Free parking is still available throughout downtown.
But — like before the pandemic — there will soon be some limits.
Yesterday, the Board of Selectwomen voted to bring back the pre-COVID regulations. With a tweak or two.
All “timed” town lots will now be 3 hours long, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The previous restrictions were 1 and 2 hours, depending on location.
553 public spots downtown will be limited to 3 hours. Another 800 or so remain unlimited.
Approximately 700 more spaces are in private parking lots.
The vote was 2-1. Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore favored the 3-hour plan, with Candice Savin opposed.
The new rules are effective September 1.
“Open parking” will remain in some areas of downtown — but not all.
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Encore!
The Board of Selectwomen yesterday agreed to a request from the Remarkable Theater to use the Imperial Avenue parking lot from August 28 through November 3.
This marks the 4th year for the popular Imperial Avenue pop-up drive-in. The “curtain rose” for the first 3 — beginning with the socially distanced season of 2020 — in late spring.
A schedule will be announced soon. Meanwhile, representatives of any organization interested in sponsoring a movie should contact Doug Tirola: doug@4throwfilms.com.
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The July real estate report is out.
After years of COVID-fueled frothy growth, trends appear to be leveling, according to Judy Michaelis.
Some July 2023 statistics, with July 2022 (in parentheses) for comparison:
- New listings: 40 (48)
- Number of properties for sale: 97 (124)
- Number of properties sold: 53 (48)
- Average days on market: 61 (55)
- Average list price: $3,023,148 ($2,752,077)
- Median list price: $2,450,000 (2,137,500)
- Sales price/list price ratio: 103.8% (105.4%)
- Average sales price per square foot: $574 ($726)
Click here for a full report. (Hat tip: Judy Michaelis)
The most expensive property for sale in Westport right now is this 9-bedroom, 8 1/2-bathroom, 10,959-square foot home on 3 acres, at 50 Sylvan Road North. It is listed for $3.9 million.
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between August 9 and 16.
A man at the International Wine Shop was charged with illegal sale of alcohol to a minor after 2 18-year-olds were seen leaving the store after making a purchase. He confirmed he had not checked identification of the buyer.
An investigation into the theft of a motor vehicle and credit cards led to charges of larceny, payment card theft, illegal transfer, fraud, forgery, illegal use of a payment card and identity theft.
A woman was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5 citations
- Failure to obey traffic control signal: 3
- Failure to renew registration: 2
- Distracted driving: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
- Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Off-limits to anyone under 21.
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Speaking of police: Around 4:44 p.m. on August 7, Awesome Toys reported the theft of a “Traxxas” truck and art supplies.
Captured on film, the suspect appears to be 6-2, 220 pounds.
Four days later, on August 11, the same man returned. He filled 2 large bags with items, and left without paying.
Suspect in Awesome Toys theft.
Westport Police ask for help identifying the suspect. Email swongwon@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-6080.
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Two Connecticut residents died after contracting infections from a flesh-eating bacteria that can be caused by eating raw oysters or swimming in saltwater, the New York Times reports. A third person survived.
“Infections from the bacteria, called Vibrio vulnificus, are rare but extremely dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in five people who become infected die. Many survivors lose limbs to amputations, according to the C.D.C.”
People with open wounds should avoid swimming in warm seawater. Those with compromised immune systems should be careful eating or handling raw seafood.
Vibriosis is caused by a bacteria found in salt water, during warm weather. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and chills, slong with ear infections, sepsis and life-threatening wound infections.
Two of the state victims had open cuts, in Long Island Sound. A third became sick after eating raw oysters, though not at a restaurant here. Their towns were not identified.
As ocean temperatures rise, infections may spread.
The Times notes,”Connecticut has seen a few cases in recent years. One person died of a Vibrio vulnificus infection in the state in 2019. In 2020, five cases were reported; all recovered. The people who became infected had open wounds and were exposed to salt or brackish water.”
Inspectors have never detected the infection in Connecticut’s commercial oysters. Click here for the full story.
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Speaking of the Times: Its “Ethicist” column often tackles thorny issues.
Yesterday’s will resonate with many Westporters. A reader wrote:
I live on Cape Cod, and I have recently noticed something of a current trend in which beachgoers claim valuable (and sometimes scarce) real estate by arriving several hours early to set up chairs, blankets and umbrellas before leaving to return (in some cases several hours later) to eventually move into their pre-claimed territory.
I always thought that you had to be on hand to occupy some piece of public space. Does an empty chair or blanket constitute actual occupancy? Do such phantom claims have any merit? Would someone have the right to ignore such maneuvers by removing these chairs or blankets? If so, what should be the response to the claimant who might return to find their items no longer claiming possession?
“The Ethicist” replied:
The aim of such public space is to allow as many people as possible to make the proper use of it. That aim is undermined by absentee claims that prevent others from enjoying a spot on the beach for extended periods. It’s fine to leave evidence of occupancy if you’re just going off to get an ice cream, say, or to visit a restroom. If you do this, though, it might be wise to leave an explanatory note. (“10:15, buying a snack, back by 10:45.”) That’s within the spirit of the social convention. But your beach-blanket buccaneers are abusing this convention and effectively privatizing what should be public.
At the same time, moving other people’s things isn’t to be done lightly. You’ll certainly want to be sure that their owners haven’t just stepped away for an acceptable interval. The social conventions about claiming areas in these public settings are not, of course, precise. Half an hour or so strikes me as a good marker in most such circumstances, but take a poll among people you know. If the beach-spot hogs return while you’re around, you can show them where their possessions are and tell them that you waited for a while and assumed they were not returning. (Should you ever mistakenly displace a bathroom-breaker, you should apologize and immediately cede the spot.)
Remember that the next time you’re heading to the fireworks.
Or — on any day — thinking of reserving one of those South Beach picnic tables that say (quite clearly) “Tables May Not Be Reserved.” (Hat tip: Jay Petrow)
Reserving early spots for the fireworks, 2018. The arms race has grown substantially since then. (Photo/Doris Ghitelman)
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Tomorrow (Friday, August 18) is the opening for Sorelle Gallery’s “On View” exhibition, with abstract artist Deborah T. Colter.
The Martha’s Vineyard-based artist layers found materials, handmade paper, paint, and other media to create abstract collages.
The show is open Tuesday through Saturday (10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays noon to 4 p.m.). Click here for more information.
Deborah T. Colter’s “On View,” at Sorelle Gallery.
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Westporters love the ornamental plantings at Grace Salmon Park.
It’s also now home to this zucchini. Perhaps it wandered over from the Farmers’ Market, next door on Imperial Avenue?
However it got there, it’s a great image for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Peggy O’Halloran)
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And finally … today marked the penultimate day for the 1969 Woodstock festival.
Were you there? If so, click “Comments” below to share memories!
Meanwhile, enjoy 3 of the most famous performances from this day, 54 years ago:
(You may have missed Woodstock. But you don’t have to miss a chance to support “06880.” Please click here. Thank you!)
