But the small tunnels, carrying water from streams or ponds underneath roads and railways, are a prominent feature of Westport.
Last week’s Photo Challenge showed one. Guesses were all over the map — literally. Riverside Avenue? Kings Highway North? Sherwood Mill Pond?
Nope. Nope. And nope.
This one — photographed by Janine Scotti — is near Gorham Island, off Parker Harding Plaza. (Click here to see.)
It’s a little bit of (semi-) nature, in the heart of downtown.
It’s a good reminder: Keep an eye out for culverts. They’re all over the place. They perform important functions.
And, in the case of one wrong guess — the one near the Mill Pond — you can even use it to kayak all the way to Burying Hill Beach.
Here’s this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/John Maloney)
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As Westport continues to debate the future over the lot behind Main Street stores — created on landfill, near the start of the post-war suburban boom — it’s instructive to look back at what has changed over the years.
And what hasn’t.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
The design has been tweaked a bit — but not much.
Cars no longer park directly along the river. The phone booth is gone. So is the house on Gorham Island (replaced by an office building).
What else do you notice?
Here’s another view:
(Photo courtesy of Jean Whitehead)
Besides the outfits and cars, you hardly see a difference today.
And even back then, the lot was pretty full.
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For years, we’ve discussed the pros and cons of a parking deck at the Baldwin (Elm Street) lot.
But what about another site: Parker Harding Plaza?
Parker Harding Plaz
It’s not my idea. It comes from Steve Levin. The 1971 Staples High School graduate has spent his professional career in commercial real estate.
He does not live in Westport. But — like many former residents — he keeps up with the town through “06880.”
The other day, Steve asked: “Has anyone considered double-decking the lot? It could easily double the parking there.”
I told Steve I’d never heard anyone propose that. I asked for more. He said:
“Aesthetics can be resolved with proper and sensitive architecture and planting. It’s not like Westport needs to protect the view of the Saugatuck River from the back of Main Street’s retail buildings, nor if properly designed, would it be an eyesore from across the river looking back at the backs of Main Street. And walking along the river would not be impacted.”
Another view of Parker Harding. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
Steve is a bright guy. But this is 2026. I went to an even brighter source: AI.
ChatGPT quickly provided a “conceptual parking capacity & layout” plan, with 160 to 180 spots on the ground level, and 140 to 160 above that. “Compact parking and angled layouts can increase capacity,” it added helpfully.
The AI agent also suggested an elevator and stairs, crosswalks and protective bollards, bike racks, wayfaring signs, exterior screening (“perforated metal, decorative concrete or architectural panels, to reduce visual bulk”), landscaping, and “lighting and signage to match Westport standards.
Of course, this being AI — not a human, but simply software that has never set foot in Westport — there was also this idea, which makes zero sense: “possible access via Church Lane or side street for service vehicles and deliveries.”
No matter how creative a parking deck at Parker Harding is, it can’t be accessed via Church Lane.
ChatGPT also thinks Main Street is the same as Post Road East.
ChatGPT’s plan for Parker Harding: a top level (top), and ground level (middle and bottom). But look closely: the Post Road and Church Lane are misplaced. What is “Parker Island”? “Parking Star Rivers”? And the circulation pattern seems a bit Escher-esque.
So no, we won’t be using artificial intelligence to design a parking deck.
But what about the rest of the idea? Is it completely ludicrous, or something to put on the table?
There’s been plenty of talk lately about Parker Harding Plaza.
Should we add more green space next to the Saugatuck River? Or is keeping parking paramount?
Access to the river was an afterthought in the 1950s, when town official Emerson Parker and landscape architect Evan Harding devised a plan to use landfill to create a couple of hundred spots for shoppers, behind Main Street.
Up to then, the river lapped up against the backs of stores on the west side.
(Their sewage was dumped directly into the water — but that’s a different story.)
But Parker and Harding did provide access to the Saugatuck.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
Today, those steps are overgrown. The view below is from Parker Harding; the pedestrian bridge (left in the photo above) is closed.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Reclaim the steps! Open the river! Access for all!
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Our Friday series has flashed back once or twice to the construction of Parker Harding Plaza.
But with the much-disliked-but-also-much-used parking lot (not really a “plaza”) back in the news, it’s time to take another look back.
Parker Harding — named for Emerson Parker and Evan Harding, civic leaders who had a hand in its creation — was built on landfill, in the postwar years when Westport was growing like lanternflies.
From the beginning of Main Street in the 1700s through the 1950s, the Saugatuck River lapped up against the backs of buildings on its west side — first homes, then businesses.
It may have been picturesque. But the sewage pipes that emptied directly into the river were definitely not.
Here is what construction of the then-modern, much-needed parking area looked like:
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
John and Mary Kowalsky, watching Kowalsky Brothers equipment create Parker Harding Plaza. (Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
(Photo courtesy of Jim Ezzes)
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It was a cordial meeting. Commissioners asked questions. Ratkiewich and Downtown Plan Implementation Committee chair Randy Herbertson answered them.
After nearly 2 hours, a consensus was reached: Officials will continue planning.
And the P&Z will welcome them back for another meeting.
Ratkiewich’s goal, he said, was to show that with a parking management strategy, downtown can withstand the loss of 44 “core” spaces. Meanwhile, he added, improved pedestrian and river access — and compliance (now lacking) with Americans with Disabilities Act standards — will make all of downtown more pleasant, and also more accessible.
Artist’s rendering of more green space by Jesup Green and the Saugatuck River.
The Public Works director’s appearance came a year after the Representative Town Meeting nixed a plan to add parking spaces by cutting into Jesup Green, sending planners back to the drawing board.
Plans on that drawing board now show enhancements to the “non-core” parking areas: Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue. Those include riverfront seating, connectivity between the 2 areas (including a mile-long pedestrian loop), and possible outdoor tables in the short area connecting the lower library parking lot with Post Road East.
Taylor Place could become a pedestrian area. View is from Post Road East, looking to the library. Tonic & Green is on the left.
Two benefits to that proposal: better integration between the “cultural” part of downtown and the shopping district, and better traffic flow on the Post Road, by removing that Taylor Place traffic light.
While the lower library (Taylor) lot would lose 10 parking spots — going from 75 spaces to 65 — those 10 would be reclaimed by reconfiguring parking on Jesup Road.
Renovations to the Imperial Avenue lot would include 16 more parking slots, a bathroom and storage space, a walkway with kayak launch, and bike racks.
Improvements to the Imperial Avenue lot include walkways and (rear) a bathroom.
The third part of Ratkiewich’s presentation involved Parker Harding. A parking study — conducted last year during late summer, mid-fall and the holiday season — showed that downtown parking is most full only during a 2-hour period, Ratkiewich said: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Click here for the parking study.)
That “2-hour parking problem” could be managed, he said, with a “proper parking plan.”
The best option, he noted, is modifying parking times — something that has already been done. Off-street parking is now 3 hours; previously, there were 2- and 3-hour limits. The average shopper spends 2-3 hours downtown, Ratkiewich said.
On-street parking — primarily Main Street — is now 2 hours. “That’s only a small percentage” of all available parking, Ratkiewich said.
The impacts of those changes are being evaluated.
Planned improvements to the lower library (Taylor) parking lot.
There are a few changes proposed for Parker Harding. They include improved entrances and exits; perpendicular parking, and 7 ADA-compliant spots
As for a parking deck: Consultants said the Baldwin lot (off Elm Street) is the only feasible location. A 1-level deck would cost $5 million; the “best bang for the buck” is 3 levels, for $10 million.
But, Ratkiewich said, a deck would address only “the problem of 2 hours, at peak time.”
His and DPIC’s recommendations, following up on the current Phase 1 (adjust parking times, and monitor effects), in this order:
Metered parking in high-demand areas (to incentivize free parking outside those areas)
Selling permits to employees, for all-day parking
A parking structure, only if the above steps do not work.
Parker Harding would be the first priority, followed by the Imperial Avenue lot. Jesup Green would be third.
P&Z commissioners’ comments were muted. Amy Wistreich praised the “holistic approach” and walking paths, but cautioned against lifting previous restrictions until the plan is complete.
Michael Cammeer said, “You’re on to something. Let’s try to mitigate any controversy.”
And Michael Calise noted, “If we can get 30 employees to park outside the core, that will solve the problem.”
Just in time for today’s Westport Farmers’ Market (Thursday, Imperial Avenue parking lot, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), there’s a fresh look and expanded offerings for their very popular “Get Growing” children’s programs.
With more young visitors than ever, the WFM has added new (and sturdy) tables and chairs, creating a welcoming space for creativity and learning.
Since starting on a blanket 7 years ago, the kids’ area has grown steadily. A Drew Friedman Foundation donation has made several upgrades — and the entire program — possible.
Get Growing’s hands-on activities keep children engaged, while helping them connect with local farmers, businesses and the greater community.
Weekly craft sessions help children understand the importance of supporting small, sustainable farms, as they explore and express their creativity.
Programming over the coming weeks includes:
Kids’ yoga
Create Grow Flow – Sound bath and Reiki
Mud & Nature Kitchen – Hands-on outdoor play
Earth place activities
Apple Blossom and Housatonic Valley Waldorf School programming.
When there is not a guest host, Mae Farrell will continue to lead creative fun, through arts and crafts projects.
Several area organizations are preparing for a large-scale mass casualty drill.
The September 16 event (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) will test the ability of local Emergency Medical Services, hospitals and volunteer organizations — including the Community Emergency Response Team, Medical Reserve Corps, American Red Cross and State Animal Rescue Team — to respond to and manage a simulated disaster scenario.
Members of the Westport Astronomical Society’s amateur radio station K1WAS will join the Connecticut Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Aspetuck and Trumbull Health Districts, and area police, fire and EMS groups in the drill.
Sherwood Island State Park will be part of the “incident command.”
The 2022 Staples High School graduate — now a senior, and a star on the Johns Hopkins University soccer team — is one of just 20 student-athletes nationwide chosen for the 2025-26 Fall Allstate NACDA Good Works Team. The honor recognizes exceptional community service.
Scotty is fundraising chair for Baltimore Scores in STEM. The program provides scholarships and mentorships to students pursuing education in science, technology, engineering or math.
Scotty — a dean’s list student majoring in neuroscience — is also a research assistant at Johns Hopkins’ Department of Pediatrics and Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research.
Speaking of student-athletes: TOPSoccer — the program for youngsters with physical or learning differences — returns for a fall season. It follows a successful reboot last spring.
Blake Serotta — a freshman player at Staples — leads the program, in conjunction with the Weston Soccer Club and Westport Soccer Association.
TOPSoccer is open to boys and girls in grades K-8. High schoolers are welcome as volunteers and buddies.
The program runs Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston, from September 13 through October 25. Click here to register, and for more information. Questions? Email blake.serotta@gmail.com.
The Department of Public Works’ annual roadway crack seal program begins Friday. It will involved up to 10 miles of roads throughout town, and will last 2 weeks.
Traffic will not be detoured, but alternating 1-way flow will be used around the continually moving work zone. The roadways will be open for two-way traffic as the work crew progresses.
Crack sealing
==============================================
Singer/songwriter/2007 Staples High School graduate Drew Angus’ first single comes out tomorrow.
Drew says, “‘Patterns’ is self-reflection, an acknowledgement of bad habits and traps I’ve let myself fall into when the going gets tough and sticking through seems impossible.
“I think it’s a pretty universal feeling for a relationship in just beyond the infatuation phase. ‘Patterns’ also takes on another meaning for me: that of the completely independent artist knocked around plenty, but too stubborn to give up.
“Well, I can confirm I’ll be here making art and writing songs until the pen runs out of ink.”
The track includes drummer Fred Eltringham (Sheryl Crow) keyboardist Billy Justineau (Eric Church, Maggie Rose), and Drew on acoustic guitar, and lead and backing vocals.
For a decade, Circle of Care has hosted a 5K run/walk in Wilton. The event supports Connecticut families facing childhood cancer, with practical, emotional and financial help.
This year, the event moves to Sherwood Island State Park.
The timed 5K for runners and joggers, untimed walk for all abilities, and other activities for all ages takes place Sunday, September 28 (9 a.m.). To learn more and register, click here.
Former Westporter Douglas Moser has just published “James & Jim” — a “darkly comic thriller.”
Set in this area, and Manhattan’s “ruthless corporate towers,” it “plunges readers into the cutthroat world of management consulting in 2007 — just before the financial crash and tech revolution …. it’s a world where ambition turns deadly, success has a body count, and the rules are made to be broken.”
Moser was named artistic director of the Boston Post Road Stage Company in Fairfield and Westport at age 26. His adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” played sold out theaters for 2 years, and won the Connecticut Critics’ Circle Award. He has directed regionally and in New York, including an opera debut at Lincoln Center.
MaryEllen Hendricks is this month’s Westport Book Shop guest exhibitor.
The photos on display come from her book “Thin Places Project,” in which she captures “the spiritual dimensions of the physical world.” She uses antique lenses, toy cameras, and other old and new technologies.
A reception is set for September 20 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). All artwork is available for purchase.
And finally … congratulations to Drew Angus, on his new release “Patterns.”
He’s too young to remember, but:
(Whew! We crammed a ton o’ stuff in again today. But that’s how we roll. A Roundup of everything, every day. If you appreciate our hard work, please click here to support “06880.” Thanks!)
BFJ Planning + THA Consulting delivered that verdict — and a 9-page document — to the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee on Thursday. The study cost $46,900.
After observing parking occupancies during summer, fall and winter 2024, the consultants observed:
Peak occupancy downtown occurs on weekdays around 1 p.m.
Occupancies are highest in the “Core Parking Zone.”
Demand for all-day spaces in the core is at “practical capacity.”
Public lots outside of the core are “generally under-utilized.”
The “core zone” is the area north of the Post Road between Myrtle Avenue and Parker Harding Plaza, and south of the Post Road between the Taylor lot (lower Library parking) and Imperial Avenue.
The core downtown parking zone.
The consultants offered these goals:
Spread long-term parking demand out of the core lots. This could be done by creating all-day permits and permit areas. There would be one permit for a spot in the core zone, and a less expensive alternative for an outlying lot.
Increase hourly parking opportunities in the core.To do this, 3-hour spaces would be converted to 2- and 8-hour spaces; some all-day spaces within the core parking zone would become 2-hour spaces, and “occasional 15-minute parking” would be introduced in the core zone.
(The selectwomen recently changed 2-hour parking limits to 3 hours, at the urging of downtown merchants and restaurant owners.)
A parking management app could manage hourly parking. The consultants noted that there are already 13,000 ParkMobile users in the 06880 ZIP code.
License plate readers would be used for parking enforcement.
The popular Park Mobile app.
Increase the efficiency and security of the Police lot.Used primarily by the Police Department now, this could be expanded, restriped and clarified as a public parking area.
The consultants did not recommend a parking deck — a recent discussion in town for, among other places, Elm Street — due to its cost: estimated at $4.9 to $5.25 million.
Though noting they are “not anti-deck,” Georges Jacquemart, principal of BFJ Planning, said that introducing the parking management strategies outlined above should be the first steps for town officials.
He added that funds collected from parking fees could be used to improve pedestrian access from outlying lots, and perhaps be used for other downtown parking projects.
Perhaps a deck?
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Bag after plastic bag lie next to the Parker Harding Plaza trash compactor. Most are full. Some spill their contents — food, papers, garbage — onto the pavement.
Reaction is swift: What’s wrong with the Westport Downtown Association (or the town itself)? How can they let that happen?
As is often the case, this is not a black-and-white (trash bag) story. There’s more to it than meets the eye (and nose).
A large reason for the mess lies with a few merchants. Every WDA member who pays to use the refuse service gets a key to the compactor — and instructions on how to use it.
But not every employee follows the rules. Hauling trash from a store or restaurant to the compactor is not a pleasant task. For whatever reason, some don’t open the bins. They just leave the bags next to it.
That has a predictable effect. The next employee — perhaps well-intentioned — sees trash next to the compactor. He or she assumes it is full. Why check? They just leave their bags too.
There is a second predictable effect. All it takes is for one bird or varmint to get into the trash. That’s their nature — especially if it’s not sealed tightly.
Their critter friends quickly gather. They finish dinner, then leave without cleaning up.
Ninety percent of the time when trash piles up, the compactor is only 1/4 full, says WDA president Maxx Crowley.
That’s not only unsightly and smelly — it’s costly. The refuse company charges more whenever they have to pick up the bags (and more) by hand.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
To stem the abuse, the Downtown Association will soon begin going through trash dumped outside. They’ll determine who the offender is, and fine them.
Repeat offenders will be reported to the Aspetuck Health District. They want to keep downtown clean too.
Merchants are not the only offenders. Residents sometimes use the compactors as their own personal trash cans.
They may not realize the compactors are private. They may know, but not care. Perhaps the transfer station is closed. Perhaps it’s open, but they don’t want to drive there.
Whatever the reason, Westporters (and, probably, out-of-towners) have no problem dumping trash bags — and bicycles, furniture and more — next to the bins.
A Westport Downtown Association contractor cleans up some of the large pieces of trash left by the compactor.
The WDA does not want to be the trash mafia, Crowley notes.
Their goal is to “create a beautiful downtown environment,” the president says.
At their own expense, they put out and water flower baskets in warm months, blow leaves in the fall, and wrap downtown with holiday decor and trees in winter.
The WDA has teamed up with Employment Is For Everyone — the collaboration between the town and its Commission on People with Disabilities — to create an ambassador program that helps keep downtown clean and welcoming.
“Our team will continue to do everything we can to keep the trash area clean,” Crowley says. “We hope everyone will work with us, to help.”
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