Tag Archives: Greens Farms cell tower

Roundup: Compo Winds, Fire Training, Greens Farms Poles …

Yesterday’s Roundup included a collage of 4 stop signs, all lying on the ground at Compo Beach.

(Photos/JD Dworkow)

I suggested the cause was vandalism (or a particularly intoxicated driver).

Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather.

Turns out the signs were blown down in last week’s wind-and-rain storm.

I apologize to all the vandals and drunk drivers out there. My bad.

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Earlier this month, a soon-to-be-demolished home on Ferry Lane East served as a site for SWAT team training.

Yesterday, the Westport Fire Department took their turn

Honing their upper-floor rescue skills, they set up a ladder, broke open a window, went inside, and handed an “infant” (doll) out the window.

While most of Westport was preparing for the holidays, our firefighters continued to ensure that every day here is the safest it can be.

Fire Department training on Ferry Lane East. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)

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A group of Staples High School students has taken “the season of giving” to heart.

Sophomore Sophie Smith started Peter’s Heart, a club that raises funds for education and mentorship in Uganda.

They were out in force yesterday at Anthropologie, hard at work.

From left: Addison Welling, Rebecca Schachter, Sophie Smith, Olivia Kuliga.

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Josh Koskoff — the Staples High School graduate, longtime resident and attorney who helped Sandy Hook families win a massive defamation suit against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones — is handling another important case.

Along with colleagues at the Bridgeport firm of Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, he’s representing over 100 plaintiffs. They are women who received fertility treatment at the Yale reproductive, endocrinology and infertility clinic, and their spouses.

Without medication, they were subjected to excruciating pain — which was ignored for years. Their medication was being diverted (stolen) by a drug addicted fertility nurse with keys to the medication cabinet. Yale personnel disregard the women’s complaints. The case is currently in discovery.

The “Retrievals” serial podcast chronicling the case was recently named the #1 podcast of 2023 by both Time and New York Magazine. Click here to listen.

Josh Koskoff

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After years of controversy, the cell tower built on private Greens Farms Road property is up.

Yesterday, a crew did some work, midway up the structure.

(Photo/Rob Haroun)

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Meanwhile, a few yards away — at the Greens Farms Road/Hillspoint Road intersection — there’s a different pole.

Happy Festivus, to all who celebrate!

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Also meanwhile, up in Weston Jolantha — the town’s favorite pig — is dreaming of a pink and purple Christmas.

And dreaming too that someone else will be someone else’s holiday dinner on Monday.

 

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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Sure, the temperature was 27 degrees this morning.

But at least it’s warmer than the North Pole.

So this couple embraced the relative warmth, at Compo Beach:

(Photo/Karen Como)

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Spotted yesterday on the Post Road:

(Photo/Shirlee Gordon)

“I guess his sleigh was in the shop,” says photographer Shirlee Gordon.

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Sure, traffic was nuts yesterday.

But this guy didn’t care. He chilled on top of the Sherwood Mill Pond garage. Matt Murray — who did his part by not driving downtown — spotted him, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … since this Roundup includes 2 stories about poles (above), why not celebrate Christmas with these Polish carols:

(There are just 2 days till Christmas — and you’re still wondering what to get “06880”? Just click here, for a tax-deductible contribution. Your hyperlocal blog thanks you!)

Roundup: Parks & Rec Programs, Cell Tower, Tom Haberstroh …

Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department programs begins next Wednesday (September 6, 9 a.m.). Click here to see all offerings (not yet viewable, however). Click here to register.

Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call (203-341-5152 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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Construction of the cell phone tower on private property at 92 Greens Farms Road is moving ahead quickly.

This was the scene yesterday, looking east. I-95 is on the right.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Earlier this month, Substack launched a new sports newsletter: “The Finder With Tom Haberstroh.”

The former Staples High School basketball star was inspired to start it in part because of his mother Patty. The longtime Westport Department of Human Services social worker — who died last month from complications of ALS — gave him “The Finder” nickname when he was young. (Click here for that back story — and a mention of Westport’s own Craig Melvin.)

Another local connection: This week, Tom published a podcast with Westporter Dan Orlovsky. The former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst had a great conversation with Tom. (Dan recorded it on his way to Bristol.)

Click here to listen.

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The Westport Country Playhouse benefit was already shaping up as a showcase of local — but A-list — talent.

Staples High School 2003 graduate Justin Paul headlines the September 9 event. He’s joined by James Naughton, and the Weston actor’s son Greg and daughter-in-law Kelli O’Hara, along with Staples ’06 alum/Broadway actor Jacob Heimer.

Staples ’87 grad/Coleytown Middle School director Ben Frimmer is the concert producer. The director is Staples ’10/former Staples Players president/current Disney creative developer Caley Beretta.

Now 12 current Staples Players have joined the cast, for the opening and closing numbers: Yusef Abdallah, Kaya Araya, Henry Carson, Finley Chevrier, Cece Diyoka, Samantha Edwards, Ben Herrera, Alyssa Lee, Andrew Maskoff, Imogen Medoff, Cooper Sadler and Melody Stanger.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Kelli O’Hara will be joined by many other Westporters at the Westport Country Playhouse benefit.

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It’s amazing what’s donated to the Westport Library and Westport Book Shop.

Now, several rare and unique literary works — given over the psat 2 years — will be auctioned online.

The September 6 event includes a letter handwritten and signed by former Westporter F. Scott Fitzgerald to his publisher, and a first American edition of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” signed by author J.K. Rowling.

The auction is conducted by University Archives, an online auction house operated by Wilton collector/dealer/handwriting expert/auctioneer John Reznikoff.  The 2 items are among hundreds of rare autographs, manuscripts, books and sports memorabilia to be auctioned that day.

Click here to see the 7 lots to be auctioned for Westport Book Sale’s benefit. For a catalog of all 505 lots, click here.

             F. Scott Fitzgerald, and his letter.

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Income-eligible residents can get help with winter heating bills. Applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program start September 5.

Westport residents who previously qualified for assistance through the Department of Human Services will receive application instructions in the mail. Those applying for the first time should call 203-341-1050, or email humansrv@westportct.gov to make an appointment.

A household’s gross annual income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. The maximum income for households with 1 person is $41,553; it ranges up to $92,695 for families of 5.

Households receiving SNAP, SSI, State Supp or Refugee Cash Assistance may automatically qualify. CEAP recipients may also be eligible for matching payment plans, protection from shutoffs, and replacement and repairs for heating equipment and water heaters, along with additional fuel deliveries.

Help for winter heating bills may be available.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between August 23 and 30.

A woman was arrested after a domestic violence incident, and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, after it was determined she was the “dominant aggressor.”

After being assigned a court date and told not to return to the residence until after that court date, she attempted to do just that. She was charged with violation of the conditions of release, 2nd degree.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
  • Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to yield right of way: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to renew license: 1
  • Violation of readable plates: 1
  • Failure to appear: 1

Nearly every week, Westport Police issue citations for “failure to register a commercial vehicle.”

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As fall nears, Aspetuck Land Trust is gearing up for another “Lunch & Learn” webinar season.

First up: “Hedges and Edges: Increasing the Resilience and Diversity of Your Garden’s Ecosystem” (September 15, noon to 1:30 p.m.).

Plant ecologist and landscape designer Heather McCargo will discuss using garden design to increase yard productivity and biodiversity.

For example, ALT says, “Group together shrubs of different species into a hedgerow for small or large spaces, add herbaceous groundcovers and small trees to the shrub layer for a multi-level garden that creates amazing habitat for a variety of species.”

Click here for more information and registration.

Heather McCargo

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Potential Pennsylvania senatorial candidate David McCormick stirred controversy earlier this month, when news outlets reported that the former CEO of Bridgewater Associates actually continues to live in Westport.

Official documents list his home here as his address; so does a $5,000 campaign contribution made this spring. McCormick, a Republican, is raising money and hiring staff as he prepares to challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey next fall.

Now a new report notes that his 2019 Honda CR-V and 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser are both registered to his Westport address. He paid the motor vehicle taxes that were due July 1. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)

David McCormick

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Today is the Westport Farmer’ Market.

There’s always something to see, smell and admire at the Imperial Avenue lot. Here are just a few items, photographed last week by Mary Sikorski for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Mary Sikorski)

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And finally … Ray Hildebrand, the “Paul” of “Paul & Paula” fame who had a #1 love song using those names in 1963, died this month in Kansas. He was 82, and suffered from dementia. Click here for a full obituary.

(F. Scott Fitzgerald, heating bill assistance, police reports, much more … as usual, this “06880” Roundup has it all. If you appreciate our work, please consider a donation. Just click here — and thank you!) 

Roundup: Olympic Snowboarding, Cell Tower, Dogfight …

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Julia Marino has qualified for the Olympic snowboarding final!

The Westport native — who now trains in Breckenridge, Colorado, and has faced a number of obstacles during her time on the team — fell twice on her first slopestyle run yesterday. But she blazed to a great 71.78 in her second attempt, finishing 6th.

She’ll be joined by teammates Jamie Anderson and Hailey Langland in the final. It’s set for Sunday in China — which is 8:30 p.m. tonight (Saturday), on NBC. Click here for the streaming link. Click here for more information on Julia, and the US team. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

Julia Marino

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It’s back to the drawing board — and 92 Greens Farms Road — for a new cell tower.

Tarpon Towers/AT&T had originally proposed a structure for private property there, abutting I-95 near Hillspoint Road.

Then came a new site: the office park at 55 Greens Farms Road next to Assumption Cemetery, a couple of hundred yards west and across the street.

Now, the owner of that property has withdrawn the site from consideration.

A public information will still be held on Tuesday (February 8, 7 p.m., Zoom), to consider the 92 Greens Farms Road location.

The Public Information Session scheduled for Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 7:00 PM will concentrate on the originally proposed location at 92 Greens Farms Road.

Click here for the legal notice. Click here for the Zoom link for the meeting.

A cell tower been proposed for the property on the left: 92 Greens Farms Road. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)

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More local government news: Next Tuesday’s Board of Finance meeting to discuss using ARPA funds for low-density affordable housing on the Post Road near West Parish Lane will be held in the Town Hall auditorium — not Room 309 of that building.

This Post Road site next to Walgreens has been proposed for low-density affordable housing.

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“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” But the University of Michigan is no slouch. It’s “where Staples Players meets the theatrical world.”

A student group is producing “Dogfight.” Players alums Jamie Mann (musical theater) and Brandon Malin (lighting) — both first-years there — are deeply involved.

“Dogfight” is a 2012 musical adaptation of the 1991 coming-of-age-during-Vietnam film. Staples 2003 grad Justin Paul wrote the music and lyrics with his writing partner Benj Pasek. Both also graduated from Michigan.

The book was by Peter Duchan (Staples ’01). He has known Paul since Coleytown Middle School (and has no connection to Michigan — Duchan went on to Northwestern University).

Paul and Pasek did a Zoom call with the cast. No word on whether they asked Mann and Malin how Players is doing.

Click here for a link to Michigan’s “Dogfight” page.

Brandon Malin (left) and Jamie Mann, in the “Dogfight” theater.

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Speaking of Staples Players: Congrats to 2021 graduate Sophie Rossman. The New York University freshman appears in the short film “Clare,” which premieres at the prestigious SXSW Film Festival next month.

Click here for details.

Sophie Rossman (Photo/Kerry Long)

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And speaking still of Staples Players — though in a very different way — Meredith Boak is Harvard Law School’s new assistant dean for clinical and pro bono programs.

The 2001 Staples graduate — yes, she was in Players the same year as Duchan — most recently served as senior vice president of revenue and development at Teach For America, overseeing and executing its sustainable funding strategy.

Boak has been a lecturer at Harvard Law since 2013. She earned an undergraduate degree in political science from Columbia University, and a master’s in secondary English education from Pace.

Meredith Boak

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Through all kinds of weather — snow, rain, mist, fog — the Earthplace foliage hangs on. Rowene Weems snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo there.

(Photo/Rowene Weems Photography)

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And finally … if you enjoyed the item about “Dogfight” (above), and want to know more — click here:

Controversial Cell Tower Moves Forward

The cell tower planned for 92 Greens Farms Road moves one step closer to reality next Tuesday.

According to a news release from 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, a “balloon float” test is scheduled for June 3.

Marpe added:

While the formal application to the Connecticut Siting Council has not been filed, nor has the required technical report been submitted to the town, North Atlantic Towers apparently intends to do this preliminary balloon test. I was surprised and disappointed to receive this announcement. I have been in touch with a representative from AT&T, and he was unaware of this particular test.

Working with the neighbors, I will still be pressing AT&T and North Atlantic Towers to pursue other locations and technologies that are better suited for the town and this neighborhood.

Marpe’s press release quoted attorney Julie D. Kohler of Cohen and Wolf, representative of North Atlantic Towers. She said they would float 2 balloons. One is 110 feet high (the height AT&T needs).

The other is 150 feet. That provides “a focal point well above tree line and other obstructions during the field reconnaissance so we can locate the site in those areas where the 110 foot balloon may be at or slightly above/below the canopy (particularly helpful this time of year).”

Whatever that means.

The cell tower is planned for the house on the left: 92 Greens Farms Road. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)

The cell tower is planned for the house on the left: 92 Greens Farms Road. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)