Tag Archives: Long Lots School Building Committee

Roundup: Detours, Long Lots Meetings, Carjacking …

Posted on October 19, 2023 | 21 comments

We can’t emphasize it enough: I-95 will be a mess this weekend.

And local roads will be collateral damage.

The I-95 northbound entrance ramp at Exit 17 will remain closed from now through Friday, October 31. Traffic is being detoured to Riverside Avenue, then to the Post Road, Sherwood Island Connector, and onto Exit 18.

In addition, parts of I-95 itself will be closed — as will the northbound Exit 17  entrance and exit ramps, and the southbound exit ramp — along with nearby Saugatuck Avenue, from 8 p.m. this Friday, October 20, through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23.

The closures are necessary for the new I-95 northbound bridge to be placed using Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques. While I-95 northbound is closed, 2 lanes of I-95 northbound traffic will be crossed over on the I-95 southbound bridge. Traffic flow in both directions will be severely impacted all weekend.

For additional information on the project, including detours, click here.

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The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting tonight (Thursday, October 19, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201), to “meet briefly to accept the written recommendation for presentation to the First Selectwoman.”

That recommendation of a new building is for “Option C,” voted unanimously by the LLSBC earlier this month.

An hour later tonight (Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria), the Board of Education agenda includes a discussion/action item: “Long Lots Building Committee Update.”

It will be presented by LLSBC chair Jay Keenan.

The Long Lots project moves forward next Tuesday (October 24, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), with a special session of the Board of Finance. They’ll meet with the Building Committee and Board of Education, “to discuss only their recommendations.”

The Board of Finance will take comments from the public for 30 minutes.

Long Lots School Building Committee.

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A third arrest has been made, in connection with last month’s carjacking incident at a resident’s Bayberry Lane garage.

Vineys Baez, a 20-year-old Waterbury resident, was arrested yesterday.

He was charged with:

  • Home invasion
  • Burglary, 1st degree
  • Robbery by carjacking
  • Assault, 3rd degree
  • Reckless endangerment
  • Larceny 1st degree
  • Conspiracy to commit larceny, 1st degree
  • Robbery, 1st degree
  • Conspiracy to commit robbery, 1st degree.

Baez is the second person identified through surveillance video. A third person was also arrested.

Baez was held on $500,000 court set bond.

The Westport Police Detective Bureau has completed their investigation into the carjacking.

Two men were caught on surveillance video taking an Aston martin, as the owner was in the vehicle in his Bayberry Lane garage.

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Westport’s annual Children’s Halloween Parade returns to Main Street next Wednesday (October 25). It’s free for all kids (especially those age 8 and younger).

Children and parents will meet at the Main Street/Post Road East corner at 3:30 p.m. The parade heads up Main Street, then goes right on Avery Place and left on Myrtle Avenue to Town Hall and Veterans Green.

Youngsters may trick or treat along Main Street, and in front of Town Hall. Entertainment, refreshments and a small gift will be provided on Veterans Green (across from Town Hall) at 4 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Westport Parks & Recreation Department, Westport Downtown Association and Westport PAL.

This photo is from 2011. Where is this former Halloween parade-goer today?

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The United Methodist Church invites everyone to a couple of cool — and very different — events.

This Saturday (October 21, 1 to 3 p.m.), “Trunk or Treat” offers a fun, safe Halloween alternative for kids under 12, with snacks and games.

The suggested admission price is simple: 5 non-perishable food items for the Person to Person pantry, per child.

Don’t be spooked by the weather forecast. It’s on, rain or shine. (Heavy rain will move it indoors.)

On Sunday, October 29 (4 p.m.). “Jazz Vespers” is an inspiring service of words and music with a quartet featuring UMC’s new music director, John Hoddinott. A free will offering will be received.

Trunk or treat!

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An Israeli flag appeared on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge last night.

It was apparently not placed there by town officials, or the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut.

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It’s Thursday.

That means the Westport Farmers’ Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

Everyone is welcome. Except, of course …

(Photo/Rachel Konstantin)

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The Levitt Pavilion season is not over.

Well, at least not until tonight.

This evening (Thursday, October 19, 7:30 p.m.) the outdoor venue transforms into a giant disco, with the debut presentation of Say She She.

The band’s album “Prism” is under consideration for a Grammy nomination for Best R&B album. Meanwhile, their new album “Silver” is earning raves.

The new turf area in front of the stage provides a perfect dance floor. In a nod to the season, the terrace bar will offer hot chocolate.

Additional free tickets have just been released. They’re available at www.levittpavilion.com,  and 2 hours before showtime at the box office.

Click  below for the band’s special shoutout to Westport:

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For many years, Penny Slinger wanted to visit Friday Kahlo’s home.

In July, the London-born, Los Angeles-based artist’s dream came true.

She recorded her visit in photographs. Now she’s sharing her experience with audiences around the country.

On November 2 (7 p.m.), Slinger brings her “Frida Kahlo and Me” exhibition to MoCA Westport. It’s a side-by-side comparison of both women’s works.

Advance registration is requested: $10 general admission, free for MoCA members. Click here to register, and for more information.

Penny Slinger, and art materials.

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I can’t imagine a more “Westport … Naturally” photo than this one:

(Photo/Jim Hood)

Sure, it’s Koda — one of the beach neighborhood’s most famous dogs.

But it could be anyone’s. Anywhere in town.

Westport loves its pooches!

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And finally … Say She She will be at the Levitt Pavilion tonight (story above).

If you have no idea who they are (and I sure didn’t), click below. Enjoy!

(If you appreciate “06880” saving you from traffic hell this weekend, please consider a donation. Click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown

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[OPINION] Community Gardeners “Dismayed By March To Eliminate Assets”

Posted on October 19, 2023 | 77 comments

The Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve team write:

Dear Town of Westport elected officials and residents:

Tonight (Thursday, October 19, Town Hall Room 201), we expect the Long Lots School Building Committee to announce the decision of First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, with respect to the future of the Long Lots Elementary School building project.

We know that her decision supports the LLSBC’s option to build a new school while simultaneously eliminating the 20-year-old Westport Community Gardens, and at least part of the newly created Long Lots Preserve.

This does not have to happen. A much-needed new school can be built without destroying the gardens and preserve.

Westport Community Gardens. They’re surrounded on 3 sides by the Long Lots Preserve.

The Westport Community Gardens have been, and continue to be, a nationally recognized, award-winning first-in-class standard of community building, environmental stewardship and unlimited educational opportunity.

The Long Lots Preserve is a volunteer-built model of suburban open space environmental rehabilitation. We believe that any other town in America would celebrate, promote and protect what we have created there.

The Board of Education specifications for a new Long Lots school have nothing to do with putting a ballfield over the Westport Community Gardens. The proposed ballfield is not for the educational and recreational needs of the students at Long Lots Elementary School. From what little we have been told, this appears to be an effort by the Parks & Recreation Department to replace the Garden with a new ballfield under the guise of a new school build.

We continue to be dismayed by the town’s march towards eliminating these 2 town assets when there are options to save them.

There are 120 plots in the Westport Community Gardens. Gardeners range in age from elementary school to 90s.

The LLSBC’s recommendation to put a large ballfield with dugouts and a scoreboard, and perhaps artificial turf and lights, flies in the face of the chair of the LLSBC’s statement that what is displaced needs to be replaced.

This decision by First Selectwoman Tooker breaks up a 20-year-old community of over 300 Westport friends and neighbors, hurts our seniors and devastates the environment.

Our seniors love this place. There are many of us, and this is one of the best passive recreational opportunities the town offers.

In a world that seems to be falling apart at the seams environmentally, Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve are teeming with life.

Hundreds of trees and shrubs and wildflowers have been planted, at no cost to the town. The American chestnut tree has been reestablished. Dozens of resident and migratory birds use this because of the habitat and great food sources provided there. Thousands upon thousands of native bees and honeybees gather nectar, pollen and live on site.

Night hawks, swallows and bats fly above the gardens at dusk because the place is teaming with insects, their critical food source. Red squirrel, grey squirrel, garter snake, ground hog, fox, toad, all inhabit this space. The gardens and preserve an ecological treasure. This administration is looking to cover it with a ballfield.

Wildlife abounds in and around the Community Gardens. (Photo collage/Lou Weinberg)

Meanwhile, in the same neighborhood as the gardens and the preserve, there is rampant development, trees are being cut down and more residential units are being built. These new residents are going to be looking for outdoor planting space. We provide that.

The new proposed school is being built over a small, underutilized baseball field and a soccer field; not the Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve. We have over 20 fields in town, and 1 community gardens.

Athletics and field use is critical, and this administration should find equitable resources elsewhere in town rather than placing them on this environmental community gem. With some creativity, the ballfields lost during construction can be placed back on the property when the old school is torn down.

This administration’s decision also hurts the neighbors who did not sign up for a ballfield immediately adjacent to their homes that will bring noise, flooding and most likely, lights.

The road to this decision occurred without ever consulting the gardeners, the preserve team, or the neighbors.

Evening at the Community Gardens. (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

The road to this decision included dangling an option to keep the gardens in place, destroying the gardens and starting them over again on another space near Long Lots School, and then, at the last minute, eliminating the gardens and restarting them at Baron’s South because the gardens will be “destroyed anyway” during construction. We were notified of the latter decision on Monday.

Thus far we have yet to see a peer review of the decisions that have been made by a few people on this approximately $100 million expenditure, the single largest capital project in Westport’s history.

We believe that scenarios are out there that can be attained where everyone wins. Unfortunately, there has been no institutional will on the part of the Tooker administration to get that done.

We should not allow a small group of politically appointed people to make decisions that affect so many of us. Doing business this way breeds distrust, dismay, ill will, and ultimately disengagement.

Where there is a will, there is a way. We firmly believe that including more people in this discussion can, and should get everybody a win.  These discussions should have happened already. Why didn’t they?

Jennifer Tooker: Be the hero.

Thank you.

77 Comments

Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics

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[OPINION] “Compacted” Long Lots Could Work

Posted on October 13, 2023 | 21 comments

On Wednesday night, several Planning & Zoning Commission candidates promised to examine thoroughly the proposal for a new Long Lots Elementary School, and to “think outside the box.”

One “06880” reader is doing that.

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.”

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.

He writes: 

The Long Lots School project may be the most expensive capital construction project in Westport’s history.

The project site is unique. It houses the school, athletic fields for the town, and community gardens. In addition, such major construction project will have an impact on the delicate ecosystem of the neighborhood.

Thus far, the options developed by the Town-hired consultants and presented by the School Building Committee are deficient in taking into consideration the interests of all parties that occupy the property. SBC’s recommended solution, Option C, keeps all stakeholders at the site but relocates the community gardens. Relocating the gardens destroys the delicate ecosystem that was created over the course of the last 20 years.

Long Lots “Option C”

Over the course of public hearings, several alternative solutions were presented by various professionals who live in town. These solutions consisted of a new school building of a similar size and function, properly sized athletic fields proposed in the footprint of the existing school, and the community gardens to remain in place with no environmental impact to the neighbors. For one reason or another, these solutions were dismissed as not viable

I’ve reviewed the report prepared by the consultants. I conclude that the selected Option C can be “compacted,” thus eliminating the need for building the baseball field over the gardens. An example of such “compaction” is as follows:

The proposed school footprint can be narrowed by 50 feet by stretching it in a north-south direction, and narrowing the courtyard in the east-west direction. The classrooms would “slide” along the perimeter of the interior wall of the courthouse, without affecting adjacency.

Additionally, the northern part of the parking/drive area can be moved closer to the school building by 50 feet, straightening the “S” configuration. The grass islands between parking/drive lanes can be eliminated for a gain of another 50 feet, leaving small islands for site lighting.

This would allow for the shift of the baseball field by about 150 feet in the westerly direction, and off the footprint of the existing gardens.

If I’m off by another 50 feet I’m sure it could be found by moving the baseball field closer to the parking area by 25 feet, and shifting the entire school building west another 25 feet.

Lastly, during construction, a controlled and safe fenced-in passageway could be created to allow gardeners access for continued maintenance of the gardens.

To reiterate, this is just one of several possible solutions that could be developed.

When a municipality or any other public entity embarks on major projects such as this, it often seeks peer reviews of the designs prepared by their primary consultants to make sure that they get the best value for their money and obtain the best solution.

It would be prudent for the town to seek an independent peer review of the currently proposed design. This review should be performed by an independent professional entity in charge of finding a design solution that satisfies the interests of all stakeholders. Alternatively, this can be requested of the current consultants.

(“06880” gives a voice to readers, through comments and opinion pieces. But we rely on readers to support us too. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

21 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics

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P&Z Candidates: We’ll Look At Every Long Lots/Gardens Solution

Posted on October 12, 2023 | 12 comments

“The Long Lots School Building Committee justifies. We decide.”

That statement by Paul Lebowitz — and similar remarks by 4 other candidates for the Planning & Zoning Commission — signaled last night that the decision to place a baseball field on the site of the current Community Gardens is not yet a done deal.

The candidates — speaking for 2 minutes each at a Town Hall debate — all said, essentially: We know the importance of the gardens. We know the importance of a new school. We will look at every solution. We will think outside the box. That is the job of the P&Z.

The League of Women Voters event was less a “debate” than a series of responses to questions submitted earlier by residents. Candidates included current members Lebowitz, a Democrat; Republican members Amie Tesler and Patrizia Zucaro; Republican alternate John Bolton, and Republican challenger Michael Calise.

Coalition for Westport candidate Joseph Strickland was absent, due to COVID.

Planning & Zoning Commission candidates (from right to left): Michael Calise, Amie Tesler, Paul Lebowitz, Patrizia Zucaro and John Bolton. An LWV representative (far left) read an opening statement from Joseph Strickland, who has COVID. (Photo/Dan Woog)

“Everything with zoning is about competing interests,” Bolton said regarding the gardens controversy. He noted that he and the other incumbents could speak only generally, because the issue will come before them — though it has not yet — and they are obligated to keep open minds.

“Patrizia, Amie and I took a tour (of the gardens),” Bolton continued. “It was eye-opening. I learned a lot. It’s an asset to this town.

“(The P&Z) is the trustee for citizens. They trust us to do what is right. We have to think outside the box.”

Calise said, “We haven’t seen the final site plan. I’m partial toward retaining the gardens. But we have to wait to see all the facts.”

Tesler cited her youth in Mystic, on 2 acres and with her “hands in the dirt” at her school’s garden.

However, she added, “It’s a tough issue. We want to save Mother Earth, and also educate our next generation. We have to consider all solutions. There may be other solutions on the table. I’m open to anything.”

Lebowitz said, “The 1st Selectwoman will give us justification for her decision. Like any applicant, she must show facts and figures: why a garden or a ballfield should go somewhere. We deal with issues like parking and drainage. You justify; we decide.”

Zucaro added, “The town is in a no-win situation. The garden is absolutely beautiful, amazing — everyone should see it.

“But Long Lots is in serious disrepair. The Building Committee was tasked with finding a solution. I hope they did their job, and evaluated all their options. I look forward to hearing from them.”

Westport Community Gardens (Photo/Karen Mather)

Asked to cite the 3 most critical issues facing the P&Z, Tesler said “8-30g, traffic, and over-development.” Lebowitz named “traffic, affordable housing, and protecting open space.” Zucaro offered “cohesive town planning, over-development and affordable housing.” Bolton said “affordable housing, quality of life, and preserving the tax base.” Calise said “aquifers, housing stock, and planning for the future.”

Other questions included weaknesses in the town’s current regulations, and the impact of the environment on P&Z decisions.

The League of Women Voters’ Candidates’ Debates continue tonight (Thursday) in the Town Hall auditorium, with the Board of Education at 7 p.m., and the Board of Finance at 8:15 p.m. The event will be livestreamed on www.westportct.gov, and televised on Optimum Channel 79.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. To support us — and local journalism — please click here. Thank you!)

 

12 Comments

Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics

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Why Not Long Lots Plan “C-Alt?” Building Committee Members Explain.

Posted on October 9, 2023 | 47 comments

Last week, the Long Lots School Building Committee voted unanimously in favor of “Concept C.” The plan — one of 6 proposed for the elementary school project — includes construction of a new building on the site of the current baseball field.

A new diamond, in turn, would be developed where the Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve are now located. A new garden would be built behind the site of the current school.

Long Lots Elementary School Plan C. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

Gardeners and their supporters say it is impossible to reconstruct the 20 years of work and growth — not to mention the soil itself — that’s been put into the 120-plot garden.

Why, they wonder, did Building Committee members — many of whom spoke fondly of the gardens — not consider “Concept C-Alt”? That option would build the new school in the same place as C. However, the garden would remain (with a new soccer field next to it).

Under “C-Alt,” the baseball field could be built behind the present school. The diamond could also be moved to a different location elsewhere in town, if one could be found.

Long Lots Elementary School Plan C-Alt. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

“06880” asked all 7 LLSBC members why they favored “C” over “C-Alt.”

Two responded. They said:

Liz Heyer: “As the Board of Education representative on the committee, I believe that option ‘C’ meets both the requirements and spirit of the educational specifications and will deliver an exceptional new elementary school, while balancing the impacts of all other considerations on the property.

“The challenge with ‘C-Alt’ is the incremental project cost, and the risks associated with placing the field in an area with extreme variations in topography and existing drainage.

“I love and value the Community Gardens. However, as a Building Committee member responsible to Westport taxpayers, I can’t presume and recommend that taxpayers should incur an additional $2.3 million on an already costly project, especially given the many capital projects on the horizon.

“Ultimately, the town governing bodies are responsible for deciding what is in the best interest of the town. And as stated at the meeting, the feasibility option is a work in progress, not a final design plan for construction. Aspects of the project can and may need to change in the design stage.

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Don O’Day: “Concept C keeps every field and the Gardens, but in a rebuilt form. I am not insensitive or unaware of the impact of a do-over for the Community Gardens after 18 years of work. The Gardens are truly impressive, and a rebuild does mean destruction. I get that, and I’m sorry for it.

“Concept C-Alt does show the Gardens in the same place, with a multi-purpose field in the area behind the old school. This cost to build such a field is approximately $2.5 million, and its success is not certain given the topography of the area. It is easier to build a new Garden in that area, as the need for total space and for the land to be almost entirely level is less than that for a field.

“Importantly, all fields and the Garden will be closed for 2 years and certainly subject to damage. That concept doesn’t seem to be accepted but it is the result of building a new school on a relatively small footprint while maintaining the existing school for 600 children and staff.

“It is an objective decision for the greater good, in my opinion. So, that’s why I chose C over C-Alt.”

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(Click here for the full feasibility study.) 

47 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics

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Roundup: Long Lots Meeting, Restaurant Week, I-95 Closures …

Posted on October 4, 2023 | 9 comments

The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tomorrow (Thursday, October 5, 6 p.m.). In anticipation of a large crowd — and the expectation of a vote on which recommendation to submit to 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — the session will be held in the Town Hall auditorium.

The agenda includes:

  • Update from committee
  • Public comment and/or questions regarding the feasibility study project (15 minutes)
  • Committee discussion regarding report and recommendation.

Previous meetings of the Long Lots School Building Committee have been held in a small room. Tomorrow’s is set for the Town Hall auditorium. (Photo/Karen Mather)

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With all that’s going on in town– the Slice of Saugatuck, Earthplace and YMCA fundraisers, the Long Lots/Community Gardens kerfuffle, lanternflies — you’re forgiven for not realizing that Restaurant Week started on Sunday.

But foodies: Fear not. This is Westport. We do things differently.

Our Restaurant Week is actually 2. It runs all the way through October 15.

The annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event is part of its ongoing “Eat Local” campaign, to promote area restaurants.

This year Restaurant Week(s) features 21 places, offering prix fixe meals in a variety of cuisines, and for all price points. They cover all of Westport, from Saugatuck to just over the Southport line.

Each restaurant sets its ow prix fixe price. Some offer just lunch, others dinner only; many provide both.

Here are the participating restaurants, with “Lunch” and/or “Dinner” noted. Click each restaurant to see each menu.

Boathouse (L,D)
Capuli  (L,D)
De Tapas (L,D)
Don Memo (L,D)
Gabriele’s (L,D)
Gray Goose (pending)
Harvest (D)
Kawa Ni (L)
La Plage (L,D)
Lomito (L,D)
Match Burger Lobster (L,D)
Mexicue (D)
Rive Bistro (D)
Rizzutos (D)
Romanacci (L,D)
Spotted Horse Tavern (L,D)
Tarantino (D)
The Whelk (L)
Tutti’s Restaurant (L,D)
Via Sforza (L,D)
Zucca (L,D)

Restaurant Week is again sponsored by Castlekeep Advisors, WEBE 108 and WICC 600.

Tutti’s owners Pasquale and Maria Funicello — and their family — are proud partners in Restaurant Week.

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In addition to the occasional, “15-minute only” closures of I-95 between Exits 17 and 18 through October 27, the state Department of Transportation has just announced lengthier, more involved work.

From 8 p.m. on Friday, October 20 through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23, I-95 northbound will be closed, and “traffic will be detoured on the southbound bride, severely restricting traffic flow.”  Traffic will be detoured onto Saugatuck and Riverside Avenue, the Post Road and Sherwood Island connector.

From Friday, November 3 (8 p.m.) until Monday, November 6 (6 a.m.), I-95 southbound will be closed, and “traffic will be detoured on the I-95 NB bridge thus severely restricting traffic flow.” The Saugatuck Avenue detour will also be in place.

Make plans now to avoid the area.

And much of the rest of town.

For more information, click here.

The I-95 “slide” bridge was half-completed last month. As work continues, detours and delays will mount.

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First it was stuffed bears in the Winslow Park trees.

Now it’s artwork.

Mark Mathias spotted this yesterday.

As always, we’d love to know the back story. Click “Comments” if you’ve got a clue.

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From the size of the container at the transfer station, it looks like Westporters are serious about recycling.

And from the type of glass inside, it looks like this is definitely a Westport collection.

Or maybe all that wine came from just one party?

(Photos/Frank Rosen)

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Sure, it’s October.

But the Levitt Pavilion — known for its 60 or so nights of summer entertainment — is still going strong.

On stage this month:

“Max Weinberg’s Jukebox” (tomorrow: Thursday, October 5, 7:30 p.m.): The longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band brings his own group – and 300 songs that the audience can pick from. Click here for tickets ($35, $75 and $125), and more information.

Caleb Caudle (Friday, October 6, 7:30 p.m.): A full band show featuring Americana and folk from the his “Forsythia” album. Click here for free tickets, and more information.

Say She She (October 19, 7:30 p.m.): The female-led 7-piece outfit from London and Brooklyn brings its disco-pop sound to the shores of the Saugatuck River. Click here for free tickets, and more information.

Max Weinberg

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Sure, yesterday’s weather was more like the 4th of July than Halloween.

But this group of women were busy carving pumpkins. At Compo Beach, sure, but can trick-or-treating be far behind?

(Photo/Cohl Katz)

Cohl Katz — the great hair stylist who was out for a walk in between clients — was so intrigued, she did not ask whether this was an organized group working on a project, or just a random assortment of friends.

Either way: Boo!

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When the Westport Library sponsors a staged reading of “Gentle Hacksaw” — the new drama combining religion, identity and violence (October 21, 8 p.m.; part of Story Fest) — there will be a strong local tie.

Matthew Van Gessel plays one of the lead roles. In Staples Players, the 2011 graduate played some of the most challenging roles seen on a high school stage. (The dentist in “Little Shop of Horrors” was typical.)

Described as “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” meets “God of Carnage,” the psychological thriller follows 2 high-profile gay men in a verbal cat-and-mouse game of utter cruelty when an unpleasant bargain goes awry.

As social graces are discarded and basic human decency is abandoned, both men discover shocking truths about themselves and one another.

A 7 p.m. reception with StoryFest authors precedes the show. A talkback with the playwright and cast, moderated by author Clay Mcleod Chapman, follows it. Click here for tickets.

Matthew Van Gessel

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During World War II, Westporters took turns scanning the skies and waters, looking for Nazi planes and boats.

In the 1950s and ’60s, one Nike site with missiles on North Avenue — and another launch site on Bayberry Lane — were part of the US defense system. The goal was to protect Bridgeport — an important manufacturing city — from a Russian attack

The Norwalk Historical Society on East Avenue has an exhibit on Norden, the Norwalk manufacturer of radar systems and bombsights. The company — located a few yards from the Westport border, and visible from I-95 just before Exit 17 — was later home to Tauck Tours. (Hat tip: Lynn Flint)

A typical Nike site — much like the North Avenue one. Missiles were buried underground.

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Half of the prison population ends up back in jail following release.

In Bridgeport, Homebridge Ventures provides a re-entry program to help break the cycle of recidivism.

Yesterday, the Westport Rotary Club heard from David Stubbs. The co-founder and executive director of the non-profit escribed their programs addressing mental health issues, substance abuse and educational deficiencies, including teaching computer and job skills.

David Stubbs addresses the Westport Rotary Club.

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Art was not the only thing Mark Mathias noticed yesterday on his ramble through Winslow Park (story above).

He also snapped this photo, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

It’s a dog’s world. We just share it with them.

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And finally … in honor of both Restaurant Week, and the glass recycling container at the transfer station (stories above):

(For the price of a bottle of wine, you can support “06880.” Any vintage is welcome! Please click here — and “merci.”)

9 Comments

Posted in Beach, Education, Entertainment, Library, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Long Lots Committee Hears New Proposal

Posted on September 29, 2023 | 24 comments

Mia Bomback reports:

Once again, the Long Lots School Building Committee failed to reach a final decision regarding a plan for a new elementary school.

But last night’s meeting brought a major development.

Literally. 

Westport architect Joseph Vallone presented his own plan for the demolition and reconstruction of a new building that preserves the Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve — and the property’s existing baseball field.

Vallone’s solution? A 3-story school. 

It would be built on the site of the current baseball diamond.

He presented 2 versions. The new athletic field would be constructed where the school now stands, or on the current parking lot.

“This is 2023. We need to be designing a 3-story building with compact massing and a smaller footprint,” said Vallone, a licensed architect and developer, and member of Westport’s Public Site & Building Commission.

One version of architect Joseph Vallone’s plan …

Vallone’s idea was met with criticism from committee members. They said that a 3-story proposal violated previously stated Board of Education specifications. 

Vallone replied: “Let’s not forget that both Kings Highway [Elementary School] and Greens Farms [Elementary School] are 3 stories.”

… and another.

Following Vallone’s proposal, Jennifer Fava — director of Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department — presented her report on usage of the athletic fields on Long Lots property. 

The report revealed that over 11,000 participants utilize these fields annually, excluding physical education classes, adult leagues, and camp rentals. The report said there are 108 participants of the Westport Community Gardens. (Click here for a full report.)

While Fava’s report proposed possible alternative locations for a baseball field, including Winslow Park and Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum, these options pose “challenges” for fields requiring an abundance of space and specific topography, LLSBC member Don O’Day noted. 

Rick Koczera then provides estimates from Newfield Construction. Building Plans A and B — involving renovations and extensions — were the most expensive, totaling around $107.5 million and $105.7 million, respectively.

Plan E — calling for the relocation of the gardens — is the least expensive, with an estimated cost of $91.5 million.

Plan C-ALT — the only reconstruction plan retaining the garden’s current site (potentially in exchange of a baseball field) — was slightly more expensive, projected at around $94.3 million.

Cost estimates were projected on a screen at last night’s meeting. (Click on or hover over to enlarge)

The renovation plans take longer to finish, Koczera added, nd will require 29 to 30 months of construction before the school can operate. The reconstruction plans allow students to return to school 18 months after construction begins. 

The meeting in Town Hall Rooms 201/201A concluded with public commentary from neighbors and gardeners alike, voicing fears for sustainability of the property. 

“Our biggest concern pertains to the demolition of the gardens in lieu of a ball field,” Sloan Sehr said.

“As all of us who live on Bauer [Place] know, there are already a myriad of different drainage and flooding issues, and the removal of these community gardens is going to directly jeopardize the sanctity of our homes.

“When you don’t have all the plants, the trees to absorb all this water, what recourse do we have as residents when our basements are flooded?”

The small Town Hall meeting room was filled last night. Some attendees stood in the hall. (Photo/Karen Mather)

The committee intends to vote on which proposal to recommend to First Selectwoman Jen Tooker at next week’s meeting.

Advocates for the preservation of the garden are wary of a rushed decision. 

“I am calling on the First Selectwoman to delay [her recommendation],” Sal Liccione, a Representative Town Meeting member, said, “so we can have a community meeting, ASAP, to discuss all of our options, including Mr. Vallone’s plan.” 

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Posted in Education, Local politics, Sports

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Parks & Rec Provides Field Use & Property Report

Posted on September 29, 2023 | 7 comments

Last week, Parks & Recreation Department director Jennifer Fava sent a long-awaited “Property Review and Usage” report to the Long Lots School Building Committee.

It provides a list of properties managed and maintained by her department, along with potentially usable acreage, usage information and more.

The report notes that Parks & Rec assigns blocks of time for use of the fields to various groups, which then manage their assigned times. Last year, more than 11,000 participants used the fields.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department allocates field usage to various groups. They then schedule their own games and practices. (Photo/Steve Perkins)

In the fall, Parks & Rec fields are used by Westport Baseball & Softball; PAL football, cheer, boys and girls lacrosse and track, Westport Soccer Association, and Parks & Rec.

In the spring, all those groups plus PAL rugby — except cheer — use the fields.

In summer, Parks & Rec fields are used by Baseball & Softball, PAL football and track, Continuing Education and Parks & Rec.

The report noted increased demands on the fields, as more sports added seasons beyond traditional ones; increased participation numbers; the addition of high school girls rugby, and added numbers for adult baseball, soccer and lacrosse.

The report also anticipates an increase in school enrollment, with the potential for increased demands for youths sports.

The report noted that the Long Lots baseball field is used on fall weekends by Westport Baseball & Softball, and during the spring by Parks & Rec and Staples (weekdays), and Westport Baseball & Softball (weekends).

The loss of one of the town’s 4 90-foot baseball diamonds would have “a significant impact” on baseball and other sports, the report said, citing a domino effect if the Doubleday (Kings Highway Elementary School) field had to be used (as it is also used for football and lacrosse).

PJ Romano and Doubleday Fields are used for multiple sports. Moving one sport can impact others.

Regarding the Community Gardens, the report said that Parks & Rec’s primary role is to “check the list of members provided by the Community Gardens against the sex offender registry which is necessary as it is located on school property. Once cleared, we provide a photo ID for any of those members upon request. The photo is necessary to access the gardens during school hours. Not all members request an ID.”

The report also said that Parks & Rec provides a link to the Gardens on their webpage, and “must be notified of any upcoming work at the Long Lots Preserve for authorization to proceed. We have provided limited assistance with one off issues in the past.”

The report offered 2 possibilities for potential new fields — Lillian Wadsowrth Arobretum and Winslow Park, but noted challenges including rezoning, topography and wetlands.

The report concluded with potential locations for the Community Gardens.

Baron’s South would have to be rezoned. The Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum would require rezoning, removal of forested areas, and the addition of utilities and parking.

Riverside Park and Winslow Park would also need to be rezoned, with more parking added.

(“06880” will continue to cover the Community Gardens story. If yo appreciate our local journalism, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: AquaFit, Crabbing, River of Roses …

Posted on September 27, 2023 | 5 comments

Westport has been the setting for many films.

But forget “The Gray Flannel Suit,” “The Swimmer” and “The Stepford Wives.”

My favorite is “Below Surface.”

The 20-minute documentary focuses on an unlikely subject: the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s AquaFit program.

Yet thanks to Patty Kondub — the energetic, creative and much-loved instructor who is the heart and soul of both the program and the film — the camaraderie, joy and, yes, life-saving experience that is AquaFit come vividly to life.

Dick Rauh — 96 years young — describes what the class has done for him. So do others, of many ages and from 4 continents. Patty melds them all into a young-feeling, tight-knit group that fulfills the Y’s dual mission of promoting healthy living and creating community.

AquaFit helped Patty herself through a dark time of her life, which she describes movingly.

But “Below Surface” is bright and alive — just like those morning classes. The cinematography makes it shine.

The film has been screened at festivals around the country, and won the “Next Great Filmmaker Award” at the Berkshires International Film Festival. It will be shown October 19 (noon, New Haven Public Library) at the New Haven Documentary Film Festival.

Now through October 1, you can watch it for free, thanks to the virtual World Peace Film Festival. Just click here.

It will be the most uplifting 19 minutes of your week.

(For the “06880” back story on “Below Surface,” click here.)

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The start of tomorrow’s Long Lots School Building Committee meeting has been changed.

The new time is 6 p.m. (it was originally 6:30). That’s Thursday, September 28, in Town Hall Room 201/201A.

It’s a 6 p.m. start tomorrow for the Long Lots School Building Committee.

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Conservation Director Colin Kelly has responded to complaints about crabbing at Sherwood Mill Pond. He says:

“The Westport Conservation Department reminds Westport residents that the act of crabbing is allowed and is covered by Connecticut Department of Engergy and Environmental Protection fishing regulations.

“People have the legal right to access state waters and fish for Blue Crab. The taking of Blue Crab requires no license, and there is no daily limit during the open season from May1 – November 30. The Conservation Office does not regulate the taking of crabs from the pond. The Sherwood Mill Pond Advisory Committee and the Shellfish Commission do not have authority to restrict the crabbing either.

“To clarify, this does not mean the Town has ignored the public requests for checking the crabbing. In fact, the Westport Police Department have conducted more than 50 patrols of Sherwood Mill Pond this summer. They have interacted with the individuals who are crabbing, they have actively provided education, and they have checked the catches to ensure proper measurements are being followed.

“The officers have used Infrared cameras to confirm that individuals were taking crabs and that any clams they have seen were dumped. They have worked individually and in conjunction with CT DEEP Encon Police. Officers have been proactive in responding to calls and will continue to provide our Town with this response.

“We want to inform the public that over 70 parking tickets have been issued along Hillspoint Road and the Old Mill parking lot in the last few weeks. One night alone had over 30 parking tickets issued. The Police Department will continue their oversight, including adding additional tactics in the future, to ensure that the laws are followed.”

Crabbing at Sherwood Mill Pond.

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For several years, Saugatuck Rowing Club has commemorated loved ones lost to breast cancer — and raised funds for survivors — by turning the Saugatuck River pink.

Literally.

Names are read aloud, and rose petals scattered into the Saugatuck River. They’re then swept out to sea.

This year’s “River of Roses” charity soirée is set for Sunday (October 1, 1 to 4 p.m.; ceremony at 3).

The $75 ticket includes  (of course) rosé cocktails, raw bar, charcuterie, lobster and pumpkin bisque, clam chowder, apple crisp, Donut Crazy and a cash bar, plus live music by Fake ID.

Proceeds support SurviveOAR, the empowering, supportive community that provides mental, physical and emotional healing to women with breast cancer after traditional treatment ends.

Six members will be compete in Head of the Charles race next month.

Click here for tickets, or to buy roses ($25 each). Click below, for highlights of the 2019 event.

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Parents of children with special needs have plenty to think about.

Including finances.

Westporter Kimberly Greenberg — a Morgan Stanley vice president — leads a free breakfast seminar for parents and caregivers, called “Protecting the Future for Your Child With Special Needs.”

Financial experts will share first-hand experiences on October 3 (9:30 a.m., STAR, 182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk_. Tours of the renovated STAR center, including the new assistive technology lab and lending library, are also available.

To reserve a spot, or for more information, email ahenry@starct.org.

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This event has flown under the radar. But it’s an important one.

Tomorrow (Thursday, September 28, 10 a.m., Westport Library), Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Ronald Welch and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will recognize the service of Westport veterans who served during the Vietnam War era.

There will be a color guard, national anthem, and more.

Staples High School graduate Tim Barmmer was killed in Vietnam. He is memorialized at Veterans Green, across from Town Hall.

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Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s Jenna Baumblatt has been named Connecticut’s 2023 EMS Youth Corps Member of the Year.

The 18-year-old joined WVEMS as an Emergency Medical Responder 4 years ago, and is now an Emergency Medical Technician. She also serves on the WVEMS board of directors.

EMS runs deep in her family. Her dad Rick is a WVEMS staff paramedic; her mom Lynn is a paramedic at Norwalk Hospital EMS, and her brother James is an EMT in Bridgeport.

WVEMS president Michael Burns calls Jenna “an amazing person and caregiver who maintains multiple jobs, in addition to her volunteer service. She is an amazing asset!”

Jenna Baumblatt

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Pam Rouleau is running a fundraiser with Nuvance Health for the Integrative Medicine Department at the Smilow Breast Cancer Center.

She photographed 13 people who have battled cancer — or still are — and depicted them along with their stories of survivorship.

Several members of the Saugatuck Rowing Club’s “SurviveOARS” team are included. Rouleau is a Survive-OARS rower too.

A reception is set for October 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the State Capitol in Hartford. It will then be on view through October 30. Click here for details.

Kimberly Wilson, Westport resident and Saugatuck SurviveOARS member.

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Grammy Award-winning pianist Dave Kikoski headlines tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, September 28, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).

Kikoski is known for his adept post-bop style and spontaneous swinging play. He has worked with artists like Roy Haynes, Joe Henderson, Ron Carter, Al Foster, Bob Berg, Michael and Randy Brecker, Chris Potter and others.

He’ll be joined by bassist Yuriy Galkin, drummer Vinnie Sperazza and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Enjoy a trivia night — virtually, and for a great cause.

Tomorrow (Thursday, September 28, 7 p.m.), Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County hosts “Quiz for a Cause.” All proceeds support arts education for children, primarily those with special needs.

First prize is 2 round trip airline tickets, from Avelo Airlines. Second prize is a gift from Westporter Christian Siriano’s The Collective West. Third prize is 5 private music lessons at Neighborhood Studios.

Participants are asked for a minimum donation of $45. Click here to register, and for more information.

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Maintenance and upkeep of Baron’s South has gone to the birds.

So it’s not surprising that a flock of turkeys has taken over Golden Shadows, the “mansion” once occupied by Baron Walter Langen von Langendorff and his wife.

Morley Boyd spotted them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Morley Boyd)

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And finally … today is the 120th anniversary of “the wreck of the old 97.” The mail train crash was not the worst rail disaster ever — though 11 people died, and 7 more were injured — but it lives on, thanks to folks like Johnny Cash.

(“06880” loves delivering news like today’s lead story, about Patty Kondub’s AquaFit movie. If you love the news “06880” delivers, please click here to support local journalism. Thank you!)

 

5 Comments

Posted in Arts, Environment, Police, YMCA

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Roundup: Long Lots Meeting Rescheduled, Selectwomen Meet, Library Website Redesigned …

Posted on September 26, 2023 | 6 comments

The Long Lots School Building Committee meeting scheduled for tonight (Tuesday) has been rescheduled for Thursday (September 28, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).

There will be 15 minutes of public comment regarding the feasibility study project, followed by a work session with the design team for project status updates, review and discussion. The public may attend the work session, but not participate.

The Long Lots School Building Committee meets again this Thursday.

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The Board of Selectwomen meet tomorrow (Wednesday, September 27, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium). Among the agenda items: “to establish School Zones with Fines Doubled, on the following Town–owned roadways surrounding schools”:

  • North Avenue at Coleytown Elementary and Coleytown Middle Schools
  • North Avenue at Staples High School and Bedford Middle School
  • Cross Highway at Bedford Middle School
  • Hyde Lane at Long Lots Elementary School
  • Burr Road at Kings Highway Elementary School
  • Morningside Drive South at Greens Farms Elementary School.

They’ll also request the Connecticut Department of Transportation to do the same for state-owned roads: Easton Road  (Coleytown), Post Road East (Greens Farms), and Riverside Avenue (Saugatuck)

Traffic on North Avenue near Staples and Bedford either crawls (above) or races. (Photo/Adam Vengrow)

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There’s a lot to like about the Westport Library.

The website has not been one of them.

It’s always been a bit clunky — cluttered, and not particularly intuitive.

Yesterday, the Library rolled out a redesigned home page.

Highlights include a simplified menu and robust footer to more easily access core offerings. 

The further down you scroll, the more you see: an improved calendar, upcoming events, podcasts, etc.

A “primary content space at the top of the page” promises “increased engagement, more ways than ever before to discover upcoming Library events and existing Library assets, and breakout boxes highlighting current Library content such as reference guides, videos, podcasts, news, and more.”

Click here to view and explore the redesigned website.

At last: A Westport Library website that works!

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There’s always something cooking at Wakeman Town Farm.

Among the upcoming events:

  • Risotto and Rollatini Workshop (October 10, 7 p.m., $125)
  • Cake-Bake Classroom (October 13, 6:30 p.m., $95)
  • Sushi Class (October 20, 6 p.m., $115)
  • Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop (October 23, 7 p.m., $100)
  • Autumn-themed Dinner with Chef Alison Milwe Grace (October 26, $135)
  • Fall Wreath-making Class (November 3, 6:30 p.m., $90)

Click here for more information, and registration.

Chef Alison Milwe Grace and friends, at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Everyone needs documents shredded.

And everyone wants to help wipe out cancer.

You can do both, on October 7 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

William Raveis Charitable Fund, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are sponsoring “Shred It! For Cancer Research.”

The suggested donation is $10 per box or shopping bag, $20 for a large garbage bag. You can pay by cash or check.

Questios? Email amy.askew@raveis.com.

PS: It’s contactless. You don’t have to get out of your car. And you don’t even have to remove staples from documents.

 

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Weston Volunteer Emergency Medical Service has been named Connecticut EMS Awards’ “Volunteer Agency of the Year.”

Officials said their “dedication and commitment to providing outstanding
Emergency Medical Services to your community is second to none.”

The award will be presented at Foxwoods Resort Casino on October 26.

Congratulations, Weston EMS!

The award-winning Weston EMS crew.

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David McCallum — the Scottish actor who starred in “The Man from UNCLE” and “NCIS” — was also a frequent presence on the Westport Country Playhouse stage.

He appeared in 6 shows — “Signpost to Murder,” “Crown Matrimonial,” “Donkey’s Years,” “Romantic Comedy,” “Run for Your Wife” and “Angel Street” — between 1974 and 1996. (Hat tips: Jack Krayson, Pat Blaufuss)

David McCallum in the Westport Country Playhouse program for “Angel Street.”

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I’m not sure what was happening at Anthropologie yesterday morning.

But I hope they have a really big dumpster.

(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

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A yellow butterfly blends in beautifully with goldenrod at Compo Beach, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo:

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … on this date in 1898, George Gershwin was born. He died just 38 years later, of a brain tumor — but not before writing (and playing on the piano) classics like these (below).

Westport connection: Gershwin’s sister Frances (Frankie) lived in Westport for many years. She was married to Leopold Godowsky — the co-inventor of Kodachrome color film — and, unlike her brother, lived to old age. She died in 1999, at 92.

(“06880” is your local journalism site — for meeting news and much, much more. Please click here to support your hyperlocal blog. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Education, Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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