In other blizzard news: The Westport Library will open today (Tuesday) at 12 noon. That will give them (and their employees) a little more time to dig out.
The works are very creative, wildly eclectic, and always thought-provoking. The energy level is high. The artists are eager to chat. And the food and drink is free.
The next one is next Tuesday (March 3, 6 to 8 p.m., Sheffer Barn at the Westport Country Playhouse). Broadway music conductor and composer Caren Cole will play.
The gallery is then open March 4-8 (noon to 4 p.m.). An artist talk (on inspiration, medium, process and more) is set for March 8 (4 p.m.).
This show features works by members who recently joined the Collective:
Laura Appelman, Peggy Dembicer, Tim Eaton, Ira Hara, Julie Hicks, Tom Kretsch, Shelly Lowenstein, Paula Morgan, Erwin Ong, Butch Quick,
Jodi Rabinowitz, Elizabeth Hiltz Thomas, Michael Tomashefsky and Rowene Weems. (Some of those names are familiar to “06880” readers, for their wonderful photos.)
Pianist Ted Rosenthal has performed worldwide as a soloist, with his trio, and with greats including Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Phil Woods, and James Moody.
He joins a quintet — bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tim Horner, trumpeter Alex Norris and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall — this Thursday, for Jazz at the Post (February 26; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Post 399). Click here for tickets, and more information.
With all the snow, we need a bird photo to remind us that spring is not far away.
At least, we hope not.
Outstanding wildlife photographer Lou Weinberg snapped this mourning dove, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(And yes, it’s “mourning” — not “morning.” The name comes comes from its melancholy coos. But it’s not a sound of grief — it’s a courtship call from the male.)
A petition begun by Bridge Street National Register District resident Werner Liepolt is nearing 1,000 signatures.
Calling the Cribari Bridge — which links his road with Saugatuck — “more than just a piece of infrastructure; it is a cherished symbol of our heritage, tying together the historical fabric of our neighborhood,” Liepolt says: “The sudden decision to replace such an irreplaceable landmark raises concerns not only within our community but also nationwide, as it sets a precedent for how historic sites might be handled without proper oversight.
“Why hasn’t there been an effort to engage the community in this critical decision-making process? The lack of transparency undermines the principles of fair public policy and overlooks the historical significance that this bridge brings to our region.”
Petition organizer Werner Liepolt painted this Cribari Bridge scene.
The Change.org petition is aimed at 8 “decision makers”: Governor Ned Lamont, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Planning & Zoning Commissioner Michael Cammeyer, and Representative Town Meeting member Nancy Kail.
The petition adds: “It is imperative that the federal government steps in to ensure that the CTDOT considers all perspectives, from engineering experts to local residents, and follows due process in accordance with National Historic Preservation guidelines.
“The preservation of the William F. Cribari Bridge is essential for maintaining the cultural and architectural identity of our region, and its replacement should not proceed without an exhaustive review and input from all stakeholders involved. We need comprehensive federal oversight to guarantee that all alternatives are evaluated and that the richly historic and irreplaceable nature of the bridge is given due consideration.”
Liepolt says that signers “demand federal oversight over the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s plans to replace the William F. Cribari Bridge. Together, we can safeguard the integrity of our cherished historic landmark and ensure a democratic process respects both our heritage and community voice. Let us be vigilant in protecting our past for the generations to come.”
(“06880” covers the Cribari Bridge controversy — and everything else going on in Westport too. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 eye on the town, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Werner Liepolt lives in the Bridge Street Historic District.
He has watched with interest as the District has become part of the discussion around the future of the Cribari Bridge. He writes:
Myth 1: “Historic district status means nothing can be changed.”
Fact: National Register listing does not stop projects. It simply requires that federally involved projects evaluate impacts on historic character and consider alternatives before decisions are finalized.
Myth 2: “This is just one neighborhood trying to protect itself.”
Fact: Federal law requires special review when a project may affect a recognized historic district. The issue isn’t favoritism — it’s whether required federal review standards are being followed properly.
Myth 3: “Historic protections only apply to buildings, not traffic.”
Fact: Under federal review (NEPA and Section 106), agencies must consider indirect effects — including traffic patterns, noise, vibration, and setting — if they could affect a historic district’s character.
Historic District: The 1886 Orlando Allen House, at 24 Bridge Street.
Myth 4: “The bridge is old, so replacement is inevitable.”
Fact: Federal law requires agencies to evaluate a reasonable range of alternatives, including rehabilitation, before deciding on replacement — especially for historic resources.
Fact: Safety improvements can absolutely happen. The requirement is simply that agencies evaluate options carefully and transparently before selecting an approach.
Myth 6: “If traffic is a problem everywhere, the historic district shouldn’t matter.”
Fact: Many areas face traffic concerns, but federally recognized historic districts trigger specific legal review requirements that don’t apply in the same way elsewhere.
18 Bridge Street
Myth 7: “This is about stopping progress.”
Fact: The goal is not to stop change, but to ensure that decisions are made with full information and proper public process, as required under federal law.
Myth 8: “Bridge Street National District is no different than other neighborhoods.”
Fact: It has been recognized nationally, and what happens fall under federal regulations.
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)
My law partners and I have been reviewing the trial court decision carefully. We continue to disagree with the trial court’s analysis. The trial court sustained the appeal by the neighbors, thus voiding the text changes, and specifically ordered OMG to cease any activities inconsistent with the lawful preexisting use, including the sale of alcohol.
At this point I need to confer with the Planning & Zoning Commission, First Selectman Christie, and counsel for OMG to review our options. I will have more information in a few days. To answer your question regarding the other 2 properties (Gruel Britannia and The Country Store on Wilton Road), yes, they are also directly impacted by the court decision.
Bloom added:
Appeals in land use cases are not automatic. A party desiring to appeal a trial court decision must file a Petition for Certification to the Appellate Court, which is a request to the Appellate Court to take the case on appeal.
The petition must state the grounds. It is then discretionary with the Appellate Court. Any party has 20 days from the trial court decision to file a petition.
As part of its ongoing study of the Cribari Bridge rehabilitation/replacement project, the state Department of Transportation has released a detailed Environmental Assessment and Evaluation.
The 160-page document offers details of the current bridge, including history, traffic, functional issues, and controversy over its future.
The bulk of the report covers “environment and environmental consequences,” spanning property acquisition, socioeconomics, traffic, public safety, visual and aesthetics, cultural resources, water quality, navigable waters, wetlands, floodplains and coastal resources.
Five alternatives are mentioned throughout:
No build
Conservation
Rehabilitation
Replacement on-alignment
Replacement off-alignment.
DOT consistently offers “replacement on-alignment” — the same alignment as the existing structure — as its preferred alternative.
Cribari Bridge, as shown in DOT Environmental report …
… and an aerial view, from the same document.
(“06880” is your 24/7/365 source for Westport news — and events, history, features, photos, and much, much more. Please click here to support our work — and help us continue this coverage. Thank you!)
First: Representative Town Meeting members from Districts 1, 4 and 9 will hold a public discussion about the bridge next Tuesday (February 24, 7 p.m.; click here for Zoom link).
The session was organized by District 1 rep Matthew Mandell. He says: “Since the original Project Advisory Committee — a formal group of residents and town staff that worked directly with the state Department of Transportation — essentially disbanded years ago, there has been no venue for organized resident thought. or for discussion and collaboration with the DOT. The goal is to find a mutual path forward and solution that works for the residents, town and state.”
Members from other districts are welcome too. (Districts 1, 4 and 9 are closest to the span. Don’t know which district you’re in? Click here for a map.)
Second: The state DOT has opened a 60-day public comment period about the bridge, including its potential renovation or replacement.
PS: Don’t forget the DOT’s March 19 public hearing (6 p.m., Town Hall).
The session will “provide the community with an opportunity to learn about the proposed project, and allow a place to provide feedback concerning the proposed improvements.”
Werner Liepolt’s painting of the Cribari Bridge.
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One glimmer of spring: Registration is open for the Minute Man Race.
The 47th annual Women’s League of Westport event — including a 10K run, 5K4un/walk, and Kids’ Fun Run (1/2K and 1K dash) — is April 26, at Compo Beach. It’s one of the biggest community events of the year.
All proceeds benefit the League’s grants program, supporting non-profits across Fairfield County.
And just in time for Love Your Pet Day (tomorrow!):
Sweet P Bakery and Team Woofgang & Co. — 2 local non-profits that empower adults with disabilities through job training and employment — are partnering on a “People + Pups Colossal Cookie Box.”
The limited-edition includes 6 great Sweet P Colossal Cookies, plus a bag of Woofgang’s Pupper Nutter Dog Treats.
The result: delicious joy for people and pups, while supporting the shared mission of creating meaningful jobs for adults with disabilities.
But wait! There’s more!
$5 from every People + Pups Box sold will be donated to Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA), another wonderful Westport non-profit.
Wakeman Town Farm’s special Neurodiverse Farmer program begins next month.
Designed for all abilities, it offers a hands-on, sensory-rich experience that encourages exploration, creativity, and learning in a natural setting.
WTF provides a safe, welcoming environment where youngsters connect with animals, garden, and explore the outdoors at their own pace.
The staff is trained to support neurodiverse learners. Activities accommodate a variety of sensory, social and communication styles, encouraging inclusion and self-confidence for children who enjoy feeding animals, planting seeds or observing nature.
There’s much more happening at Wakeman Town Farm too, of course.
For a full list of activities, for all ages — including spring cooking for homeschool kids, summer camps, a spring floral workshop, a Mediterranean family-style dinner, and lamb “cuddle sessions” — click here.
Every Connecticut town is allotted a limited number of “package store” — aka liquor store — licenses.
The number is determined by a town’s population in the last federal census.
Balducci’s package store was attached to the grocery store. But they’re leaving the space occupied by both. They’re selling their package store license.
A new owner needs to find commercially zoned property in Westport to relocate the license to.
A package store occupies around 3,500 square feet. There are a number of vacant commercial properties of that size along the Post Road and downtown. The license must be relocated in Westport; it cannot be moved to another town.
Interested in buying Balducci’s package store license? Contact attorney Jerry Farrell, Jr., by phone (203-774-5002) or email jerry@ctliquorlaw.com.
Want to buy a liquor store license?
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April is Autism Awareness Month.
So be aware: On April 29 (6 p.m., Westport Library), NeuroMind hosts a screening of “Go On” — the award-winning movie by autistic filmmaker, golfer and actor Landon Ashworth.
Afterward, he’ll join NeuroMind co-founders Chelsea Elkind and Lauren Rosenblum for a talkback.
Norwalk-based YL Trapped youth organization — it stands for Young Ladies Taking Responsibility and Portraying Proper Educational Decisions — mentors girls ages 11 to 18.
Participants (referred through school and court systems) build strength, knowledge and self confidence, while forming strong connections within the community.
Founder and CEO Dr. Julia Moore described the program Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting. Members were impressed — particularly at the news that 90% of the young women go on to college.
TAP Strength founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Dr. Bena Kallick, founder of the Institute for Habits of Mind, have been working together, “integrating a holistic approach to a moving mind.”
Now they’ve contributed a chapter — “Enhancing Mind-Body Awareness” — to the new book Leading with Efficacy. In it, they explain their theoretical framework, and offer examples of how it is “efficacious — in fact, effortless — effort.
The other was a 36-year-old man, charged with operating a motor vehicle under suspension, failure to obey a stop sign, and 2 counts of failure to appear. He was arrested when an office conducted stop sign enforcement on Kings Highway North, at Ludlow Road. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 12 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Speeding: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to display lights: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
If it’s dark, put your lights on!
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Speaking of the Westport Police Department: They and the Rowan Center make a great team. They collaborate often.
This week, the Stamford-based sexual assault resource agency presented local officers with an appreciation basket.
All of us in Westport appreciate both institutions!
Representative from the Westport Police and Rowan Center — with an appreciation basket.
And finally … in honor of the upcoming sale of Balducci’s package store license (story above):
(You know what drives us to drink? People who read “06880” every day, yet don’t contribute a dime. Serving up 4-6 stories a day is hard work! Please click here to support our efforts. Thank you all!)
Last year’s first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest drew a less-than-sold-out-stadium number of entries.
This year, the sponsors — the Westport Library, Westport Center for Senior Activities, BookTrib and Meryl Moss Media — hope for many more.
Organizers say: “Jackie Robinson didn’t just break baseball’s color barrier. He broke barriers in hearts and minds, paving the way for generations to dream bigger, stand taller, and speak louder. Now, you can honor his legacy.”
This year, the contest asks community members to write — or co-write — “a heartfelt letter addressed to Jackie Robinson. Reflect on how his courage, dignity and perseverance have impacted your lives and your relationship with each other.”
Submissions are “highly encouraged” in teams of 2. Ideally, that’s one senior (60 and up) and one younger person (ages 6–21).
Individual responses, or teams of 2 of any age, are also accepted. “This is more than a writing contest — it’s a chance to build connection across generations, celebrate social progress, and share powerful stories,” organizers say.
If you haven’t already bought a gift — heck, even if you have — here’s a heart-warming idea.
For just $5.50, you can send a 1-minute digital “Singing Gram” — a heartfelt musical message celebrating love, friendship or (sorry, babe) “moving on” — to your partner (or soon-to-be-ex).
They’re courtesy of Staples Orphenians, who will sing — and deliver — your personalized message tomorrow.
Click here to order, and for more information. That’s amore!
Staples’ Orphenians performed at the Holiday Stroll. Now they’ll “perform” at the next holiday: Valentine’s Day. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of Staples: Seniors Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein — founders of the first Connecticut chapter of the national non-profit Make Our Schools Safe –were in Washington on Thursday.
They advocated for the passage of Alyssa’s Act, which would set national standards for emergency response systems.
Zander and Elijah participated in a press conference, gave interviews, and met with Congressmen, including Connecticut’s Jim Himes and Jahana Hayes.
Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein, with Congressman Jim Himes.
Speaking still of Staples: On Monday, STORMAC — the school’s co-op boys hockey team (with Norwalk and Brien McMahon Highs) — hosted “Hockey Fights Cancer Night.”
Players honored family and friends who are currently battling the disease, who fought and survived, or who are remembered and missed.
Each player took the ice holding a sign with the name of someone special, followed by a moment of silence.
The evening was as a fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
For 25 years, Read To Grow has provided books to new mothers, in hospitals and through a Bookmobile.
By promoting language skills and or children from the day they’re born, the non-profit gives an early boost to families that may not be able to afford books.
Read To Grow is partnering with the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Library, in an outreach program.
On Tuesday Suzannah Holsenbeck — Read to Grow’s executive director — spoke to Rotarians.
Suzannah Holsenbeck, Executive Director of Read To Grow, a not-for-profit group based in Branford, addressed the Westport Rotary Club at its Feb 10 luncheon via Zoom.
She described the importance of having books in a home, and of parents reading daily to young children.
Suzannah Holsenbeck addresses the Rotary Club, via Zoom. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
The small mostly-takeout Mexican restaurant on Post Road East — sandwiched between ASF and the Shell station — posted a sign in the window saying “Sorry.”
But it adds “Hey Taco! Coming soon.”
We assume that means another Mexican spot.
It would be the third on that site. Border Grill replaced “Tacos or What,” owned by the legendary Dodie Perez.
The “We’re closed” sign, next to the front door. (Hat tip and photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)
It’s been well over 2 weeks since a snowstorm deposited a foot of snow here.
Since then — with the temperature well below freezing — the beautifully plowed piles have congealed, frozen over, and proved almost impossible to remove.
The result: treacherous going on sidewalks. And, where are forced off of them, dangerous conditions on the road.
Yesterday’s temperature — a tropical 43 — may begin the melting process. (Though when the temperature dips at night, it re-freezes.)
The high today will be 36. Who knows what that will do?
Here are some scenes from Post Road East, on Tuesday. Be careful out there!
In front of Webster Bank, at Colonial Green.
Mobil gas station, across from Playhouse Square …
… and next door, the Mobil station.
M&T bank, at Compo Road North. The manager says this is an issue for the state Department of Transportation. (Photos/Molly Alger)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between February 4 and 10.
A 38-year-old Wilton man was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to drive in the proper lane, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, and improper use of marker plates, following a single vehicle accident on Riverside Avenue, at 12:25 a.m. Sunday.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 9 citations
Failure to stop at a stop sign: 7
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to renew registration: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Speeding in a school zone (2nd offense): 1
Speeding: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Driving with an obstructed windshield: 1
Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
Unreadable license plate: 1
It is illegal to drive with an unreadable license plate.
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Andrew Ippolito died peacefully at his Westport home, surrounded by family, on Monday. He was 95.
The Korean War veteran graduated from Georgetown University in international affairs, and earned a master’s in library sciences from Pratt University. He spent most of his career at Newsday, where he led the research and library department, and later founded Library Directory Associates.
Andrew was very involved in politics, and attended the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
His wife Constance died 2020. He is survived by his children Jenette, Paul (Lisa) and Michael (Caroline); grandchildren Vanessa (Steve), Andraya (Keenan), Andrew, Dimitra, Michael, Sofia, Paul, Christofer and Lucas, and great-granchildren continues through his great-grandchildren Cosette, Charlotte, Daniel, Keenan, Jaxon and Josephine.
A wake will be held at Harding Funeral Home this Sunday (February 15, 2 to 6 p.m.). The funeral service takes place Monday (February 16, 10 a.m., St. Luke Church).
Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Westporters woke up yesterday to fresh ice. It covered driveways, sidewalks, trees — and this holly bush. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Burritts Landing, near Saugatuck Shores.
And finally … on this date in 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born. Happy 217th, to our 16th president!
(People often wonder how to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday. We always recommending clicking here to donate to “06880” — your hyper-local blog that celebrates all things Westport, and America!)
In response, DOT communications director Josh Morgan says: “CTDOT has made no decision whether to perform a major rehabilitation or full replacement of the Cribari Bridge.
“Given the complexities of performing work on this historic structure, it was important to have firms lined up for either potential option to ensure construction schedules are met.
“As noted numerous times in the Request for Letters-of-Interest, CTDOT was seeking prequalified firms for both major rehabilitation and replacement options of the bridge.
“If design firms were solicitated after the public hearing and after a formal decision was made, there would have been a significant impact to the construction schedule,” he explains.
Cribari Bridge (Photo/Nancy Lally)
In related news, the state DOT will hold a public hearing on March 19 (6 p.m., Town Hall), on “Rehabilitation/Replacement of the Cribari Memorial Bridge.”
The session will “provide the community with an opportunity to learn about the proposed project, and allow a place to provide feedback concerning the proposed improvements.”
The project involves “a resilient structure that addresses the structural and functional deficiencies of the the existing Cribari Memorial Bridge, which carries Route 136 over the Saugatuck River, while accommodating safe vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian and marine traffic,” the announcement adds.
DOT spokesman Morgan notes that the flyer includes both potential options: rehabilitation and replacement.
Morgan says, “We know there is interest in this project, which is why we created that Save the Date flyer so people could mark their calendars before legal notices ran in the local papers. These public notices will be published over the next several weeks inviting the public to attend the March 19 hearing. We encourage residents, businesses, and those interested in the future of the Cribari Bridge to attend the public hearing, ask questions, and give feedback.”
The question is: How can the DOT go to bid if the Environmental Study is not complete, as well as the Section 106 Federal Historic Study also being incomplete?
Maybe they can, but it seems out of order. It certainly catches us all by surprise. (For a previous”06880″story on Section 106, click here.)
There is also a DOT meeting set for Westport on March 19. I surely had not heard about this one either, but there it was on the site. Click here to see the flyer.
Here is the whole DOT site to read about all aspects of the bridge and project.
This is a bit befuddling for sure.
Timing is everything. In the last few days, hearing from concerned residents regarding the bridge, RTM Districts 1, 4 and 9, as the closest districts to the bridge, were planning to have a public meeting to discuss the bridge.
We wanted to also hear from the public as well. in a different venue than that of a DOT meeting. There has not be something close to a resident discussion since the PAC in 2018.
While there are different views on what should be done, the idea of large trucks seems to be a common thread. We are working on a date toward the end of the month. It will be via Zoom.
(Other RTM districts, hold tight. I spoke with the moderator. Let’s get this one going and have it not be a meeting of the body. Attend if you want of course, and it can expand if needed as we move forward.)
I always say we need to remain vigilant. Thanks to a diligent ally who went to the site to simply take a look at what might be up.
Andrew Colabella is a Representative Town Meeting member. I-95 and Greens Farms Road run through his District 4. He has followed the Cribari Bridge renovation project closely. Andrew writes:
On December 18, Connecticut’s Department of Transportation held a “Section 106” meeting.
Engineers, and others involved in cultural resources, discussed the timeline of the Cribari Bridge design.
“Section 106” refers to public consultations held with respect to the National Historic Preservation Act. This federal law — which is utilized in the preservation, restoration and design of a new bridge — requires agencies to consider effects on historic properties for federally funded projects. The goal is to balance development, while preserving cultural heritage.
The Cribari Bridge is 144 years old … (Photo/Dan Woog)
The meeting was not entirely and correctly publicly noticed, as Valerie Seiling Jacobs and Werner Liepolt have done a phenomenal job publicizing.
Even people on the email list of those who originally sat on the Cribari PAC Bridge Committee, like myself, did not receive an email.
Many valid concerns were raised by residents from all over town about the height of the bridge off water, and height of the bridge for vehicles. There were concerns regarding traffic, navigability, signage, historic preservation and impact, the New England aesthetic, and accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians.
… and is adjacent to the Bridge Street Historic District.
Third Selectman Don O’Day and I found a very interesting ban: “No Thru Trucks on Route 136.”
On August 21, 2007, the Connecticut State Traffic Commission ruled in favor of Rowayton, and implemented a “No Thru Truck” designation on Route 136. This finally happened 23 years after a Consent Decree was issued in Federal Court. The 1984 ruling required the state DOT and the city of Norwalk to “alleviate present levels of truck traffic through Rowayton along 136.”
Commissioner Mike Barbis and resident Andy Glazer began to seriously fight, starting in 2005. They were helped by Norwalk general counsel Peter Nolin, Norwalk Mayor Dick Moccia, Darien First Selectwoman Evonne Klein and Darien Police Chief Duane Lovello. The battle with the State Traffic Commission – an arm of the Connecticut Department of Transportation — went on for over 2 years.
The topic was eventually put on the agenda at the STC for a hearing on November 21, 2006. Engineering studies were subsequently conducted by CT DOT. On December 31, 2006, 2 of the 3 STC Commissioners retired.
On June 19, 2007 the STC was to rule on Rowayton’s application for a “No Thru Trucks” designation. Staff recommended against approval. The commission rejected staff’s recommendation, and instead tabled the request.
On August 21, 2007, after Rowayton hired their own counsel, Philip Walker, the State Traffic Commission finally ruled in Rowayton’s favor. They designated the Darien and Norwalk sections of Route 136 as a “No Thru Truck” zone.
Unfortunately, if trucks start or end their journey in Norwalk, the ban does not apply to them. The Norwalk Police Department cannot stop or ticket them, as they are not “thru” trucks under state law.
The key to the issue is Darien. Trucks use Exit 12 to get to and from Norwalk and I-95. To do so, they must go “thru” Darien on Tokeneke Road. The answer is to get Darien to enforce the “No Thru Truck” regulation.
If you know anyone who lives on or near Tokeneke Road, ask them to complain to the town of Darien and their Police Department.
Cribari Bridge connects Route 136 from the west and east banks of the Saugatuck River. To uphold the “no thru truck” traffic ban, an appropriate height would need to be applied.
In this case, the 14.3-foot height being proposed would not be acceptable —especially given that the majority of tractor-trailers have a standard 53-foot box and cab with length totaling roughly 80-85 feet. In addition, there is tight roadway space in Saugatuck, and limited heights of existing bridges such as the Metro North Bridges that are even shorter in height.
Along with height, aesthetics was agreed upon by those who participated in the meeting. Westporters and visitors love the design with the trusses, functioning or not. A redesign or replacement could incorporate permanent lighting on the bridge like many throughout the Northeast, such as the Kosciuszko in New York, and the Pearl Harbor Bridge in New Haven.
The Cribari Bridge connects Saugatuck (top) and Greens Farms.
The committee stated that they are currently 15% underway with design. That means that Westporters have an opportunity to voice your opinion and convey your thoughts, before the February meeting. (A specific date not yet been scheduled.
Click here to see all the documents presented in 2018. These officials oversee the project:
Fran Hoyte had the perfect spot for a Pilates studio.
Her space on the lower level of Bridge Square offered a peaceful view of the Saugatuck River. It was comfortable, inviting, and — with no advertising or social media, just word of mouth — clients flocked to Saugatuck Studios.
There was just one problem: floods.
The space was inundated by storms like Sandy and irene. Sometimes, it was swamped by high tides.
After 15 years, Fran has found a location guaranteed not to flood.
And it’s just as funky as her previous spot.
Sound Pilates has relocated to 21 Jesup Road. They’re on the 2nd and 3rd floors above the Westport Book Shop. The 200-year-old building — most recently Pause + Purpose wellness center; before that an architect’s office, and earlier a home — offers sweeping (and soothing) views of Jesup Green and the Saugatuck River.
“This is so quiet. But it’s still downtown,” Fran says. “It really feels like home for us.”
Fran has also added a physical therapist. Dr. Victoria Chiappetta has trained with Fran, developing an appreciation for traditional Pilates, alignment, and intelligent movement.
Fran now offers small group classes, in addition to individual sessions. She also teaches Pilates instructors — including many now working throughout Fairfield County.
“We’re not about working until you feel pain,” Fran says of her and Victoria’s partnership. “This is always about joyful movement.”
Werner Liepolt — a longtime Westporter whose home is near the Cribari Bridge — is closely watching state Department of Transportation decisions involving the 145-year-old span.
Congress did not extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. But a Connecticut state subsidy program will replace some or all of the federal tax credits that lapsed on January 1, depending on enrollee eligibility for Access Health CT insurance plans.
Congressman Jim Himes’ office can help with questions: (203) 333-6600.
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DOT spokesman Morgan notes that the flyer includes both potential options: rehabilitation and replacement.
Timing is everything. In the last few days, hearing from concerned residents regarding the bridge, RTM Districts 1, 4 and 9, as the closest districts to the bridge, were planning to have a public meeting to discuss the bridge.
On August 21, 2007, after Rowayton hired their own counsel, Philip Walker, the State Traffic Commission finally ruled in Rowayton’s favor. They designated the Darien and Norwalk sections of Route 136 as a “No Thru Truck” zone.
