo/Mark Marcus)

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Construction will begin soon on Summit Saugatuck’s 157-unit housing complex, on Hiawatha Lane Extension.

But residents of the neighborhood got a bit of relief recently, when plans for a 5-story, 42-unit affordable housing development nearby were withdrawn.

Cathy Walsh, applicant for the project and former Planning and Zoning Commission chair, withdrew the application last month, CT Insider reports.

However, the reprieve may be temporary. She said that she and Faustina Zucaro — owner of the property — will resubmit it later. Further details on the withdrawal or new submission were not available. Click here for the full story.

Plans for this 5-story, 42-unit housing complex have been withdrawn.

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Many readers have asked about funeral services for Leonard Everett Fisher. The noted illustrator, longtime Westport volunteer and World War II veteran died last weekend, at 99.

His family says there will be no immediate service. However, they look forward to a public celebration of his life life close to or on his 100th birthday in June.

“06880” will provide details when they are finalized.

Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Connecticut’s presidential primary election is April 2.

But with the state finally embracing early voting, Westporters have 4 options besides that date to vote.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The only polling place is Town Hall. Do not go to your regular poll location!

Town Hall is open for early voting on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, March 26-30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (though not Good Friday, March 29), and on April 2 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For information regarding the primary, including how to vote by absentee ballot, click here.

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WestportMoms’ 3rd annual Easter Egg Hunt is so big, there will be 2 of them.

The Saturday, March 23 event at Long Lots Elementary School (11:45 a.m. for ages 2-5; 12:30 p.m., kids 6+) includes art projects, cookie decorating, prizes, face painting, food trucks, games and more.

Bring the whole family, tell your friends, and come have fun with us!

Tickets are $20 per family. Click here to purchase.

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In 2005 I wrote and published “Staples High School: 120 Years of A+ Education.”

1,000 copies of the 390-page history of the school were printed. All sold, but a second printing was not financially viable.

From time to time, they show up on eBay. They usually cost about $75. (The original was $20.)

But the other day, proud 1992 Staples grad Evan Stein spotted a copy with an eye-popping price: $288.99.

“It must be autographed,” he said.

I’m not sure how the seller came up with that figure. But it’s perfect for anyone who would never pay $289 for a history of a high school.

The cheap edition of my Staples history book is in the upper left corner on eBay. The deluxe one is at the right.

FUN STAPLES HISTORY FACTOIDS:

  • The first graduating class was just 6 students. All were girls.
  • Wilbur Cross — future Yale professor, Connecticut governor and parkway namesake — was the second principal of Staples High School.
  • In the 1930s, Staples sponsored 2 rifle teams: one for boys, one for girls.
  • In 1954, Staples was the first Connecticut school to offer an Advanced Placement (AP) class.
  • In the 1970s, Staples was a national Ultimate Frisbee leader.
  • In 2001, senior Mariangela won both the Siemens Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition and the Intel Science Talent Search. Each carried a $100,000 scholarship prize.

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Speaking of Staples: The high school has announced the names of its 20 high honors graduates, in the Class of 2024.

They are the seniors whose academic grade point average is in the top 4% of the class.

The high honors students will be celebrated this spring, at a special dinner at the school. They are:

Front row, from left: Connor Ng, Ellen Ou, Kaitlyn Seo, Kathryn Asiel, Defne Merih, Gabriela de Brito, Leigh Foran, Emerson Briggs, Neva Mermagen, Mabel Propper. Back row: Peter Loranger, Darren Weng, Gabriel Weng, Dyan Fiore, Courtlyn Crombie, Elizabeth Turner, Jeremy Rosenkranz, Eitan Eiger, Jameson Russell,  Andrew Berkowitz.

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More Staples news: The boys golf team hopes to organizes an alumni golf outing in mid to late July, with an informal tailgate to follow.

Interested Staples golf alums should email the current coaches: Pcaligiure@westportps.org and  dmaxwell@westportps.org.

You can follow Staples boys golf on Instagram (@staplesboysgolf).

Staples boys golf team.

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More sports news:

Williams College is going to the NCAA D-III men’s basketball round of 16.

And they’re headed to Greensboro, North Carolina thanks to a Greens Farms Academy graduate.

Cole Prowitt-Smith finished a driving, double-clutch layup with less than 1 second to go last weekend, leading the Ephs to a dramatic 79-77 win at #5 Oswego State. It capped a 27-point night for the 6-4 senior. (His father, Scott Smith, writes frequently for “06880” on environmental issues.)

Williams faces Christopher Newport University on Friday.

Cole Prowitt-Smith

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Westport is proud of its rainbow crosswalk, on Jesup Road at Taylor Place.

Now, to make the area even more colorful, Westport Pride — the town’s LGBTQ organization — has joined the Parks & Recreation Department’s Adopt-a-Spot program.

Partnering with Tuliptree Site Design, a gay-owned, Norwalk-based design firm, Westport Pride is installing a pollinator pathway garden along the 100-foot Jesup Road median.

The garden will include native wildflowers, adding both color and a a habitat for native species downtown. Flowers will include daffodils, lupine, coneflower, primrose, coreopsis, spiked gayfeather, cornflower, daisies, poppy, phlox, butterfly milkweed and yarrow. The design will also incorporate spring bulbs

Planting was completed on Monday.

Tuliptree design director Michael Mushak and Westport Pride chair Brian McGunagle, at the rainbow crosswalk and pollinator pathway.

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If you haven’t been to an Artists Collective of Westport pop-up gallery, you’re missing great shows.

The next one is March 13-17 (1 to 5 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn).

The opening reception — always packed and buzzing — is March 12 (6 to 8 p.m.). Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Mark Naftalin will entertain on piano.

An artists’ talk is set for March 17 (4 p.m.).

Participating artists include Trace Burroughs, Linn Cassetta, Beatrice delPerugia, Charles Douthat, Cecilia Moy Fradet, Ronnie Gold, Ning Jia, David Stephen Johnson, Maj Kalfus, Karen Kalkstein, Robert Meyer and Jen Williams.

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“Footloose The Musical” dances onto the Coleytown Middle School stage next month Tickets for the Coleytown Company show go on sale Friday.

The show — a stage and screen favorite for its celebration of youth, forgiveness and the power of music — is set for Friday, April 5 (7 p.m.), Saturday, April 6 (1 p.m. and 7 p.m.), and Sunday, April 7 (1 p.m.).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The star of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is a pileated woodpecker. Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted him hard at work, outside the Senior Center:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Today in 1836, a 13-day siege by an army of 3,000 Mexican troops ended when 187 Texas volunteers defending the Alamo were killed. The fort was captured.

(“06880” is your hyper-local, reader-supported blog. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Real estate, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS

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Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Innovative Solution Fills Important Need

Posted on February 23, 2024 | 19 comments

Affordable housing is crucial.

It’s a way for town employees — police officers, firefighters, teachers — to live in the town where they work.

It’s how longtime older residents can remain here, and striving young people can come.

But it’s not cheap to buy the land for affordable housing, then build it.

In other words: How can Westport afford affordable housing?

Earlier this month, we took a big step forward.

The Planning & Zoning Commission established an “Inclusionary Zoning Fee,” and recommended a fee: 0.5% of construction costs of all projects for which zoning permit applications are filed. That’s $5 for every $1,000.

The fee will be paid by anyone filing for a zoning permit — for instance, builders of new construction, and homeowners making major renovations.

The Representative Town meeting then unanimously passed the motion to create the fund, and voted 30-1 to ratify the fee. The ordinance becomes effective February 23.

What does it all mean?

Here’s one example. The 1 Glendinning Place project — a plan to build 10 homes near the office complex off Weston Road, 2 of them reserved for people with special needs — has an estimated construction cost of $10 million.

That would generate $50,000 for the new Affordable Housing Trust Fund. More would be added from other related zoning permit transactions.

The Glendinning Place proposal could add over $50,000 to Westport’s new Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The Fund would be used to purchase land, and for the subsequent construction, of affordable housing.

Though the ordinance is not yet effective, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is already at $10,000. It was jump-started by an anonymous donation, from a resident who believes in its mission.

Besides the 0.5% zoning permit fee and donations, the fund will include investment income, as well as possible state and federal grants.

Planning began almost 2 years, with discussions by then-P&Z chair Danielle Dobin about Westport’s Affordable Housing Plan.

RTM members Matthew Mandell and Seth Braunstein helped shepherd it through many legislative steps. It had strong support from town officials (including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker), town attorneys, and RTM members.

The fund will be administered by an oversight committee. They’ll advise the Boards of Selectwomen and Finance, and the RTM, on how and where to spend the funds. Those bodies must then approve the recommendations.

Tooker will appoint the 5 members of the committee.

“This is a high priority for me,” Tooker tells “06880.”

She has already explored opportunities on town-owned land. The Linxweiler property on the Post Road (between Fresh Market and McDonald’s) could be used for cluster housing, for example.

The Linxweiler property, on Post Road East.

The 5 existing structures on Baron’s South could also be renovated and repurposed, through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The committee will add “a whole other perspective, and another strategic viewpoint and layer of focus” to the work Tooker has already done, she says.

“It’s incredibly important to have diverse housing in Westport,” the 1st Selectwoman adds.

“It’s an issue we take very seriously. The committee and fund will be a big help as we proceed strategically.”

Westport is not the first Fairfield County community to embrace the idea of an affordable housing fund. Fairfield, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich have similar ordinances.

Fairfield — which has the same 0.5% construction cost fee as Westport — has raised $2.25 million since 2018. They’ve allocated nearly $1.5 million so far, mainly to acquire property.

New Canaan collects 1% of construction costs for new construction and additions. They have raised $1.1 million since 2020.

Mandell hopes Westport’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund will receive $750,000 to $1 million a year. The first results could be seen in 2026.

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

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From Glendinning To Bridgewater … And Next, A Few Homes?

Posted on November 28, 2023 | 24 comments

Over the past few years, a few big housing developments riveted Westport’s attention. There’s 1177 Post Road East, opposite Greens Farms Elementary School, for example, and 3 others in various stages of construction: 157 units on Hiawatha Lane Extension, 68 on Lincoln Street, and 16 more being shoehorned onto Wilton Road opposite Fort Apache on Kings Highway North.

Sometimes, Westport is handcuffed by state legislation that trumps local boards and commissions (and traffic and safety concerns). The driving force: the need for each town in Connecticut to provide a share of “affordable housing.”

1177 Post Road East

But local officials have been proactive. They’ve searched for sites where a new development might work (like the state maintenance facility between Walgreens and West Parish Road), and enacted zoning regulations to encourage “cluster cottage” housing on town-owned land.

All of that construction — already done, and planned — has one thing in common: It’s south of the Merritt Parkway. That’s where zoning enables its construction.

Recently, however, a unique property came on the market. It offers a chance for a small new development, with a decent-sized affordable housing element.

Glendinning Place is the 16-acre site first developed as an office park in the 1960s by Ralph Glendinning. His eponymous company was the first marketing promotion firm in the world.

(The wooded land next to the Saugatuck River — much of which he preserved —  had a long history with business. The Dorr-Oliver Company, which made chemicals and other products, was headquartered in a nearby former mill.)

One view of the Glendinning property …

Eventually, Bridgewater Associates became the office park’s tenant. The world’s largest hedge fund was famously secretive. Westporters barely noticed the firm, which departed over a year ago to consolidate all its operations at Nyala Farm, next to I-95 Exit 18.

Three partners — Westporter David Waldman, and New Haven-area Urbane Capital and Sachem Capital — purchased the property in September, for $10.6 million.

They’re leasing out the office space. But they saw a chance to use 3.7 acres to build 14 single-family, 2-story detached homes that they believe fill an unaddressed niche: 3-bedrooms, and just under 3,000 square feet.

Ten of those homes would be sold at market rates. The other 4 would be deed-restricted, as “affordable” (using state guidelines).

The developers need a text amendment. But they felt the timing and the site was right, for a small project including several affordable homes, on the only commercially zoned property north of the Merritt Parkway.

… and the office building.

Rick Redniss — whose Redniss & Mead land use and engineering firm is working on other local projects like Delamar Westport and The Clubhouse — is helping guide the project through the approval phase.

He calls it “an opportunity to add affordable housing in pretty innocuous ways. Generally, it’s very difficult to do that without an 8-30g proposal” — an often-adversarial process, pitting developers against the town.

However, he admits, “this is a balancing exercise. It always is, with housing in a Gold Coast town.”

Traffic concerns will be minimal, he says. Soil tests have been positive.

But feedback from neighbors — including concern about the septic threshold of 7,500 gallons a day — caused the partners to rethink the project.

They withdrew a planned text amendment application, as they reduce the number of homes. The goal remains to have 20% of them be affordable.

A new proposal and text amendment, and future meetings with neighbors, are in the works.

A previous rendering showed 14 homes built just below the top yellow line (underneath “Aspetuck Land Trust.” That number will be lower, in the next plan to be submitted.

Redniss remains convinced that Westporters want to do their share to provide affordable housing.

“I defended the town when it’s been attacked about housing,” he says. “Over the last 8 years, Westport has been proactive. It’s not ‘no’; it’s ‘let’s try to accomplish different ideas, and meet the diverse needs of the community.'”

Housing is a complex issue, he notes, involving everything from politics and zoning to history and tradition.

“Everyone has a responsibility to do their fair share,” he says. “This is a modest proposal. It’s not 150 units. It’s in a commercial zone.

“If we can’t do this here, where can we do it?”

Conceptual plans for the Glendinning homes.

(“06880” covers every aspect of Westport: real estate, business, politics, the environment, and more. Please click here to support hyper-local journalism. Thank you!)

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Roundup: RTM Agendas, Rev. Hoskins Tribute, Bagels …

Posted on September 5, 2023 | 12 comments

John McCarthy is trying again.

This morning, the former Representative Town Meeting member brings another petition to the RTM and town clerk.

This one — signed by more than 20 Westport electors — asks the RTM to vote on a resolution at its October 3 meeting, affirming that the word “shall” means “mandatory,” as already defined in the Town Charter and the RTM Rules of Procedure.

If passed, the resolution would “compel and require” the moderator to place on the RTM agenda any petition signed by at least 20 electors at least 14 days prior to a meeting.

The impetus for McCarthy’s petition is a previous attempt to add an agenda item to tonight’s meeting regarding a review of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s goals, process and proposed plan for Parker Harding Plaza.

The request — signed by over 50 electors, and verified by the town clerk — was denied by RTM moderator Jeffrey Wieser. His decision was affirmed in an opinion by assistant town attorney (and former RTM moderator) Eileen Lavigne Flug.

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In other RTM news, members Seth Braunstein and Matthew Mandell have  proposed an ordinance to create an Affordable Housing Fund.

A first reading is on the agenda for tonight’s meeting (Tuesday, September 5, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

“Creating a fund to accrue monies for the purchase of land, construction of housing and/or the buydown of market rate housing both aids the establishment of such homes and gives the town greater control over its own destiny,” the 2 members say.

In 2022 the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission adopted an Affordable Housing Plan, under state statute 8-30j, which called for the creation of such a fund. This ordinance follows through on that request.

Following RTM committee discussions, Braunstein and Mandell hope for a full vote at next month’s meeting. The next step would be for the P&Z to create a regulation to fund the initiative.

Among Westport’s current affordable housing options: Sasco Creek Village.

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Sunday’s Saugatuck Congregational Church service honored their late, longtime senior and youth minister Rev. Ted Hoskins.

Among those at the pulpit: Rev. Peter Powell. Forty years ago, he worked with Rev. Hoskins to establish a homeless shelter and food pantry here.

In a tribute to both Rev. Hoskins and the church, Rev. Powell said:

“In my experience Ted lived the charge given in Matthew 25. As you read his obituary you could not fail to see how he fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, healed the sick and visited those in prison.

“Some examples from my experience. The Westport Emergency Shelter was a response to homeless, now better described as unhoused, men sleeping in a room in this church. The legacy lives on. The Gillespie Center has 15 beds because Saugatuck Church found 7 bunk beds and 1 cot for the men.

“These beds were moved over to the Vigilant Firehouse. The Westport/Weston Health Department came in, measured the space and determined the number of cubic feet each bed required. When I pointed out that they backed into that number they refused to change.

“The Linxweiler House was empty, and Ted established a program he called Operation Bootstraps there. Unfortunately that program didn’t work, but with the guidance of Jim Gillespie the program was transformed into a sober house requiring all residents to have a job and stay sober. It worked for many years. It was a Ted legacy.

“In my early years at the Interfaith Housing Association Ted visited the firehouse and gave $100 bills to the night staff on Christmas Eve, the anniversary of our opening. He was always involved.

“In the early ’90s when I needed a new office, he gave me and IHA space in this building. I was here for a few years.

“Ted was your pastor, but he was also pastor to the town of Westport…. A conversation with Ted could resolve difficult issues. He was our social conscience. You shared him with the town. His shoes have never been filled as the acknowledged religious leader and social action conscience of Westport.

“When the unhoused men moved to the firehouse with Ted’s leadership, you opened your building to 12-step programs, helping Westport become a center for recovery for the entire region.

“I believe Ted could do all of this because he was your pastor. Hhe loved you and you loved him, and you both knew you were in love. He was a very public figure and crucial to the development of social action in Westport, but first he loved and cared for you. He did not wag his finger at you; he taught you how to respond to the Gospel. He had the credibility to do that because he was first and foremost your pastor. He visited, counseled, baptized, worshiped, married, buried and preached to you with a deep understanding of who you are and together you and he transformed Westport. He could not have done it without you ,and you could only do it because it was intrinsic to his life with you.

“Thank you for sharing him with all of us.”

Rev. Ted Hoskins

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Sunday’s Roundup noted a second epidemic of dozens of bagels spread around High Gate Road. This time there was a plastic bag, with many more bagels, nearby.

Last winter there was a similar scene at the same spot, off Maple Avenue South.

“Weird,” I wrote yesterday.

I soon received an email from “Peter T.” He said: “Regarding the Bagels on High Gate Road, they are there for the Deer to eat along with the cracked corn. Nothing weird about it!”

I asked who put them there, and whether he knew if deer liked bagels.

This time, “Nancy” responded (from the same email address). She wrote: “I live on the street and yes deer like the bagels and cracked corn that is out there.”

I asked about the unopened plastic bag. She said: “Why does it matter. The neighhood feeds the deer all year long”

A Google search reveals that bread (and I put bagels in that category) can be dangerous to deer. Corn can be deadly too.

Meanwhile, a reader points out, “deer around here eat everything that grows. They are hooved rats. And since it’s summer, they don’t lack in food sources.”

If last winter was any indication, those bagels will stay out on High Gate for weeks.

Unlike the mice and rats get them first.

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Lachat Farms’ grand (re-)opening was this past weekend.

In today’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor and Carol Baldwin, president of the Friends of Lachat Town Farm, discuss funding of improvements, and programs coming soon.

Click below to listen. The podcast is a service of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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The big space recently vacated by Bed Bath & Beyond on US 1 — just over the border in Norwalk — will be filled in November.

The new tenant is a combination Bob’s/Eastern Mountain Sports store.

Bob’s Stores (sports clothing, shoes) is moving from Main Avenue to where Bed Bath and Beyond was on Westport Avenue in November. (Hat tip: Bruce Schneider)

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This was a big weekend at Lime Rock — and not just for the 3 Westport race car drivers mentioned in Sunday’s Roundup.

Roger Kaufman writes: “I was stunned and honored to be given an award Sunday at the Lime Rock annual Labor Day weekend, festival and car show. It was Best in Class in the ‘Swedish category.'”

“My trusty 1963 Volvo 122S, which I’ve owned for 40 years, was a Westport car. It was sold by Lillian Oster and imported in 1963 via Larry Terrino on the Post Road. It’s my third one, and a tried and true companion for almost half a century.

“I had never been to Lime Rock or done many car shows until recently. But I decided to give it a whirl.

“It was of interest yesterday to the folks at Lime Rock that when Paul Newman saw the car in Weston around 2007), he came over to me at Peter’s Market, where he was bagging groceries with Joanne.

“He stuck his head in the driver’s side window and said, ‘what a great car !’ Cars were his hobby, and we had a great chat.

Roger Kaufman’s ’63 Volvo.

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When most people rudely reserve picnic tables at Compo’s South Beach, they simply throw a tablecloth over the top, pretending not to see the “Picnic Tables May Not Be Reserved” sign.

Yesterday, the stakes got a little higher.

Here’s how one aggressive picnicker claimed his (or her) spot:

(Photo/Sallie Pecora-Saipe)

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Meanwhile, Sunday was also a perfect late-summer day.

The kind of evening to head to the beach, and celebrate without a care in the world.

(Photo/Harry Mortner)

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Reports are swarming in of spotted lanternfly sightings — and killings.

Ken Yormark squashed one inside Home Foods.

Mary Foss-Skiftesvik spotted the invasive species on her Saugatuck Island dock and garden:

(Photo/Mary Foss-Skiftesvik)

And Dave Shea writes: “While kayaking Monday morning, I found this floating halfway between Compo and Cockenoe.

“While I gave the little bugger credit for being a good swimmer, I did my civic duty, then buried him at sea.”

(Photo/Dave Shea)

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Janine Scotti sends along today’s beautiful “Westport … Naturally” photo — and its back story:

“What do you give a chef who is also the salt of the earth for his 74th birthday (coming soon)?

“A plot at the magnificent Westport Community Gardens. My beloved husband Pietro [former owner of Da Pietro restaurant] was in awe of the gardens, He is thrilled to be a part of this thriving community.

“I just gave him a private dusk tour. He wanted to see all the beauty of every plot. Hats off to you all!”

Pietro Scotti, with a giant sunflower. (Photo/Janine Scotti)

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And finally … on this day in 1836, Sam Houston was elected first president of the Republic of Texas.

(“06880” is where Westport meets Texas — and the world. If you’re from here, there or anywhere, and you like this blog, please support our work. Just click here. And thank y’all.)

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Roundup: Reader Survey, Baron’s South, Millennial Workplaces …

Posted on July 27, 2023 | 4 comments

How do you get “06880”?

Phone? Laptop? Desktop? Tablet?

To make this site as user-friendly as possible, we’d like to know how you access us. And which browser you use.

And just for kicks, your age.

We’ve created a lightning-quick, 3-question survey. Please click here. Your answers are confidential — but very, very helpful.

Tons o’ ways to find us.

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Yesterday’s meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s Zoning Regulation Revision/Sustainability Subcommittee marked a small step on a long journey.

The subcommittee discussed the possibility of using town-owned residential properties on Baron’s South for affordable housing.

The preliminary concept includes creating a new zone where existing structures are located.

That would enable their adaptive re-use (interior changes only), for conversion to affordable multifamily units.

The late Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff’s “Golden Shadows” home is currently unoccupied. Two structures are currently used for workforce housing.

The P&Z Affordable Housing subcommittee will now create a draft text change, reflecting the concept.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Planning & Zoning director Mary Young joined in the discussion. Public comment was favorable.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin (shown in this file photo from a previous meeting) are exploring the use of existing structures on Baron’s South for affordable housing.

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I’m not sure why the qualities of a workplace are different for millennials than the rest of us (older or younger).

But Fortune magazine recently used 500,000 survey results, with 60 statements and 2 open-ended questions, to publish a “Best Workplaces for Millennials” report.

Fortune broke down the rankings into two lists: the top 100 large companies with more than 1,000 employees, and the top 100 small-to-medium sized companies with between 50 and 999 employees.

In the large (1,000 or more employees) category, Westport’s own Bridgewater Associates ranked 60th out of 100.

The world’s largest hedge fund was lauded for fully paid healthcare, a good 401(k) match, and inclusive culture.

In the small-to-medium (50 to 999) category, Daversa Partners in Westport was rated #22.

The Greens Farms Road executive recruiting firm was cited for a “culture that makes employment feel rewarding.” (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)

Millennials love working at Bridgewater.

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between July 19 and 26.

A man who took a person’s cell phone during a domestic argument, preventing a 911 call, was charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and interfering with an emergency call.

A man was arrested for driving under the influence, and failure to stop at a stop sign, following an accident on Greens Farms Road at Nyala Farm Road.

A third man was arrested for failure to appear, during an active warrant for his re-arrest.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 6 citations
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Failure to yield right of way: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1

Interfering with a 911 call is a serious offense.

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Residents turn to the Westport Library for information, inspiration and  entertainment.

And — in emergencies — for heat, air conditioning, electricity and WiFi.

Now — thanks to a post-COVID $57,462 American Rescue Plan Act grant enhancing its technological infrastructure and wireless connectivity — the Library will serve the community even better when disaster strikes.

When extreme storms like Irene and Isais disruption many lives, more than 12,000 patrons utilized the Library’s internet.

Often, service could not meet demand. The ARPA grant extends the wireless signal beyond Jesup Green and Levitt Pavilion, with 4 more wireless access points installed.

In addition, the Library’s firewall was updated for added safety and security.

That’s great to know.

Let’s hope we never have to use it.

When the power went out during Tropical Storm Isais, Westporters took advantage of the library’s WiFi — masked and socially distanced, of course. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

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John Richers makes his Church Lane Summer Music Series debut this Saturday (July 29). He starts strumming his guitar at 6 p.m., next to Spotted Horse.

A Westport resident since 2017, he emerged from the COVID shutdown with over 75 songs in his rock/folk/country repertoire. Since venturing back on stage, John has performed at a variety of Fairfield County venues.

Audiences sing along to favorites from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Byrds, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp and Van Morrison, while savoring deeper cuts from the likes of Steve Earle, John Prine, the Wallflowers and Decemberists.

John Richers

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Doughnuttery — the sugared mini-doughnut company founded by Westporter Evan Feldman, with 4 New York City locations, 1 on Long Island and 1 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (!) — has just gone international.

The newest shop is on Avenida Presidente Kennedy, in Santiago, Chile.

Can Westport be far behind?

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Staples High School Class of 1972 graduate Brian McGeady died peacefully last Thursday, with his family by his side. He was 69.

He grew up in a tight-knit family with 5 siblings across from Longshore, where his love of golf began. While at Staples he worked at Manero’s and Ye Olde Bridge Grille, which allowed him to buy a prized red ‘Cuda.

He graduated from Boston College in 1976 with a degree in accounting. and worked for Kahan Steiger and Co. in Stamford. Upon passing his CPA exam he was offered a partnership, and remained there until he retired.

He also earned his master’s degree from the University of New Haven. In 1981 Brian married Diane Grosso.

He loved golf, paddleball, the New York Yankees, and spending holidays and vacations with his family.

In addition to his wife Diane, Brian is survived by his children Sean, Kyle and Megan; granddaughter Harper; his faithful companion Rudy; siblings, Meg (Bradley) Sagendorf, Richard (Mary), Elizabeth O’Brien (Chris), Kieran, Lee Yin, (Dan(; his brother-in-law David Grosso, and mother-in-law Eleanor Grosso, and several nieces and nephews. Brian was predeceased by his sister Katherine.

Calling hours are today (Thursday, July 27, 4-7 p.m., Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, Fairfield). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place tomorrow (Friday, July 28, 10:30 a.m., St. Pius X Church, Fairfield(. Interment will follow at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Brian McGeady

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Longtime Weston resident Frances Manere died Friday at home, surrounded by her family. She was 85.

The Norwalk native was an excellent cook and baker, who enjoyed traveling the world with her late husband Bob.

Survivors include her sons Robert (Robyn) of Bethel, Michael (Lisa) of Hudson, Massachusetts, and Brian of Weston; her brother James Buchta (Connie) of Norwalk; sister in law Rosemary Buchta of Norwalk; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Jack Buchta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday (July 31, 12:30 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Church, Weston). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road Westport. Click here to leave online condolences.

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Johanna Keyser Rossi sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — the first one “06880” has run of a cicada — and says:

“You hear them, but did you ever see one?

“Walking to my car from my house, on the ground in the street was a cicada. I didn’t want him run over, so I  moved him to a safe place.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Sinead O’Connor died yesterday, at 56.

The New York Times called her an “outspoken Irish singer-songwriter known for her powerful, evocative voice, as showcased on her biggest hit, a breathtaking rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” and for her political provocations onstage and off.” Click here for a full obituary.

(Whether you get “06880” on a phone, tablet, laptop or desktop — see story above — we are glad you’re part of our online community. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Baron’s South, Harvest Restaurant, Cooling Centers …

Posted on July 26, 2023 | 3 comments

Today’s meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s Zoning Regulation Revision/Sustainability Subcommittee (Wednesday, July 26, noon) opens with an interesting agenda item.

“Presentation of Affordable Housing Concept for the Adaptive ReUse of Existing Residential Structures at Baron’s South” is part of the P&Z’s 5-year affordability plan.

The subcommittee will explore the possibility of using existing town-owned residential properties for affordable housing.

Though much of Baron’s South — the 22 acres of land between South Compo Road and Imperial Avenue — is hilly and wooded, it includes structures like “Golden Shadows,” the late Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff and his wife’s former home.

It was used most recently by the Westport Library to store books, but has largely been in a state of disrepair.

Click here for a Zoom link to today’s meeting.

“Golden Shadows”

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The owners of 6 Connecticut restaurants will pay over 100 workers more than $858,000 in back wages and damages.

One is in Westport: Harvest.

A US Department of Labor investigation found that employers violated overtime and record-keeping regulations, including compensating managers from tip pools for regular employees; failing to pay employees for all hours worked, and not paying employees 1 1/2 times regular pay for working over 40 hours a week.

Kleber Siguenza was cited as having an ownership interest in all 6 restaurants. He was in the news earlier this week when a court ruled in his favor, as the rightful co-owner of Weston’s Cobbs Mill Inn. (Hat tips: Allan Siegert, Karen Jennings)

Outdoor dining at Harvest restaurant, on Railroad Place.

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With a heat advisory in effect for the area through Sunday morning, Westport’s Office of Emergency Management has opened 5 cooling centers:

Emergency Management director Nick Marsan offers these tips:

Stay cool: Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness

  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening.
  • Find an air-conditioned shelter. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
  • Avoid direct sunlight.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.

Stay Hydrated: Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat

  • Drink more water than usual.
  • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
  • Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.

This will not be the weather over the next few days. (Photo/Dick Kalt)

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The Westport Country Playhouse is almost there.

The historic theater announced yesterday that they are just $200,000 short of their $2 million “Save Your Playhouse” goal. The campaign ends Monday, July 31.

Over 300 donors have contributed or pledged $1.8 million. The aim is to transform the 92-year=old Playhouse into a center for a wide array of performances that appeal to a broader audience, while continuing to produce high-quality theater.

“While there’s a deep respect for the Playhouse history and what it is today, there’s also an eagerness for growth, change, and the next chapter,” says board chair Athena Adamson.

“We are listening; we care about what the audience wants to see on the Playhouse stage. In turn, the audience is stepping up to offer their support.”

Beginning in 2024, the Playhouse will be a performing arts center from January through August. Presentations will include single night events like cabaret, comedy, music, play readings and speakers. From September 2024 through March 2025 the WCP will mount 3 theatrical productions.

“The community is changing and we must adapt our programming,” Adamson says. “We won’t lose our theatergoers; we simply are looking to increase our audience by offering more entertainment options. Our board of trustees wants the Playhouse to be here for the entire community, with performances on stage to appeal to everyone.

For more information on the fundraising campaign, click here. For naming opportunities, email development@westportplayhouse.org.

The Westport Country Playhouse is just $200,000 shy of its $2 million fundraising goal.

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Sustainable Westport is our town’s environmental eyes and ears.

The other day, they noticed — and gave a shout-out to — the Police Department’s use of electric vehicles.

They’ve added 2 new EVs to their fleet — an all-terrain utility vehicle and an electric motorcycle — and expect a third Tesla patrol car this summer.

Earlier, the WPD purchased 7 plug-in vehicles: 2 Tesla patrol cars (Models 3 and Y), a Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, a Honda Clarity PHEV, a BMW i3 battery electric vehicle, and a Ford Interceptor conventional hybrid patrol car.

The new all-terrain utility vehicle is powered by 6 12-volt batteries, lasting 8-12 hours. Though it looks like a golf cart, the vehicle can drive across terrains (including sand) and includes a winch for heavy-duty applications. It is used often at Compo Beach and Winslow Park.

The Zero electric motorcycle will be used for parking and traffic enforcement. It contains a 17.3 kWh battery, and has a range of 183 miles in the city and 85 miles on the highway.

In 2019, Westport Police purchased their first electric patrol vehicle, a Tesla Model 3, for $52,000. Over a 4-years it is projected to save the town $50,000.

Tesla vehicles also are expected to provide a longer service life: 6 years is the projection compared to 4 of Ford Explorers. The WPD hopes to actually get 8 years.

“Kudos to the Westport Police for continuing to be a leader amongst police departments and municipalities nationwide,” Sustainable Westport says.

The Police Department’s Tesla Model Y, and all-terrain utility vehicle.

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Westport’s sister city with Lyman, Ukraine began with a suggestion from our friends in Marigny, France — our much longer-established other sister city.

That relationship began right after World War II. Bonds tightened as we helped the Normandy town recover. Marigny has never forgotten Westport.

When we were planning LymanAID — the celebration/fundraiser earlier this month, at the Ukrainian American Club — our Marigny amis sent gifts for a raffle: 3 gorgeous books, sweatshirts and calvados.

One of those books has been donated to the Westport Library.  “601 Communes” includes a history and photos of Marigny. It’s accompanied by a letter — in French and English — from author René Gautier.

The library will display both soon.

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Rachel Suggs is a rising junior at the University of Chicago. The 2021 Staples High School graduate is double majoring  in law, letters and society, and Middle Eastern languages and civilizations.

Last summer and this, she’s internet at the Jerusalem law firm Decker, Pex, Ofir & Co., which specializes in immigration law.

She’s seen the current political upheaval up front. She wrote this piece for The Times of Israel: “Israel Must Ratify a Constitution, Protests Prove” (click here to read).

This is not Rachel’s first Times of Israel article. She previously discussed Israel’s quota for non-Jewish Ukrainian refugees and the right to abortion.

Rachel Suggs

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Robin Clark has been selected for another term as Westport Woman’s Club president.

Under Robin’s leadership this year, the WWC awarded over $100,000 in community service grants, scholarships, and food supplies to those in need.

She has personally raised tens of thousands of dollars for food drives, collected and shopped for food donations, and volunteered countless hours helping others.

Robin gives much of the credit for her community work to her employer, Westport National Bank, where she is vice president and branch manager.  The bank is a strong supporter of employee volunteer initiatives.

Robin Clark

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The view in and around the Levitt Pavilion is almost as great as the show itself.

Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted these flowers — just in time for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … as the heat settles in, let’s listen to the very cool Sly & the Family Stone:

(Hot tip: Please click here to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Library, Local politics, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Parker Harding Petition, Help For Fire Victims, D-Day Hero …

Posted on June 7, 2023 | 16 comments

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s idea for Parker Harding Plaza — eliminating the cut-through from Main Street to the Post Road, in favor of 2-way traffic closer to the back entrances of stores in the lot, along with the loss of 44 parking spots — has run into heavy traffic.

A petition on Change.org has garnered over 500 signatures. It says:

“We, the undersigned, respectfully OPPOSE the Westport Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s proposed plan to eliminate the Parker Harding Access Road and 44 parking spaces as part of a larger proposal to re-conceptualize and redesign Parker Harding Plaza. If approved, this proposed plan will result in a dramatic increase in traffic throughout Westport and make finding Downtown parking more difficult.

“The Westport Downtown Plan Implementation Committee is an appointed committee responsible for initiating and carrying out the implementation of the Downtown Master Plan. We encourage the Westport Downtown Plan Implementation Committee to propose a viable alternative that does not impose further burdens on the residents of Westport, visitors, and downtown business owners/employees.”

The proposed plan eliminates the cut-through, and reconfigures spaces. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

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Meanwhile, a minute or two from downtown, Winslow Park just got a bit safer.

Mark Mathias writes: “It’s great to see an AED (automated external defibrillator) back at Winslow Park. It was missing for at least a couple of years.

“I also like that despite the ‘Call 911 for code’ label, there’s no lock on the hasp.  When seconds matter, having to call for a code seems wrong.

“I hope the AED stays in the locker in case someone needs it. I also hope that the other AEDs around town have been deployed.”

AED at Winslow Park. It’s located near the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Monday’s fire on Old Hill Road destroyed the home — and all personal possessions — of a Westport family.

Grace Firth — a single mother, whose family lives abroad — along with her daughter Bria (a Coleytown Middle School 7th grader) and an aunt, Sylvia, who is with them — escaped with only the pajamas they were sleeping in.

They have lived in Westport for several years. Friends have created a GoFundMe campaign, to help.

All money raised will pay for clothing, household items, and new housing — the most urgent need. Click here to help.

A Facebook “Westport Front Porch” post by Julie Einziger Sternberg lists sizes:

Shoes (Grace 6, Sylvia 9 or 9.5, Brie junior 4); clothes (Grace medium/large size 10, Sylvia xl tops/large bottom, Brie large kids/sweats and hoodie — she loves those).

A meal train has been set up too. Click here to sign up.

Grace and Bria Frith.

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“Work, Live, Ride” — a bill increasing housing density near train stations, including Saugatuck and Greens Farms — will probably not be enacted during this Connecticut General Assembly session.

Click here for the full Connecticut Mirror story.

The “Work, Live, Ride” bill could have increased housing around the Saugatuck and Greens Farms railroad stations.

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Firefighters from across the region gathered yesterday evening at Assumption Church. A solemn ceremony sponsored by the Bridgeport Area Retired Firefighters honored all those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

A reception followed at the VFW.

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At 6:30 a.m., 79 years ago yesterday, Allied forces began the largest sea invasion in American history. Over 350,000 soldiers and naval personnel landed on the Normandy beaches. Thousands of paratroopers assisted.

Five days later, the beaches were secured. Nearly 2,500 mile of coastline was taken. “Operation Overlord” turned the tide of World War II.

Over 5,000 Allied forces — including 2,001 Americans — were killed on D-Day. Many more perished, and were injured, during the ensuing Battle of Normandy.

Robert Loomis — a 19-year-old infantryman at Utah Beach — was fortunate. He returned home.

He was honorably discharged later, as a sergeant first class. His decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Citation, Army Meritorious Citation, French and Belgian Fourrageres and the French Legion of Honor.

He and his family moved to Westport in 1958. He commuted to New York as an art director.

He was also very involved here, as a volunteer. He spent 25 years as an EMT with the Norwalk Hospital Emergency Department and Westport Emergency Medical Service. He also helped his wife with Meals on Wheels.

In 1985, Bob Loomis designed the logo for Westport’s 150th anniversary celebration.

In 1994 Loomis returned to France, for the 50th anniversary celebration of D-Day. He and fellow Westporter Clayton Chalfant visited Marigny, Westport’s sister city in Normandy.

Loomis died on June 8, 2016 — in the midst of the 72nd anniversary of Operation Overlord. He was 91. Click here for his full, fascinating, obituary.

Last night’s Representative Town Meeting session included a moment of silence for Sgt. Loomis, and all who served on D-Day. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Bob Loomis proudly displays some of his medals. The next day, he added the Croix de Guerre.

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Also last night at the RTM: member Jessica Bram paid tribute to former moderator (and later, 1st Selectman), on what recently would have been his 78th birthday. Joseloff died in 2020.

Bram said: “Gordon contributed so much to Westport. He was a volunteer EMT, Westport firefighter, and what he may have been proudest of, publisher of WestportNow.com which was a groundbreaking hyper-local blog that connected us all as a community in real time.

“Gordon was so modest you might not know he had lifelong career at CBS News, the only journalist who got into the Gdańsk Shipyards — for anyone who remembers that—was an Emmy winner, served as both Moscow and Tokyo bureau chief, and sat just off camera alongside Walter Cronkite during CBS  evening news broadcasts.

“I take note especially of how much he contributed to this RTM, where he was proud to serve as Mmderator for 10 years. He told me that he always wore a jacket and tie at RTM meetings to show his respect for his role as moderator….

“We have much to be grateful to Gordon for, for how much he contributed to Westport. But perhaps here especially, where he served 10 years as moderator of this RTM.”

Gordon Joseloff (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Gordon Joseloff (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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On July 13, “Booked for the Evening” honoree Laura Linney will entertain and enlighten an already sold-out Trefz Forum audience.

It’s a major fundraiser for the Westport Library.

Now there’s a way to see the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress — in the comfort of your home. And you don’t even have to live in Westport.

The Library will livestream the ceremony, and Linney’s talk. The cost is just $20. Click here for details, and to purchase a virtual link.

Laura Linney

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Speaking of the Library:

Verso Records: Volume One — the debut album from Verso Studios, which was launched Sautrday night at the Trefz Forum — is now on sale.

It’s available at the Library Store, online via Bandcamp, through the Verso Records website, and soon at record stores around the area.

The bright yellow vinyl sells for $22, and includes a digital download. A $10 digital-only version is also available.

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Speaking of music at the Library:

On Monday night, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston welcomed the Staples High School Jazz Band Combo Blue. The Trefz Forum was packed for the sextet’s 40-minute set, with Y’s Men and jazz lovers (some were both).

Click below to enjoy:

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This year, Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport celebrates its 60th anniversary.

The organization — far more than a “welcome wagon” — offers an array of activities for new Westporters (and those who are not so new). Lasting friendships are formed.

All residents — members or not — are invited to their 60th anniversary celebration this Friday (June 9, 6:30 p.m.) at the Compo Beach brick pavilion.

Food and water will be provided; BYOB. And — as old-timers know: No glass!

For more information on the group, click here.

Neighbors & Newcomers enjoy a hike.

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Last night’s News 12 “Crime Files” segment on the Joan Wertkin murder included interviews with family members, police officers and others — and archival footage from the days immediately after the May 24, 1989 crime.

But — despite hints that the killer is known — no names were revealed.

According to the show, however, investigators are coming close to closing the long-open case.

A News 12 “Crime Files” screenshot shows an aerial view of the Main Street shopping plaza — the site of Coffee An’, among others — behind which Joan Wertkin’s body was found.

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TAP Strength celebrates the summer solstice with a special drop-in class (yoga and sound bath).

The date is June 21 (of course); the time is 6 p.m. Call 203-292-9353 or email nancy@tapstrength.com to register.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Tom Feeley.

He shot it at 6:05 a.m. yesterday, at PJ Romano Field. It’s not edited or altered in any way. “Courtesy of Canadian wildfires,” Tom says of the bright orange hue.

(Photo/Tom Feeley)

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And finally … wildfires are deadly. This song, however, is beautiful:

 (Every day, “06880” scours Westport — and the world — for interesting Roundup features. If you enjoy this feature, please help support our work. Just click here — and thank you.)

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Roundup: Wertkin Murder, Scholar-Athletes, Affordable Housing, …

Posted on June 5, 2023 | 4 comments

A murder that has haunted Westport for over 30 years may finally be solved.

At 11 p.m. on May 24, 1989, officers and firefighters responding to a fire behind the Coffee An’ strip mall found a burned woman’s body.

Shortly after, her husband reported 38-year-old Joan Wertkin missing.

Joan Wertkin

Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 6, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.), News 12 airs a new episode of “Crime Files.” The still-open case has recently generated new tips and leads.

News 12 spoke with family members, and the Westport Police Department. “Crime Files”‘ investigative team has discovered never-released details.

Mark Holofcener — Wertkin’s only sibling — is grateful for tomorrow’s show.

“I want anything that will bring justice,” he tells “06880.”

“I don’t know what it takes to put someone in jail, but I’m pleased attention is still being paid to it. There are a lot of parts to this puzzle. My hope is that all the pieces will come together, and we can see the complete picture.”

He too has spoken with News 12.

In addition to airing tomorrow on Optimum Channel 12 at 7 and 9 p.m., the “Crime Files” show will be streamed on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV and Pluto TV.

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Three dozen Staples High School scholar-athletes were honored last night, at a unique dinner.

The coach of each varsity sport (there are 36) nominates one candidate, for his or her combined academic and athletic achievements. Each is given one question to answer on the spot, involving their interests, activities and passions.

Questions last night ranged from astrophysics (“what’s the biggest problem in the universe you’d like to solve?”) to interning in the selectwoman’s office (“what did you learn about government that surprised you?” to rugby (“it’s been called a game for hooligans, played by gentlemen — which are you?”).

But the highlight of the night came from boys ski team member Jet Tober. A freestyle rapper who took Advanced Placement Mandarin, he was asked to rap — in Mandarin. He brought down the house.

Congratulations to all the scholar-athletes: Fall sports: Emma Porzio (fall cheerleading), Matthew Fleming (boys cross country), Eva  Simonte (girls cross country), Francine Stevens (field hockey), James Hillhouse (football), Finn Wolter (boys golf), Alex Laskin (boys soccer), Samantha Dewitt (girls soccer), Kate Whitaker (girls swimming), Kate Valante (girls volleyball), Benjamin Madoff (boys water polo).

Winter sports: Gavin Rothenberg (boys basketball), girls basketball (Scarlett Siegel), Jenny Bradshaw (cheerleading), Ava DeDomenico (gymnastics), Connor Moynihan (boys ice hockey), Chloe Hackett (girls ice hockey), Jonas Varnas (boys indoor track), Gabriella Gerig (girls indoor track), Jet Tober (boys skiing), Emma Nahon (girls skiing), Ryan Salik (boys squash), Rebecca Schussheim (girls squash), Joshua Tanksley (boys swimming), Jackson Oliver (wrestling).

Spring sports; Ethan Cukier (baseball), Keeva Boyle (girls golf), Michael Nealon (boys lacrosse), Cameron Retcho (girls lacrosse), Sam Pirkl (boys rugby), Parker Pretty (girls rugby), Grace Alfaro (softball), Alex Guadarrama (boys tennis), Lucia Wang (girls tennis), William Fitch (boys outdoor track), Isabelle Bland (girls outdoor track), Witt Lindau (sailing), Kareem Abouzeid (boys volleyball), Clara Smith (girls water polo).

After the dinner, scholar-athletes posed with their parents and coaches. Boys basketball honoree Gavin Rothenberg is shown with his coach Dave Goldshore (far left) and parents.

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Speaking of Staples, here’s one more shot of Saturday night’s pre-prom festivities.

This is a different take. John Videler’s drone shows both the prom-goers and their proud parents.

(Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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“Fair share” — a proposal by which the state would assess the need for affordable housing, then mandate that certain towns above a certain poverty level provide such housing — was removed from a bill early Saturday morning.

The legislation that was then passed, by a narrow margin, by the House of Representatives includes a study of affordable housing needs in Connecticut. But it will be used for “informational purposes” and is “aspirational goal-setting,” according to one legislator.

The bill now goes to the state Senate. Click here for a full report, from CT Mirror.

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Davide opens — or, to use its word, “arrives” — on Church Lane June 10.

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

Its website says, somewhat ungrammatically:

“Davide, founded by Joseph Davide in 2020, pays homage to Italy, his origin and culture for inspiration while weaving it with the thread of the laid back attitude of modern luxury.

“Each collection being presented as ready to wear collections. Davide’s aesthetic tells the story of the classic man evolving from adolescence to adulthood.

“With no background education in fashion design, Joseph steers Davide with the vision of modernity and sophistication evoking a style of quality downtime through its relaxed silhouettes in his crafts.”

This may be Davide’s first retail outlet. No others are listed on the website.

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Among the non-art attractions at Westport’s recent Fine Arts Festival: a fun fundraising contest by Staples Tuition Grants.

Entrants guessed the number of jellybeans in a jar. The actual number was 51,196. Eoghan Scully guessed 51,215 — only 19 off.

The very close 2nd and 3rd place guesses came from Crystal Benaroya and Annie Bowens. All receive gift certificates to their favorite Westport restaurants.

The contest helped STG award a record $405,000 in grants this year, to 119 students.

51,196 jellybeans!

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Elisabeth Levey captured (by camera) these critters, coming out to play.

Or perhaps they were just posing for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Elisabeth Levey)

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And finally … on this day in 1783, the Montgolfier brothers publicly demonstrated their “montgolfière.” Today it is known as a hot air balloon.

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