Tag Archives: Long Lots Elementary School

Roundup: Long Lots & Longshore, Tony Kushner & Ian McKellen …

Posted on December 12, 2023 | 1 comment

It’s a busy time of year for everyone.

Including — especially — town officials. A major project is scheduled for a hearing shortly before Christmas.

Last night, the Board of Finance spent 5 1/2 hours on its second hearing about funding for the Long Lots Elementary School building project.

No decisions were made. A funding request is expected at the board’s next meeting.

Meanwhile, the town has filed its 8-24 municipal improvement application, for the Long Lots School. It — with “the relocation of a multipurpose field” — is on the Planning & Zoning Commission agenda for Monday, December 18 (7 p.m.; Zoom, plus Optimum channel 79 and Frontier
channel 6020).

By statute, the P&Z must make a decision by January 12.

Written comments can be sent to the P&Z before the meeting: pandz@westportct.gov.

The Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss an 8-24 application for Long Lots Elementary School next Monday.

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But one agenda item is off the table — at least temporarily.

Yesterday, the  Board of Selectwomen scratched a request by Parks & Recreation Department director Jen Fava to approve a license agreement between the town and Longshore Sailing School from tomorrow’s meeting agenda (Wednesday, December 13, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Questions were raised over the weekend about the process by which the recommendation was made.

Longshore Sailing School. (Photo copyright/Stefen Turner)

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The Compo Acres Shopping Center community menorah was lit last night. It was the 5th day of Hanukkah.

Jo Shields Sherman reports that the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life-sponsored event included “festive, frenzied music; treats and toys, dancing, and of course dreidels for the kids.”

She was reassured by the police presence: half a dozen police cars. “I think all the blue lights added something special,” Jo says.

Menorah lighting, at Compo Acres Shopping Center. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)

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There’s a holiday twist to the old saying “sing for your supper.”

This Saturday (December 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), the Weston High School Chamber Singers entertains diners at 14 venues. They’ll sing a few songs at each.

The carolers begin their rounds at the Boathouse, then stop off at Kawa Ni, the Whelk, Tutti’s and the Black Duck. They then make their way around the train station to sing at Tarantino, Harvest, Romanacci, and Allium, before heading north to entertain guests at Zucca, Match Burger Lobster, Rizzuto’s and Viva Zapata, before ending at Dunville’s.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event.

Caroling in Saugatuck restaurants.

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Speaking of Christmas music:

This Sunday (December 17, 5 p.m.), Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church hosts its annual service, following the English tradition of “9 Lessons & Carols.”

The popular event — from the first notes of “Once in Royal David’s City” to the soaring descants of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” — fills attendees with the spirit of Christmas.

The Parish Choir and Choristers are accompanied by Grammy-nominated harpist Kristi Shade.

Afterward, there is a reception with light, festive refreshments in Branson Hall.  The public is invited.

“9 Lessons & Carols,” at Christ & Holy Trinity Church.

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Mike Noonan is a national champion.

Again.

The star of Staples High School’s 1978 state championship team coached Clemson University to the NCAA Division I national title last night.

The 2-1 victory over Notre Dame was Noonan’s 2nd NCAA crown in 3 years. Only 2 other teams in college soccer history have accomplished that feat.

The Tigers — who finish the year 15-3-5, and also won the ACC title — allowed only 1 goal throughout the entire 5-game NCAA tournament. That was last night, by the Irish. It came late in the match on a penalty kick, when Clemson already had the game in hand.

Noonan was cheered on by family and friends, including former teammates Stuart McCarthy, Andy Meyers and Steve Hollingsworth; Dan Donovan (SHS ’82), who won a state title with Staples in 1981, and whose son Paddy (SHS ’22) is a goalkeeper on Clemson’s national champion squad; and Michael McCarthy, Stuart’s son who won his own state championship at Staples in 2009.

Congratulations, “Noons”! Well done, Tigers! Click here for last night’s highlight reel.

Celebrating with the NCAA College Cup trophy (from left): Stuart McCarthy, Andy Meyers, Mike Noonan, Paddy Donovan, Dan Donovan, Michael McCarthy.

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Speaking of soccer:

A fascinating story in the Daily Tar Heel tells the story of the University of North Carolina’s first Black athlete.

In 1963, Edwin Okoroma left Nigeria to play varsity soccer at UNC. Life was not easy, but he persevered. After earning a medical degree at the Mayo Clinic, he returned to his native country. He practiced medicine and taught there for decades — and, now 83 years old, continues to do so.

The story caught the eye of Westporter Bud Siegel. He was Okoroma’s teammate — one of the “New England prep school kids” who, according to the Daily Tar Heel, made up most of the Carolina soccer team.

He says that the newspaper story is quite accurate — right down to its description of an incident at a Howard Johnson’s in Charlottesville, Virginia.

When a waitress told Okoroma that the restaurant did not serve Blacks, he got up to leave. The entire team followed him out the door.

“Edwin was a teammate. We supported one of our own,” Siegel says.

He adds another detail: For their 50th reunion, Siegel was tasked with trying to find former team members.

He tracked Okoroma through Saudi Arabia and to his last posting in Nigeria, but never got a response from the hospital.

“Such a shame,” Siegel says. “We would have loved to have heard Edwin’s story after UNC.”

Click here for the full Daily Tar Heel story.

The 1963 University of North Carolina soccer team. Edwin Okoromo is in the middle of the 2nd row. Bud Siegel is in the front row, 4th from right. Others in the photo include future Yale coach Bill Killen, and future Dartmouth coaches George Beim and Tom Griffith.

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Sir Ian McKellen was at the Westport Library Sunday.

Okay, the famed English actor appeared on the large Trefz Forum screen.

But he addressed the large crowd, before the showing of “The One Note Man” — the compelling story of a musician caught between staying in his comfort zone, or stepping out and changing his life forever.

Westporter Rita Marcocci was an executive producer for the film.

Sir Ian McKellen, on the Westport Library screen. Westporter Dave Briggs, who moderated a panel discussion, is at far right.

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Speaking of the Library: There are just 13 days till Christmas.

And just 108 until VersoFest2024.

The 4th annual Westport Library music concerts/panels/workshops event kicks off April 4, with the indie rock/pop band the Lemon Twigs, and DJ Hysterica spinning all-vinyl power pop, punk, greasy soul and yé-yé.

The Lemon Twigs “dart from twee chamber pop balladry to full-on glam punk, mixing plaintive singer-songwriter confessionals with an almost Syd Barrett sense of outré pop. Their sound has said to harken back to the vocal melody of Art Garfunkel and chamber pop of Brian Wilson, and they cite among their influences Moondog and Arthur Russell.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Westport Country Playhouse just announced 2 new program for this spring.

They’ll appeal to very diverse audiences.

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” (April 27, 1 and 4 p.m.) is aimed at children in pre-K through 2nd grade. Click here for tickets, and more information.

On June 6 (8 p.m.), Tony Kushner sits for an on-stage interview, and Q-and-A. The author/playwright/ screenwriter is known for works like the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning “Angels in America,” and film collaborations with Steven Spielberg on “Munich,” “Lincoln,” “The Fabelmans” and the 2021 remake of “West Side Story.” Click here for tickets, and more information.

Tony Kushner

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Last week, an “06880” Roundup included a photo of the Westport post office, at noon on a weekday. It was completely empty.

What a difference a few days makes. Yesterday, also at noon, the line was almost out the door:

Hopefully no one was in line to buy Christmas stamps. A sign on the wall on the left — easily missed — notes that the post office has run out of this year’s supply.

Timing is everything.

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This week’s “Jazz at the Post,” featuring Antonio Hart, Michael Mossman, Greg Wall, Michael Cochrane, Yuriy Galkin and Tim Horner,  is a tribute to the 1980 record “Street Singer,” a recording of a legendary 1960 performance by Jackie MacLean and Tina Brooks.

There are 2 sets this Thursday (December 14) at VFW Post 399: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7. The music cover is $15. Reservations are strongly suggested: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Bernadine Ann Ripka (Bernie) died peacefully at home Friday, surrounded by her family. She was 87.

The Chicago native lived in Westport since 1973.

A cherished mother and grandmother, Bernie was a member of St. Luke Church, where  she prepared and served meals to the underprivileged. She was an avid fitness walker, and appreciated fashion and interior decorating.

Her family says, “She will be remembered for her generous spirit, quick wit, high emotional intelligence, and love of people.”

Bernie is survived by her husband of 57 years, John; sons Mark (Kate), Brett (Kristen) and their children, Emma and Josephine; daughter-in-law Kim, and Kim and Greg’s daughter Abigail.

She was predeceased by her son Greg, her brother John Shuta and his wife Dorothy, and her sister Martha Neumann and her husband Frank.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following charities: Alzheimer’s Association and Parkinson’s Foundation.

Calling hours are Thursday ( December 14, 4-7 p.m., Lesko Funeral Home, Fairfield). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday (December 15, 11 a.m., Saint Luke Church), To sign Bernie’s online guestbook, click here.

Bernie Ripka

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Our town gets all kinds of weather, and it’s filled with all kinds of creatures, as “Westport … Naturally” followers know well.

This was the scene yesterday, at Sherwood Island State Park:

(Photo/Pamela Docters)

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And finally … in honor of this Saturday’s Saugatuck caroling, at 14 different restaurants:

(Political news? Holiday info? Random stuff you never knew you needed to know? It’s all here at “06880.” Please click here to ensure it keeps coming, 24/7/365. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Local politics, Obituaries, religion, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Staples Internships, Board Of Finance, Fair Rent Commission …

Posted on December 9, 2023 | 3 comments

Staples High School’s Internship Program is a win-win-win.

Every spring, talented and eager seniors leave school 3-4 weeks before graduation. They spend the final month out in the real world.

They work everywhere: retail stores, salons, restaurants, non-profits, medical offices, financial firms, design shops, farms, marketing companies, photography studios, publishers … you name it. If there’s a job to be learned and done, they do it.

(And not just in Westport. Interns head to New York City — even beyond.)

The work and real life experience they gain is invaluable. The energy, creativity — and help — they bring to the workplace is huge. And the internships get them out of high school at a time when senioritis would otherwise kick in (that’s the third “win”).

But as hard as they work, the program coordinators work equally hard right now arranging 420 or so internships.

So they’re asking the greater “06880” community: Can you help?

Do you need a senior (or 2, or 3) for daily onsite (or remote) work? Perhaps you’re beefing up your social media presence. Or looking for research help, design work, web content, data entry. Or hundreds of other tasks.

You can be a small, medium or large size firm– or a single proprietor. Maybe you were an intern once yourself, and want to give back.

Internships begin May 20. Students are expected to work 5 hours a day for 3-4 weeks, onsite, remotely or in a hybrid model. Program leaders provide guidance and oversight.

If interested, or to learn more, email shsinternship@westportps.org.

Staples High School internship opportunities include local farms.

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The Board of Finance holds a special meeting this Monday (December 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

There is one agenda item: “Second discussion of the Long Lots Building Project.” It’s a discussion only; no vote will be taken.

The Long Lots Elementary School building project’s next step is the Board of Finance. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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Speaking of local politics: 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker is seeking residents registered to vote in Westport to serve on the Fair Rent Commission. This group, was recently established by the Representative Town Meeting.

Five members will be appointed to staggered 4-year terms. Click here for the full language of the ordinance, including its makeup and powers.

In addition to the Fair Rent Commission, Westport residents with varying interests, talents, backgrounds and political affiliations are encouraged to volunteer to serve on other appointed committees that currently have vacancies or upcoming member term limits:

  • Architectural Review Board
  • Arts Advisory Committee
  • Blight Prevention Board
  • Commission for Senior Services
  • Conservation Commission
  • Flood and Erosion Control Board (Alternates)
  • Historic District Commission
  • Parks Advisory Committee
  • Tree Board
  • Youth Commission

Click here for descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of these appointed boards, commissions and committees.

Registered voters seeking any appointment should submit an Interest Form,   including a brief description of your background, biography or resume to selectwoman@westportct.gov.

Questions? Contact 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore: amoore@westportct.gov.

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Westport’s November residential home real estate market was stronger than a year ago.

There were 25 unit sales — up 8.7% compared to November 2022.

The median sales price of $1,75 million was up 9.7%; the median sales price per square foot of $434 is a 3% increase.

76% of homes sold for 95% or more of the list price. 84% sold within 90 days of listing.

The inventory of 91 homes represents a 12.5% decline compared to a year ago. The days on market — 48 — is a 15.8% decline. (Hat tip: Meredith Cohen/Raveis)

This 5-bedroom, 5 1/2-bathroom house at 2 Owenoke Park is listed for $8.795 million. It is 4,820 square feet, on 0.47 acres.

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La Plage celebrates the holidays with 2 special dinners.

There are 3-course prix fixe meals on Christmas Eve (4 to 10 p.m.) and Christmas Day (noon to 7 p.m.; $90 per person; $55 for 12 and under; $20 for kid’s menu). Click here for the menu, and reservations (required).

New Year’s Eve features a la carte seating from 5 to 7 p.m. A gala dinner, with 5- course tasting menu, is served from 8:30 on. Click here for the menu, and reservations.

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Speaking of the holidays: It will be a cold one in Lyman, Ukraine. For the second winter in a row, our sister city is dealing with the effects of Russia’s invasion.

Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded Ukraine Aid International — is in Lyman this week.

Yesterday, he sent a video. It shows both the destruction, and the opportunity to help.

Our goal this month is to raise $60,000. That would pay for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provides pellets to heat 1,000 homes. In just 96 hours, “06880” readers have donated nearly $51,000.

With your help, the machines can be funded — and delivered — by Christmas. $30 will heat one home all winter. $300 will heat 10. $3,000 will heat 100. And 3 of those $3,000 donations will enable us to reach our goal.

To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!

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Pizza and a play.

That’s on the menu December 20. Westport Country Playhouse hosts “Together at the Table Family Dinner,” before a performance of the holiday production “A Sherlock Carol.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a pizza dinner, followed by the show at 7.

Families can enjoy a communal dinner in the Playhouse’s rehearsal barn and a casual conversation with an artist from the show before the performance together – all for $10 per ticket (must attend as a family, with student-age children. For reservations, call 203-227-4177.

“A Sherlock Carol” runs from December 19-23. Click here for the full schedule, and more information.

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Former 1st Selectwoman Diane Farrell returns to Westport.

This time, she’s the deputy under secretary for international trade, in the office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce.

She’ll speak to the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club this Friday (December 15, 7:45 a.m.,; coffee, bagels and muffins at 7;  Green’s Farms Congregational Church).

The public is invited. To RSVP or for questions, email info@WestportSunriseRotary.org.

Diane Farrell

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Kerri Rosenthal turns its attention from women’s clothes to women’s work.

On Tuesday (December 12, 6 to 8 p.m.), the Main Street store hosts a launch and discussion for Dr. Hilary Berger’s new book, “Work Like a Mother: Rewriting the Script for a Mother’s Career and Wellness Journey.”

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Congratulations to Staples High School’s December Students of the Month: seniors Deneil Betfarhad and William Lacend Duprey; juniors Elsa D’Elia, Christina Kavanah and Kelpin Gomez Ramos; sophomore Reese Rein, and freshmen Lila Roach and Simon Van Aken.

Students of the Month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”

Staples Students of the Month (from left): Simon Van Aken, Lila Roach, Kelpin Gomez Ramos, Deneil Betfarhad, Christina Kavanah, Elsa D’Elia, William Lacend Duprey. Missing: Reese Rein. 

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Speaking of Staples: 1979 graduate and Clemson University men’s soccer head coach Mike Noonan is headed to the NCAA championship.

His Tigers beat West Virginia University 1-0 yesterday in the Division I semifinal. They face Notre Dame in Monday’s final (6 p.m.).

Noonan had a legendary soccer career at Staples, helping lead the Wreckers to the 1978 state championship. After earning All-America status at Middlebury College, he played professionally — including in Louisville, where the Final 4 is being held.

Several of Noonan’s former Staples teammates and friends made the trip there for yesterday’s match, including Rich Hiltz, Eric Strausser and Dan Donovan. Donovan’s son Paddy is a reserve goalkeeper for Clemson.

Mike Noonan greets Westport fans after yesterday’s NCAA Division I semifinal win.

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The Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series continues December 19 (8 p.m.), with an out-of-this-world topic.

Dr. Catherine S. Plesko will discuss “Planetary Defense: Using Supercomputers to Prevent Asteroid Impacts on Earth.” She is the principal investigator for planetary defense at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Click here to watch via Zoom. Click here to watch via YouTube.

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Claudia Sherwood Servidio offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Main Street near Willowbrook Cemetery, with this comment: “There’s still color out there!”

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … in honor of Dr. Hilary Berger’s book launch (story above):

(Once again — as we’ve done every day since 2009 — “06880” delivers tons of useful, hyper-local news and information. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Local politics, Real estate, Restaurants, Staples HS

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Inclusive Schools Week Includes All

Posted on December 8, 2023 | 3 comments

You may not know that this is National Inclusive Schools Week.

But your kids sure do.

All 5 Westport elementary schools — and Stepping Stones Preschool — planned special programming to celebrate the annual event. Begun in 2001, it encourages schools to support cultures of inclusion, and provide quality education to an increasingly diverse student population.

“Many activities open doors to understanding and respecting different ways of thinking, reflecting on themselves as learners, and fostering a sense of belonging in our schools,” says Coleytown Elementary principal Janna Sirowich.

“We are educating students about neurodiversity  — the different ways that people’s brains work — and how disabilities do not define or limit an individual’s potential.”

Every elementary school read a book about a famed disability rights activist.

Each school designed a variety of learning opportunities and experiences, across all areas of the building.

For example, Stepping Stones classes read “It’s Ok to be Different,” by Sharon Purtil, which celebrates diversity and encourages acceptance.

All elementary classes read “All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything,”  the true story of disability rights advocate Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins. Born with cerebral palsy, she joined the “Capitol Crawl” in Washington — which led to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Among other activities:

Stepping Stones Preschool students watched a PBS show featuring Sesame Street character Julia, who has autism. The video promotes awareness and understanding of neurodiversity at a developmentally appropriate level.

Coleytown Elementary students learned about Special Olympics and Paralympics in their physical education classes — including many athletes who achieved great success in a variety of sports.

All kindergarten through 5th grade artists at Greens Farms Elementary studied Henri Matisse. In a wheelchair and despite his physical limitations, he made incredible art. Students creating their own all-school mural, using organic shapes.

Students in Kings Highway Elementary music classes students incorporated sign language in songs they sang. They also learned about a number of musicians who use their abilities and talents in different ways.

Inclusive Schools Week bulletin board.

All Long Lots Elementary 2nd graders visited with a therapy dog. They learned how animals provide emotional comfort and support to people of all ages and circumstances.

The daily TV news show, Saugatuck Seal News, highlighted individuals with disabilities who have adapted and overcome challenges to create new opportunities once seen as impossible.

Inclusive Schools Week began last week, with a special Cultural Arts performance. “Magic Into the Deaf World” was an inspiring show with Matthew “Magic ” Morgan, who enchanted his audience. Westport science coach Phaedra Taft signed and interpreted for “Magic Morgan.”

“Magic” Morgan (far right), his wife Liliana (2nd from left), with Kings Highway principal Tracey Carbone (wearing green), and parents during Inclusive Schools Week.

“National Inclusive Schools Week provides an opportunity for educators, students, families and communities to engage in conversations and activities that foster a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere within our schools,” Coleytown El principal Sirowich says.

“It encourages reflection on current practices, and the exploration of new strategies to ensure that every student feels welcomed, respected and valued.”

(“06880” highlights the often-overlooked achievements of students and teachers. Please click here to support hyper-local stories like these. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Education

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[OPINION] Proper Procurement Process Must Be Followed For Long Lots Project

Posted on December 6, 2023 | 15 comments

Yulee Aronson is a licensed professional engineer, with 40 years of construction management and project controls experience, overseeing many high-profile and complex projects. He says, “I have never encountered a construction problem that couldn’t be overcome.”

Yulee Aronson

Locally, Aronson has worked on the reconstruction of Staples High School and the William F. Cribari Bridge, and the chlorination building at the wastewater pollution facility. Other projects include Penn Station access, the reconstruction of La Guardia Airport, and the Baltimore Potomac Tunnel replacement.

As the Board of Finance prepares to debate the Long Lots Elementary School construction project, he writes to them:

The Long Lots School Building Committee has come before you, requesting the next round of funding to commence the design based on the recommendations from the feasibility study. It appears that such a request is prematurely bypassing several important steps.

Per proper procurement protocols, such large appropriation needs to be performed following a competitive RFP process. The contract with Svigals Partner Architects — the firm that completed the feasibility study (Phase I) — notes:

In Phase II (separate contract) the Town will utilize the collective team to prepare the final design documents for the ultimate construction solution. Final Construction documents are expected to be completed by August 30, 2024. In Pase II the A/E team is expected to do the following services. While desirable to keep continuity of the A/E between phases, Phase II will be a separate RFP process.

Has the LLSBC been empowered to sidestep the proper procurement process? And how would the lack of competitive procurement be seen by the state, from whom Westport would be seeking reimbursement?

Considering that Long Lots may become the most expensive single project in Westport’s history, we need to make sure that this next step is performed with proper governance and oversight.

It is also prudent to examine how it all started, and how the scope of the authority of the LLSBC may have expanded beyond its original charter.

It began with the development and issuance of the Building Assessment Report at the end of February 2023. It was followed by the RFP process for Phase I scope, and culminated with the issuance of the contract to Svigals Partner Architects in May.

Long Lots Elementary School is 70 years old. It was designed as a junior high.

The scope of work for Phase I was limited to the conceptual design of the school building and parking.

Sometime in the summer this scope was suddenly expanded without proper authorization to include planning for the athletic facilities, based on the study performed by the Parks and Recs Department. Who placed the School Building Committee in charge of the planning for the Parks Department? A

And how is the school renovation/replacement project now required to satisfy the needs of Parks and Rec, who previously stated that they don’t have the funding to expand their facilities, yet now this expansion is going to take place as a part of the school construction budget?

The School Building Committee extended their reach by deciding to relocate the Westport Community gardens from their existing location to another site, all as a part of the school construction umbrella and budget.

The town of Westport already has a committee that deals with the town-wide design and construction projects, looking at them holistically and not through a narrow lens of a single project. Considering the complexity and the mixed use of the existing site, is the School Building Committee the best group to chart our course forward? Or should we use the resources that we already have, namely the Public Site & Building Committee?

During public hearings, many respected professionals have pointed out that the time and scope limitations of the feasibility study did not allow hired professionals to “dive into details” of various options.

Option “C,” presented as the best plan by the Long Lots School Building Committee.

Here are just 2 examples that come to mind.

  • The cost of renovation provided in the report is based on the very conservative replacement and construction phasing assumptions that had to be made, because no time was provided in the process to really study how to renovate an occupied school while keeping costs down. Historically such renovations, once fully designed, planned and constructed, are less expensive than new construction, and generate higher reimbursement rates for the town from the state, resulting in a lower tax burden on the residents.
  • There were also several alternative “new school” solutions presented by various professionals that live in town. These solutions consisted of a new school building of the same size and interior layout/ adjacencies as used in the study, athletic fields of the size and shape used in the study, and the gardens that remain in place with less environmental impact on the neighbors. Such options included i)a more compact layout for the school building in the east-west direction; ii) more compacted parking lot in the same direction, and iii) a split level 3-story school with higher grade educational spaces located on the upper level in compliance with the Ed Specs.

What united these alternative options was the preservation of all of the existing uses on site, while providing more protection to the neighbors from unwanted noise and light pollution, and also allowing more rainwater to be absorbed in place during construction and beyond. In addition, all these proposals were less expensive.

In no way are the above options proposed here the “ultimate solutions.” The conversation about which option is best for the town would be resolved when other qualified design firms would be allowed to compete on cost of design and projected costs of construction for their respective designs, and managed by the properly authorized town committee.

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Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics

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200 Petitioners To P&Z: Long Lots School, Baseball Field Are 2 Separate Issues

Posted on December 1, 2023 | 70 comments

Two prominent Westporters — former State Representative Ken Bernhard, and attorney Larry Weisman — have followed the Long Lots Elementary School building project with interest.

Today they delivered a letter to the Planning & Zoning Commission, with copies to the Board of Finance, Board of Selectwomen, and RTM moderator.

In it, they ask the P&Z to treat 2 components of the project — the school building itself, and the baseball field that may replace the current Westport Community Gardens — as separate issues, rather than one.

The letter has been signed by nearly 200 residents. They include Democrats, Republicans, and former members of bodies like the Board of Education, Board of Finance and RTM.

The letter says:

Dear Planning and Zoning Commissioners,

With respect to the administration’s decision to replace the Community Gardens with a Babe Ruth-sized playing field, many in town feel that good governance and fair play have not received their due.

Advocates for additional playing fields, including the administration and its handpicked committee, have prevailed notwithstanding complaints by other legitimate stakeholders that the process was flawed on multiple levels.

Even requests for a second look by the Public Site & Building Commission (designated by the Town Charter as the “school building committee”) have been denied, despite the obvious value of review at no cost to the town by an independent body with expertise and experience in construction and development of similar projects.

The Long Lots School Project has two distinct and independent components: 1. demolition and reconstruction of the school, and 2. construction of a playing field on the adjacent town-owned property now occupied by the Community Gardens.

Letter writers say that the construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School …

The matter will soon come before the Planning & Zoning Commission upon the request of the administration for a single 8-24 review, on the mistaken assumption that the two parts should or must be treated as one even though they involve two separate and distinct uses on two separate pieces of land.

We believe that it is a mistake to treat the two components as one because the P&Z can only either approve or disapprove an 8-24 request; it cannot modify the submission or impose conditions upon its implementation.

… is a discussion separate from the future of the Westport Community Gardens.

The effect of treating these disparate uses on unrelated sites as one is to limit the ability of the P&Z to evaluate each of the components of this project on its own merits and perhaps to approve of one while disapproving of the other.

Furthermore, after reviewing the relevant documentation, several qualified observers with considerable expertise and real-world construction experience firmly believe that there is adequate land on the school site to accommodate both a new school, (including staging and storage during construction), and a playing field without encroaching upon the adjacent site occupied by the gardens. To date however, those opinions have not been heard because those holding them have not been afforded an opportunity for meaningful participation in the decision-making process.

In view of the aforesaid, we respectfully request that the P&Z either encourage the administration to submit two 8-24 requests acknowledging the separate components of the project or, failing that, that it issues a negative 8-24 report on a submission that combines the two severable components.

Respectfully submitted,
Ken Bernhard, Larry Weisman

Other signers:

Ken Wirfel                            Elle Lowenstein                  Sybil Steinberg

Bob Jacobs                           Mimi Greenlee                    Dave Matlow

Dede McDowell                  Mike Guthman                    Jo Ann Davidson

Lucy Johnson                       Sandra Urist                         Diane Wildman

Rick Benson                         Jane Jessup                          Mike Szeto

Nancy Vener                        Janine Scotti                        Pietro Scotti

Andrew Coleman               Relly Coleman                     Jeff Nevill

Yulee Aronson         Mary-Lou Weisman                       John Paul

Lynn Paul                  Valerie Szeto                                   Sam Levenson

Don Bergman          Carolanne Curry                             Diane Bosch

Eric Bosch                 Bill Klein                                            Idalia Rodriquez

Larry Kleinman        Kate McGarvey                               Jean-Pierre Montillier

Brian McGarvey     Phil Glick                                           Sara Glick

James Mather         Jesse Harte                                      James Brown

Dalma Heyn             Shelia Smith                                     Mary-Claire Grosgogeat

Mark Steckel           Ellen Winnick                                  Willian Anderson

Linda Mak Chin       Ethan Chin                                       Edward Chin

Sally Kleinman        Allegra Gottizemel                         Elizabeth Duvall

Lee Wrubel              David Meth                                      Linda Pryele

Mathew Sagal         Linda Kowalsky                               Morgaine Pauker

William Berson       Gene Byrne                                      Art Gang

Debra Smolka          Ed Smolka                                        Jane Jacobs

Emily Jacobs            Gavin Broady                                   Chuck Greenlee

Lori Meinke              Theresa Roth                                   Eric Friedland

Ann Matlow            Sari Bodi                                           Deborah Press

Michael Press          Eleanor Spangler                            Douglas Spangler

Susie Anderson      Irmgard Gwilliam                           Al Gwilliam

Lori Hammer           Pamela Davis                                   Jeff Gershowitz

Will Hamilton          Marc Fischer                                    Jean Pierre Montillier

Sara Montillier        Sara Montillier                                Maura Keenan

Peter Keenan           Patricia Boyle                                  Edward Boyle

Alec Head                 George Waterman                         Mary Sue Waterman

Benjamin Head       Marguerite Webb                          Phyllis Freeman

Joseph Wiles           Michelle Wiles                                Joyce Barnhart

Nancy Gentile         Andrew Gentile                              Amy Unikewicz

Leslie Meredith       Chris Grimm                                    Miriam Roth

Julie Cook                 Peter Cook                                       Alison Freeland

Ellie Tsurdinis          Margaret Freeland                        Tim Simons

Kataryna Parciak    Christopher Clanton                      Ester Clanton

Orly Angerthal        Julie O’Grady                                   Martin O’Grady

Liam O’Grady          Terrie Langer                                   Chris Singer

Steven Chin             Pam Barkentin                                Marjorie Donalds

Lous Weinberg        Cris Haggerty                                  Erin Loranger

Laureen Haynes      Melody Ware                                  Paddy Duecy

Pat Duecy                 Mickael Beebe                                Netta Levy

Sally Kleinman        Jacque Masumian                          Monique Nebelung

Greg Rosen              Jeff Schorer                                      Edward Saenz

Karen La Costa        Zuzana Daure                                  Eric Daure

Susan Poretta         Peter Swift                                       Leslie Gransberry

Kathleen Kiley         Cynthia Mindell-Wong                 Martha Corneck

Hayes Clark              Clare Clark                                        Laura Schwartz

Josh Schwartz         Phillip Schemel                               Alexander Jinishian

Megan Will             Tim Cook

Nancy Lewis            Greg Wolfe                                      Mayann Alley

Yun Mai                    Lewis Bellardo                                 Julietta Bellardo

Joe Mackiewicz       Kim Mackiewicz                             Nancy Sinclaire

Glen Hodes                                                   Kathleen Wauchope

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[OPINION] Public Site & Building Commission Must Have Role In Long Lots Debate

Posted on November 10, 2023 | 27 comments

The election is over. The Parker Harding renovation is on pause. Time to turn our attention back to Westport’s largest-ever capital project: a new Long Lots Elementary School.

Larry Weisman

Larry Weisman is longtime observer of — and participant in — town affairs. An attorney who defended SNCC workers in the South, as well as a Staples High School graduate who lost his student deferment after protesting the Vietnam War, Weisman moved his practice to Westport in 1979 and concentrated on zoning law.

He has represented the Gault Saugatuck project, Westport Library, Aspetuck Town Trust, Compo Beach playground effort, and many other major projects. Larry writes: 

Lost in the heated debate over the Long Lots school and Westport Community Gardens is the role that could and should have been played by  the Public Site & Building Commission.

The PSBC is comprised of professionals well qualified to evaluate the project in the first instance, as well as to review the recommendation favored by the 1st Selectwoman which would eliminate the Gardens to accommodate a ball field.

Here’s what the Charter has to say on the subject:

Unless otherwise expressly designated by the Representative Town Meeting with the concurrence of the First Selectman, the Public Site and Building Commission shall be designated as the school building committee as that term is defined in the General Statutes.

In the case of the Long Lots School, the 1st Selectwoman, supported by a vote of the RTM (not the RTM with the concurrence of the 1st Selectwoman, as suggested by the Charter), bypassed the PSBC and appointed her own hand- picked school building committee.

It would be fair, it seems to me, to ask why she did that; whether the RTM when it voted was aware of the Charter provision (most members were not); and if they had been, might they have asked why a new committee was necessary; and why has she refused, even after the fact, to grant the PSBC’s request that she refer her committee’s recommendation to it for further review and evaluation. What is she afraid of?

The Long Lots Elementary School project will be Westport’s largest capital expense ever.

In my view this has all of the hallmarks of a process carefully engineered by the 1st Selectwoman to avoid informed dissent and minimize public participation so as to produce a predetermined result.

Unfortunately for the citizens of Westport, these tactics do not necessarily produce either the best or the fairest result, nor one in which the public can have unqualified confidence.

I for one would be much more comfortable with the result, whatever it may be, if the project had been or now would be scrutinized by the PSBC which is, for good reason, designated by the Charter to serve as “the school building committee” unless there is a compelling reason to replace it, which does not seem to be the case in this instance.

I urge the RTM, which failed to take into account the relevant Charter provision when it voted to confirm the 1st Selectwoman’s committee choices, to redeem itself by adopting a Resolution asking, directing, imploring — whatever phrasing is appropriate — the 1st Selectwoman to refer her hand-picked Long Lots School Building Committee’s findings and recommendations to the Public Site & Building Commission for further review and public comment.

I asked Larry what the Public Site & Building Commission itself thought. Chair Joseph Strickland says:

The Public Site & Building Commission is comprised of experienced professionals in construction and development projects, and as such is uniquely qualified to serve as the school building committee as contemplated by the Charter.

I have every confidence that, given the opportunity, we will be able to make constructive suggestions that will benefit the project and the town of Westport. It goes without saying that the more qualified people who look at the project, the better it will be for everyone concerned.

27 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics

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[OPINION] Impartial Review Panel Could Aid Long Lots Process

Posted on October 30, 2023 | 43 comments

Ken Bernhard knows Westport. He’s lived here for decades, and seen a lot.

He spent 8 years representing our town in Connecticut’s General Assembly, rising to assistant minority leader. He was 3rd selectman from 1987 to ’89, then served on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Ken Bernhard

The longtime Westporter has been a board member of the Westport Library, Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk Human Services Council, Earthplace, Westport Historical Society, Levitt Pavilion, Aspetuck Land Trust, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, and Connecticut League of Conservation Voters,

Further afield, he has worked with Syrian refugees, and in Ukraine. Ken writes:

I believe Westport is confronting a critical issue that requires the immediate attention of our town leaders — specifically, the divide between those supporting the preservation of our Community Gardens, and those who want to construct a new Babe Ruth playing field.

Advocates for both sides agree that there is a need for a new school. But the necessity for and, more importantly the location of, another ball field is debatable.

The hyperbole on both sides undermines us as a community.

Unquestionably, the Long Lots School Building Committee did its work thoroughly and honestly. But the allegations that it did not adequately involve some of the stakeholders soon enough, that it exceeded the scope of its mission, that the recommendation to remove the gardens was preordained, and that the process was possibly flawed, are resonating among Westport residents.

If we don’t address this directly, and before the political approval process commences, we will have failed to maintain the sense of fair dealing and honest brokering that defines how Westport manages its affairs.

Please recall instances where compromise and good governance prevailed in years past: resolving the Arts Center lease at Green Farms Elementary School, dogs at Compo Beach, the acquisition and then use of Winslow Park, construction of the Senior Center, creation of the Wakeman Farm complex, and building the Compo Beach playground, to name a few.

I recommend that the administration appoint an impartial, respected group of citizens to review the process; listen to LLSBC members, neighbors, and community garden advocates, and hopefully render an opinion regarding gardens vs. a playing field that everyone can accept, and that will help the approval process to proceed with minimum rancor and distrust.

It would not take a great deal of time, might speed up the hearings, won’t cost anything, and could avoid possible litigation.

Construction of the Compo Beach playground began in 1986 only after a court injunction was lifted.

43 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics

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Roundup: Board Of Finance, Dog Days Of Autumn, Peace Vigil …

Posted on October 29, 2023 | 16 comments

Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the 4th agenda item for Wednesday’s Board of Finance meeting is “Long Lots Building Project (Discussion only”).

Chair Lee Caney notes: “On all of our agendas for our regular monthly meetings, we will have an update on LLS.  The updates have been on prior agendas.  We did the same thing with the Coleytown Middle School updates.

“This month there will probably be no discussion, as we just had a meeting. This is not our second meeting on LLS, which will take place at a date to be determined.

“I would never try to sneak in an important meeting, as I welcome and encourage community participation.”

The Board of Finance is just one stop on the road to approval of the Long Lots Elementary School project.

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Today will be much cooler than yesterday — like, 30 degrees lower.

So let’s take one look back at the “last day of summer” (aka October 28):

Longshore: The view from a Boston Whaler (Photo/Nancy Lewis)

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The view is always spectacular from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation sanctuary.

It’s particularly inspiring on a gorgeous fall day list yesterday.

The foliage framed the UU’s quiet and contemplative peace vigil yesterday. Rev. Alan Taylor and others led attendees through a meditative experience. Cellist Gunnar Sahlin provided musical accompaniment.

“All of us are spiritual people, no matter our personal faith traditions or religious affiliations,” the UU says. “We can find solace in community … in peace, in meditation, and in reflection.”

Cellist Gunnar Sahlin. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)

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The Westport Library celebrated Halloween last night with a Westport and Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored party.

“Bella’s Bartok” played. The stage was decorated. Costumes were worn.

It was, one of the 200 attendees said, “outrageous.”

In, of course, the best way possible.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

There’s a new sheriff in town. Matthew Mandell (left) — director of the Chamber of Commerce — and his wife Cara enjoy last night’s party. 

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More traditional entertainment was provided last night at the Westport Country Playhouse.

There was a deserved standing ovation at the opening performance of “First Lady of Song: Cherise Coaches sings Ella Fitzgerald.”

The show continues Tuesday through Sunday, including evenings and matinees. Special events include Pride Night (November 2) and Open Captions (November 5). Click here for schedules, tickets, and more information.

Cherise Coaches, at last night’s curtain call. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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“Billions” — the high-powered Showtime series about a high-stakes hedge fund managed that morphed into a fascinating exploration of people, power, prestige, and (always) the role money plays in it all — ended its 7-year run this month.

Bobby Axelrod’s “Axe Capital” — based, more than loosely, on both Westport’s Bridgewater Associates and Steve Cohen’s SAC Capital — was originally headquartered in Westport, where the character lived. Midway through the series, it (and he, following a divorce) moved to New York.

It was a thrilling series, with plenty of superb writing and acting (including the great Damian Lewis). Click here to see.

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The Westport Book Sale hosted their first-ever fundraiser this past week.

The event supports the next phase of their employment and job training program for adults with differing abilities.  Scores of Westporters enjoyed a video about the Book Shop, including plans for expanding their employment program.

Click here to watch.

Some of the scenes at the Westport Book Sale fundraiser.

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Sure, it was 80 degrees (or more yesterday).

But it’s still autumn — and peak foliage time.

Claudia Sherwood Servidio snapped this why-we-love-New England “Westport … Naturally” shot yesterday at Vista Terrace. That’s the private road that forms a horseshoe, starting and ending across from the 1st hole at the Longshore golf course.


(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … today is the 94th anniversary of Black Tuesday.

On this date in 1929, the New York Stock Exchange crashed. Investors traded a then-whopping 16 million shares in one. $14 billion of stock value was lost, wiping out thousands of investors.

Some stocks had no buyers at any price. The Dow lost 11.73% of its total value: a staggering 30.57 points.

The Great Bull Market was over. The Great Depression had begun.

(Help “06880” stay solvent. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

16 Comments

Posted in Education, Entertainment, Library, Local politics, religion, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Sustainable Westport Candidate Survey, Bridge Slide, Sharks! …

Posted on October 28, 2023 | 15 comments

Sustainable Westport — the town’s non-profit advisory environmental committee — recently surveyed all candidates running for the Representative Town Meeting, Board of Education, Board of Finance and Planning & Zoning Commission.

36% of candidates responded. Click here to view their answers.

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Last weekend’s first “bridge slide” — replacement of the I-95 Saugatuck Avenue bridge, with resultant closures and diversions of the highway — went smoothly.

Until Sunday afternoon.

The second (and final) slide is set for next weekend. It begins at 8 p.m. Friday, November 3, and is scheduled to end at 6 a.m. Monday, November 6.

Last weekend’s work ended sooner than expected. Fingers crossed …

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On Wednesday (November 1, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Finance holds a public meeting.

Most items are routine: financial reports, status updates, appropriation requests.

Tucked into the agenda — #4, of 8 items — is “Long Lots Building Project (Discussion only).”

The meeting will be livestreamed at www.westportct.gov. Meeting materials will be available there too.

The Board of Finance will discuss the Long Lots Elementary School project on Wednesday. It faces further review from other town bodies too.

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Wednesday’s Roundup included a plea from a reader to golfers to stop chipping balls into water. She recently fished over 100 out of Long Island Sound, at Burying Hill Beach.

Yesterday brought a different kind of fish to the same beach.

Three baby sharks washed ashore. Nicholas Eisenberger — who sent along this photo from his Greens Farms neighbor, Margaret Schwabe — wonders if this is very normal, somewhat normal, or quite unusual.

Marine biologists: Click “Comments” below!

Sharks, at Burying Hill Beach. (Photo/Margaret Schwabe)

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Speaking of beaches: The raising and moving of the 1917 house on Compo Cove continues to fascinate everyone who lives at or walks by Old Mill Beach.

Here’s a photo from yesterday:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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The Westport Farmers’ Market is all about healthy eating.

As part of their mission, next Thursday’s market (November 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot) includes a Health & Wellness event.

Dharma Massage will discuss the value of massage, and provide 10-minute chair sessions. Zion Physical Therapy will teach shoppers proper stretching plans.  Pause + Purpose has teamed up with GWell to offer Gu Shaw treatments, and will speak to the benefits of meditation.

In addition, Mae Farrell — head of WFM’s”Get Growing” program — will show attendees — including children — how to make healing bath salts.

And nutrition and recipe expert Terry Walters will share recipes and answer questions on how to best nurture bodies with healthy food.

All that is in addition to the usual vendors — and healthy food.

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Three new exhibits have been unveiled at the Westport Library.

Suzanne Benton’s “All About Color” is featured in the Sheffer Gallery. Norm Siegel’s “Visual Curiosities” is in the South Gallery, while “Showtime!” — a series of selections from the Westport Public Art Collections — can be seen in the Jesup Gallery.

They run through January 8, 2024. Each includes a special artist reception: November 1 for Benton, November 8 for Showtime!, and November 20 for Siegel. The Benton and Siegel events include artists’ talks.

From left: “Yanone C” by Hiromitsu Takahashi, courtesy WestPAC; “Tilted Finish” by Norm Siegel; “Continuum” by Suzanne Benton.

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With rain predicted tomorrow, La Plage has postponed its Patio Closing party.

The Inn at Longshore restaurant begins winter hours this week. They’ll be open Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. They’re closed Monday and Tuesday, through April.

Beginning Wednesday (November 1), they’ll offer a 5-course tasting menu for $85. A wine pairing menu will also be available. 

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As Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends, Chocolatieree reminds “06880” readers of their fundraiser.

They created a “Save the Tatas” collection. 50% of all sales will be donated to Pink Aid Westport.

The collection includes a $20 ruby (pink) chocolate tata pop, and 6 pink heart palettes in dark chocolate.

The collection can be ordered (and shipped) through their website, and can be shipped or picked up at their Church Lane shop.

There is also an option for the chocolates to be sent to a location like a cancer center or food insecurity site. Click here to see.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature wanders over the border, to Weston.

It’s definitely worth the trip, for this shot:

(Photo/Pat Weist)

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And finally … well, you knew this was coming:

(Where else but “06880” can you learn where candidates stand on the environment, AND be warned about sharks? Please click here to help us continue covering all this stuff. Thank you!)

 

15 Comments

Posted in Arts, Beach, Education, Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics

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RTM Moderator: Gardeners Will Have Their Say — Later

Posted on October 26, 2023 | 38 comments

As the Long Lots Elementary School project moves forward, a group of residents want their voices heard by the Representative Town Meeting.

That will happen, moderator Jeff Wieser says.

But not by petition.

On Tuesday, Lou Weinberg — chair of the Westport Community Gardens, which may be forced to move if a new baseball diamond is built on its current location — submitted a petition signed by 37 electors to the Town Clerk.

It requested a chance to present to the RTM “the history and current status of the Westport Community Gardens and Town Preserve.”

Citing “the largest capital expenditure in Westport’s history,” the petitioners said: “We believe it is incumbent upon the RTM members to have a full understanding of the consequences of a project of this magnitude.”

Wieser — who as moderator decides the monthly agenda — said in an email to the 36 RTM members yesterday:

You will see that this petition is asking for time at an upcoming RTM meeting to present an update on the history and current status of the Westport  Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve. This request is very similar to the one delivered this summer by the citizens concerned with the path of the Parker Harding discussions.

As I did in deciding that the presentation previously requested was not an issue within the RTM’s purview, I have decided not to bring this new petition to the RTM. Since that earlier stance, which was supported by the Town Attorney, we have had long and public conversations about how to review such requests by electors. In a subsequent petition meant to clarify how that should occur,  82% of the RTM has voted that discretion in this regard is appropriate.

I am alerting you to this decision so that you are aware and, if you object, to remind the RTM that the body has a clear – and welcomed – opportunity to overrule my decision within the confines of the next meeting.

I also point out that we will most probably be considering $1,000,000+ funding at November’s meeting for the design of the new school. There will be ample opportunity at that meeting and at many, many more public meetings for proponents of the gardens to comment on the situation.

I think all are aware that as a gardener at my beloved plot #146, I am not indifferent to the outcome of this debate. But as moderator I will continue to be moderate; to stay away from the fray and let the town’s process, which is a very good process, run its course.

I don’t wish to start a debate. If you have comments or objections, please communicate individually with me or others.

 

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