A big crowd filled a small room at the Westport Library last night, to discuss a hot topic: the future of downtown.
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee hosted a public charette for “all stakeholders.”
That group — including elected and appointed officials, real estate owners, merchants and their representatives, architects, and plenty of residents — examined aerial photos, maps and plans for Parker Harding Plaza, Jesup Green, the Imperial Avenue parking and environs.
Plus 3 possible sites for a parking deck.
A large aerial photo showed the location of a possible parking deck on Elm Street.
They wrote their ideas on dozens of Post-Its and note cards.
Opinions were all over the lot. It was hard to find unanimity — even on beloved Jesup Green.
Plenty of attendees urged, “Don’t touch it!” Others recommended swapping it with the current Taylor parking lot, closer to the Saugatuck River.
The table devoted to plans for a parking deck at the the police station/Bay Street/Gillespie Center site adjacent to Jesup Green drew typically mixed responses.
“Does data show actual need?” one person wrote. “I always see open spots at midday.”
“A good spot,” a second said.
Architect and longtime Westporter Joe Vallone brought his own plan for an Elm Street parking structure. A Myrtle Avenue resident suggested instead that Town Hall was a better site for parking.
For every Westporter who suggested better use of an outlying lot — Imperial Avenue, say, or Town Hall — another countered that people do not want to walk more than they’re used to.
Then a third would point out that in Europe — and New York, where many Westporters residents lived not long ago — folks walk all the time.
One of many Post-It notes on the Parker Harding Plaza plan.
A public survey will be conducted next month. Downtown Plan Implementation Committee chair Randy Herbertson will present those results, and recommendations from consultants, after the holidays.
Metered parking? Moving the Farmers’ Market closer to downtown?
Last night, all ideas were on the charette table.
(Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella says, “The town was well represented by our elected and appointed officials. The involvement of residents was positive. I wish more were involved.
(“However, this is only the beginning of a long process. I look forward to the public being involved from near and far. Send comments to rtm-dl@westportct.gov,”)
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Attendees at last night’s charette. (All photos/Dan Woog)
After nearly 8 years, I still suck at estimating how hard or easy the Sunday Photo Challenge will be.
Some weeks, a dozen or more readers nail an obscure location, or odd image.
Other times, they swing and miss at what I am sure is a softball pitch.
Last week was one of those instances when an inordinate number of you struck out.
You may not have known what the black thingamabob shown in Amy Schneider’s photo was. (A do-it-yourself bicycle fix-it station. Click here to see.)
But the background — complete with a bit of the Gillespie Center in the corner — was sure to give it away.
It didn’t.
Only Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Jerry Kuyper, Andrew Colabella and Jonathan McClure recognized the site as Jesup Green, by the Westport Library.
Incorrect guesses included Compo Beach, Old Mill Beach, Longshore, Town Hall and Winslow Park.
There are similar bike fix-it stations at those locations. (Though only the Library and Town Hall are listed on the Dero company’s map, helpfully linked to by Susan Eastman.)
Andrew Colabella notes said that there are 4 sites in town — gifts from an anonymous resident. Matt Murray added that he’s never seen any of them used.
Now you know.
But do you know this week’s Photo Challenge?
I have no idea.
(If you do — or think you do — click “Comments” below.)
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
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Non-ducky weather did not dampen yesterday’s Great Duck Race.
The annual Sunrise Rotary Club fundraiser drew its usual large crowd of bettors, kids, and everyone else looking for a family-friendly, offbeat way to have fun.
Over 3,000 small plastic ducks were dropped from a giant front loader, then raced down a 160-foot sluice course constructed by Rotary members with help from the Westport Fire Department.
Here’s some of the race action:
Before the start. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
The crowd waits. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
And they’re off! (Photo/Mark Mathias)
It’s a very crowded field. (Photo/June Rose Whittaker)
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker provides play-by-play. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
The winner nears the finish chute. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
The big — as in $5,000 — winner was Will Augustyn.
George Masumian’s duck came in second, earning him $1,000.
Eight other winners picked up $500 each: Stephen Pianka, Jim Marpe, David Moore, Michael Paul, Steven Benardete, Jason Rich, Aimee Monroy Smith and Judith McBride.
It was all for a great cause.
Sunrise Rotary will give away 100% of all proceeds to local and international charities. Officials estimate that $70,000 was raised.
Congrats to all Rotarians, for a great day of entertainment and good works.
Congrats to the winners, too. You trained your ducks well.
Meanwhile, there was plenty else to do, before the actual race, like a Nerdy Derby, pin making, bubble machines and more, plus sponsors’ tents and food trucks.
Here are a few scenes:
Cub Scout Pack 39 sponsored a “Rainbow Regatta.” (Photo/James Delorey)
Kids’ activities were bubble-icious. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
In just a few months, Alina’s Cakes & Cookies has become an important part of the community. Owner Alina Dancho got into the spirit, with duck-themed treats.
Ducks know that the earth is nearly 75% water. The Great Duck Race shared Jesup Green with jUNe Day, when guests from around the globe came to town. Many stayed for the Sunrise Rotary fun. (Photo/Dan Woog)
VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399/August Matthias American Legion Post 63 just passed a milestone: 4 straight years of monthly Red Cross blood drives. Over 2,220 donors have participated.
On Friday, the drive sponsored by the Goddard Schools in Westport drew over 80 donors.
VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado says, “thanks to sustained partnerships with other community non-profit organizations, we have become the premier Red Cross Blood donor site in Fairfield County
“Remember: One unit of blood can save up three lives.”
The next blood drive is July 31 (noon to 6 p.m). Click here for an appointment. (use this sponsor code: VFWWESTPORT), or call 800-733-2767.
On Friday, Lynn Bishop glanced out her dining room window, near Clinton Avenue — and saw this young bear ambling toward her kids’ slide.
“Barely” concealing her surprise, she snapped this “Westport … Naturally” photo:
Other “06880” readers reported seeing it nearby, in Willowbrook Cemetery, and shuffling along that stretch of Main Street.
Yesterday it was seen on Easton Road and then Northside Lane, off North Avenue.
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And finally … Florence Ballard was born on this date in 1943. A founding member of the Supremes, she sang on 10 #1 hits.
Motown owner Barry Gordy removed her from the group in 1967. She struggled with alcoholism, depression and poverty, and died of a heart attack in 1976, age 32.
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I’m going to go out on a limb here, and nominate an entire group of Westporters as this week’s Unsung Heroes:
Everyone who slowed the runaway train that (to mix a metaphor) looked like it was ready to turn part of Jesup Green into a parking lot.
The final plan for downtown is still to be determined. There are studies to be done, plans to be made, votes to be taken regarding Parker Harding Plaza, the Imperial Avenue lot, Taylor Place, perhaps even a deck on the Elm Street Baldwin lot.
But — thanks to a decisive vote by the Representative Town Meeting last week –there will be no further consideration of parking on historic, and very green, Jesup Green.
Saved! (Photo/Rowene Weems Photography)
Reasonable people can disagree on next steps. (And they will. Probably even in the Comments section on this very story.)
But many reasonable people stepped up in the days preceding last week’s RTM vote, and ensured that as our town moves forward to figure out its parking problem, we did not do what Joni Mitchell despaired over, more than 50 years ago.
We did not pave paradise, and put up a parking lot.
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Meeting again Wednesday night, the RTM clarified that although they had approved $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for a redesign of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot, there will be no further consideration of parking on Jesup Green.
The final vote was 23-10, in favor of that resolution.
Parking will no longer be considered for Jesup Green, the RTM clarified Wednesday night.
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In Italian, “finalmente” means “finally.”
The final day for Finalmente Trattoria — the small but much-loved Italian restaurant across from Design Within Reach — is this Sunday (May 12).
Owners Andre and Mary Iodice wrote to their customers:
It’s with a mix of emotions that we share the news of Finalmente Trattoria’s closure after 19 remarkable years. Andre’s decision to retire brings an end to a chapter filled with cherished memories and lasting connections.
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support and loyalty shown by the Westport community and surrounding towns throughout the years. The memories created and the friendships formed have been the heart and soul of Finalmente Trattoria. Your patronage has been the lifeblood of our restaurant, and we are profoundly thankful for every moment shared with you. Whether you joined us for a special celebration, a quiet meal with loved ones, or simply to savor our culinary creations, your presence has enriched our lives in countless ways.
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team whose hard work and commitment have been invaluable. Their contributions and loyalty have been instrumental in making Finalmente Trattoria a special place for all who walked through our doors.
Unfortunately, the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic have been significant, with rising costs and staffing shortages making it increasingly difficult to sustain our operations. While we have poured our hearts and souls into creating a welcoming space and crafting delectable dishes, the challenges of the past years have proven insurmountable. After careful consideration, we have come to the difficult decision that we will be working with our landlord to navigate the changes and sign a new tenant to take over the space.
While we may be closing our doors as of May 13th, the memories created, and the connections formed at Finalmente Trattoria will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to carrying these memories with us as we embark on new adventures.
The 8th annual Westport Dog Festival is set for May 19 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m). The event is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, in association with TAILS. The local non-profit promotes spaying and neutering of animals. multiple informative and exciting demonstrations, goofy competitions, Police K9 presentation, obstacle course, kids activities, food trucks and more.
As always, the day includes demonstrations like guide dog training, obedience exhibitions and police K9 presentations. There’s an obstacle course (with a year’s supply of dog food for the winner), and competitions with prizes for best tail wagger, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, and the dog that most looks like its owner.
Surrounding the main activities are over 60 pet-related vendors, picture taking, caricatures, games, giveaways and food trucks.
The entry fee is $10 per person, $30 for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children). Proceeds benefit non-profit organizations. So far, over $40,000 has been donated by the Chamber to deserving groups.
Dog owners can register for the competitions at the event ($5 per entry). Click here for more information.
For the first time in over 50 years, Bill Vornkahl will not lead this month’s Memorial Day parade.
The Korean War veteran — “Mr. Westport Parade” — died in January. He was 93.
But his memory is very much alive. And his legacy will be celebrated on Saturday, May 25 — 2 day before the annual parade — with a special blood drive.
St. Paul Church is partnering with the Vornkahl family and the Connecticut Blood Center. The event is at the Easton Road church, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to sign up for a time slot. Walk-ins are welcome too.
Bill Vornkahl (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
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Craig Melvin is a noted news anchor of NBC’s “Today,” co-host of the “Third Hour of Today,” a memoir author (“Pops: Learning to Be a Son and Father”), and a Westport resident.
Now he’s written a children’s picture book too.
“I’m Proud of You” — published Tuesday — is also about father/son relationships. It follows the ups and downs of a young boy’s life. One thing is always certain: his father’s unwavering support and love for him, no matter what.
The heartfelt book — perfect for Father’s Day! — is a tribute to all fathers, sons, and childhood milestones.
“I have many passions in life, but what I’m most passionate about is being a father,” says Melvin. “’I’m Proud of You’ is a celebration of the small things in life, and a book for anybody who has experienced the joys and wonders of parenthood and wants their children to know how amazing and inspiring they are.”
On Tuesday, Jake Sussman visited the Westport Library.
The Westport native — and founder of Superpower Mentors, which has facilitated over 7,000 sessions connecting youth to neuro-diverse mentors worldwide — spoke about how to reach the next generation of youth with learning disabilities.
Sharing his own story, Jake demonstrated that challenges can be transformed into “superpowers.” T
He spoke about embracing different learning styles, becoming a better self-advocate, finding healthy outlets and managing time.
If you missed it — no problem! Click below for the presentation:
Amy and Eric Falkenstein — and seniors from Staples, Weston and other area high schools — will honored at The Circle of Friends’ 17th annual evening of recognition (May 19, 5:30 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).
More than 100 local teenage volunteers enjoy friendships with special needs children, through the organization.
The Falkensteins — who will receive the Heart of Friendship Award — have 3 children. Their son Theo participates in Circle of Friends programs.
For reservations, sponsorship opportunities, to place an ad in the journal or more information, click here, email cof@circleoffriendsct.org, or call 203-293-8837.
Amy and Eric Falkenstein
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This past winter, Staples High School held a “signing day” ceremony for students who have committed to play NCAA Division I sports next year.
The athletic department followed up this week, with a similar ceremony for students playing Division II and III sports.
Jack Farnen: Baseball, Hobart and William Smith College
Cooper Levinson: Rowing, University of California at San Diego
Andrew Berkowitz: Swimming and diving, Amherst College
Cisco Celotto: Lacrosse, Gettysburg College
Gabriela de Brito: Soccer, Massachusetts Institute of Technolgoy
Liam Donaldson: Lacrosse, Emerson College
Natalie Greene: Squash, Mount Holyoke College
Charlie Iannone: Lacrosse, Rochester Institute of Technology
Charlotte Moody: Cheerleading, Elon University (DI; announces in spring)
Caroline Roschen: Field hockey, Franklin & Marshall College
Leilani Fleming: Cross country, track and field, Swarthmore College
Luke Rabacs: Track and field, Case Western Reserve University
Libby Turner: Swimming and diving, Swarthmore College
From left: Charlie Iannone, Liam Donaldson, Cisco Celotto at Staples High School’s NCAA Division II and III signing day.
Westport content creator Julia Dzafic has just published a cookbook. “Garden Grown: Garden-to-Table Recipes to Make the Most of Your Bounty” features recipes, using ingredients from her husband Anel’s (you guessed it) garden.
According to her Instagram stories (@lemonstripes), it’s available at Terrain. There are also signed copies at Barnes & Noble.
Click here to order direct from Penguin Random House, and for more information. (Hat tip: Erin Regan)
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Drew Angus is one of the highlighted musicians at this summer’s “Soundview Stroll” (July 25) — the first-ever Sunday street party on the Compo Beach exit road.
But you don’t have to wait for this summer to see the popular Westport singer-songwriter.
The Staples grad performs at Fairfield Theatre Company on May 17 (7 p.m.).
Drew mixes superb storytelling with a mix of Americana sounds, blending indie and folk rock.
He’s played alongside Stevie Nicks, Noah Kahan, Zach Bryan, Brandi Carlisle and The Lumineers, and performed for the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets,
Paul Delano writes: “We are less than a week away from the first day of the Quiet Season. On May 15 the gas leaf blower ban begins in Westport. It continues until October 15.
“I’ll celebrate by listening for new birds.
“The free Merlin phone app from Cornell listens for bird calls, and tell you what they are. It’s very cool.
“For me it turned up a variety of birds, including beautiful ones like the yellow warbler, common yellowthroat and Northern parula.
“May is a peak time for seeing and hearing migrating birds like warblers.”
The Merlin app can identify catbirds like this, from its sounds. (Photo/Lou Weinberg)
Westport native and lifelong resident Eleanor Banyard died April 21 in Norwalk. She was 99.
Ellie was born in the same house on Franklin Street in Saugatuck where her mother, Antoinette Eleanor Gilbertie DePalmer was born, and where her grandparents had lived since they were newlyweds.
She attended Saugatuck School, and remembered Miss Coyle as her favorite teacher. She graduated from Norwalk High School.
In 1953 Ellie married Joseph Banyard Jr., an accountant for the US government. They bought land on Lyons Plains Road, and built a house there. Ellie live in her beloved home for 70 years. Though they divorced, Ellie and Joe remained close friends until his death in 2021.
Ellie worked as a bookkeeper, then a teller. at Westport Bank & Trust Company. She rose to senior vice president and corporate secretary. She was an active member of the American Society of Corporate Secretaries, and earned a certificate in international banking. She retired after 47 years of service to the bank.
Ellie took drawing and painting studies at Silvermine Guild Art Studios, and took classes with well-known artists like Frank Covino and sculptor Stanley Bleifeld. in retirement she had time to paint and garden. She also cared for her mother, until her death in 2000.
Ellie was predeceased by her brother Anthony DePalmer and sister Dolores Karl, who died 3 days before Ellie at the age of 95.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Judy DePalmer of Citra, Florida, and many nieces and nephews, and their children.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Weston on May 21 (11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Notre Dame Nursing & Rehabilitation, 76 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851, where she received superb care the last year of her life. Condolences may be left on line at www.hardingfuneral.com.
Eleanor Banyard
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo was taken in Steve Halstead’s back yard. He does not know what this great blue heron was doing — but it had a good time doing it.
(Photo/Steve Halstead)
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And finally … on this day in 1503, Christopher Columbus visited the Cayman Island. He named them “Las Tortugas,” after the many turtles there.
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A legal opinion from attorney Nicholas R. Bamonte, regarding American Rescue Plan Act funds for the design and redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot, says: “the use of those funds (is) an eligible use of ARPA funds, and the requested appropriation may be validly authorized by the RTM.”
The RTM is expected to vote on that $630,000 appropriate tonight. Concerns had arisen that using ARPA funds for parking lot design and redevelopment may be illegal.
Bamonte noted 7 primary ways, according to 2023 rules, that ARPA funds may be used.
Because the town is “contemplating improvements to provide more
parking, enhance public safety and better manage traffic,” Bamonte says, the funds fall under this usage: “For the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to the COVID–19 public health emergency relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year prior to the emergency.”
Bamonte adds, “Government services include, but are not limited to:
• Maintenance or pay-go funded building of infrastructure, including roads; modernization of cybersecurity, including hardware, software, and protection of critical infrastructure;
• Health services; environmental remediation;
• School or educational services; and
• The provision of police, fire, and other public safety services.”
He concludes, “because the proposed Design Work falls within several of the government services subcategories, particularly the first bullet regarding infrastructure, up to $10 million in remaining Town ARPA funds may be
legally appropriated and expended for that purpose.”
Support for funding the study came today from Maxxwell Crowley, president of the Westport Downtown Association.
In a letter to the RTM, he said: “I am writing to you today regarding the upcoming RTM meeting to discuss the design funding for Downtown District master plan — specifically the work for Jesup and Imperial Lots as well as the green space, riverfront, and further evaluation of the proposed parking deck.
“As the president of the Westport Downtown Association, I am fully in favor of this funding proposal, as it is critical for the design piece of this project and showing the residents of the town the master plan for the future of Downtown Westport.
“This project will not only maximize the green space downtown, but also provide new life to the beautiful riverfront and most importantly optimize the parking servicing our key commerce and culture sub-districts.
“As president of the Downtown Association, as well as a business owner downtown Westport, and a lifelong resident of Westport, I think this proposed project is critical to the future of our Town.
“We are so lucky to have the downtown footprint we have, especially with a river running through. We are doing ourselves a disservice if we allow politics to get in the way of pushing this plan forward.
“We need to not only think about this project for today, but also the future generations who will live and enjoy our town. This plan will make downtown a
gathering place for residents creating a sense of community and economic vitality.”
Town bodies continue to debate the future of Parker Harding Plaza, adjacent lots, and the possibility of a parking deck at the Baldwin lot. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
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As debate continues on the possibility of replacing part of Jesup Green with parking spots, Westport’s tree warden has issued a report.
Ben Sykas — a certified arborist — examined 3 trees, at the easternmost (top) portion of the green. All would be removed, under a current renovation plan.
Aerial view of Jesup Green in summer. The Westport Library is at left; Jesup Road is on the right. The Norway spruce is identified by a green pin; the white pine by blue, the linden by purple.
The same scene in winter.
Sykas says that the Norway spruce “contains significant structural concerns which warrant its removal when actionable.
“Conifer trees in general are weak wooded trees, in conjunction with codominant structure containing decay and separation are factors that cannot be reliably mitigated.”
Norway spruce at Jesup Green. Close-up photos in the tree warden’s report show seams, and root damage.
Two other trees warrant further examination, Sykas says.
The white pine tree is a member of a species that is fast growing and thus “weak wooded.”
Limb failure is common in white pines during weather events like wind, snow and ice, Sykas says.
They are also known for “uprooting due to shallow footing.” Because of its location and exposure due to its height and open surroundings, plus previous branch failures, “mitigation to reduce risk might be possible.” Further investigation is needed however, according to the tree warden.
White pine at Jesup Green. Other photos in the report show branch structure and roots.
The linden tree “appears to be in average health.” Recent pruning reduced the risk of falling branches. Like white pines, lindens also grow rapidly and can be weaker than other species. They can be prone to cavities and decay.
Sykas recommends further investigation of this linden’s cavity.
Longtime Westporter “06880” reader Scott Smith writes:
I’ve sat on the sidelines for most of the endless debate about downtown parking, but the recent 06880 post about the “field trip” to Jesup Green by RTM members and town leaders really gets my goat.
I can’t believe the town is considering paving over a large swath of precious and historic green space in the heart of downtown for the sake of a few more parked cars.
I googled the Jesup Green area to get a bird’s-eye view. I wanted to explore an idea: If the merchants or town muckety-mucks really want more convenient parking downtown, they should buy 100 and/or 126 Post Road East — the current homes of Paper Source/Bankwell and Bank of America, respectively — and turn those sites into public parking.
Aerial view of downtown shows many empty parking spaces behind the Bank of America building (top center, red circle), and Paper Source (to its immediate left). Jesup Road is the street in the middle. Jesup Green, and the Taylor parking lot, are at lower left.
Each entity could be easily relocated, as there’s already a glut of empty retail space in the area (and certainly no shortage of banks). Hey, knock yourself out and amortize both properties. Presto: There’s your 40 new spaces, close by anywhere downtown.
But do we really want to pave over all of downtown? Looking at the satellite view makes me think there is absolutely no shortage of parking in the area surrounding Jesup Green.
Toni Simonetti outlined current police parking near Jesup Green (center) and behind police headquarters (lower right) in yellow. The purple area shows where new parking could be created at the top of Jesup Green (outline), and along Jesup Road (hash marks).
The problem is access and zoning. No way BofA, with its drive-thru, needs all those parking spaces, for instance. Or perhaps the bank could be persuaded to open up its empty parking spaces to employees of local retailers who bank with them? Has anybody asked?
Not shown in the bird’s-eye view is another overlooked parking option: All the unused spaces behind the Police Department.
Lower parking lot, near police headquarters. The entrance is at the bottom of Jesup Road, near Imperial Avenue. This view is looking west, toward the Levitt Pavilion and Library.
I parked there a dozen years ago while working at the Westport YMCA when it was still downtown, and the Jesup Road municipal lot was closed for renovation and construction of the Paper Source building.
It’s an easy walk, especially for those working and shopping on the southeast side of downtown. Presto: There’s 40 more spaces!
So c’mon, RTM members, First Selectwoman Tooker and Public Works director Ratkiewich: If you’re dead set on adding downtown parking, get off the dime and build a deck on the Baldwin lot.
Or repurpose the police lot for safe, secure parking for retail employees.
Or make a deal to open up or convert existing underutilized retail space to additional parking.
But keep your hands off the town’s unique and under-appreciated riverfront walkways and vistas — especially Jesup Green.
Scott’s suggestion to utilize the parking lot behind police headquarters, near Deadman Brook, has been made by other “06880” readers.
One idea: Use that entire lot behind the headquarters building for police vehicle parking. That would free up the spaces currently used to the west of the building — near Jesup Green — for parking by downtown shoppers, restaurant-goers and employees.
The RTM will discuss a $630,000 appropriation for a study on Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue parking at its meeting on Tuesday, May 7 (Town Hall auditorium), following its vote on the Board of Education budget. Discussion on the parking issue is expected to begin around 8:30 p.m.
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Representative Town Meeting members met at Jesup Green yesterday afternoon. The “field trip” was a chance to inspect the area being proposed as part of a new parking plan.
RTMers were joined by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich, tree warden Ben Sykas, other elected officials and members of the public.
RTM members and others on Jesup Green yesterday. Under a tentative plan, the trees on the far left would be removed. The pine tree in the middle of the photo would be impacted by regrading, and parking nearby. A stake (green and pink) in the center shows an area along Jesup Road where cars might park.
Wooden stakes in the ground delineated a possible plan.
Stakes and white lines show the extent to which new parking could be developed at the top of Jesup Green.
Nothing is definite, however. Next week, the RTM will discuss a request for a $630,000 appropriation rom the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for an actual design of the redevelopment of both Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue lot.
Funds would be used for design only. The RTM would then have the option of approving or rejecting the design.
RTM members and others stand in an area of Jesup Green that could be part of the new parking plan. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Another RTM field trip to Jesup Green has been scheduled for Wednesday.
This view — looking north — shows a possibility for Jesup Green redevelopment. The area to the right of the white lines and stakes, at the top of the green, would be used for parking.
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Because the town is “contemplating improvements to provide more
