Tag Archives: ChatGPT

A Parking Deck … At Parker Harding?

Posted on January 10, 2026 | 25 comments

No, this is not an April Fool’s story.

It’s a legit question.

For years, we’ve discussed the pros and cons of a parking deck at the  Baldwin (Elm Street) lot.

But what about another site: Parker Harding Plaza?

Parker Harding Plaz

It’s not my idea. It comes from Steve Levin. The 1971 Staples High School graduate has spent his professional career in commercial real estate.

He does not live in Westport. But — like many former residents — he keeps up with the town through “06880.”

The other day, Steve asked: “Has anyone considered double-decking the lot? It could easily double the parking there.”

I told Steve I’d never heard anyone propose that. I asked for more. He said:

“Aesthetics can be resolved with proper and sensitive architecture and planting.  It’s not like Westport needs to protect the view of the Saugatuck River from the back of Main Street’s retail buildings, nor if properly designed, would it be an eyesore from across the river looking back at the backs of Main Street. And walking along the river would not be impacted.”

Another view of Parker Harding. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

Steve is a bright guy. But this is 2026. I went to an even brighter source: AI.

ChatGPT quickly provided a “conceptual parking capacity & layout” plan, with 160 to 180 spots on the ground level, and 140 to 160 above that. “Compact parking and angled layouts can increase capacity,” it added helpfully.

The AI agent also suggested an elevator and stairs, crosswalks and protective bollards, bike racks, wayfaring signs, exterior screening (“perforated metal, decorative concrete or architectural panels, to reduce visual bulk”), landscaping, and “lighting and signage to match Westport standards.

Of course, this being AI — not a human, but simply software that has never set foot in Westport — there was also this idea, which makes zero sense: “possible access via Church Lane or side street for service vehicles and deliveries.”

No matter how creative a parking deck at Parker Harding is, it can’t be accessed via Church Lane.

ChatGPT also thinks Main Street is the same as Post Road East.

ChatGPT’s plan for Parker Harding: a top level (top), and ground level (middle and bottom). But look closely: the Post Road and Church Lane are misplaced. What is “Parker Island”? “Parking Star Rivers”? And the circulation pattern seems a bit Escher-esque.

So no, we won’t be using artificial intelligence to design a parking deck.

But what about the rest of the idea? Is it completely ludicrous, or something to put on the table?

Perhaps it’s one more thing for the new chair of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee — whoever he or she is — to think about.

(“06880” welcomes all ideas — and all contributions. Please click here to support our wide-ranging work. Thank you!)

25 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Transportation

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Roundup: Bette Davis, Bat Inn, Boats …

Posted on April 14, 2025 | 4 comments

It’s not the most expensive house for sale in Westport.

Nor is it the biggest.

But 1 Crooked Mile Road may be the most historic.

From 1967 to 1976, world-famous film star Bette Davis lived in the 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom, 4,710-square foot home, on the west branch of the Saugatuck River.

Built in 1929, “this iconic residence has been meticulously updated to preserve its antique allure while integrating modern amenities & sophisticated design.”

It’s on the market for $2.275 million. If interested — or just to gawk — click here to learn more.

Bette Davis’ house.

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Speaking of property: Last week’s clear-cutting of trees at the state Department of Transportation maintenance facility off the Sherwood Island Connector suddenly altered the look of that well-traveled road.

It also caused consternation for neighbors and nature lovers.

The number is smaller, and the location is different. But 4 more Westport trees are scheduled for removal, probably today.

James McLoughlin — an arborist on the town’s Tree Board — tells “06880” that the healthy, mature native trees will be removed on a town-owned section of Weston Road, on both sides of Hockanum Road, for what appears to be a new sidewalk project.

McLaughlin objected Friday, when he noticed small signs on them. He was
told he was a day late, and that they would be cut down on Monday.

Two of the trees slated for removal …

… and 2 others …

… and a close-up of the sign. (Photos/James McLoughlin)

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Friday’s Flashback featured a photo of a turn-of-the-(20th)-century inn, near Compo Beach.

There was a bat (animal, not baseball) logo. But not much other information.

No readers knew anything, either. Several speculated it was on Soundview Drive, based on the architecture and surroundings.

AI to the rescue!

Cheryl Saviano Petrone did not find what she wanted on ChatGPT — at first. But she persisted. And this was the result:

“Ah, I see now! You’re asking specifically about the Bat Inn at Compo Beach in Westport.

“Yes, the Bat Inn was indeed an actual establishment located near Compo Beach in the early 1900s. It was a popular resort hotel and a significant local landmark from the late 1800s into the mid-1900s.

“History of the Bat Inn: The Bat Inn was situated at the intersection of Compo Road South and the beach, close to the water. It was known for its wooden architecture, a large wrap-around porch, and its distinctive bat-shaped roof that gave it the name ‘Bat Inn.’

“This quirky design made the inn stand out among other accommodations in the area and contributed to its fame.”

“The hotel was popular in the early 1900s, attracting visitors who were looking for a charming, seaside retreat during the summer months. It also served as a gathering spot for social events and parties, particularly in the warm weather.

“Over time, as newer accommodations and developments grew in the area, the Bat Inn faded from prominence and was eventually demolished.

“Unfortunately, not many photographs or detailed records of the Bat Inn survive today, but it remains a part of local lore, especially among older Westport residents.

“It was a quaint, beloved spot in its time, often remembered fondly by those who experienced it…”

I’m not sure how much it “remains a part of local lore.” But if the rest of the sleuthing is correct, we’ve got our answer.

Thanks, Cheryl! And thank you ChatGPT, whoever — or whatever — you are.

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Alert “06880” reader Mark Laclair offers this warning to early season boaters:

“This winter’s ice has re-located channel markers. Red 16 is northwest of station, and I believe Green 15 is east of station. There may be others.

“I’ve seen at least 5 boats run aground utilizing the markers, including one in both locations Sunday morning. I’m sure there were plenty more. Slow and careful when navigating the channel!”

Boat aground in the Compo channel. (Photo/Mark Laclair)

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Do you do doo wop?

In 2 weeks, the UMass Doo Wop Shop — the school’s oldest all-male a cappella group — will make you smile and snap your fingers.

They’re booked for Christ & Holy Trinity Church (April 26, 6 p.m.), with a program that ranges from Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, the Temptations and Otis Redding all the way to the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and Silk Sonic. In years past they’ve performed at Radio City Music Hall, and the White House.

The event is a homecoming for one Doo Wop Shop member. The 2022 Staples High School graduate is a former Orphenian and Player.

And — oh yeah — his father, Rev. John Betit, is Christ & Holy Trinity’s rector.

There is no charge, but a free will offering can help raise funds for the group.

Sh-boom!

UMass Doo Wop Shop

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What better way to start our “Westport … Naturally” week than with this sun-bursting-through-the-clouds shot from Sherwood Island State Park:

(Photo/Nancy Axthelm)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming UMass Doo Wop Shop show (story above):

(From Long Island Sound to the sounds of doo wop, “06880” is your hyper-local source for news, entertainment and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Real estate

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Public Beach Access: A Deep Dive

Posted on February 18, 2023 | 35 comments

The issue of public beach access has been a topic of debate in Connecticut for many years. Connecticut’s shoreline is home to many private beaches, which are often inaccessible to the public.

The debate over public beach access in Connecticut dates back to the 1800s, when wealthy landowners began to build homes along the state’s shoreline. In the early 20th century, public pressure led to the creation of several state and local parks, which provided public access to some beaches.

However, the issue of public beach access remained contentious, and in the 1960s and 1970s, several lawsuits were filed in an attempt to secure public access to private beaches. In 1971, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled in the case of Matthews v. Bay Head Improvement Association that the public has a right to access the beach up to the mean high water mark. This ruling established the so-called “public trust doctrine,” which states that the state holds certain natural resources, including tidal waters and the shore, in trust for the public.

In 1975, members of Ned Coll’s Revitalization Corps demonstrated in Old Saybrook, for access to the beach. (Photo courtesy of Bob Adelman)

Despite this ruling, public beach access in Connecticut remains a contentious issue, and many private beach associations continue to limit access to their beaches. In recent years, there have been efforts to increase public beach access through legislation and legal action. In 2021, for example, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a bill that requires beach associations to allow the public to use their beaches in exchange for tax breaks.

Overall, the history of public beach access in Connecticut has been marked by conflict and controversy, but there have been some positive developments in recent years that have increased access to the state’s beautiful coastline.

Public beach access in Connecticut involves both pros and cons.

Pros

Equal access: Public beach access ensures that all people, regardless of income or social status, have the right to enjoy the state’s natural resources. This creates a more equitable and inclusive society, and allows everyone to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the state’s coastline.

Economic benefits: Public beach access can have positive economic impacts on local communities, as it can attract visitors, boost tourism, and support local businesses such as restaurants and hotels. This can result in increased revenue and employment opportunities.

Environmental protection: Public beach access can promote environmental protection and conservation, as it raises public awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources, such as beaches, dunes, and coastal habitats. This can encourage people to be more responsible and respectful towards the environment.

There is plenty of room at Compo Beach. But how crowded is “too” crowded? (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

Cons

Cost: Providing public beach access can be costly for towns and cities, as it requires investment in infrastructure, maintenance, and staff. This can be a burden on local budgets, and may result in higher taxes or fees for residents.

Overcrowding: Public beach access can lead to overcrowding, especially during peak tourist season. This can result in congestion, traffic, and litter, which can negatively impact the environment and the quality of the beach experience.

Property rights: Some people argue that public beach access infringes on property rights of private beach owners, who have invested in maintaining and improving their beaches. They argue that it is unfair to force them to allow access to their beaches, which can result in security and liability issues.

Overall, public beach access in Connecticut can provide a range of benefits, but it also has some challenges and limitations. The debate over how to balance the interests of property owners, local communities, and the general public is ongoing, and requires careful consideration of the potential impacts and trade-offs involved.

Interesting, no? But I have a confession to make: I did not research or write this. Neither did an “06880” reader. Today’s post was generated entirely by ChatGPT, the chatbot launched in November that has electrified the world (and terrified educators).

My only involvement with today’s post was generating the questions for ChatGPT, selecting the photos, and writing the headline and this end note.

My takeaway: We have much more to fear from this new technology, than from opening our beaches to non-residents.

35 Comments

Posted in Beach, History, technology

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