Tag Archives: Long Lots Elementary School

Roundup: Parking Survey, Women Of Westport, 50 Cent …

Posted on June 4, 2025 | 7 comments

Everyone has an opinion on parking in Westport.

Now the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee wants to hear yours.

A 30-question survey is live. It covers respondents’ use and knowledge of parking options, metered parking, a deck and more.

Several questions have the opportunity to expand on answers.

The aim of the survey is to vet the recommendations already developed by consultants and DPIC. Final recommendations will be presented by DPIC to the Board of Selectwomen next month.

To take the survey, click here.

Some of the parking survey questions cover a parking meter app.

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It’s not easy to pass a bill in Hartford.

But for months, Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein plugged away.

The Staples High School juniors — founders and co-presidents of the local Make Our Schools Safe chapter — pushed for a law to authorize the purchase of emergency response communications systems and personal emergency communication devices for school personnel.

Yesterday, their efforts were rewarded. The state House of Representatives voted unanimously — 145 to 0 — to pass the legislation. 

Passed earlier by the Senate, it now goes to Governor Lamont for his signature.

Congratulations to Zander, Elijah, the entire Staples MOSS club, and our own Senator Ceci Maher, its sponsor.

Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer, with “stop the bleed” kits — another Make Our Schools Safe project.

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The Planning & Zoning Commission continues its dizzying round of meetings, on a series of controversial projects, next Monday (June 9, remote).

This time, it’s the Long Lots Elementary School project. Commissioners will consider a new 8-24 request from the town, and a new special permit/site plan.

Long Lots Elementary School site plan.

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Every year. Westport Lifestyle magazine celebrates outstanding “Women of Westport.”

But they do more than just highlight business owners, civic volunteers and others in their pages.

With sponsorship from Saugatuck Financial, they throw a great garden party.

Last night’s bash honored the 2025 women: Mary Dobson, Arvia Few, Sharon Finkel, Bridget Flynn, Ashley Freeman, Kira Greenfield, Joanna Manfro, Liz McKay, Rachel Mila, Tara Welch, Ambar Zaatar and Becca Zipkin.

Congratulations to all. Women of Westport rock!

A few men joined the Women of Westport, at the Westport Lifestyle party. “06880” founder Dan Woog and Monique Hodges enjoyed one of the Vespas on display. (Photo/Jerri Graham)

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Rich Dean and Nas Dean are known for their great work, training people of all ages at Rich Dean Boxing & Fitness on Post Road East across from the Saugatuck Church.

Now they’re known as philanthropists, too. The pair just donated $6,000 to Westport PAL’s scholarship fund.

Thank you both!

Nasir and Rich Dean.

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What does 50 Cent have to do with Westport?

About $1 million.

According to The Source — a hip hop site — the rapper/actor/producer/ entrepreneur recently won a legal victory. He can now seize the Main Street home belong to Mitchell Green, a former executive with 50 Cent’s Sire Spirits Champagne and cognac company.

Green reportedly owes the firm more than $7 million, following an alleged kickback scheme. Read more details here. (Hat tip: John McCarthy)

50 Cent may soon own a Westport home.

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Speaking of entertainment: Steely Dan comes to Weston on Sunday.

Well, at least Logical Pretzel — a cover band — does.

They’ll kick off the 10th season of the Weston History & Culture Center’s “Music at the Barn” series (June 8, 5:30 p.m.).

Tony Pizza Napolitano’s food truck will be there. Bring your own lawn chairs and beverages for the outdoor event. Tickets are available at the door, or here. 

Logical Pretzel

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A bit more than a year ago, Bond Vet replaced Freshii, in the Parker Harding Plaza space near Starbucks.

The veterinary chain — with locations from Boston to Washington, and Chicago too — has closed its Westport and Fairfield offices.

A representative in Bond Vet’s call center said she did not know the reason for the closures.

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The 2nd annual Pickleball To Slam Alzheimer’s event is set for June 20 (6 to 8 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club, Norwalk).

All proceeds from $100 tickets go toward the October 26 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Sherwood Island State Park.

The pickleball event is hosted by Westporters Mary Sue Teplitz, Dina Upton and Lori Snow. Mary Sue’s mother died from the disease in 2012. Dina’s partner, Gary Cosgrave, passed away from it this year.

Tickets and more information is available here. Esthetic Dental Group of Westport, Saatva, cieTrade and Intensity are sponsors.

Carolyn Rothenberg and Gary Cosgrove.

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Hopkins is a popular private school option, for Westport families.

The New Haven school held its prom last night. Some attendees began with photos at Compo Beach. (Tessie the dog does not go there.)

Congrats to all the upcoming graduates, wherever you live!

(Photo/Richard Abramowitz)

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You could travel far north to see the aurora borealis.

But on Sunday, you didn’t have to.

The northern lights were visible across much of Connecticut. Here’s what Steve Stein saw, near Wilton Road:

(Photo/Steve Stein)

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Seen on Facebook yesterday, in the Marketplace section under the “Casket & Casket Trailer” tab:

The description says: “Selling a couple caskets that were used in haunted houses. Casket trailer has some dents and rot and the inside is stripped – $300 Blue casket is in great condition overall on the outside but has some scratches and the inside is stripped – $600 Pick up in Westport, CT.”

There’s always a back story. If you know this one, click “Comments” below. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)

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We’ve showcased lots of interesting animals in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But we’re hard pressed to find any as intriguing as barred owls.

This one posed willingly for Lee Bollert. In fact, she says, it stared right at her — through a window — for 10 minutes.

(Photo/Lee Bollert)

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And finally … in honor of the items currently for sale on Facebook, from right here in Westport (story above):

(From downtown parking to caskets, and barred owls to 50 Cent: If there’s a Westport connection, we’ll find it. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Education, Local business, Staples HS

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Board Of Ed: Much To Take Pride In

Posted on June 3, 2025 | 4 comments

The Board of Education sends this message to families in the Westport Public Schools:

As we head into the summer months, we would like to acknowledge our community and its unwavering support for our schools. The Westport Public School system continues to deliver excellent outcomes across a wide range of areas.

As a community, we should take great pride in the many impressive accomplishments of our students. They are far too numerous to list completely, but we offer here a small sampling:

Academic achievements

Staples High School sent 4 students to the Connecticut State Science and Engineering Fair. All were named finalists (top 20%). One Staples senior advanced to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Columbus, Ohio, taking 4th place among thousands of entrants from around the world.

The Staples AP Government We the People class placed in the top 10 for the first time in school history at the national competition in Washington.

Staples’ We the People team.

Bedford Middle and Coleytown Middle students earned dozens of medals at the Connecticut State Science Olympiad tournament.

Across all of our elementary schools, the 3rd grade Aimsweb composite reading score is 96% (which means that 96% reached or exceeded reading benchmarks). This is the highest in the state.

Athletic achievements

Staples athletics continues to be a tremendous strength of our district. Our coaches and administrators remain committed to helping our scholar-athletes grow at all skill levels.

In addition to enjoying victories on the field, many of our hard-working athletes find sports at Staples a springboard to future academic success.

We are proud of the dozens of graduating seniors who participated in athletic recruiting and have committed to attend some of the most selective and prestigious colleges and universities in the country, including (just to name a few and in no particular order) Michigan, Duke, U Chicago, Trinity, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Stanford, Princeton, UNC, Penn State, Washington and Lee, WashU, Swarthmore, Amherst, Tufts, Williams, Wesleyan and Penn.

Music, arts and other extracurriculars

In March, 14 Staples students were selected to participate in the Connecticut All-State Music Festival.

Inklings News was awarded the prestigious Gold Crown Award in the High School Hybrid General Magazine category by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for the second time in the publication’s history.

The National PTA Award of Excellence was awarded to 2 Staples students for literature and photography.

While we celebrate our achievements and honor the dedication of our students, teachers, administrators and staff who make them all possible, we must not rest on our laurels.

There are many important initiatives underway that occupy the time and attention of the Board of Education and the administration. These include:

Long Lots School Building

We are in the final weeks of town-wide approvals, and anticipate the grand opening of the new school in September 2027.

AI Pilot

Westport was one of 7 Connecticut districts to receive a state grant to participate in an AI pilot program. Secondary teachers in English, math, science and social studies experimented with school-based artificial intelligence programs, and found extraordinary benefits and frustrating drawbacks. We are committed to exploring AI in our schools and curriculum while being mindful about its risks.

Cellphones

Currently, our elementary and middle schools are cellphone-free during the entire school day. Over the summer, a team of faculty will draft an implementation and logistics plan for a cellphone-free high school. A committee of parents, students, and faculty will review and revise that plan to explore a possible phased-in approach, sequestration strategies, and curricular concerns.

As we close out the academic year, we hope all of our families have a great summer. Our heartfelt congratulations to the Staples Class of 2025!

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Posted in Education, Staples HS

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[OPINION] Long Lots Project: With Many Questions, More Vetting Needed

Posted on June 2, 2025 | 26 comments

Attorneys Mark and Valerie Seiling Jacobs have lived in Westport for more than 25 years. They have followed the Long Lots Elementary School building project closely. They write:

On May 16, the Long Lots School Building Committee filed 2 documents with the Planning & Zoning Commission: a new 8-24 request (presumably because the existing approval requires that the Community Gardens remain on site, which is no longer the plan), and a request for site plan approval for the entire project.

Almost immediately, the project began to appear on the agendas of other town bodies, including the Board of Finance, Flood & Erosion Control Board, Representative Tonw Meeting Finance Committee, Conservation Commission, and full RTM.

Eight critical meetings are now expected to take place in the space of the next 10 days. Given the tight timetable, some of the meetings are being combined. Others are scheduled to take place on the same night.

This of course has prompted many people to ask: Why is the schedule so compressed and rushed? After all, this is the largest expenditure in town history.

Preliminary designs for Long Lots Elementary School.

According to Eileen Flug, the assistant town attorney who was quoted in the Westport Journal, the rush was due to a “realignment” of 2 state agencies that moved the deadline for state bonding applications up to June 30, and the fact that the town had only learned of this on May 16.

In that same article, however, Jay Keenan, committee chair, attributed the rush to the fact that he had not realized that the Town Charter contains a 14-day window for residents to file a referendum request, meaning that the effective deadline was actually June 16.

Neither of those explanations, however, holds water.

First, we have been unable to find any such realignment of state agencies. Nor have we been able to find any evidence that the state deadline changed. (We’ve asked Ms. Flug to provide the backup for her statements, but, so far, we’ve received nothing.)

And second, even if we accept Mr. Keenan’s version, it begs the question: Why did the committee wait so long to file to begin with?

If they knew that they only had until June 30, then why did they wait until May 16 — a mere 45 days from the deadline — to begin securing the necessary local approvals, when they knew they needed to appear before 6 separate town bodies?

Long Lots School Building Committee members, meeting in 2023.

One explanation is that the committee is not being honest, that they somehow missed the fact that everything is due on June 30 and are now using the 14-day window to obscure their mistake.

Given this committee’s historical willingness to blame others (usually, the gardeners) for problems of their own making, it wouldn’t be surprising if that turns out to be the answer.

There may, however, be an even more sinister explanation: that the committee deliberately delayed filing specifically to truncate the review process, limit public participation, and deny other boards the opportunity to conduct the type of in-depth analysis that a project like this requires.

Such a strategy would be consistent with this administration’s modus operandi, which seems to be based on rushed requests coupled with a “sky is falling” mentality.

The repairs to the Mill Pond walkway and flood gates are a perfect case in point. The RTM and public were repeatedly warned by the administration that if they didn’t go along with the plan, the town could lose the federal money. (Never mind that the place had been falling apart, for years or that we’d had a long time to draw down the ARPA funds.)

In this case, however, rushing the process carries even greater risk, given the cost of the school and the topography of the site. As one resident correctly pointed out, the “site is chock full of flooding, wetlands, inland waterways, abutting residential housing, difficult terrain and contaminated soil.” And it is no secret that this area is already plagued by water issues.

The committee keeps telling the neighbors not to worry. “Trust us,” they say. But this committee has not earned the public’s trust. Their vague assurances are small comfort to a homeowner who is facing the prospect of a flooded basement or worse.

Muddy Brook flooding, near Long Lots School. (Photo/Peter Swift)

We urge our Conservation Commission and Flood & Erosion Control Board to examine the application carefully — to kick the tires when it comes to drainage and environmental issues.

We all know that the storms keep getting worse. And this project calls for a doubling of building coverage during construction and the permanent loss of vegetation that previously acted as a buffer and sponge for runoff.

Please do not be lulled into thinking that the old way of managing water will suffice. One-hundred-year-storms are now arriving like clockwork. We need you to step up and protect neighbors, even if that means imposing novel or extra protections.

And the same holds true for P&Z. We need our commissioners to ask hard questions and demand fact-based answers — not settle for off-the-cuff responses.

Does, for example, the new school really need 30% more parking, which would vastly increase the amount of impervious material? The traffic consultant didn’t think so, but he appears to have been persuaded to say otherwise by someone involved in the process.

Long Lots Elementary School, with current parking. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

Similarly, if the committee is truly committed to using natural grass for the fields, then why do the plans call for the type of underground drainage typically used with artificial turf?

Putting aside the PFAS and microplastic risk associated with artificial turf (which, frankly, is pretty difficult to ignore), this particular site is spectacularly unsuitable for artificial turf given the ongoing drainage issues and the fact that artificial turf impedes the natural infiltration of water.

In fact, the EPA classifies it as impervious and there is now a call to deny LEED certification to any site with artificial turf. In any event, P&Z needs to get to the bottom of these and other troublesome issues and questions.

We all want a better school for our children. But this project needs to be properly vetted by our various boards and commissions.

If this process is not handled properly, we fear that residents will take advantage of another provision in our Charter — one that gives 20 electors (or 2 RTM members) 30 days to appeal any Conservation or FECB decision to the RTM. (How Mr. Keenan intends to square that appeal period with the June 30 deadline remains to be seen.)

Were an appeal to ensue, this project could be indefinitely delayed. And the Committee members will have no one to blame except themselves.

(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all readers. Please send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com.)

26 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics

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Roundup: Long Lots Meetings, Coyote Warnings, Taste Of Westport Tickets …

Posted on May 29, 2025 | 6 comments

The Board of Finance was scheduled to meet June 4, to discuss a $98 million appropriation for the new Long Lots Elementary School.

That meeting — for discussion only — has been rescheduled for June 5 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). The funding amount has been reduced to $93 million.

A second Long Lots meeting is set for June 11. A vote may be taken then.

Meanwhile, before the full Representative Town Meeting votes on the final approval, the RTM Education Committee discusses the request for funding.

That meeting takes place June 10 (5:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).

The current Long Lots Elementary School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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At 10 p.m. Tuesday on Roseville Road near Joanne Circle, a coyote standing near the wood line lunged at a dog. The owner quickly took the dog inside.

Westport Animal Control advises:

  • Supervise your pets while they are out in the yard.
  • While out at night with your pets, carry a powerful flashlight and keep tabs on your surroundings.
  • Coyotes can be successfully driven away using noise (high-decibel whistle or air horn) or thrown objects (balls, sticks, rocks).
  • If you are walking a small pet and see a coyote, pick the pet up. Any time you are with your pet and see a coyote, give them a wide berth. Retreat gradually, but keep eyes on the coyote. Be assertive and noisy (yell or use a whistle).
  • A fenced enclosure is the best way to prevent unexpected encounters. Deer fences do a poor job of excluding smaller species like coyotes. They often slip underneath.
  • Motion-sensitive lights help alert homeowners to wild intruders at night, and help deter coyotes.
  • Pets smaller than 30 pounds are at serious risk from coyotes, but on occasion they tussle with larger pets. Even larger pets benefit from supervision.
  • Coyotes can be active day or night.

Coyotes are found throughout North America. They are adaptable and opportunistic. Statistically, they pose very little risk to humans. There have been only 1 recorded fatal attacks by coyotes on humans in the last 100 years in North America.

But they do pose risks to pets.

Compo Beach area coyote. (Photo/Richard Gabor)

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One of Westport’s signature (and most fun) fundraisers is just a week away.

“Taste of Westport” takes over the Inn at Longshore on June 5 (6 p.m.). 100% of the proceeds go directly to CLASP, which provides homes and services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities across Fairfield County.

This year’s lineup of superb food and great drinks is the biggest ever. There’s a first taste from ănăn (the team behind Nômade), and first-time participants The Bridge at Saugatuck, The Whelk, Bar Bushido, The Blondinit and Barcelona.

Plus a caviar bar by Nordic Fish (paired with Moët Champagne), along with returning favorites like Gabriele’s, La Plage, Don Memo, Artisan and more.

And … a martini bar, signature cocktail, Oggi gelato, Bridgewater chocolate …

The silent auction features a Lime Rock driving experience, tickets to “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” weekend getaways, wines, designer jewelry, opera tickets, a block party package with live entertainment, a week of dinners from participating restaurants, and (of course) more.

The few remaining tickets are available here.

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The only thing slower than Post Road traffic is the pace of the Post Road renovation.

But occasionally, work is done.

Here’s the view by Volvo of Westport:

(Photo/Michael Calise)

Notice we said “work is done.” Not necessarily “progress.”

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From the road to the water … Eric Bosch sends this photo:

He writes: “The ‘bug light’ blinks every 3 seconds just off the canons, marking the entrance from Long Island Sound into the Saugatuck River.

“In my 60+ years here, I’ve never seen it pulled into Compo Basin.”

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Pride Month parties continue on June 22.

Westport Pride presents “Fête en Blanc” (June 22, 6 to 9 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture). The fundraiser for The Circle Care Center — a Norwalk-based HIV prevention and treatment organization — celebrates “community, culture and compassion.”

The outdoor event incudes music, dancing, drinks, raffles and auctions. Attendees can purhcase Latin-inspired cuisine from a food truck — and should wear white. (That’s a tribute to the “white parties” in the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s and ’90s, which raised funds for HIV/AIDS awareness and support.)

Tickets ($50, including 3 alcohol tickets; $40 without the tickets) are available here.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between May 21 and 28.

A 40-year-old New Rochelle, New York woman was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny and forgery, after a report that various Webster Bank branches were scammed out of $3,000 since January. The woman allegedly deposited forged money orders into her account. She was held on $50,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
  • Driving while texting: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Driving the wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.

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Richard Silverman — cantor emeritus of Temple Israel — has died.

The temple says: “A cantor is the voice of a congregation, and from 1988 to 2013, Cantor Silverman was our voice.

“His was the voice that helped us greet Shabbat and holidays, the voice of Jewish celebration and Jewish comfort, the voice that supported b’nei mitzvah students in preparation for their milestone day, and the voice upon which our prayers ascended to the Divine. Cantor Silverman played a very special role in the lives of so many in our congregation, and his memory and music will be an abiding blessing.”

Cantor Richard Silverman is survived by his wife Batya, children Sarit and Elan (Heather), and grandchildren Sarah, Jacob and Emilie.

A funeral will be held on June 3 (11 a.m., Temple Israel), and livestreamed. Shiva will be observed on June 3 following the burial until 8 p.m., and June 4 and 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. (with a minyan at 6:30 each evening) at River Valley Retirement Community (101 Oakview Dr, Trumbull).

Cantor Richard Silverman

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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, the eagle has landed (at Compo Beach).

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … uh oh.

In the flurry of news about affordable housing, Staples coaches, the Hamlet, the Cribari Bridge, Long Lots Elementary School and the Community Gardens — are we forgetting anything? — we missed an important occasion yesterday.

Yesterday marked the 190th anniversary of the founding of Westport.

The official date of our establishment as a separate town — cleaved off from Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield — was May 28, 1835.

We apologize for the oversight. But don’t worry: May 28, 2035 is already on our calendar. (Hat tip: Harris Falk)

(The proper gift for a 190th birthday is … uh, we have no idea. The proper gift for “06880” — today, and every day, is a contribution to support our work. Thank you for clicking here!) 

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Posted in Beach, Education, Environment, Local politics, Obituaries, Police

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Long Lots Approvals Face Tight Deadline For State Funds

Posted on May 27, 2025 | 6 comments

For 3 years, the proposed new Long Lots Elementary School project has lumbered along.

The building committee planned (and planned and planned). The Community Garden was removed, moved back, moved again. Athletic fields morphed from baseball to all-purpose, grass to artificial turf. 8-24 (town municipal use) permits were filed and refiled. Construction — originally hoped to begin last year — remains on the horizon.

Suddenly though, the lumbering pace will become a race.

Preliminary plans for the new Long Lots Elementary School.

Toni Simonetti — a gardener who is following the project with a close eye — notes that the deadline for a Connecticut funding grant application is June 30.

“The state can reimburse a town anywhere from 10-70% of the cost to replace a school with a new one. (Westport likely to be on the low end of that range.),” she reports.

She’s compiled a master list of meetings that must be held — and votes taken — before the funding application deadline, 34 days from now.

A recent schematic for Long Lots School.

For example, the Planning & Zoning Commission must hear testimony on a new 8-24 plan, along with a new special permit/site plan.

The Conservation Commission and Soil & Erosion Control Board must both grant approval for the area — which includes wetlands and a brook — in order for the state grant to be approved.

Financing approvals for the $98 project are still ahead, too.

Upcoming meetings include:

  • June 3: Representative Town Meeting (RTM) first financial review (7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
  • June 4: Conservation Commission and Flood & Erosion Control Board joint meeting (Zoom, 7 or 7:30 p.m.).
  • June 5: Board of Finance first meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
  • June 9: Planning & Zoning Commission, 8-24 vote and site plan/special permit approval (Virtual, 6 p.m.).
  • June 10: RTM Finance Committee vote (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
  • June 11: Board of Finance vote (7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
  • June 12: RTM expected final vote (TBD).

(Toni Simonetti’s full Substack on the Long Lots project can be read here. Hat tip: Kristin Schneeman.)

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Posted in Education, Local politics

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New Long Lots 8-24 Filed; Garden Gone

Posted on May 19, 2025 | 13 comments

The Town of Westport has filed another 8-24 site plan for the new Long Lots Elementary School.

This one does not include a community garden.

That controversial element caused concern at last month’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.

Commissioners liked the plans presented. But the 8-24 (proposal for municipal land use) they were considering had been approved in January of 2024, with a relocated garden at an unspecified site on the 13 Hyde Lane property.

Town officials later decided to move the gardens to another, not-yet-determined location, off school grounds. Because the 8-24 still included a garden, P&Z members asked for a revised 8-24.

That was filed with the Planning & Zoning Department on Friday, and received today.

Most recent architectural plans, submitted to the Planning & Zoning Department.

The new “special permit & site plan” — applied for officially by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — calls for “construction of a new 127,945 sf elementary school, a 250 space parking lot, dedicated parent drop off and bus lanes, (2) multipurpose natural turf athletic fields, (2) playgrounds, a basketball court, a paved play area and all associated site and utility construction.” 

The parking lot would increase from the current 196 spots.

The initial 8-24 plan — filed over 2 years ago — did not include the garden. It showed a baseball diamond where the garden had been located for 20 years, on the southern edge of the property.

The revised 8-24, submitted in January of 2024, had the garden back, but at an unspecified location. A multipurpose athletic field replaced the baseball diamond.

The Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss the new 8-24 site plan at an upcoming meeting. It has not yet been added to an agenda.

Meanwhile, the Long Lots School Building Committee meets tomorrow (Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).

They’ll hear a project update, review plans with the design team, and hear public comment on agenda items.

Three views of the proposed Long Lots Elementary School.

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Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics

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Roundup: Fire Pits, Pride Month, Library Sale …

Posted on May 17, 2025 | 14 comments

The fire pits are here!

The newest addition to Compo Beach — and Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department latest town amenities — are ready for rental.

Two fire pts are available per night, for $150. Westport residents 21 and older can mail a request form to croda@westportct.gov.

Applications must be made at least 7 days in advance. They’re limited to 1 reservation per household per season (a second may be granted, based on availability).

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June is Pride month.

The centerpiece is Westport Pride’s townwide celebration (Saturday, June 22, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Jesup Green). Music, food, vendors, rainbows and much more — and (of course) everyone is invited!

Two weeks earlier (June 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Saugatuck Congregational Church hosts a family picnic and party on their front lawn 

LGBTQ families — and allies, or course, — are invited to enjoy a bounce house, lawn games, face painting, crafts, hot dogs, cake, and more.

For more information, call 203-227-1261, or email sarah@saugatuckchurch.org.

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

Temple Israel has a host of activities planned for Pride Month too. They include:

“Unspoken” screening and discussion (June 10, 6 p.m.). The film is about a closeted teen in a religious community who discoverd that he might not be alone. A discussion with writer/director Jeremy Borison follows. Register here.

Pride Shabbat and concert with Elana Arian (June 13, 6:30 p.m.) open to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

Rainbow challah bake (June 21, 5:30 to 8 p.m.) — to be shared the next day, at Westport Pride. Open to all; register here.

Temple Israel is also organizing its first LGBTQ+ affinity group — a safe place for those who identify with the community, and allies. For more information, email jcadrain@tiwestport.org.

Meanwhile, Weston celebrates its own Pride on June 3 (4 to 6 p.m., Town Green, 56 Norfield Road).

They’ll raise a rainbow flag, hear from local officials supporting the town’s inclusive culture, and (in conjunction with the Weston Library) host a craft- and Pride-themed story time.

Oh, yeah: There’s an ice cream truck too!

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The Westport Library’s spring book sale opened yesterday, with a rush.

But there are still plenty of great volumes — and music, movies and more — available.

Hours are:

  • Today (Saturday): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (almost everything half-price)
  • Monday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (fill our logo bag for $10 per bag, or your own equivalent bag for $8, or buy individual books at half-price).

A tiny portion of the many books. (Photo/Pam Docters)

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The Architectural Review Board meets on May 27 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).

Among the agenda items: “To review and comment on the proposed construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School/Stepping Stones Pre-School…. Comments offered at the meeting will be considered in anticipation of further zoning review and approvals.”

So far, only general drawings have been shown of a new Long Lots School.

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In just a few weeks,”Sunday Gravy” — the talk radio show hosted by Chris O’Dell (Staples High School athlete and coach), Mac DeVito (Staples football legend and coach), and Brian Philpott (son of Staples’ football defensive coordinator) — has gained a devoted following.

The conversation and banter is wide-ranging, casual, and always interesting.

Tomorrow’s show — from 12:10 to 1 p.m., on 95.9 FM and 600 AM WICC should be especially intriguing.

The 3 hosts will dive into the recent controversy involving the non-renewal of Staples boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense.

O’Dell has intimate knowledge of the situation. He was part of the Staples soccer staff for 20 years, and worked closely with Oost-Lievense.

“Sunday Gravy” is broadcast throughout southern Connecticut. But it’s very much a local production. Shows are taped at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios — and the 2 stations are owned by Westport-based Connoisseur Media.

“Sunday Gravy” crew, at Verso Studios (from left): Mac DeVito, Brian Philpott, Chris O’Dell.

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As they prepare to leave Westport after several decades, Carl Swanson and JoAnn Miller must dispose of several large, compelling — but heavy — sculptures by their longtime friend, the late Kelley Spearen.

One has already found a new life. The couple donated it to Wakeman Town Farm, not far from their home off North Avenue.

The move was made recently. Today, it’s the newest — and most intriguing — addition to the Cross Highway farm.

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The mural showing early-20th century Westport life — a decades-long feature of the long-gone Townly restaurant — was resurrected when Banana Republic moved in.

That store was briefly replaced by Oka. Now it’s gone.

But the mural can be seen, as work is done inside.

Jerri Graham spotted this intriguing view:

(Photo/Jerri Graham)

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Sabeth Pérez performs tomorrow (May 18, 4 p.m.), at the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston’s jazz vespers music and word service.

The event is free, but there is a free will offering.

Sabeth Pérez

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We may never have featured a snake before, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

But — as this one on Rayfield Road shows — we’ve got ’em in Westport. Naturally.

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And finally … of course!

(Don’t be a snake! If you read “06880” — and you’re here doing just that — please toss us a few bucks, to support our work. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Education, Library, Looking back

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Community Gardeners Dismantle Cherished Spot

Posted on May 1, 2025 | 50 comments

Yesterday marked the deadline for Westporters to remove items from the Community Gardens.

Instead of preparing for spring, 120 families spent days salvaging soil, plants and structures. Some had been involved since the garden began, 20 years ago.

The site will become a staging area when construction begins on a new Long Lots Elementary School, some time in the future.

Later, it will become an athletic field.

A new location for the Community Gardens has not yet been found.

Alison Freeland and her husband spent Tuesday there, with shovels and a wheelbarrow.

“Many of the gardeners said they felt like they were at a wake or funeral,” Alison says.

The gardens’ demise was especially hard “for a lot of seniors, for whom this was a true community.”

Alison’s photos chronicle the final days of the Hyde Lane Community Gardens.

(All photos/Alison Freeland)

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news, events — and photo-journalism. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics

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Roundup: Hamlet Petitions, Long Lots Brook, Original Pancake House …

Posted on April 15, 2025 | 8 comments

As the proposed Hamlet at Saugatuck development wends its way through a thicket of town regulatory bodies, 2 petitions are circulating in town.

One is against the proposal. The other is for it.

The anti-Hamlet petition comes from the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck. It asks the Planning & Zoning Commission to deny the application, “with recommendations for a minimum of a 40% reduction in scope and scale.”

The pro-Hamlet petition calls The Hamlet “a unique opportunity to enhance Westport’s waterfront with vibrant public spaces, restaurants, and locally owned businesses — all while expanding access to the Saugatuck River.”

One view of the proposed Hamlet at Saugatuck.

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Speaking of new construction: The new Long Lots Elementary School plans have drawn criticism from many quarters, from the destruction of the Community Gardens to the possibility of artificial turf on the proposed athletic fields.

It would seem that one element — unveiled last week — would not cause any complaints. That’s the entrance, which would include a new brook.

But some Westporters are concerned about the number of trees to be sacrificed.

And then there’s this, shared with “06880” by another resident: “A number of students with special needs, including autistic children, have a propensity to be drawn to water.

“Not to say that the children won’t be monitored all the time while in school. But if there was ever an incident, or a child ran faster than staff while outside at the playground, the water strikes me as a potentially dangerous addition.”


Plans for the new Long Lots Elementary School.

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News that will surprise probably no one: Westport’s Original Pancake House has closed.

The Main Street spot opened in January 2023, in the space previously occupied by Acqua restaurant. (And before that, Boca.)

The chain — whose first restaurant dates back to 1953, in Portland, Oregon — never gained a foothold, despite a small, devoted following. It was open only 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (3 p.m. on weekends), with an interesting but somewhat limited menu. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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As a former state champion Staples High School soccer captain — and the father of 3 athletes — Tommy Greenwald know sports.

As the author of a number of award-winning children’s and young adult books, Tommy knows his audience.

The 1979 Staples High School graduate’s newest title is published today.

“The Right Call” — a companion novel to his previous “Game Changer” —explores the growing pressures in youth sports, and the lengths some parents go to make sure their kid comes out on top.

Told through Tommy’s trademark combination of transcripts, articles, texts and e-mails, “The Right Call” is a fast-paced story for middle school readers. They can relate to its treatment of split-second decisions, facing consequences, and the courage it takes to forgive.

Click here for more details, and to order.

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Speaking of kids: The Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation hosts a free egg hunt this Saturday (April 19, 2 p.m., Long Lots Elementary School).

Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation is hosting a free and festive Egg Hunt for the Westport community on Saturday.

It includes a dedicated, inclusive experience for children with special needs. The sensory-friendly hunt (1 p.m., Long Lots) features a peaceful, welcoming space for egg hunting at each child’s own pace; a quiet touch-a-truck event with vehicles from the Westport Fire and Police Departments (no loud noises!), a chance to meet and take photos with the Bunny, and friendly helps to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.

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The Westport Library Big Spring Book Sale is set for May 16-19.

As always there is something for everyone, from toddlers through adults, with thousands of gently used books in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, along with DVDs, CDs, vinyl, ephemera, and framed art. For a link to specials, hours of the sale and more, click here.

The sale begins on Friday, May 16 with early access (8:45 a.m. to noon) for special ticket holders. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

To volunteer, email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.

Westport Library book sale. 

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Nearly every kid loves trucks.

So it’s a short step for the Westport Weston Co-op Nursery School‘s fundraiser to have a Touch-a-Truck them.

This year’s event — the 18th annual — is May 3 (9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; sensory-friendly from 9 to 9:30 a.m.; Imperial Avenue parking lot).

Of course, kids of all ages (including adults) are invited to get up close, climb on, and take photos with vehicles of all shapes and sizes. That means fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, cranes, dump trucks, buses, big rigs … you get the idea.

Also on tap: magicians, crafts, face painting, food trucks, and live music.

Admission is $35 per family. Click here to purchase, and more details.

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Monday’s Y’s Women meeting left attendees hungry for more.

Mike Urban — author of Unique Eats & Eateries pf Connecticut — offered a culinary tour of the state’s mom-and-pop diners and restaurants.

They included Milford’s hot buttered lobster on split bun rolls, “steamed” cheeseburgers in Meriden, homemade ice cream at the University of Connecticut Dairy Barn, and the 5 best pizza places in the country (all in New Haven).

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Westport favorite — and native — Melissa Newman returns for another headline event at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (April 17, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; music cover $20, $15 for veterans and students).

The vocalist will be joined by Tony Lombardozzi on guitar, Phil Bowler on bass and Bobby Leonard on drums. Click here for reservations.

Melissa Newman

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The latest Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand reading took place last night. “Paris” tackled issues of race, commerce, community and invisibility in a small town workplace.

The next play in the series — “Still” — is May 5 (7 p.m.). The Playhouse website says: “When former lovers Helen and Mark reunite after years apart, they quickly realize that the person each of them once knew — and the love they shared — might be more complicated than they remembered.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

The cast of “Paris” takes their bows. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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How sweet does today’s “Westport … Naturally” rose smell?!

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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And finally … sometimes our musical selections are out of left field. Today’s is perhaps the most predictable ever:

(Happy Tax Day! If you’ve got a nice refund coming, please consider tossing a few dollars over to “06880.” We need to pay our taxes — and other expenses — too! Please click here. We thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Children, Library, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse

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Public Gets First Long Lots Look

Posted on April 12, 2025 | 12 comments

The new Long Lots Elementary School will look nothing like the old one.

That was one takeaway from Thursday night’s “reveal.”

More than 2 dozen residents jammed a Town Hall conference room, to watch the Planning & Zoning Commission examine the Long Lots School Building Committee’s plan for 127,000-square foot, $100 million structure. It would be built approximately where the current upper baseball diamond lies.

Planning & Zoning Commission and Long Lots School Building Committee members meet at the conference table, as spectators fill the Town Hall room. (Photo/Toni Simonetti)

Among the features: peaked New England-style roofs, a stream near the entrance, and a courtyard.

Three views (from top): from the east (Hyde Lane), south and north.

What’s missing is a site for the new gardens, which would be displaced by a new athletic field. Without that — promised in the previous 8-24 plan — P&Z approval is in doubt.

A site for the gardens could ultimately be found on the Hyde Lane property, which also includes parking. If there is a new garden site elsewhere, a revised 8-24 may be required.

The proposed new school. From the left (south) to the right (north): athletic field, parking, school, lower athletic fields. Hyde Lane is at the bottom (east).

The courtyard (shown above) is envisioned as a place for outdoor classes and other gatherings. It will also provide natural light for the building.

(“06880” reports regularly on education, town politics, their intersection, and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Local politics

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