Tag Archives: Eloise A. Ray Park

Roundup: Riverside Avenue Trees, Mitchells Stores, Players Spelling Bee …

Posted on March 5, 2025 | 14 comments

Riverside Avenue and Lincoln Street neighbors fought hard.

But on Monday 2 large trees — perhaps over 200 years old — at 125 Riverside Avenue were cut down. Hours later, the oak at 79 Riverside Avenue next to Eloise Ray Park was also removed.

A  home will be built adjacent to the park, on the Saugatuck River at the foot of Lincoln Street.

Nearby resident Charles Tirreno spent the afternoon helping his mother re-home newborn baby squirrels, whose nest was removed along with the tree.

“This has been a grave loss of habitat for countless species of mammals, insects, critically endangered turtles and protected birds,” he wrote in an email to his Representative Town Meeting District 9 members.

He urged his representatives to closely monitor the situation, to ensure that stipulations voted on by the Planning & Zoning Commission are adhered to.

Scene after trees were removed, adjacent to Eloise A. Ray Park. (Photo/Charles Tirreno)

Asked to comment by “06880,” RTM member Jennifer Johnson said, “This is a terrible loss for our entire community.  It is an in-our-face reminder of how little Westport is doing to protect our town’s limited open space.

“Across Westport we are bearing witness to the systematic loss of cherished natural resources. From the assault on Jesup Green to the wiping out of the Community Gardens, and now a proposed 35,000-square foot area of asphalt, steel and concrete in the middle of Longshore.  What’s going to happen to that giant sycamore gracing Charles Street when the Hamlet plows through?

“Sadly, the redevelopment of the property on 125 Riverside is a perfect example of community-wide inaction. We have an open space fund. Did anyone ever try to purchase the site for open space?

“Unfortunately, we waited to blame the person who eventually came forward to redevelop the site. That’s too late. We now must confront the loss of more glorious trees, and the missed chance to add parkland to our riverfront.”

“Please do not take any more trees!” added RTM member Sal Liccione.

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Mitchells — the small mom-and-pop men’s store that has grown in nearly 70 years to include 8 of the leading luxury retail stores in the US  — has just gotten bigger.

Stanley Korshak — the leading luxury retailer in Dallas — is joining the Mitchell Stores family.

In addition to Westport — where Mitchells is headquartered — the group includes Richards in Greenwich; Mitchells in Huntington, New York; Wilkes Bashford stores in San Francisco and Palo Alto, and 3 Marios stores in Seattle, Portland and Bridgeport, Oregon.

The Mitchells have been close personal friends with former owner Crawford Brock and his family for over 20 years. Stanley Korshak is a 32,000-square foot store Dallas’ Uptown neighborhood.

Most important, Mitchells says, the store “shares our family’s vision to bringing customers the most exquisite luxury fashions in the world, with unequaled personalized service.” In addition to the main store, Stanley Korshak has one of the top bridal salons in the country.

“Stanley Korshak is a jewel in Texas. We will do everything to continue to offer world-class products and services that are perfectly tailored to Dallas customers,” says Chris Mitchell. The 3rd generation owner will spend half his time in Dallas, working closely with Crawford.

Meanwhile, the 4th generation of Mitchells has begun working with the company.

Ed and Norma Mitchell — who founded that original men’s store in a former plumbing supply building at the corner of Post Road East and Compo Road North in 1958 (now M&T Bank) — would be very proud.

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Staples Players actors are as close to professional as you can get, without an Equity card.

When the curtain rises Friday for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” — Players’ spring production — they’ll be joined by a couple of legit Broadway actors, like Kelli O’Hara and Chris Sarandon.

Former Staples principal John Dodig (who had a memorable role in Players’ “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”) and former State Senator Will Haskell — a Player himself in his high school days — will be onstage too.

But so will a few definite non-actors, like First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Principal Stafford Thomas, and Wrecker boys basketball coach Dave Goldshore.

Plus “06880”‘s own Dan Woog.

We’re all “guest spellers.” We have no idea what we’re in for. We’ll just go with the flow.

And we’ll be guided by the very talented Players themselves. They’ve prepared well, for schmoes like us.

They’ll lead. We’ll follow. And we hope that audiences will laugh with — not at — us.

The full guest cast:

Friday, March 7 (7 p.m.): First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, Principal Stafford Thomas, “06880”‘s Dan Woog, Bedford Acting Group ‘s Ryan Smith.

Saturday, March 8 (2 p.m.): Actor Chris Sarandon, former State Senator Will Haskell and more.

Saturday, March 8 (7 p.m.): Coach Dave Goldshore and more.

Sunday, March 9 (2 p.m.): Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara, former Staples principal John Dodig, Staples choral director Lauren Pine and more.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

“25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (Photo/Kerry Long)

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The Read to Grow Bookmobile arrives in Westport tomorrow (Thursday, March 6, 3 to 5 p.m., Compo Beach cannons).

Youngsters can climb aboard the bookmobile (not the cannons) to pick out a free book. The selection includes new board books, picture books and chapter books, for youngsters birth to age 7.

Kids LOVE climbing aboard to pick out a free book to take home! Their shelves are packed with new board books, picture books, and chapter books for kids birth to age 7—so there’s something for everyone!

To learn more about Read to Grow, click here.

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The Animal Awareness Night scheduled for this evening (Wednesday, March 5) has been postponed. The new date is March 19 (7 p.m., police station classroom).

Topics include wildlife (with officer Peter Reid), pet adoption (with Westport Animal Shelter Advocates’ Julie Loparo), and dog licensing guidelines. The event is free.

Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid is a featured speaker at Wednesday’s Animal Awareness Night.

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Sure, you can teach your kids how to decorate cookie cakes.

But on March 25 (7:30 p.m., The Blondinit restaurant), Jess Leventhal will teach adults how to create “a stunning 2-layer mini cookie cake that feeds 6-8 people, and is almost too beautiful to eat.”

The $125 ticket a choice of signature cocktail, and light fare by The Blondinit. Click here for details and registration.

Blondinit cookie cake.

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Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject — a juvenile mute swan — swimming alone in the Saugatuck River, near Riverside Park.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

That’s such a rare sight in Westport. No, not a swan. I mean a young one, playing without an adult nearby.

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And finally … in honor of Staples Players’ production of “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ (story above):

(Contributing to “06880” is as easy as … well, you know. Just click here. That’s it! Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Environment, Local business, Real estate, Restaurants, Staples HS

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[OPINION] Another Plea To Save Eloise A. Ray Park

Posted on September 20, 2024 | 22 comments

Up and down Riverside Avenue, there’s been renovation and new construction. More is on the drawing board.

Friends of Eloise A. Ray Park is comprised of neighbors, some of whom have lived in Westport for more than 30 years. They write:

Several months ago we alerted the community to attempts by a developer – Vita Design Group – to build a new luxury townhouse adjacent to Eloise A. Ray Park.

As we noted, the park is one of very few public spaces along the Saugatuck River. It would be damaged, permanently altered, and encroached upon if the project is approved.

Eloise A. Ray Park

Unfortunately, while the project was slightly delayed, Vita has now submitted plans to the Planning & Zoning Commission.

A hearing is set for this Monday (September 23, 6 p.m., Zoom).

Eloise A. Ray Park sits on the west bank of the Saugatuck, and offers incredible views up and down the river. It is used every day by people walking to and from the center of town, and also those who come specifically to sit on a bench to watch the daily river activity.

With its location and impressive views, the park is also used for family gatherings and special occasions. It’s truly a wonderful place.

Unfortunately, Vita has been able to purchase what many believed was public land immediately adjacent to the park, and has submitted plans to build a multi-level luxury home which will change the park forever.

This land – 79 Riverside Avenue – borders the park immediately to the north. It has a number of old trees, and also offers prime habitat for wildlife. For this reason among others, it has been a perfect neighbor to the park for many years.

Benches at Eloise A. Ray Park.

But all that will change – along with the character of the park itself – if the town allows this development to proceed.  In particular, we can expect the following:

  • The park itself will effectively be unusable for long periods of time while construction is ongoing, and will be used in part as a staging area for construction equipment.
  • The park will be damaged by construction equipment.
  • Once construction is complete, the park will be forever altered by having a multi-level house, driveway, patio and walls encroaching upon it.
  • Construction will also require razing the land at 79 Riverside, cutting down a number of old trees and eliminating wildlife habitat,
  • Construction will also seriously impact traffic on Riverside Avenue — already very busy – because heavy equipment will need to use the roadway on a regular basis.

In sum, there will undoubtedly be a loss or permanent alteration of public waterfront space, of which there is very little these days. And while the developer will no doubt downplay these concerns, as they always do, those of us familiar with the reality of new development projects know better.

Autumn view, from Eloise A. Ray Park.

It is also worth noting that the Town has already allowed multiple new construction projects to proceed in the area.

Anyone who drives on the Post Road is familiar with the huge eyesore at 85 Post Road West, which now features several 2-story piles of dirt, trash and damaged construction fencing. This is only the beginning phase of what will be several years spent erecting a 68-unit apartment building that the town approved last year.

The Town also approved a multi-unit apartment building at the intersection of Wilton Road and Kings Highway North, which eliminated prime wildlife habitat along the west bank of the Saugatuck.

The town has also approved 2 additional new construction projects along the west bank of the Saugatuck near Saugatuck Elementary School. Incredibly, one involves a complete teardown of a historic 1700s house which is in good condition. Its only crime: being located just outside the official historic district.

Of course, all these projects pale in comparison with attempts by another developer to create an entirely new zoning district in Saugatuck in order to build 10 new buildings, up to 65 feet high, including a 100-seat theater, condominiums, a hotel, retail buildings and parking.

But no matter the scope or scale, each project necessarily results in eradication of the natural environment, elimination of wildlife habitat, and further urbanization of Westport.

These concerns are all the more pressing when a project is set to destroy spaces the town has officially designated as public land, such as Eloise A. Ray Park.

Anyone who would like more information can email saveeloise@gmail.com.  There are fewer places like Eloise A. Ray Park every day. Each loss is a loss for all of us.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to everyone. That’s the beauty of a hyper-local blog. If you value our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local politics, Real estate, Saugatuck

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Roundup: Bridge Slide, Smoke Shops, PAL Gala …

Posted on November 3, 2023 | 4 comments

A reminder (and we can’t remind readers often enough): From tonight through early Monday morning, the second “bridge slide” takes place.

The new I-95 Saugatuck Avenue bridge will be slid over, replacing the old one. Traffic will be diverted onto local roads.

Drivers using Waze and other apps will find their own ways around the miss, as they did 2 weeks ago. Areas far from 95, like Hermit Lane and Gorham Avenue, were affected.

If you’re going to weekend happenings — like Saturday’s Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services banquet at the VFW, or the next day’s “First Folk Sunday” (also at the VFW), or Sunday’s “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour — plan accordingly.

To keep up to date, bookmark this website.

And don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Preparing for the 2nd I-95 “bridge slide.” (Photo/JD Dworkow)

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If it seems like there are a lot of vape and smoke shops popping up around town: You’re not high. It’s true.

The Planning & Zoning Commission has taken notice too.

The first agenda item at its November 13 meeting (7 p.m., Zoom; click here to see) includes a text amendment that would “protect the public health and welfare by adding language to define and prohibit Smoke Shops and add stricter standards applicable to other establishments that sell smoking related products, but do not qualify as a Smoke Shop as described in the definition.”

New language is also proposed to “prohibit light emitting diode or LED signs so as to reduce potential distractions to motorists” — one of the complaints about Savvy Smoker, the new shop next to Christian Siriano at the corner of Post Road East and West Parish Road.

Click here for the full text amendment.

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Nearly 400 fans packed the Inn at Longshore last night, for Westport PAL’s 2nd annual gala.

The Romano family (Pete, his parents PJ and Joan, sister Pam Romano-Gorman, and daughters), and former PAL president Ned Batlin, were honored for their longtime contributions to the non-profit that serves thousands of Westport youth every year.

There was an auction too, including special items like VIP parking — and beach sitting — areas for the PAL-sponsored 4th of July fireworks.

And there were heartfelt testimonials to the importance of Westport PAL (and the influence of so many volunteer coaches) by former lacrosse player Henry Dodge, current Staples High School quarterback Caleb Smith, and 6th grade athlete Tristen Rycenga.

It was a great, Westport-centric evening. Funds raised will go to the new, 2-story clubhouse planned for (of course) PJ Romano Field.

6th grader Tristen Rycenga (at microphone) and teammates thank Westport PAL for all they do. PAL president Craig Bergamo is at left. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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Also yesterday: 90-year-0ld Win Allen provided a snapshot of his life story to the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston.

The 48-year resident of Westport grew up in Harlem, attended law school, earned a Fulbright Scholarship, then created the first Black-owned Wall Street firm.

He has written 3 books, most recently“How I Pried Open Wall Street in 1962.”

Win Allen speaks to the Y’s Men. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Ukraine Aid International –– the non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — continues to deliver crucial aid.

The organization has purchased a water filtration truck, for deliveries to frontline locations to places — like our sister city of Lyman — without permanent installations.

Lyman’s police also just received a generous donation from the Westport Police Department. The shipment includes gear that was scheduled to be replaced here, including bulletproof vests, shoulder radios, winter hats and gloves, car radios, police belts and ballistic helmets.

Donations to Lyman are always welcome. Click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)

Ukraine Aid International’s water filtration truck.

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No, the Sherwood Diner’s “closed for improvements” isn’t a euphemism.

The popular, decades-old Post Road restaurant is updating its kitchen. It closed Monday. Construction may take another week or so.

Then it’s back to normal — well, even better — for one of our town’s most favorite hangouts. (Hat tip: Arthur Hayes)

(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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There can’t be enough Halloween candy for kids.

For adults — well, you may have way too many Kit Kats, M&Ms and apples (just kidding) left over from Monday night.

Al’s Angels are happy to take it off your hands.

From now through Wednesday (November 8), bring extra Halloween candy to Saugatuck Sweets’ Westport or Fairfield locations.

It will be placed in nearly 1,500 Al’s Angels Thanksgiving holiday meal bins, for children battling cancer, rare blood diseases and several financial hardship.

Sweeeeeet! (Hat tip: Francis Fiolek)

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For a while, the Highway Department has been working on Cross Highway, between Punch Bowl Drive and Roseville Road.

They removed the embankment and adding new catch basin tops, prepping the area for contractors to pave.

The result: a more accessible, safer stretch for pedestrians. It will also be easier for the Department of Public Works to maintain, all year long.

Roseville Road (Photo courtesy of Department of Public Works)

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Kevin McCaffrey writes:

“On September 13, the Conservation Board approved a plan to build a luxury townhouse next to Eloise A. Ray Park, on Riverside Avenue. 

“This approval occurred over the objections of a number of residents, including a ‘Friends of the Park’ group which has been lobbying against the project for some time. 

“Opponents of the project argue that it will be unusable while construction is ongoing; that it will be used in part as a staging area, and damaged by equipment; that the park will be ‘forever altered by having a multi-level house, driveway, patio and walls’ encroaching on it; that trees will be cut, wildlife displaced, and that traffic on Riverside will be affected for lengthy periods of time.

“While the project still requires approval by Planning & Zoning (no hearing date has yet been set), Friends of Eloise A. Ray Park urges residents to find out where P&Z candidates stand on this issue. They also invite interested residents to email saveeloise@gmail.com.”

Eloise A. Ray Park

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People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, who are drivers or passengers in cars, are invited to a “Traffic Stop Practice” tomorrow (Saturday, November 4, 8 a.m. to noon), Sacred Heart University).

Sponsored in part by the Westport Police Department, the goal is to provide those with ASD with information about interactions during a routine traffic stop. They’ll also learn how to use the Department of Motor Vehicles’ “Blue Envelope,” which helps enhance communication with officers.

To register, email asd-center@southernct.edu; include “Traffic Stop Practice” in the subject line, and include name, phone, email and physical address.

The state DMV “blue envelope” program, for people with autism.

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Though 180 families applied to the Salvation Army for Thanksgiving turkeys and other food, the organization expects their CT Food Share allotment will not cover the need.

The seek additional support from are residents.

The Salvation Army also hopes to purchase new coats, sneakers and toys for hundreds of youngsters.

To help, and for more information, contact Major Persi Sanclemente: Persida.Sanclemente@USE.SalvationArmy.org; 401-439-3480.

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Yesterday’s frost was the first of this fall.

Jacqui O’Brien captured it in Greens Farms, for “Westport … Naturally”:

(Photo/Jacqui O’Brien)

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And finally … this weekend’s “bridge slide” is not electric.

But this video will get you in a happier mood than you otherwise might be:

(Staying home to avoid all the traffic? Slide over to this link, and help support “06880.” Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Police

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Roundup: School Security Unit, DPIC Comments, Lyman Update …

Posted on September 8, 2023 | 10 comments

Westport’s new School Security Unit begins work Monday (September 11).

The unit is a partnership of  the Police Department and Board of Education. Funding was approved unanimously this week by the Representative Town Meeting.

Officer Sean Kelley will be promoted to sergeant soon, and will supervise the unit. He was hired by the WPD in 2000, and has served as a detective in the Youth Division. He will be assigned to Bedford Middle School.

Officer Dennis Broderick will be assigned to Coleytown Middle and Elementary Schools. He was hired a year ago, after retiring as a sergeant with the Milford Police Department, where he spent over half his 20-year career in the Detective Bureau.

Corporal Rachel Hall will be assigned to Saugatuck and Kings Highway Elementary Schools. She was hired in 2016, after beginning her career with the Ridgefield Police Department. She is a member of the Marine, Motorcycle and Drone Units, and served as a desk officer.

Officer Edward “Ned” Batlin will be assigned to Long Lots and Greens Farms Elementary Schools.  He was hired in 2001, and was the DARE officer for many years. He is very active with local sports, at the high school and PAL levels.

Though the SSOs will primarily remain outside of the schools, they will work directly with administrators as needed.

In addition to providing enhanced security, they will  focus on traffic enforcement and safety concerns during student drop-off and pick-up.

Officer Ed Wooldridge will continue as Staples’ highly regarded and very popular School Resource Officer.

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John McCarthy has been adamant recently about the need for more openness and transparency in local town government.

So he took notice yesterday when the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee posted scores of comments, following their Parker Harding Plaza August 22 charrette at the Westport Library.

“Kudos to the DPIC,” John says.

“It took a lot of work to get the comments typed up. I would have been happy with just copies of people’s handwritten notes,  but nice to see they went the  extra yard.”

Click here to read them all. It’s a great way to get a feel for the pulse of the community.

Members of the public were invited to comment after last month’s Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meeting about Parker Harding Plaza. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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On Wednesday, the Flood & Erosion Board approved Vita Design Group’s plan to build a house next door to Eloise A. Ray Park, on Riverside Avenue.

A “Friends of the Park” group is concerned that the park will be unusable while construction is ongoing; that it will be used in part as a staging area, and damaged by equipment; that the park will be “forever altered by having a multi-level house, driveway, patio and walls” encroaching on it; that trees will be cut, and wildlife, and that traffic on Riverside will be affected.

They invite interested residents to email saveeloise@gmail.com.

The next hearing is before the full Conservation Board, on September 13.

Eloise A. Ray Park

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The bad news is: In Lyman, dozens of apartment buildings need repair before winter sets in.

The good news: It’s been several weeks since Russians attacked our Ukrainian sister city. And Westporters’ donations have already helped shore up 15 apartment buildings.

Ukraine Aid International’s Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded the boots-on-the-ground non-profit, and helped engineer our town’s sister city relationship — provided an update yesterday.

He told First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and “06880” that a construction firm is doing the dangerous work of repairing roofs and windows, to enable the damaged apartments to withstand the coming snow and freezing temperatures.

Mayer recently visited Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov. Behind his desk is a shelf filled with items sent from Westport.

Tooker and Koskinas are in near daily contact with the mayor and Lyman police chief. Each time, the Ukrainian officials tell their Westport counterparts how much our town’s support means to them.

(Donations through Ukrainian Aid International will help rebuild the many heavily damaged apartments. Click here to help. Under “Designation,” click the dropdown menu and select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.”)

In July — just hours after a Russian attack killed 8 Lyman residents — Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov sent a video thanking Westporters for their support.

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Connecticut’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony drew a reverent crowd yesterday to Sherwood Island State Park, the site of the state’s official memorial.

From that spot in 2001, smoke from the Twin Towers was visible.

Connecticut holds its ceremony before the September 11 anniversary, so relatives and friends of those killed in the terrorist attack can also attend the New York memorial on that day.

Yesterday’s 9/11 memorial, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Harris Falk)

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Westoberfest — the Westport Downtown Association’s Oktoberfest-style event — has something for everyone.

There’s beer tasting from dozens of craft breweries, sure.

But also live music; food by Walrus Alley, Kneads Bakery, Lobstercraft and Little Pub;  a children’s area run by the Artists’ Collective of Westport and MoCA; a street magician, bubbles and face painting; a pumpkin and apple giveaway; food trucks, shopping and vendors like Savvy + Grace.

Take-home tasting glasses with koozies are courtesy of Lux Bond & Green.

It all takes place October 14 (2 to 5 p.m.), off Elm Street. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Westoberfest is for beer drinkers — and families. (Photo/JC Martin)

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Jennifer Johnson spotted this ship in Long Island Sound, earlier this morning.

(Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

“What is it dumping?” she asks.

I have no idea. But I’m sure someone in our “06880” universe does. Click “Comments” below, if you know.

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A service for Rev. Ted Hoskins — the former and much-loved Saugatuck Congregational Church pastor who died last month — will be held this Sunday (September 10, 2 p.m.) in Blue Hill, Maine. Doug Miller — Rev. Hoskins’ former associate minister in Westport — will officiate.

The service will be livestreamed. Click here for the link.

Rev. Ted Hoskins (Photo courtesy of Penobscot Bay Press)

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Forget car washes and candy sales. The Staples High School girls swim and dive team has a fundraiser that will really make you smile: a comedy show.

Their first-ever “Dive Into Comedy” (get it?!) event includes 4 comedians who have slayed it in laces like Caroline’s, Stand Up New York, Broadway Comedy Club and The Stress Factory.

It’s September 28, at the Fairfield Theatre Company. Click here for tickets (adults 21+ only).

“Don’t tread water. Get your tickets today!” the girls say. Hah!

“Make people laugh,” the photographer told the Staples swim and dive team. They did.

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But speaking of sports team car washes: The Staples boys soccer team holds theirs tomorrow. It’s 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Christ & Holy Trinity Church parking lot on Elm Street.

Like the girls swim team, they’re raising money for costs not covered by the Board of Education budget.

Workin’ at the (boys soccer) car wash…

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Gary Lucas — a rock guitarist lauded by Bruce Springsteen and Lou Reed, who collaborated with Captain Beefheart and Jeff Buckley — is the latest StoryFest addition.

He’ll rock the Westport Library October 22 (2 p.m.), accompanying George Melford’s 1931 Spanish-language “Dracula” film with a live guitar score.

Lucas will add even more to the largest literary festival in Connecticut. This year’s 6th annual event (October 20-22) includes a keynote conversation  with legendary writer Neil Gaiman; panel discussions and author conversations; a special reading of Eric LaRocca’s new play, “Gentle Hacksaw”; a children’s event with Pinkalicious author Victoria Kann, and PitchFest (a 5-hour paid workshop where aspiring authors can speak to literary agents about their book. Click here for more information.

Gary Lucas (Photo/Michael Arkk)

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It’s not yet fall — but this guy is getting ready for winter, at Tracy Porosoff’s kousa dogwood tree. Nothing could be more “Naturally … Westport.”

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Steve Harwell, former lead singer of Smash Mouth, died Monday. in Idaho. He was 56, and suffered from liver failure.

(There is a lot going on in town. And “06880” covers it all. Please click here to help support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Education, Environment, Library, Police, Staples HS

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[OPINION] Group Pleads: Save Eloise A. Ray Park

Posted on September 2, 2023 | 25 comments

Among Westport’s many perks: parks.

There are big ones like Longshore, Winslow and Baron’s South, and smaller but equally loved parks like Grace Salmon and the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.

Some are old, like Luciano; others, like Riverside, are much newer.

Then there are tiny parks, like Eloise A. Ray. 

Named for a noted landscape architect, it’s a small spot on Riverside Avenue, at the foot of Lincoln Street.

Like Pasacreta Park — its neighbor to the south — it provides a welcome respite from nearby downtown. 

But, a group of neighbors warns, it may be in danger. They write:

What makes Eloise A. Ray Park special is that it sits on the west bank of the Saugatuck, and offers breathtaking views up and down the river.

It is used every day by people walking to and from the center of town, and also those who come specifically to sit on a bench to watch the daily river activity: the ducks and swans, the rowers, and the occasional small boat with a fishing line in the water.

Eloise A. Ray Park

Owing to its location and impressive views, the park is also used for family gatherings and special occasions. It’s a wonderful place.

Unfortunately, a developer – Vita Design Group — has somehow been able to purchase what many believed was public land immediately adjacent to the park, and has submitted plans to build a multi-level luxury home which will change the park forever.

This land – designated 79 Riverside Avenue – borders the park immediately to the north. It has a number of old trees, and also offers prime habitat for wildlife.  For this reason among others, it has been a perfect neighbor to the park for many years.

The view from Eloise A. Ray Park in summer …

But all that will change – along with the character of the park itself – if the town allows the development to proceed.  In particular, we can expect the following:

  • The park itself will effectively be unusable for long periods of time while construction is ongoing, and will be used in part as a staging area for construction equipment.
  • The park will be damaged by construction equipment.
  • Once construction is complete, the park will be forever altered by having a multi-level house, driveway, patio and walls encroaching upon it.
  • Construction will also require razing the land at 79 Riverside, cutting down a number of old trees and eliminating wildlife habitat,
  • Construction will also seriously impact traffic on Riverside Avenue — already very busy – because heavy equipment will need to use the roadway on a regular basis.

In sum, there will undoubtedly be a loss or permanent alteration of public waterfront space, of which there is very little these days. And while the developer will no doubt downplay these concerns, as they always do, those of us familiar with the reality of new development projects know better.

A hearing is set for September 6, before the Flood & Erosion Control Board.  There is another hearing on September 13 before the full Conservation Commission. Further hearings will follow.

… and fall.

While a number of us plan to attend and voice our concerns, we believe there is broader support for our cause. We would like to alert the community at large to the situation.

We strongly encourage others to:

  • Attend the hearings and voice their concerns;
  • Write to Town Hall opposing the development; and
  • Encourage the town to buy the lot and incorporate it into the park.

Our group – Friends of Eloise A. Ray Park – is also raising funds toward preserving the park. They will go toward the legal effort to fight the development: retaining experts (soil and erosion, planning and zoning, wildlife, traffic safety, etc.); retaining legal counsel to assist in presenting evidence before the town, and, in the event of approval, carrying on the fight in the courts.

We are in this for the long haul, and hope others are too. Anyone interested in lending support or assistance, or who would like more information, can email saveeloise@gmail.com.

John Keats said, “The poetry of the earth is never dead.” This may be true, but there is less of it every time we turn a blind eye to unnecessary development.

There are fewer places like Eloise A. Ray Park every day. Each loss is a loss for all of us. Any help that the community can offer is greatly appreciated.

(From parks to parking, “06880” is your on-the-scene, hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Local politics

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