Tag Archives: Matthew Mandell

Roundup: Matthew Mandell, Peter Reid, Mike Durkin, Michael Brennecke — And TEDx …

Posted on September 10, 2026 | 7 comments

Every 9/11 ceremony at Sherwood Island State Park — the site of Connecticut’s official memorial — is special.

Yesterday’s was especially moving. It marked the 25th anniversary of that terrible day.

The site, just a few yards from Long Island Sound, is where the Twin Towers could be seen, on a clear day. It was also readied for use as a staging area on September 11, 2001. Sadly rescue operations were not needed.

The names of 161 men and women with Connecticut ties — all killed that morning — are engraved in the memorial.

State officials and victims’ families spoke yesterday. Afterward, Andrew Colabella captured the scene as roses were laid on top of the stone of Westport resident Jonathan Uman. and a visitor took in the beautiful sunset.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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During 12 years at the helm of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Matthew Mandell has turned the business organization into a well-rounded civic force.

He has helped launch 14 Slice of Saugatuck festivals, 10 Westport Dog Festivals, dozens of Supper & Soul shows, COVID concerts, the Great Westport food competitions, Restaurant Week, monthly Business After Hours networking, the Halloween Window Painting contest, and this year’s “Your State, Your Business speaker seriess.

The Chamber raised and donated over $100,000 to local non-profit organizations like Homes with Hope, TAILS and many others.

During his tenure, membership in the Chamber nearly tripled.

Yesterday, Mandell announced he is retiring as executive director and president. His resignation is effective at the end of the year.

.Mandell will continue to serve on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM0, and Earthplace board of trustees. He will also advise the Chamber on upcoming events.

“It has been an exceptional experience, one that has been an honor for me to be a part of. When you love the subject matter, Westport, it’s easy to put your heart and soul into something like this. But it’s time to find a new path with different opportunities and go from there,” he says.

Paul Lebowitz, chair of the Chamber’s board of directors, says, “Matthew’s greatest contribution may be the events he created that brought our business community and the people of Westport together, ,,,Matthew was our chief cheerleader, tireless promoter, and advocate. His enthusiasm was contagious. His commitment to the organization, the businesses we represent, and the town has been remarkable, and we are grateful for everything he has given.”

The Chamber board seeks resumes from interested candidates. Click here for information on how to apply.

Matthew Mandell

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TEDx is coming to Westport.

On Sunday, November 8 (4 p.m., Town Hall), 8 speakers will discuss “ideas worth spreading.”

Created in the spirit of TED Talks, TEDx brings passionate speakers with compelling stories and thought-provoking ideas to the stage.

Click here for tickets (use code TOWNHALL25 for a 25% discount).

NOTE: The Westport Library hosted TEDx talks a dozen or so years ago. This event is not affiliated with the Library. The planning committee is led by executive director Sholeh Janati.

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Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid follows up on yesterday’s Roundup story about illegal shellfishing in Westport waters. He writes:

“I have tried to orchestrate a state ENCON (Department of Energy & Environmental Protection) environmental conservation police) response in past years, to little avail.

“One of my big concerns was that these people were harvesting juvenile diamondback terrapins. There were anecdotal reports of turtles in the harvesters’ buckets last summer.

“I have been in touch with the DEEP turtle biologist, and folks at the Western Connecticut State University terrapin conservation initiative. They are willing to help us.

“Perhaps we are too late this year. But I encourage citizens who see this kind of activity to contact Westport Animal Control, reporting time and scope of activity. We will see if we can get this stopped.”

Nighttime shellfishing at Old Mill Beach. (Photo courtesy of Connecticut Centinal)

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The Democratic Town Committee has nominated Mike Durkin as its new registrar of voters. He would replace longtime registrar Deborah Greenberg, who is stepping down.

The DTC says Durkin is “a longtime Westporter with experience in strategic marketing, sales and business operations. Mike’s work spans fields including technology, e-commerce, sports marketing  and entrepreneurial ventures.” smoothly.

The DTC will vote oon his nomination at their meeting on Tuesday (7:30 p.m., Zoom). Registered Democrats may make nominations from the floor.

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Longtime Westport artist and Staples High School graduate Michael Brennecke is currently featured at One River School of Art & Design.

His abstract paintings explore the relationship between color, texture, and intuitive markmaking.

A graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and
Tufts University, his work is inspired by artists like Paul Klee.

A reception is set for next Thursday (September 17,  6 to 7 p.m.). The exhibition runs through October 23.

Michael Brennecke

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between September 2 and 8.

A 24-year-old Bronx man was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle under suspension, after an officer on routine patrol was alerted by a license plate reader of a stolen Kia Forte traveling eastbound on Post Road West. He was held on a $10,000 bond.

A 55-year-old Norwalk man was charged with 2 counts of violation of a protective order, after twice coming to the victim’s residence despite a court order of protection. He was released on a $75,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to obey stop sign: 7 citations
  • School zone violation: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Texting while driving: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Assault: 1
  • Breach of peace: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to drive to the right: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Failure to renew license: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without proper instructor: 1

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Justin Reed contributes today’s “Westport ,,, Naturally” featured photo.

It’s one of the most soothing images of Compo Beach we’ve ever seen.

(Photo/Justin Reed)

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And finally …. happy National Substitute Appreciation Week!

(“Who” loves you? We do! And if you love “06880,” please click here to support us with a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

7 Comments

Posted in Arts, Beach, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Police

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Mandell Drops State Representative Run

Posted on May 29, 2026 | 6 comments

Matthew Mandell says:

Over the past week, I have had many thoughtful and in-depth conversations with my team, friends and family following the Democratic Town Committee caucus.

After careful consideration, I have chosen not to petition for a primary, and will therefore suspend my campaign for State Representative. I wish Lee Goldstein well moving forward.

I am deeply grateful to the volunteers, supporters, well-wishers and donors who placed their trust in me and my candidacy. Your encouragement, dedication and belief in what we hoped to achieve together is something I will always cherish.

This was not an easy decision, and it is certainly not one that comes naturally to me. However, it is the right decision for me personally and for the overall health and well-being of my family.

My commitment to Westport remains as strong as ever. I will continue to be a steadfast advocate for our community and look forward to channeling my energy, experience, and passion into new opportunities to serve and strengthen the town we all care so deeply about.

Lee Goldstein and Matthew Mandell

6 Comments

Posted in Local politics

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Next 8-30g Housing Application: Greens Farms Road?

Posted on May 22, 2026 | 10 comments

As director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Matthew Mandell hears a lot.

He sends regular updates to an email list, from a SaveWestport.com address.

The one that landed in inboxes less than an hour ago is quite interesting. Matthew writes:

I was informed this week that an 8-30g will be coming to 55 Greens Farms Road. (NOTE: That’s the office building next to Assumption Cemetery, opposite I-95 and near Hillspoint Road.)

55 Greens Farms Road

Our old 8-30g lawyer Tim Hollister (Hiawatha) is bringing us another one. Of the 2 buildings at the office park, the front one will become a 70-foot, 250-unit apartment building (175 market, 75 affordable).

The other will remain for office use, at least for now. The Planning & Zoning Commission rezoned this area for medical use, which made a lot of sense, but this is what is coming anyway.

Aerial view of 55 Greens Farms Road. The apartments would be in the front. The rear building would remain offices.

55 is the one closest to the road, and the new apartment building will be much closer to the road. While the folks in the cemetery to the east probably won’t mind much, it’s the poor folks on Gonczy, Lakeview and Medwell who will get this full impact.

This is besides the increase in use of the roads for that area, and the sheer size of it being out of character. And the state Department of Transportation still would like 18-wheelers to come across the Cribari Bridge and be on this road.

Technically the application has not been filed with P&Z. Hollister is coming before the Conservation Commission to do a wetland modification based on new reports. CC pretty much would have to follow the expert analysis, but they don’t have to, nor do they need to do anything quickly.

Once the application arrives formally then we look for cracks in the application, knowing Hollister it will be pretty clean.

This is coming folks. We have not had an 8-30g since we lost the moratorium 2+ years ago. Once Lincoln Street and Hiawatha Lane come on line we will get another moratorium, but until then we are still vulnerable.

(This is a developing story. “06880” will update it, as more information becomes available.)

10 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Real estate

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Roundup: Spinnaker Saugatuck Plans, State Representative Race, Cross Highway Bridge Project …

Posted on May 20, 2026 | 9 comments

The Architectural Review Board gets its first look at the proposed development of 606 Riverside Avenue — the Minute Man Dry Cleaners property — next Tuesday (May 26, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Room 307/309).

Spinnaker Real Estate recently bought the parcel — and a nearby parking lot where boats are now stored — following the Planning & Zoning Commission’s rejection of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.

Among the computer-generated designs to be considered:

The ARB will also discuss proposed façade modifications, solar panels and lighting at 520 Post Road East — the former nail salon next to Five Guys (and before that, a pancake house). The new proposed use is a Pilates studio.

Click here to view the meeting materials for both projects. 

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Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein won the Democratic Party endorsement for State Representative of the 136th District last night.

She beat Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell, 38 votes to 10. The two Westporters vied to replace Jonathan Steinberg, who is retiring.

The process allows for a primary. Mandell heads to Town Hall today, to pick up petitions.

Goldstein vowed to fight for and represent “this vibrant community we love, and for a Connecticut that remains dynamic, compassionate, and full of opportunity.”

She said she will work to protect and strengthen public schools, invest in infrastructure, preserve the environment, and ensure the state budget reflects the values and pressures facing Connecticut residents and towns.

Goldstein highlighted the increasing importance of fighting for reproductive rights, gun control, and civil liberties, saying, “At a time of federal hostility, we will defend our fundamental rights, safety, and freedoms.”

Lee Goldstein and Matthew Mandell

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A Cross Highway construction project will restrict access to residents only, beginning next month.

The small bridge near Wakeman Town Farm and the Wakeman athletic fields will be replaced. Cross Highway will be closed between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane, after students’ last day of school on June 18.

Local residents can access their roads. But through traffic will not be allowed.

The project will last 6 to 8 weeks. The road is planned to reopen by the end of August, before school starts.

The contractor, FGB Construction, has already put up signs announcing the work. Electronic signs will be placed there too.

Access to Wakeman Town Farm and the Wakeman fields is available, as always, through Bedford Middle School on North Avenue.

Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: 203-341-1128; kwilberg@westportct.gov.

Cross Highway bridge. (Photo courtesy of Google Street View)

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You never know what kind of art you’ll see at the Westport Library.

And this spring, Artists Collective of Westport members didn’t know what they were creating, either.

48 artists received a printout of a single 12″ x 12″ section of a much larger, 6-foot high by 8-foot high work, and a blank panel. Each reimagined it, in his or her own way, using any medium they chose.

The result is “Piece by Piece” — a “vibrant and often surprising mosaic of styles, perspectives, and artistic voices … a playful yet powerful celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration. As the individual pieces come together, the larger image is gradually revealed, reminding viewers that every contribution plays a role in the creation of something greater than itself.”

It’s one of 2 Artists Collective exhibits opening at the Library on June 4 (6 to 8 p.m.). “Piece by Piece” will be unveiled at 7.

“Piece by Piece”

The other exhibit is “American Journeys,” an all-member exhibition inspired by  America’s 250th birthday. The title reflects the idea that there is no single American journey, but rather a tapestry of countless personal paths, experiences, struggles and triumphs that together define the American story.

75 Collective members contributed works. All are available for purchase.

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Speaking of the Library: A quarter century of “Shrek” came to life last night there.

Roger Schulman — co-writer of the iconic animated fantasy comedy — spoke with Sacred Hart University professor of communication, media and the arts Todd Barnes.

Schulmanl discussed his journey from journalism to Hollywood — and took the audience behind the Shrek scenes.

Roger Schulman (right), Professor Todd Barnes, and the Shrek franchise. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Speaking of entertainment: As the Westport Pops Concert nears — it’s June 5 (7 p.m., Levitt Pavilion) — the Staples Music Parents Associates announces a partnership with Romanacci’s.

Meals are available by pre-order only (click here). A portion of the meal price supports Staples Music. The deadline is May 29.

There are no food trucks in the Levitt Pavilion parking lot. However, the Oggi gelato cart will be on site.

The lawn opens at 6 p.m. (BYO lawn chair). Pre-show groups begin performing at 6. The main show starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are free, though a suggested donation of $15 per ticket helps offset production costs. Donations in lieu of tickets can be made at the same (new) Stpales Music website — click here.

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Compo Beach got a “C” grade, while Burying Hill Beach and Sherwood Island both earned “B”s, in Save the Sound’s analysis of water samples during the 2025 swimming season.

55 of 72 public and private Long Island Sound beaches in Connecticut (76%) received an A or B.

Last summer, water quality samples at Compo Beach failed 9% of the time. The rates for Burying Hill and Sherwood Island were 7 and 3%, respectively.

Click here for the full interactive report.

Burying Hill Beach closure last summer. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

 

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Mark Shapiro is buying a stake in another pro team.

This time it’s in the NFL.

The Westporter will join with his sports and entertainment industry partner Ari Emanuel in a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. The deal is expected to close this month. The current ownership group includes Michael Dell and Tom Brady.

Shapiro’s NFL ties run deep. In 2005 he acquired Monday Night Football while running programming and production at ESPN. He later created the NFL Honors.

Shapiro also led Endeavor Group Holdings’ acquisition of On Location, the NFL’s exclusive hospitality provider. Shapiro is also a minority owner of MLS soccer team Los Angeles FC.

Emanuel and Shapiro are longtime business partners. Shapiro is now president and COO of TKO (comprising UFC, WWE, PBR, On Location and IMG), president and managing partner of WME Group, principal investor and board member of MARI (owner of the Miami Open, Madrid Open, Frieze and TodayTix), and is involved with WME Basketball.

Mark Shapiro — StartUp Westport’s 2025 Innovator of the Year — was interviewed at the Westport Library by Sara Eisen of CNBC.

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Yesterday’s brief early evening rainstorm produced a nice rainbow. This was the view over downtown, from near Bartaco.

(Photo/Jennifer Renz)

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Congratulations to Katherine Rose Li!

The Bedford Middle School 6th grader placed first — and won $600 — in the World of 8 Billion International Student Video Contest. The event, sponsored by Population Connection, drew thousands of entries from teens in 63 countries around the world.

Her 60-second video, “Hanging by a Thread,” tackles environmental challenges created by fast fashion, and proposes the use of biodegradable fabrics in clothing production as a key to a more sustainable future.

This year’s contest challenged students to explore how population growth intersects with three critical global issues: wetlands, energy and economics.

Contest officials said, “Katherine Rose’s entry stood out for its smart analysis of fast fashion as well as its colorful animation.”

Katherine Rose Li

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Venus and a thumbnail moon lined up perfectly Monday night.

And Lou Weinberg was there to capture this shot:

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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Here at “06880,” we’re not supposed to play favorites.

But we gotta say: Every time we feature a barred owl in our “Westport … Naturally” series — like today’s, on Marion Road — we smile.

There are plenty of very cute, really intriguing looking creatures.

But these guys have to be in any Top 10.

(Photo/Elliot Weiler)

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And finally … in honor of Lou Weinberg’s space shot (above):

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and Venus, and beyond. But we can’t do this without reader support. Please click here to help us bring the universe back home. Thank you!)

9 Comments

Posted in Beach, Library, Politics, Real estate, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Student Test Scores, Special Ed Conversation, Senior Center Celebration …

Posted on May 14, 2026 | 14 comments

Standardized test scores are not everything.

But they do provide a snapshot of a certain part of our educational system.

Yesterday, the New York Times published a sobering data-driven story.

Almost everywhere in the US, students are performing worse than their peers were 10 years ago, in both reading and math scores.

The declines are seen in both wealthy and impoverished districts. They cross racial and geographic lines. And — importantly — they began before the pandemic.

The Times included a tool to check thousands of school district, in all the states in the survey. It includes comparisons with similar districts, and each state as a whole.

The (pretty) good news: Westport fell only 0.6 grade levels in reading, and there was no change in math.

That’s better than the Connecticut average, and much better than the nation as a whole.

Click here for the full story. Click here for the district-by-district lookup tool; type “Westport” in the search box to replace “Los Angeles.” (Hat tip: Tracy Porosoff)

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Speaking of schools: As the Board of Education explores a review of the special education program, they’re hosting a “community conversation.”

The meeting (Wednesday, May 20, 7 p.m., Staples High School library) is a chance for residents to provide feedback on the special education program review.

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Lee Goldstein and Matthew Mandell are running for the Democratic nomination for State Representative.

Before the Democratic Town Committee makes its choice, they’re sponsoring a candidates’ forum tonight (Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).

DTC chair Michelle Mechanic will moderate. The public is welcome. Click here to submit questions. 

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Jack Klinge is one of Westport’s greatest volunteers.

For decades he has served — quietly, faithfully, always with a twinkle of humor and an enormous heart. He’s the longest-serving member on the Representative Town Meeting (29 years!), a longtime Little League coach, a beloved substitute teacher, a deliverer of meals, and a trusted mentor.

Jack also helped found the Friends of the Senior Center.

Tomorrow (Friday, May 15, 3 p.m.), the Senior Center honors Jack.

Anyone and everyone he’s touched — friends, former colleagues, former students and athletes, mentees formal and informal — is invited to the celebration.

Can’t be there? Click here to submit a video of appreciation!

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Once again, Westport proved it’s a community with “soul.”

The town-wide shoe collection to benefit Soles4Souls — a non-profit that provides footwear for people in need, and creates micro-business opportunities in under-resourced areas — filled 28 boxes. Each holds 20 pairs.

That means 500 pairs of shoes are on their way, to people who need them far more than we do.

From left: Soles4Souls organizers Ted Freedman, Ken Bernhard, Rick Jaffe and friend, with boxes of donations.

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MoCA\CT’s wide-ranging exhibition — “Art, Jazz + the Blues” — ends June 7.

But it’s going out with a bang.

On Saturday, June 6 (7 p.m.), Endea Owens & The Cookout star in a night of soul-stirring jazz.

Owens — a Juilliard graduate and member of the “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” house band — has earned Grammy, Emmy, and Peabody Award recognition. She has been heard on “Judas and the Black Messiah,” H.E.R.’s Super Bowl LV performance, and Jon Batiste’s album “We Are.”

Owens is also a dedicated philanthropist. Her “Community Cookout” initiative has provided thousands of meals and free concerts to underserved neighborhoods. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Endea Owens

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Jim Himes is a busy man.

In addition to representing this area in Congress, he’s the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

But he always has time for his constituents.

On Monday, Himes spent nearly an hour answering questions from Y’s Women. He spoke energetically and candidly about the war with Iran, the US going it alone in the world, voting rights and redistricting in Southern states, immigration, and the defense of democratic institutions.

Congressman Jim Himes, at the Y’s Women meeting. (Photo/Vera DeStefano)

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“We help the least, the last and the left out.”

That was Bridgeport Rescue Mission CEO Rhonda Neal’s message to the Westport Rotary Club on Tuesday. The Mission provides food and clothing, addiction recovery services, safe housing, healthcare and more.

Neal’s appearance followed the Rotarians’ distribution of $319,000 to a number of area non-profit organizations, including hers. Funds come several events, particularly LobsterFest.

Rhonda Neal, at the Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Robata comes to OKO.

If you have no idea what that means, read on.

Rooted in the traditional Japanese style of fireside grilling, robata involves cooking over open flame to create deeper smokiness, texture and layered flavor, while allowing high-quality ingredients to remain the focus.

Highlights at chef Brian Lewis’ acclaimed Wilton Road restaurant include salmon and Asian pear with miso mustard, hanger steak with black garlic aioli, teriyaki chicken with white miso aioli, and Japanese eggplant and mushroom with umeboshi.

Robata at OKO.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between May 6 and 12.

A 34-year-old Manchester woman was charged with risk of injury to a child, after she was alleged to have provided a juvenile with a THC-infused cannabis gummy at St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health. She was released on a $10,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to obey stop sign: 16 citations
  • Failure to renew registration: 8
  • Texting while driving: 5
  • Distracted driving: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 4
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
  • Creating a public disturbance: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Distracted driving, 2nd offense: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to use turn signal: 1

Too many drivers don’t use turn signals. One got nabbed this week.

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Photographers call the time just before sunset the “golden hour.”

Tracy Porosoff took advantage of it this week, capturing today’s reedy “Westport … Naturally” featured photo near Sherwood Mill Pond.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … reacting to the item above, concerning national standardized test scores:

(We are very proud of our Westport schools — and students. We’re proud too to be their — and your — hyper-local blog. If you’re proud, or just like us, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

14 Comments

Posted in Arts, Education, Police, Restaurants

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Mandell Enters State Rep Race

Posted on March 9, 2026 | 3 comments

The first candidate has declared an intention to succeed Jonathan Steinberg as Westport’s state representative.

Matthew Mandell — a 20-year member of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), and the longtime executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — today announced his candidacy for in the 136th District.

Calling himself an advocate for open space preservation and historic protection, Mandell released a video outlining his priorities and reasons for seeking the seat.

In the video he emphasizes the importance of maintaining local control over town planning decisions, while also addressing the need for additional affordable and workforce housing in Westport.

He points to his decades of civic involvement and grassroots leadership as preparation for representing the community in Hartford.

Matthew Mandell

“I have always had Westport’s best interests in mind,” Mandell says. “From preserving the Partrick Wetlands and saving the Kemper Gunn House to creating unique town festivals and most recently spearheading the establishment of an Affordable Housing Fund, I have worked to strengthen this community. I believe I can do even more for Westport by serving at the state level.”

Mandell says his campaign will focus on listening closely to residents and community stakeholders, gathering their concerns and ideas, and working collaboratively to move thoughtful solutions forward.

Additional priorities include strengthening consumer advocacy for residents, and advancing environmental initiatives such as expanded alternative energy and improved recycling and sustainability programs.

Click here or below for the full video.

3 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Politics

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State DOT Describes Cribari Bid Document, March Meeting

Posted on February 12, 2026 | 7 comments

Yesterday, “06880” posted news from Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell about the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s release of a bid document for the Cribari Bridge.

In response, DOT communications director Josh Morgan says: “CTDOT has made no decision whether to perform a major rehabilitation or full replacement of the Cribari Bridge.

“Given the complexities of performing work on this historic structure, it was important to have firms lined up for either potential option to ensure construction schedules are met.

“As noted numerous times in the Request for Letters-of-Interest, CTDOT was seeking prequalified firms for both major rehabilitation and replacement options of the bridge.

“If design firms were solicitated after the public hearing and after a formal decision was made, there would have been a significant impact to the construction schedule,” he explains.

Cribari Bridge (Photo/Nancy Lally)

In related news, the state DOT will hold a public hearing on March 19 (6 p.m., Town Hall), on “Rehabilitation/Replacement of the Cribari Memorial Bridge.”

The session will “provide the community with an opportunity to learn about the proposed project, and allow a place to provide feedback concerning the proposed improvements.”

The project involves “a resilient structure that addresses the structural and functional deficiencies of the the existing Cribari Memorial Bridge, which carries Route 136 over the Saugatuck River, while accommodating safe vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian and marine traffic,” the announcement adds.

DOT spokesman Morgan notes that the flyer includes both potential options: rehabilitation and replacement.

Morgan says, “We know there is interest in this project, which is why we created that Save the Date flyer so people could mark their calendars before legal notices ran in the local papers. These public notices will be published over the next several weeks inviting the public to attend the March 19 hearing. We encourage residents, businesses, and those interested in the future of the Cribari Bridge to attend the public hearing, ask questions, and give feedback.”

7 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Politics, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Cribari Bridge Design: Already Out To Bid

Posted on February 11, 2026 | 12 comments

Matthew Mandell is a Representative Town Meeting member from District 1. 

It includes Saugatuck — and the Cribari Bridge.

Late last night, Mandell sent out a Paul Revere-style email. Referring to the state Department of Transportation (DOT), he wrote:

THE DOT HAS GONE TO BID FOR THE DESIGN OF THE (NEW) BRIDGE

I think this comes as news to all of us. We were waiting for a follow up meeting after the December meeting that left most nonplussed.

Here is the bid, due back March 5.

Cribari Bridge (Drone photo/Alex O’Brien)

The question is: How can the DOT go to bid if the Environmental Study is not complete, as well as the Section 106 Federal Historic Study also being incomplete?

Maybe they can, but it seems out of order. It certainly catches us all by surprise. (For a previous”06880″story on Section 106, click here.)

There is also a DOT meeting set for Westport on March 19. I surely had not heard about this one either, but there it was on the site. Click here to see the flyer.

Here is the whole DOT site to read about all aspects of the bridge and project.

This is a bit befuddling for sure.

Timing is everything. In the last few days, hearing from concerned residents regarding the bridge, RTM Districts 1, 4 and 9, as the closest districts to the bridge, were planning to have a public meeting to discuss the bridge.

We wanted to also hear from the public as well. in a different venue than that of a DOT meeting. There has not be something close to a resident discussion since the PAC in 2018.

While there are different views on what should be done, the idea of large trucks seems to be a common thread. We are working on a date toward the end of the month. It will be via Zoom.

(Other RTM districts, hold tight. I spoke with the moderator. Let’s get this one going and have it not be a meeting of the body. Attend if you want of course, and it can expand if needed as we move forward.)

I always say we need to remain vigilant. Thanks to a diligent ally who went to the site to simply take a look at what might be up.

12 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Politics, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Steinberg Won’t Run Again; Mandell To Seek State Rep Seat

Posted on January 9, 2026 | 11 comments

After 16 years, Westport will have a new representative in Hartford.

CT Mirror broke the story yesterday that Jonathan Steinberg — the 1974 Staples High School graduate, who has represented the 136th District for 8 terms — will not seek re-election to the General Assembly’s House of Representatives.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg

Steinberg said that he told fellow Democrats in Westport of his plans months ago. Until the online service asked though, he said he had “been able to avoid it being broadcast across the globe.”

The news broke when Matthew Mandell — a Representative Town Meeting member, and executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — registered to run for the seat on Wednesday.

“It’s been a long time,” Steinberg said. “I think I’ve had a good run … My wife retired in October. She’s happily retired at home. I’ll be 70 in a few weeks. Seems like the right time.”

Steinberg’s current term ends next January.

Mandell told “06880” he will make a formal announcement of his candidacy soon.

Click here for the full CT Mirror story.

Matthew Mandell

 

11 Comments

Posted in Politics

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Westport AI Platform Aids Local Businesses; National Rollout Next

Posted on November 20, 2025 | 8 comments

It’s nice that Westport attracts high-end national chains. They bring a certain cachet to town.

But they don’t make this place go.

Small businesses are both the economic driver and the emotional heart of 06880.

Savvy + Grace. JL Rocks. Stephen Kempson. Earth Animal. Calise’s Deli. The Grapevine. WEST. Westport Hardware. Organic Market. Party Harty. Your favorite restaurant (except McDonald’s).

Those are the places where everyone knows your name. Where they know your preferences. Where we go when we need a program ad, a raffle or auction item, a flyer in the window.

Behind all that are small business owners struggling to stay, well, in business. They have rents to pay, payrolls to meet, town regulations to follow — and of course, the very real battle to convince customers to buy from them, and not online.

AI — the technological marvel that has transformed education, healthcare, big business and many other areas of modern life — can help small businesses too.

But most owners are so busy doing all the things noted above, they don’t have time to figure out what AI can do for them.

Plus: As good as artificial intelligence is, it’s global in scale. It works by scraping up an unfathomable amount of information from everywhere, then figuring out patterns of words and phrases.

AI knows what’s going on around the planet. It does not necessarily know what’s happening on the Post Road.

Until now.

Westport resident Jay Norris has a long and successful career in business, real estate and technology. He’s been a board member of the Westport Library and Westport Weston Family YMCA.

He knows the town. He knows AI. And he knows how both can work together.

Norris’ newest venture is ThoughtPartnr. The AI model is designed to help small and mid-size businesses streamline operations, make informed decisions, create content, and accelerate growth.

And its national rollout is taking place right here in Westport.

Yesterday, Norris and his ThoughtPartnr team joined the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce at The Clubhouse. Several dozen members learned how the “local language model” — as opposed to the more familiar “large language model” — can help their own businesses and ventures use Chamber and community data to assist with marketing, operations, compliance, funding and growth.

Someone thinking of opening a new restaurant here might, for example, find all the steps needed through ThoughtPartnr — including links to all permits needed.

Chamber of Commerce attendees were intrigued. They were particularly impressed when a Friends of Sherwood Island board member asked how, specifically, ThoughtPartnr could help find grants, and raise funds.

Matt Snow typed in that prompt. Almost instantly — on The Clubhouse’s big screen, for all to see — the local AI delivered a host of resources: the Westport Woman’s Club, environmental organizations, and along with advice on how to apply for state grants, links to applications, and much more.

The difference between those responses and ChatGPT, say, is that the latter would provide much more generic information, based on how a non-profit in general could get grants.

From left: Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell; ThoughtPartnr’s founder Jay Norris, technology advisor Anil Nair, and chief marketing officer Matt Snow. (Photo/Frank Bruce)

AI of any kind is clearly helpful. But it can hallucinate. And sometimes, users need human help.

That is one more element to ThoughtPartnr. Subscribers gain access to real, live local experts, who can answer questions, build on suggestions, and leverage the AI information even more personally.

Westport Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell announced that members will have free use of ThoughtPartnr from now to the end of 2026.

They’ll be part of a big rollout. With Mandell’s help, Norris hopes to network with Chambers of Commerce around the country.

He’s starting small, in his home town.

But he has large plans. And he can make them succeed.

Among Norris’ many hats: He chairs the Technology and Innovation Council for the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

Today, Westport. Tomorrow, New York.

And then: small businesses, all across the country.

(To learn more about ThoughtPartnr, click here. For the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce website, click here.)

(“06880” often covers Westport businesses, technology, and much more. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work, with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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