1st Selectman Kevin Christie’s administration will seek “upwards of $5 million” in federal tax credits for the geothermal energy system being installed at the new Long Lots Elementary School.
On Wednesday, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved hiring a consulting firm to help obtain “the geothermal investment tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act.” The credit would be requested through the town’s tax filings “to offset the cost of geothermal and ancillary energy related construction,” according to the request submitted by Westport finance director Gary Conrad. The request was presented at the meeting by LLS project manager Susan Chipouras.
The town is currently building a new elementary school at the site of the existing school. The total appropriation as approved in June 2025 is $110 million, plus interest costs. The new consulting contract with CliftonAllenLarson LLP would be paid under the original appropriation; no new funds were requested.
Construction is underway on the new Long Lots Elementary School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
A state grant totaling about $12 million has been approved, and is included in the current state budget. The town says more state funding may also be on its way because the state legislature approved a space standards waiver, allowing for a greater proportion of the total cost to be reimbursed.
The total cost of the consulting contract was not known, and is dependent on the firm’s hours spent to research and develop the tax credit application. The multi-tiered agreement includes a $65,000 base fee, plus $10,000 in other fees for memo preparation and the like, and “ongoing project services” to be billed at variable professional hourly rates.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie questioned how the firm’s billed hours will be managed. Chipouras said she and the construction management firm would monitor the hours billed.
Chipouras said “all costs” related to the geothermal system would be included in the calculation, and that “30 percent of all these costs … could be substantial.” She declined to provide a more specific estimate.
The total amount of eligible costs was not provided to the Board of Selectmen and will be calculated by the consultants. Costs are eligible if they meet various wage, domestic content, function and timing criteria, among others.
In the publicly available cost documents for the Long Lots project, the HVAC systems total cost estimate is $12.74 million. A 30 percent tax credit would be $3.7 million if all those costs are eligible. In order to reach a $5 million or more credit, about $16.7 million in eligible costs, all at a 30 percent credit rate, would have to be submitted.
Third Selectman Don O’Day, who is also a member of the Long Lots Building Committee, stated that hiring the consultant at $75,000-plus “was an easy decision.”
“These substantial reimbursements … will go back into taxpayers’ pockets,” he said.
A response to a question regarding use of the tax credit funds is pending regarding whether proceeds received would go to the general fund or be used for an earmarked purpose.
Homeowners bordering the northern property line are not pleased.
Edith and Samuel Anderson have filed a lawsuit against the town, in Bridgeport Superior Court.
As reported by CT Insider, they allege that excavation work “resulted in the repeated and continuing alteration of the natural flow, volume, direction and concentration of surface stormwater and ground water.”
Soil, mud and silt have been deposited on their Hyde Lane property, including wetlands.
The Andersons call this a violation of the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act. They are also suing for trespassing, and public and private nuisance.
The Andersons’ property is just to the right (north) of the construction. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
the arts and real estate in fairfield county
Non-profit arts and culture generates nearly $1 billion in economic activity in Connecticut: $600 million spent by organizations, and another $350 million by audiences on dining, parking
and lodging.
On November 17 (8 a.m., SoNo Collection in Norwalk), FLB Law’s 9th annual Real Estate Outlook explores how the arts give Fairfield County properties a second life, while enriching community culture, attracting foot traffic and increasing real estate values.
Panelists for “Second Acts: Real Estate and the Arts in Fairfield County” — including Carleigh Walsh (Levitt Pavilion), Darcy Hicks (Norwalk Art Space), Eric Bernheim (FLB Law), Danny Loftus George (Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts), Jessica Vonashek (Manresa Island — will discuss the artistic uses of these properties, and why they matter to the real estate market, local businesses and community members.
The Levitt Pavilion is more than an entertainment venue. It’s also an economic engine. (Photo/Susan Garment)
KARAOKE TONIGHT AT THE CLUBHOUSE
Karaoke is alive and well at The Clubhouse.
So far though, it’s been confined to 2 special, dedicated rooms.
Tonight (Friday, 9 to 11 p.m.), the event space on the Post Road near Southport brings karaoke into the bar. In addition to song, they promise drinks, food and fun. To learn more about The Clubhouse, click here.
FOOD HISTORIAN LAUNCHES PEQUOT LIBRARY SERIES
The Pequot Library is launching “The Common Table: A Conversation Series on Culture, Place, and Food.” The talks will feature historians. and food and beverage industry leaders.
The first speaker (November 19, 7 p.m.) is Westport culinary historian, author and journalist Ramin Ganeshram.
A press release says her work “traces the hidden histories of American food. A Pequot Library Fellow, she draws on the library’s Special Collections for her research, including her forthcoming biography of Hercules Posey, the enslaved cook of George Washington and one of the most accomplished culinary figures of his era.
“Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Saveur, and Food & Wine, and her books include ‘Stir It Up!’ and ‘Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad & Tobago.'”
Jay Walshon reports: “Last night, just before sunset, 2 guy friends set this up in the sand at Compo Beach, for their friend to surprise his girlfriend with a ring and the question. Then they hid.”
(Photo/Caroline Walshon)
“15 minutes later the couple arrived. He had her stand in the center, and on bended knee presented her with a ring and asked the question. Two hidden friends filmed with their cell phones.”
After that: How could she say no?
jolantha’s halloween
If there’s a holiday, Jolantha celebrates it.
This Halloween, Hans Wilhelm — the popular Weston pig’s keeper — says, “With so much horror, war and suffering in the world and politics, Jolantha does not believe we need more skeletons, skulls, monsters or fear. Rrather, the wisdom of women (witches) and owls.”
(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
STAPLES GRAD MARKETS WORLDHOTELS
Best Western is bringing more than 4,000 properties, across 18 brands, under one global umbrella: WorldHotels.
The woman telling the story is chief marketing officer — and 1996 Staples High School graduate — Joelle Heise Park
She’s helping oversee a redesigned website, new app and unified loyalty program, connecting 70 million members.
“Best Western is not getting replaced, and I want to be really clear about that,” Chief Marketing Officer of WorldHotels Joelle Park told USA TODAY. “It remains a core foundational brand.”
Thomas Dean died on Sunday at Stamford Hospital, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 55, and lived in Old Greenwich.
The youngest of 8 children, he was raised in Westport, Connecticut. As his mother’s last child, Janice doted on Tom. She threw him a grand 50th birthday celebration, unique among her children.
Though quiet by nature, he was the first to answer “I’ll be there” whenever the family came together.
After college Tom worked for Xerox and Chesebrough-Pond’s before joining Glencore, where he spent 27 years on the office services team.
During the pandemic he was one of the few employees considered essential, going into an empty office to keep things running for his colleagues working from home.
Tom met Andrea Orbanowski at Norwalk Community College. They shared 30 years together, 22 as husband and wife.
Their life centered on walks with their 4 dachshunds, time at Old Greenwich Tennis Academy and days at the beach.
The couple set sail on cruises each year. This past summer they traveled to Italy and the Mediterranean.
Tom is survived by his wife, Andrea; siblings Mark (Jaime), Christopher (Carline), Jayne Albani (Gaetano), Eric, Mary Ann Lindwall (Mark) and David (Alison Campbell); 19 nieces and nephews, and his dachshunds.
He was predeceased by his parents, Evan and Janice Dean, and his sister Jennifer Burke.
Funeral services will be held November 3 (9 a.m. Church of the Assumption). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to Lucky Dog Refuge, 36 Pulaski Street, Stamford, CT 06902.
Tom Dean
“westport … naturally” & SONG OF THE DAY
Yesterday morning, Dave Wilson headed to Sherwood Island.
Curious to see 20 or so people — many with telephoto lens cameras — crowded around a tree, he asked what was happening.
A knowledgeable birdwatcher told him: a vermilion flycatcher.
But not just any one. This was the first time such a bird has been seen in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Ornithological Association was on the case, Dave reports.
Dave checked a “Rare Bird Alert” social media page.
Sure enough, they confirmed the sighting.
“Wowzers!” one birdwatcher wrote. “No mistaking that for anything else.”
Vermilion flycatcher at Sherwood Island. (Photo/Jo Fasciolo)
(Good times never seemed so good … as when you clicked here to support “06880.” Well, maybe a slight exaggeration, but you get the point. Thank you for whatever you do to help!)
After years of planning — and controversy — a new Long Lots Elementary School is rising on Hyde Lane.
The site is the former baseball field, adjacent to the oldest section of the 70-year-old building.
Construction walls hide much of the activity from students, staff and passersby. But the other day, “06880” photographer Brandon Malin flew his drone over the work.
These bird’s-eye photos show how much progress has already been made. And how close it is to the school that will be demolished this summer.
The new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool are scheduled to open in January 2028.
There’s a lot of hoopla whenever a time capsule is buried.
Then time marches on. People forget about it.
The promised unearthing date passes unnoticed, for good reason: Everyone who would remember is dead, has no reason to remember (or can’t remember anything).
The Saugatuck Congregational Church’s bicentennial time capsule beat the odds. On Saturday — 50 years after interment, and just 2 months past the promised date of July 4, 2026 — it saw the light of day.
Church officials praised “the persistence, skill, heavy equipment, and remarkably good humor” of the AJ Penna & Son company. As the photo below shows, this was not a simple dig.
Even finding the time capsule was tough. The location left behind by the well-meaning folks who buried it was more of a *suggestion* than an actual map.
Penna employees Scott, Sal, Felix, Wilbert, Ed and Jeremy spent more than 5 hours searching for the capsule, then getting it out of the ground.
The AJ Penna heroes.
So what’s inside?
The big reveal takes place at Town Hall on October 10.
Saugatuck Church officials say, “After 50 years underground, we figure it can wait one more month!” (Hat tip: Lisa Tantillo)
For a late summer day in the middle of a holiday weekend, there sure was a lot going on in town yesterday.
From midnight until 11:59 p.m., a couple of hundred residents took photos for the special “A Day in the Life of Westport” project.
They shot everything: family life, sports, home, the beach … you name it.
Homes with Hope used the occasion to gather several dozen volunteers and friends, for a giant shoot.
Rotarians, town and state officials, staff members — all gathered outside the Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place men’s and women’s shelters, in the heart of downtown.
The result: a great snapshot of all the men and women who make this town — and this important organization — special.
Honoring Homes with Hope, on “A Day in the Life of Westport” (Photo/John Videler for VidelerPhotography)
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A couple of hours later, dozens of Westporters honored Velma Heller, on her 90th birthday.
They came from all over town, representing all of the longtime Westporter’s many town activities. Velma served on the Representative Town Meeting — and as its moderator — following a 31-year career with the Westport Public Schools, as reading specialist, Greens Farms Elementary School and Continuing Education principal, Bedford Middle School vice principal, and town-wide director of curriculum.
Now in her 10th decade, she remains active in — among other things — the League of Women Voters.
Velma has seen it all. Not much surprises her.
But she was surprised to learn that a tree has been planted, in her name and that of her late husband, fellow civic volunteer Gar Heller. It will grow and grace Grace Salmon Park, just a few steps from Velma’s home off Imperial Avenue.
Happy 90th, Velma, from your friends at “06880” — the blog, and the town!
Velma Heller: 90 years young! (Photo/Priscilla Long)
Westport’s “4 Days of Service” — a townwide initiative to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 through volunteerism, generosity, and acts of kindness — begin tomorrow (Tuesday).
There are countless ways to get involved (click here for a full story). One of the most far-reaching is a food drive sponsored by the Representative Town Meeting.
Called “Julie’s Give Where You Live 9/11 Food Drive” — and named after former RTM member Julie Whamond — it benefits Homes with Hope’s food pantry.
Donations can be dropped off in the Town Hall lobby from tomorrow through Friday (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
The most-needed items are canned black and pinto beans, pasta sauce, oatmeal, soup, ramen, canned corn and peas, jelly, mac ‘n’ cheese, and personal care items like deodorant, soap and everyday hygiene essentials.
Gift cards from Trader Joe’s, Stop & Shop and Walmart are welcome too.
To donate through Homes with Hope’s Amazon Wish List — with items delivered directly to the food pantry — click here.
File this one under “There Must Be a Back Story, But We Don’t Know What It Is”:
(Photo/Susan Kowalsky)
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The Westport Winners — Westport’s Challenger Little League baseball program for youngsters with disabilities — kicked off their fall season yesterday, in perfect weather.
Loads of players were joined by many buddies. And local baseball legend Kevin Morton delivered Riko’s pizza to the field — all donated!
Westport Book promises an action-packed September.
A new program has just launched: “Saturday Story Time for Kids.” Every week at 11 a.m., families are invited for reading fun.
The “Read a Book a Month Challenge” is for youngsters and adults. Everyone who buys a book at the store each month from now through June is invited to a year-end celebration.
An exhibit and book sale featuring the work of noted artist George Hand Wright is set for September 16 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).
And the Short Story Club meets September 23 (6 p.m.). Commemorating Labor Day, they’ll discuss 3 stories about people and their jobs:
“Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street” by Herman Melville
“The Passenger” by Marisa Silver
“Gray Noise” by Charles Swift
Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org
And an after-hours music special features guitarist Warren Bloom (September 25, 6 to 8 p.m.).
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CLASP’s annual benefit is always a great time.
Band Central always entertains, with songs from the 1980s and ’90s.
This year, they’re adding a dance floor.
On October 15 (pre-party 6:30 p.m.; main event 7) hosts its fundraiser at Fairfield Theater Company. Ryebird and Saigon Snack Bar return with light bites.
Tickets are just $48 (all fees included). 100% of the proceeds benefit CLASP Homes. The non-profit provides care, support and services to adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Tanya Kaur Guleria has a 1-year-old son. In a few years, he’ll enter Long Lots Elementary School.
The new Long Lots.
Tanya — a strategic and operations professional who moved here in 2023, and has already gotten involved in town activities as a Westport Library trustee and member of the Fair Rent Commission — wanted to learn more about the project.
What are the plans? What will it look like? What’s the timeline?
She reached out to the Long Lots School Building Committee, and offered to help.
They quickly accepted her offer.
This week, her contribution — a new, clear, informative and very user-friendly website — launched.
Handsome typeface and easy navigation are 2 key features.
Though not part of the official westportct.gov website — its URL is https://llsbc.org/ — it may be the best “town site” of all.
If you’re looking for any information, of any kind, on the Long Lots (and Stepping Stones Pre-School) project, it’s here.
Animated and 3D views of plans
Timeline: recently completed work (site preparation and grading); in progress (footings and foundation); what’s next (structural framing) — plus many more “dig deep” details
News (for example, $1 million in energy incentives from Eversource)
Background information (project history; why it’s needed; construction manager, architect, engineers and more)
Photos of current construction
Frequently asked questions
Link to official documents, organized by topic.
“Ask a question” button.
Timelapse videos will allow users to see the actual progress being made.
Photos, and clear captions, show progress as it’s made.
Tanya worked closely with the Long Lots School Building Committee on the site’s design. She approached it as a parent interested in learning more about the project.
“It’s a good way to orient yourself to the job site. It’s not too technical,” she explains.
But users with a technical bent find plenty of links to satisfy their inner engineer, too.
Tanya will continue to update the LLSBC website over the next couple of years. (Move-in date for students, it notes, is expected to be January of 2028.)
Meanwhile, let’s hope she has time for a new project.
Starting, perhaps, with the serviceable — but clunky, inconsistent, and very-much-in-need-of-an-upgrade — town website itself.
This video is part of the LLSBC website.
“06880” regularly covers town government, in all its shapes and forms. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Yesterday’s story on Tom Lowrie — Westport’s “Mr. Pickleball,” former YMCA trustee, Y’s Man and Rotarian (and much more) who died Tuesday at 97 — noted that there will be a gathering at 6 p.m. this Friday (July 3, his birthday), at the Compo Beach Lowrie Pickleball Courts.
His daughter Anne says that this is an informal toast. A celebration of Tom’s long life is set for Greens Farms Church on July 31. More details will be available soon.
Tom Lowrie, at his 97th birthday. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Attention, sports fans! The Tuesday night Parks & Recreation adult hoops league is in full swing. Eight teams play weekly, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Players include just-graduated Staples High heroes Sam Clachko, Matty Corrigan and Mason Tobias, and recent graduates Adam Udell, Cody Sale, Caleb Tobias, Derek Sale, Justin Honig and Griffin Kass.
This week’s ringer was a Big Name: former NBA star (and Rookie of the Year) Michael Carter-Williams (now a Westport resident), and former overseas pro and current Westport PAL coach Jamill Powell.
Spectators are always welcome. The Staples coaching staff enjoyed the games last week.
Long Lots Elementary School — built in 1953, and renovated 20 years later — is slated for demolition. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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The String Queens are the newest addition to the free Levitt Pavilion calendar.
The August 16 show features the trio, known for blending classical music with jazz, hip-hop, R&B and popular styles. Click here to reserve free tickets.
Meanwhile, this holiday weekend’s schedule includes:
Friday, July 3 (7:30 p.m.): Clay Street Unit (bluegrass, folk, Americana, country)
Saturday, July 4 (7:30 p.m.): Early Clover (former Coasters’ lead singer; tribute to Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Otis Redding and more)
Sunday, July 5 (7 p.m.): Back to the Garden 1969: Woodstock Experience (featuring Staples graduate Michelle Pauker)
Speaking of music: Lachat Town Farm’s next “Music in the Meadow” (July 11, 6 p.m.) features singer/guitarist/ songwriter Quinn Sullivan.
He’s appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and with Conan O’Brien. Sullivan has also performed at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, and toured and recorded with Buddy Guy for nearly a decade.
Sharing the stage with B.B. King, Sullivan became one of the few artists ever to play his iconic guitar, “Lucille.”
But the celebration continues July 16 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.).
Eleish Van Breems Home opens it doors for a free celebration. Nômade will provide the food; Black Bear Wines & Spirits, the beverages. Everyone — the LGBTQ community, friends, allies — and fans of fun (and the furniture store) — is invited. Please RSVP: events@evbhem.com.
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The Whitney Street improvement project is nearly done.
Resident Molly Alger could not be happier. And not just because the noise and inconvenience will end.
The new curb is a masterpiece,” she reports.
“The old curb, next to the black paved sidewalk, was just a raised bit of asphalt.
“Now they’re constructing a legitimate cement curb — perfectly formed and absolutely beautiful. Of course it will also be much safer!”
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between June 24 and 30.
A 38-year-old Shelton man was charged with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating under suspension and failure to appear, following a stop on Post Road East.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Distracted driving: 6 citations
Evading responsibility: 1
School zone violation (2nd offense): 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
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As the weather heats up, residents slow down … and seek shade.
These folks found it yesterday, at Sherwood Island State Park. It’s a nice “Westport … Naturally” reminder of how good we have it — despite the temperature.
And finally … Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People who also co-wrote their smash hits “YMCA” and “Macho Man,” died Monday, after a short illness. He was 74.
(Once again, “06880” proves why it is “where Westport meets the world.” Where else can you find all this stuff? If you appreciate our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Their owners may not have loved the somewhat grotty water fountain — serving canines and humans — that stood for years near the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot.
It’s gone. And everyone is lapping up its replacement.
Yesterday, a new one was installed.
There are 2 bowls for people, one for dogs, and a spigot to fill water bottles. They all rest on a concrete pad — so goodbye to muddy paws.
The new fountain is a welcome gift from Sustainable Westport. A plaque says it honors Sherry Jagerson — “a champion for the environment.”
Teaching an old dog new tricks. (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)
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Congratulations to the Westport Library!
On Tuesday, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County presented director Bill Harmer with the Mark Award. It’s given annually to groups and individuals who create and support the arts.
The Library was honored for VersoFest. For 5 years, the event has entertained the state with 4 days of immersive music, multimedia, panels, workshops and more. (Hat tip: Matthew Mandell)
Bill Harmer, accepting the Mark Award from the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County. With him on the screen is David J of Bauhaus, a keynote speaker and performer at this spring’s VersoFest.
Speaking of the Library: The Board of Finance holds office hours there today (10 a.m.).
Residents can stop in, and ask a member town finance-related questions.
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Kerri Kenney-Silver — the actress (now appearing in Netflix’s “Four Seasons”), comedian, writer, singer, musician, and 1988 Staples High School graduate — was a recent guest on Seth Meyers and his brother’s “Family Trips” podcast.
Speaking of performing: Westport Country Playhouse Joanne Woodward Internships are among the most prestigious in the theater world.
Stephen Sondheim was an apprentice at the historic stage (long before the program was named for the longtime Playhouse friend, and former artistic director). Joining him that year: future director Frank Perry, and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary.
This year, 4 theater career aspirants will enhance their skills and gain experience working with Playhouse senior staff this month and next. They were selected from 79 applicants.
The 2026 group includes Nick Bates, production intern, arts administration major at Wagner College; Rebecca Brown, marketing intern, advertising and public relations major at Marist University; Leah Fosbrook, development intern, theatre administration major at Ithaca College; and Julia Orr, artistic/education intern, theatre directing and public advocacy double major at Belmont University.
In addition to work in their departments, interns attend seminars with guest speakers. They receive a stipend and nearby housing.
From left: Rebecca Brown, Leah Fosbrook, Julia Orr, Nick Bates. (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)
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Comedy Night returns to VFW Post 399 tomorrow (Friday; doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 8).
The lineup of 4 comedians includes David Beckles, Jr., Autumn Harvest, Dan Altano, and regular residency comic Joe Pontillo. Matt Zako hosts.
Once the kids are gone, construction on the new Long Lots Elementary School can move ahead full throttle.
But — at the northernmost edge of the property — work has already begun.
Here’s what the old lower soccer fields looked like on Monday:
(Photo/Michael Chait)
This is the new site for the school’s geothermal system.
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The Westport Rotary Club got a “healthy” bit of info at Tuesday’s meeting.
Dawn Myles, vice president for community health of Northwell Health described her organization: the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast. With 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians, Northwell cares for more than 3 million people annually in the New York area.
Dawn Myles at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between June 10 and 16.
A 37-year-old Danbury man was charged with harassment and threatening, following a complaint by the owner of a cleaning service. After firing an employee for stealing from a client’s home, the victim received calls and texts from someone presumed to be the former employee’s husband. Among other statements, he threatened to kill the victim’s daughter if his demands were not met. He was released on a $51,000 bond.
A 37-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, operating a motor vehicle under suspension, and defective stop lamp, after an officer observed a vehicle swerving on the Post Road. She was released on a $500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
School zone violation: 9 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Distracted driving: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
Speeding: 1
Texting while driving: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 1
Unreadable license plates: 1
Ten drivers were charged last week with school zone violations.
In other Westport Police news, a promotion ceremony will be held today (Thursday, 10 a.m., Police headquarters) for 3 officers.
Detective Scott Alberti has been with the Westport force since 2018. A Sacred Heart University business management graduate, he spent many years working in the private sector, where he also became an emergency medical technician. He has been recognized in Westport for superior performance, particularly in the area of mental health emergencies.
Sergeant Rachel Hall joined the Westport Police Department in 2016, from Ridgefield. She is a University of Connecticut graduate, with a degree in allied health science (pre-medicine). She has served Westport in the motorcycle and drone units, the Marine Division, school security, and as a dive rescuer.
Sergeant Casey Mezerewski has many relatives who served on the Westport force, include fallen officer William Frawley, his great-grandfather. Sgt. Mezerewski has been with the Westport Police since 2008. He is a Tae Kwon Do back belt, and has worked with the dive team, Marine Division and Honor Guard. He received a Life Saving Award in 2014.
From left: Det. Scott Aliberti, Sgt. Rachel Hall, Sgt. Casey Mezerewski
And finally … the item that mentioned Stephen Sondheim’s long-ago internship at the Westport Country Playhouse (above) got us thinking about his music.
We also thought about the Playhouse — and remembered that when Judy Collins gave a memorable performance there last year, she sang this signature song:
(Send in the clowns. And send in the checks. Or online donations. “06880” relies on readers to support our work. If you appreciate us — or want to honor Sondheim or anyone else — click here. Thanks!)
A small crowd got a big look yesterday at the new Long Lots Elementary and Stepping Stones Preschool.
Building Committee chair Jay Keenan, with his committee and representatives of FCA Architects, presented exterior and interior plans of the new school, and an update on construction.
Aerial rendering of the new school. Hyde Lane is at the bottom.
Work on the foundation has begun. Geothermal wells on the lower fields have been completed.
Work on the lower athletic fields at Long Lots (right). The former baseball field as at left.
The school — set to open in January of 2028 — is on target to meet or exceed state sustainability targets.
The architecture — with gabled roofs and warm colors — aims for a “cozy and classic New England setting.”
Because the school is built on a hill, both the lower and upper levels will have at-grade access.
The lower floor will include 2nd through 5th grade classrooms, with a gym at the rear.
Gymnasium.
The upper floor will have separate entrances for kindergarten/1st grade, and the Stepping Stones preschool. The cafeteria is on that level.
The upper level, with a 2-story atrium and plenty of light.
Interior features include a double-height atrium, a multi-purpose room, a media center with 2 classrooms and 2 tiered reading areas, and quiet “nooks” throughout the school.
A courtyard will offer benches, an amphitheater, and areas for teaching.
Courtyard.
There will be 3 playgrounds: one for Stepping Stones, one for elementary students, and the current playground named for Sandy Hook victim Dylan Hockley, which will remain.
The bus loop and parent drop-off areas will be completely separate.
Parent drop-off (left) and bus loop (right). Hyde Lane would be at the bottom.
Attendees — a mix of Long Lots parents, school neighbors and curious residents — gave the plans and computer renderings high marks.
A main corridor, leading to the gym. Multi-purpose room is at left.
Multi-purpose room.
Classroom corridor.
Cafeteria.
(“06880” will report regularly on the new school’s progress — as we do 24/7/365, on everything from education and real estate to local politics, entertainment and more. Please click here to support us!)
We’ve already seen the first couple of artists’ drawings of Spinnaker’s plan for the Minute Man Cleaners’ parcel in Saugatuck.
The Norwalk-based developer hopes to build 157 market rate units of rental apartments on the 1.5-acre parcel at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Charles Street. Another 18 would be deed-restricted as affordable. There would be 283 underground parking spaces.
The view from the corner of Railroad Place (left) and Riverside Avenue.
The view down Riverside Avenue; train station is far left. Charles Street is on the right.
Now they’ve released architectural plans.
Level 2 (ground level)
Level 3
Level 5 (level 4 was not posted)
Level 6
Parking garage – level 1A
Parking garage – level 1
The Planning & Zoning Commission will hear a pre-application of the proposal on Monday (June 1, 6 p.m.; Zoom).
The Architectural Review Board discusses the pre-app the next night (Tuesday, June 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
Meanwhile, Westporters are getting their first look at the new Long Lots Elementary School.
The initial renderings have been released. Below is a computer-generated aerial view.
The new school (right) is north of the current school, which will be replaced by a parking lot (center). An athletic field (left) replaces the former Community Gardens.
The renderings also show the front entrance (below), as viewed from the parent drop-off lane …
,,, and the “Main Street” corridor. This view is from the Stepping Stones/after hours/weekend entrance, heading to the gymnasium …
… as well as the cafeteria.
They are drafts only. Architects are still working on those, and other renderings. More may be available next week.
The projected opening of the new school has been pushed back to January 2028 — after winter break. The previous plan was the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.
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